JSS 2 First Term

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON PUPILS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:

Cognitive	i. Define a computer network and its purpose. ii. Name the types of networks by coverage. iii. State the advantages and limitations of networks. iv. Compare client-server and peer-to-peer networks.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Computer Networks in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Draw and label a simple LAN of five computers sharing one printer and one internet connection. ii. List two advantages and two limitations of a computer network from the school lab. iii. Classify these networks as PAN, LAN, MAN or WAN: a home network, a school lab, a city network and the internet. iv. Write two differences between a client-server network and a peer-to-peer network.

Rationale: A computer network is a group of two or more computers connected so that they can share data, programs and resources. Understanding what is a Computer Network, types of Networks, advantages of Networks, limitations of Networks helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: In Week 3, learners studied Operating Systems and File Management, including what is an Operating System, functions of an Operating System, graphical and Command-Line Interfaces. 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 Computer Networks, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Junior Secondary Schools (JSS 2); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology JSS 2 First Term Notes (Week 4); 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 3 (Operating Systems and File Management) with two quick oral questions, and asks what they already know about Computer Networks. Elicits responses and writes the topic on the board.	Recall the previous lesson and share what they already know about Computer Networks.	Connecting prior knowledge to Computer Networks.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Computer Network: A computer network is a group of two or more computers connected so that they can share data, programs and resources. Networks make communication faster, reduce the copying of files and allow many people to use the same information at once. Covers Types of Networks: A local area network, or LAN, covers a small area such as one building or campus. It is the most common network in schools and offices, and it is fast because the devices are close together.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is a Computer Network" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Computer Network; Types of Networks.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Advantages of Networks: Networks allow many users to share one printer, one internet connection or one server. Users can open the same files from different computers, and messages can be sent between users at once.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Advantages of Networks".	Understanding: Advantages of Networks.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Limitations of Networks: Networks have disadvantages. Setting one up can be costly because cables, switches, routers and a server are needed. Connected computers are open to viruses and attackers, and a virus on one computer can spread to all.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Limitations of Networks" to the class.	Understanding: Limitations of Networks.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks: In a client-server network, one powerful computer called the server provides services and data to the other computers, called clients. The server controls access and stores files centrally. Most schools and businesses use this type because it is easier to manage and more secure.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks".	Understanding: Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Draw and label a simple LAN of five computers sharing one printer and one internet connection. (ii) List two advantages and two limitations of a computer network from the school lab. (iii) Classify these networks as PAN, LAN, MAN or WAN: a home network, a school lab, a city network and the internet. 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. Define a computer network and its purpose. ii. Name the types of networks by coverage. iii. State the advantages and limitations of networks. iv. Compare client-server and peer-to-peer networks.	Respond verbally and in writing to the evaluation questions.	Assessment and consolidation of the lesson content.
Conclusion 2 MINUTES	Recaps the main points: what is a Computer Network, types of Networks, advantages of Networks, limitations of Networks, client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Networks. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 5: Network Components and Topologies.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A small school with five computers asks whether it needs a network. Give two reasons why a network is still useful even with so few computers. ii. A company has offices in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt. What type of network connects the offices, and why is it not a LAN?