the modern workplace

© Boardworks Ltd 20101 of 15

The Modern Workplace


Teacher’s notes included in the Notes Page

Flash activity. These activities are not editable. Web addresses

Icons key: For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation

Functional Skills check

Student task accompanies this slide Printable activity

The effect modern technology has had on the workplace.

Some of the ways that ICT enables collaborative working

Know what teleworking is and its advantages and disadvantages.

This lesson will cover:


Modern working


The hardware

The company has a cabled computer network that links all the computers in the workplace together.

It also allows remote login, so representatives, buyers and staff working from home can log on when they need to, usually from laptop computers.

The company also has videoconferencing facilities so that they can hold virtual meetings with clients and suppliers.

The cutting machines are computer controlled.


Intranet and extranet

The company has an intranet. This loads pages that look like web pages, but are stored on company servers. It holds work schedules, announcements, just about anything to do with work really. Staff have to log on to use it, and what they can use it for will depend on their user rights.

The extranet is designed for people outside the company to use. Customers can log on, view and order products and track the status of their orders. Suppliers can track invoices and update the information about goods they are supplying.


Intranet or extranet


Collaborative working

The Internet allows the employees of Jasmine Designs to work together without having to be in close proximity. Workers in different countries collaborate in a variety of ways.

Asynchronous methods – like e-mail and file sharing send data back and forth to be worked on by each individual.

Synchronous methods – like real-time video links allow two people to work at the same time. Some software now facilitates the editing of one document by two workers at the same time.

Problem solving has also become more collaborative with the increase of wikis/forums and user groups.


Collaborative working in action


Jobs in ICT


Suitable skills


Online work spaces

When people work together, they often need to share documents. They also need to make sure they are working on the latest version. Version control is extremely important.

If you have an instant messaging account, you may have a shared space called a sky drive.

Online work spaces can be used to store documents.The person who needs the document books it out to work on and then books it in when they have finished.Anyone else needing the document can see a read only copy of it until it is booked in.

Person 1

Person 2

Document version 1

Document version 2


Teleworking


Sharing data safely at work


What would you like technology to do?

the modern workplace

Documents