SS 2 First Term

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Recall the SS1 computer definitions without notes.
2. Classify computers by processor size, memory and storage using performance criteria.
3. Compare desktops, laptops, tablets and smartphones on stated criteria.
4. State why servers buy more expensive hardware than general-purpose computers.
5. Judge whether a given example belongs to workstation, server or mobile category.

Key vocabulary

• Review: bringing previously taught material back to active memory.
• Classification: grouping devices by shared attributes.
• Performance criteria: measurable attributes such as speed, memory and storage.
• Desktop: a fixed-purpose computer housed in a case.
• Laptop: a portable computer using a built-in display and battery.
• Tablet: a touchscreen computing device aimed at light tasks.
• Smartphone: a mobile phone with computing features.
• Server: a computer that serves resources to other machines on a network.

Common misconceptions

• "All computers are the same shape." Shape matches purpose; desktop and laptop serve different environments.
• "Tablets and laptops are the same thing." Tablets target lightweight use; laptops target heavier workloads.
• "Review means rereading." Review means testing and reapplying, not passively reading notes.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: show the twelve SS1 First-Term week titles and ask pairs to recall one definition each without notes.
2. Share the recalled definitions and check the ones missed for reteaching.
3. Introduce the performance criteria table and fill desktop, laptop and tablet rows collaboratively.
4. Compare smartphones and tablets on the same criteria with a Venn diagram.
5. Explain servers as resource providers and show one server form in a laboratory.
6. Close with the classification task and exit question about the server decision.

Student activities

1. Recall one SS1 definition per week without notes and note any missed definitions.
2. Fill the performance criteria table for three device types.
3. Place smartphones and tablets in the Venn diagram using two criteria.
4. State two reasons businesses buy servers with brief explanations.
5. Decide whether a given example is a workstation, server or mobile device with a reason.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about the server purchase decision.

Practical / learning evidence

A completed performance criteria comparison table, a Venn diagram comparing smartphone and tablet, and a classification worksheet deciding workstation, server or mobile with reasons. Hand in all three.

Resources and preparation

Printed criteria table, blank Venn diagram and a server photograph. Offline route: paper table and diagram, no device needed. Display any photograph carefully and ensure it does not distract learners from the task.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the criteria table for at least four distinct criteria filled correctly. Check the Venn diagram placement matches the chosen criteria. Mark the classification worksheet for correct workstation, server or mobile choice with a defensible reason.

Inclusion and homework

Provide the criteria table prefilled in the first two rows for learners who need scaffolding and allow oral reasoning. Extend confident learners by adding a fourth device type and rating it on every criterion. Homework: name three devices at home and classify each as desktop, laptop, tablet, smartphone or server.