SS 1 First Term

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

Cognitive	i. Define a computer system and name its parts. ii. Describe the input, process and output model. iii. Distinguish between data and information. iv. State the units used to measure data.
Affective	i. Appreciate the value of Computer Systems and Digital Technologies in school, at home and in the community. ii. Show willingness to use digital tools carefully, safely and responsibly.
Psychomotor	i. Draw and label the parts of a computer system. ii. Give two examples of data being turned into information. iii. List the units of data from the bit to the terabyte in order. iv. Name four digital technologies you use and state one effect of each.

Rationale: A computer system is a complete, functional unit that combines physical hardware, software instructions, data, and the people who operate it. Understanding what is a Computer System?, the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model, role of the CPU, data vs Information helps learners use digital technology confidently, safely and responsibly.

Pre-requisite Knowledge: Learners have just entered SS 1 and already use digital devices such as phones, radios, televisions and computers at home or in the community. They can switch a device on, make a call, send a message and identify common parts such as the screen, keyboard and mouse.

Learning Material/Teaching Aid: Whiteboard, markers, computer or laptop where available, printed notes and charts on Computer Systems and Digital Technologies, practical task sheets, learners' notebooks and pens.

Reference Materials: Digital Technology for Senior Secondary Schools (SS 1); NERDC Digital Technology Curriculum; Digital Technology SS 1 First Term Notes (Week 1); 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, explains the classroom rules and asks what digital devices they already use at home and in the community. Elicits responses, links them to the new topic and writes Computer Systems and Digital Technologies on the board.	Share what they already know about Computer Systems and Digital Technologies and listen to the introduction.	Building on everyday experience and introducing Computer Systems and Digital Technologies.
Step 1 6 MINUTES	Covers What is a Computer System?: A computer system is a complete, functional unit that combines physical hardware, software instructions, data, and the people who operate it. No single component works in isolation; the system only produces useful results when all four parts cooperate. Covers The Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model: Every computer task, from sending a text message to printing a report, follows the Input-Process-Output (IPO) model. This model describes how data moves through a computer system.	Listen, take notes and answer oral questions on "What is a Computer System?" and related points.	Understanding: What is a Computer System?; The Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model.
Step 2 6 MINUTES	Covers Role of the CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. It carries out every instruction of a program by following a repeated cycle called the machine cycle. Covers Data vs Information: Data and information are related but different concepts. Data refers to raw, unprocessed facts that may have little meaning on their own.	Copy the key points, give examples from school and everyday life, and ask questions on "Role of the CPU" and related points.	Understanding: Role of the CPU; Data vs Information.
Step 3 6 MINUTES	Covers Binary Representation: Computers cannot store words, pictures, or sounds directly. Instead, all information inside a computer is represented using only two values, 0 and 1. Covers Units of Data: Data is measured in units that get progressively larger. A bit is the smallest unit, a single 0 or 1.	Discuss in pairs, then report one point on "Binary Representation" and related points to the class.	Understanding: Binary Representation; Units of Data.
Step 4 6 MINUTES	Covers Digital Technologies and Their Impact: Digital technologies use binary (0s and 1s) to store, process, and transmit information.	Respond to questions, complete the examples on the board and note down "Digital Technologies and Their Impact".	Understanding: Digital Technologies and Their Impact.
Practical Work 6 MINUTES	Guides learners through the practical work: (i) Draw and label the parts of a computer system. (ii) Give two examples of data being turned into information. (iii) List the units of data from the bit to the terabyte 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. Define a computer system and name its parts. ii. Describe the input, process and output model. iii. Distinguish between data and information. iv. State the units used to measure data.	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 System, the Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model, role of the CPU, data vs Information, binary Representation. Links them to the assignment and previews Week 2: History and Evolution of Computing.	Listen, ask questions and copy the assignment.	Reinforcement of key concepts and a preview of the next lesson.

Assignment: i. A point-of-sale terminal reads a card, a shop scans a barcode, and a learner uses a screen reader to work without sight. Explain the technologies used in input hardware, explain input interfaces and data capture, and name the alternative and assistive devices. ii. A school clerk keeps paper registers and then enters the same marks into a spreadsheet. Using the four components of a computer system, explain why the hardware, software, data, and user must all be present for the exercise to succeed, and what happens if any one is missing.