Revision
Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage; Review of Number Systems and Logic; Review of Networks and the Internet; Review of Productivity Tools
On this page8 sections
- 01Learning Objectives
- 02Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage
- 03Review of Number Systems and Logic
- 04Review of Networks and the Internet
- 05Review of Productivity Tools
- 06Practical Work
- 07Scenario-Based Questions
- 08Examination and Continuous Assessment Practice
Learning Objectives
- Revise all topics of the term.
- Consolidate architecture, storage and operating systems.
- Practise number systems, logic and productivity tools.
- Prepare for the end of term examination.
Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage
A computer follows the input, process and output model. The processor fetches, decodes and executes instructions, and the system bus carries data, addresses and control signals between the parts.
Memory is arranged in a hierarchy. Cache is small and fast, RAM is larger and temporary, and secondary storage is permanent. Magnetic, optical and solid state devices hold data in different ways, and cloud storage keeps data on remote servers.
An operating system manages the processor, the memory, the storage and the devices, and it provides the interface the user works with. Software is used under a licence, and using the wrong licence is illegal.
Review of Number Systems and Logic
A number system is built on a base. Binary is base 2, octal is base 8 and hexadecimal is base 16. The value of a digit depends on its place value.
A logic gate takes one or more bits and gives one bit. The AND, OR and NOT gates are the basic gates, and the NAND, NOR and XOR gates are built from them. Every gate can be shown in a truth table, and gates combine to add and compare numbers.
Review of Networks and the Internet
A network topology is the arrangement of devices and links. The main types are bus, star, ring, mesh, tree and hybrid. Networks are also classified by area as PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN.
The internet is a global network of networks. It carries the web, email, messaging and streaming. Data moves in packets using the protocol family TCP/IP.
Online safety matters. Passwords are kept strong and private, personal information is protected, and messages that ask for details are checked before they are trusted.
Review of Productivity Tools
A word processor uses mail merge and templates to produce many personalised documents from one letter and a list. A spreadsheet uses formulas and functions to calculate, and a pivot table to summarise. A presentation uses advanced features to communicate clearly.
The tools work together. A table can move from a spreadsheet into a word processor, and a chart can move into a slide.
| Week | Topic | Key facts to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Architecture | IPO, processor, bus, fetch-execute cycle |
| 2 | Main memory | RAM, ROM, cache, virtual memory |
| 3 | Secondary storage | Magnetic, optical, solid state, cloud |
| 4 | Operating systems and licences | Functions, types, licence types |
| 5 | Number systems | Bases, place value, conversions |
| 6 | Logic gates | AND, OR, NOT, NAND, XOR, adders |
| 7 | Computer networks | Topologies, OSI model, classes |
| 8 | Internet and online safety | Services, packets, safety rules |
| 9 | Databases | Tables, records, fields, keys |
| 10 | Productivity tools | Mail merge, functions, charts |
Practical Work
- Convert 45 to binary and to hexadecimal from memory.
- Draw the truth tables for AND, OR and NOT.
- List the seven OSI layers in order.
- Write one spreadsheet formula and explain what it does.
Scenario-Based Questions
- Explain how you would revise ten weeks of work in four evenings.
- Explain why reading notes once is a weak method of revision and give a better method.
- A learner says RAM and ROM are the same. Explain the difference.
- A learner mixes up a star and a mesh topology. Explain the difference.
- Explain why software licensing matters for a school.
Examination and Continuous Assessment Practice
These questions are taken from the First Term examination and Continuous Assessment papers for this class. Answer them in full sentences.
- A factory needs a system that responds to a sensor within milliseconds, and a school needs one that runs on free software. Name the types of operating system, and compare the common operating systems with their strengths.
- (a) Define Computer Software and classify it into its main categories, giving two examples of each. (b) Explain the primary functions of an Operating System. (c) A software application installer has a file size of 24 Megabits (Mb). Convert this file size into Megabytes (MB) and further into Kilobytes (KB). Show all steps.
- (a) Define the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and explain the specific roles of its two main components (ALU and CU). (b) Explain the concepts of Cold Booting and Warm Booting. (c) A system diagnostic log file consumes 5,120 Bytes of storage space. Convert this file size into Kilobytes (KB) and calculate how many bits that file occupies. Show all workings.
- (a) What is a Spreadsheet Package? Give two popular examples. (b) Explain the importance of the equal sign (=) when entering formulas in a spreadsheet and describe the difference between a row and a column. (c) Perform the following storage scale conversions, showing all intermediate steps: (i) Convert 1.5 Terabytes (TB) into Gigabytes (GB). (ii) Convert 2,048 Megabytes (MB) into Gigabytes (GB). (iii) Arrange the following storage capacities in ascending order: 8,192 Bits, 1 MB, 512 KB, 2 GB.
- (a) Define Computer Security Threats (Malware) and list three (3) examples of malicious software. (b) Explain the roles of Antivirus software and Firewalls in safeguarding computer systems. (c) If a network data transmission channel transfers data at a speed of 8 Megabits per second (Mbps), calculate how many Megabytes (MB) of data are transferred in 10 seconds. Show your workings.
- A learner asks what computer architecture means and why one model is taught more than any other. Define computer architecture, describe the Von Neumann architecture, and explain why the model matters.
- A computer loses an unsaved document when it is switched off, and it starts up correctly every morning. Explain main memory, RAM and ROM, and state the difference between DRAM and SRAM.
- A computer's CPU is slowed by frequent trips to memory, and its owner notices that only 4 GB of an installed 8 GB is being used. Explain cache memory and the memory hierarchy, and explain the address limit.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
| Cognitive | i. Revise all topics of the term. ii. Consolidate architecture, storage and operating systems. iii. Practise number systems, logic and productivity tools. iv. Prepare for the end of term examination. |
| Affective | i. Appreciate the value of Revision in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly. |
| Psychomotor | i. Convert 45 to binary and to hexadecimal from memory. ii. Draw the truth tables for AND, OR and NOT. iii. List the seven OSI layers in order. iv. Write one spreadsheet formula and explain what it does. |
Rationale: A computer follows the input, process and output model. Understanding review of Architecture, Memory and Storage, review of Number Systems and Logic, review of Networks and the Internet, review of Productivity Tools helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.
Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 10, learners studied Advanced Productivity Tools, including mail Merge and Templates, spreadsheet Formulas, Functions and Pivot Tables, advanced Presentations and Productivity Suites. The knowledge from that week is used again in this lesson.
Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Revision, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.
Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Senior Secondary Schools (SS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology SS 2 First Term Notes (Week 11); First Term examination and Continuous Assessment question papers.
LESSON DEVELOPMENT
| Stage/Step (Time) | Teacher's Activities | Student's Activities | Learning Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction 5 MINUTES | Welcomes learners, revises Week 10 (Advanced Productivity Tools) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Revision. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board. | Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Revision. | Connecting prior knowledge to Revision. |
| Step 1 6 MINUTES | Covers Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage: A computer follows the input, process and output model. The processor fetches, decodes and executes instructions, and the system bus carries data, addresses and control signals between the parts. | Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage". | Understanding: Review of Architecture, Memory and Storage. |
| Step 2 6 MINUTES | Covers Review of Number Systems and Logic: A number system is built on a base. Binary is base 2, octal is base 8 and hexadecimal is base 16. The value of a digit depends on its place value. | Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Review of Number Systems and Logic". | Understanding: Review of Number Systems and Logic. |
| Step 3 6 MINUTES | Covers Review of Networks and the Internet: A network topology is the arrangement of devices and links. The main types are bus, star, ring, mesh, tree and hybrid. Networks are also classified by area as PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN. | Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Review of Networks and the Internet" to the class. | Understanding: Review of Networks and the Internet. |
| Step 4 6 MINUTES | Covers Review of Productivity Tools: A word processor uses mail merge and templates to produce many personalised documents from one letter and a list. A spreadsheet uses formulas and functions to calculate, and a pivot table to summarise. A presentation uses advanced features to communicate clearly. | Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Review of Productivity Tools". | Understanding: Review of Productivity Tools. |
| Practical Work 6 MINUTES | Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Convert 45 to binary and to hexadecimal from memory. (ii) Draw the truth tables for AND, OR and NOT. (iii) List the seven OSI layers in order. Moves round the class to check progress and correct unsafe or careless use. | Carry out the practical tasks individually or in pairs and record what they did in their notebooks. | Applying the lesson through hands-on practice. |
| Evaluation 3 MINUTES | Asks learners to: i. Revise all topics of the term. ii. Consolidate architecture, storage and operating systems. iii. Practise number systems, logic and productivity tools. iv. Prepare for the end of term examination. | Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions. | Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content. |
| Conclusion 2 MINUTES | Recaps the main points: review of Architecture, Memory and Storage, review of Number Systems and Logic, review of Networks and the Internet, review of Productivity Tools. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 12: Examination. | Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment. | Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson. |
Assignment: i. A factory needs a system that responds to a sensor within milliseconds, and a school needs one that runs on free software. Name the types of operating system, and compare the common operating systems with their strengths. ii. (a) Define the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and explain the specific roles of its two main components (ALU and CU). (b) Explain the concepts of Cold Booting and Warm Booting. (c) A system diagnostic log file consumes 5,120 Bytes of storage space. Convert this file size into Kilobytes (KB) and calculate how many bits that file occupies. Show all workings.
On this page9 sections
- 01Lesson objectives
- 02Key vocabulary
- 03Common misconceptions
- 04Teacher activities
- 05Student activities
- 06Practical / learning evidence
- 07Resources and preparation
- 08Assessment for learning
- 09Inclusion and access
Lesson objectives
By the end of the week, learners should be able to:
- Recall the full term's key terms without notes in ten minutes.
- Test objective knowledge with a short recall quiz.
- Practise spreadsheet, database, logic-gate and program skills under timed conditions.
- Prepare three practical stations ready for the examination week.
- Organise their materials for examinations.
Key vocabulary
- Full summary: a one-page recap of the entire term's vocabulary.
- Recall quiz: a short test of definitions and concepts from memory.
- Timed conditions: a restricted time allowance for practice.
- Practical station: a setup point for examination practical tasks.
- Materials organisation: keeping tools ready before an examination.
Common misconceptions
- "Revision is just reading notes again." Revision means testing and practising, not passive reading.
- "Tomorrow is the exam so today is fine." A full day before leaves almost no preparation time.
- "Better to be relaxed than busy preparing." Preparation reduces anxiety and improves performance.
Teacher activities
- Starter: ten rapid-fire recall questions from the full term, no notes allowed.
- Run a timed objective quiz and mark it as a class, explaining distractors.
- Demonstrate the three practical stations and remind learners of the materials checklist.
- Walk through a morning materials organisation checklist.
- Confirm that every learner can reach the exam room and has stationery.
- Close with a brief announcement of the Second Term starting Monday.
Student activities
- Answer the ten recall questions and note any slips.
- Mark their own quiz answers and record scores for review.
- Prepare the three practical stations and run through the materials checklist.
- Practise spreadsheet, database, logic-gate and program tasks for ten minutes each.
- Pack stationery, identification and any permitted materials for examination day.
- Write one sentence on what revision helped you feel ready for Monday.
Practical / learning evidence
A scored objective quiz, a completed revision grid covering all terms and an materials-organisation checklist signed by the learner. All three handed to the teacher for marking.
Resources and preparation
Quiz sheet, revision grid and materials checklist. Confirm the examination room, three machines and one invigilator per station are booked before the week.
Assessment for learning
Use the quiz scores to plan the Second-Term reteach if class averages are below target. Check the revision grid for completeness. Verify the materials checklist is signed and ready for examination day.
Inclusion and access
Provide the quiz in large print and allow extra time where approved. Pair learners for the practical rehearsal so a confident partner can model the steps. Homework: pack everything needed for the examination week and store it safely.