CAD & technology · Higher
Technology, society, environment & safety
5 cards · 4 quiz · 0 exam
Graphic Communication · Higher · mrkellydt.co.uk
What you're learning in this topic
Learning intention WALT
We are learning about technology, society, environment & safety, specifically to understand:
- the paperless office, remote working and communication across international boundaries
- ways to reduce the environmental impact of printing and packaging, including soy and wax inks
- safe working practices
Success criteria WILF
- I can explain the paperless office, remote working and communication across international boundaries
- I can describe ways to reduce the environmental impact of printing and packaging, including soy and wax inks
- I can describe safe working practices
Impact on society and industry
- The paperless office: less paper, ink, printing and storage cost; documents shared and searched digitally; smaller workspaces; better corporate image. Needs devices, energy and good file management.
- Remote working: less travel time, cost and pollution; flexible hours; choice of where to live and work. Needs reliable connections; can feel isolating.
- Communication across international boundaries: video calls, shared online files and email let teams in different countries work on the same files. Time zones and languages are challenges.
- CAD in manufacturing and other industries: faster design, testing by simulation, fewer physical prototypes, direct link to CAM.
- DTP in marketing and promotion: professional layouts produced quickly, consistent branding, easy updates and versions for print and web.
- Touchscreen devices: intuitive, portable sketching and presenting; clients can see changes instantly.
Environmental impact of printing and packaging
- Use recycled or sustainable paper and card, and materials that can be recycled.
- Soy ink: made from soya beans, a renewable source, with fewer harmful chemicals; it is easier to remove when paper is recycled.
- Wax (solid) ink: solid blocks rather than cartridges, so less packaging waste.
- Use less ink, a thinner card gauge or smaller documents.
- Nest nets closely on the sheet to reduce waste.
- Publish online instead of printing.
For "reduce pollution from travel", say how: "less travel to meetings means less pollution from cars" scores; "reduces pollution" alone doesn't.
Safe working practices
- Adjustable chair and screen at eye level to avoid back and neck strain.
- Regular breaks from the screen to reduce eye strain and repetitive strain injury.
- Tidy cables to prevent trips; no drinks near equipment.
- Good lighting and ventilation; spray adhesives used in a ventilated area.
- Craft knives used with a safety rule and cutting mat, cutting away from the body.
Key terms
| Soy ink | Vegetable-based, renewable ink; easier to remove when recycling paper. |
|---|---|
| Wax ink | Solid ink blocks: no cartridges, less packaging waste. |
| Paperless office benefit | Saves paper, ink and storage; easier sharing and searching. |
| Remote working benefit | Less travel time, cost and pollution. |
| Safe screen work | Correct posture, screen at eye level, regular breaks. |
Quick check
1. Soy ink is more environmentally friendly because…
- It comes from a renewable source and is easier to remove when recycling
- It is cheaper than any other type of printing ink
- It dries instantly, so the presses use less energy
- It gives much brighter colours than normal inks
Show answer
A: It comes from a renewable source and is easier to remove when recycling. Renewable and easier de-inking.
2. Which answer scores for an environmental benefit of remote working?
- It reduces pollution and is better for everyone
- Less travel to work means less pollution from vehicles
- It is better for the environment overall
- People are happier and more productive at home
Show answer
B: Less travel to work means less pollution from vehicles. Say how.
3. Fitting nets closely together on a sheet…
- Wastes card
- Makes printing slower
- Reduces waste
- Is unsafe
Show answer
C: Reduces waste. Nesting reduces waste.
4. Which reduces eye strain?
- Working without breaks to finish sooner
- Turning the screen brightness right up
- Using smaller fonts on the screen
- Regular breaks from the screen
Show answer
D: Regular breaks from the screen. Breaks.
Printable worksheet
An I do, we do, you do worksheet for this topic, with a separate answer sheet.