Discovering Different Types of Computers: Special and General Purpose Computer Studies Primary 2 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 6 & 8

Subject: Computer Studies
Class: Basic Two
Term: Third Term
Week: 6 & 8
Topic: Classification by purpose
Sub-topic: Special and general purpose computers
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioural Objectives: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

• Define special purpose and general purpose computers.
• Identify examples of special and general purpose computers.
• Explain the differences between special and general purpose computers.

Key Words: Special purpose, general purpose, computer, calculator, ATM.

Entry Behaviour: Pupils are familiar with the basic use of computers.

Learning Resources and Materials: Pictures and charts of special and general purpose computers, physical examples if possible.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

• The teacher asks pupils about different types of computers they have seen or used.
• The teacher connects the topic to previous lessons about computers.

Embedded Core Skills: Listening, observing, answering questions, and critical thinking.

Reference Books: Lagos State Scheme of Work.

Instructional Materials: Pictures and charts of different types of computers, and physical examples if possible.

Content:

• Special purpose computers: Computers designed to do one specific job, like a calculator or ATM.
• General purpose computers: Computers designed to perform many tasks, like a laptop or desktop.
• Evaluation
  1. 1. A special purpose computer is made to do ______.
        • a) Everything
        • b) One specific job
        • c) Play games
        • d) Browse the internet
     2. A general purpose computer can do ______ things.
        • a) Many
        • b) One
        • c) None
        • d) Two
     3. An example of a special purpose computer is a ______.
        • a) Laptop
        • b) Calculator
        • c) Desktop
        • d) Tablet
     4. An example of a general purpose computer is a ______.
        • a) Calculator
        • b) ATM
        • c) Laptop
        • d) Washing machine
     5. Special purpose computers are ______ for a specific task.
        • a) Unhelpful
        • b) Made
        • c) Not needed
        • d) Not good
     6. A washing machine is a ______ purpose computer.
        • a) General
        • b) Laptop
        • c) Special
        • d) None
     7. General purpose computers can be used for ______.
        • a) Typing
        • b) Watching videos
        • c) Playing games
        • d) All of the above
     8. An ATM is a ______ purpose computer.
        • a) Special
        • b) General
        • c) None
        • d) Laptop
     9. Tablets are an example of ______ purpose computers.
        • a) Special
        • b) General
        • c) None
        • d) Washing machine
     10. A ______ purpose computer is versatile.
• More Class Activities Discussion 
  1. special and general purpose computers for Primary 2 pupils:
     1. Q: What is a special purpose computer?
        • A: A computer made to do one specific job.
     2. Q: What is an example of a special purpose computer?
        • A: A calculator is an example.
     3. Q: Can a special purpose computer play games?
        • A: No, it only does one specific task.
     4. Q: What is a general purpose computer?
        • A: A computer that can do many different tasks.
     5. Q: What is an example of a general purpose computer?
        • A: A laptop is an example.
     6. Q: Can a general purpose computer send emails?
        • A: Yes, it can.
     7. Q: What does a special purpose computer look like?
        • A: It depends on the job it is made to do, like an ATM or calculator.
     8. Q: What can you use a general purpose computer for?
        • A: You can use it for typing, playing games, and more.
     9. Q: Is a washing machine a special purpose computer?
        • A: Yes, because it is made to wash clothes.
     10. Q: Can you take a general purpose computer with you?
         • A: Yes, you can take a laptop with you.
     11. Q: Can you browse the internet with a special purpose computer?
         • A: No, a special purpose computer is only for a specific job.
     12. Q: Can you watch videos on a general purpose computer?
         • A: Yes, you can.
     13. Q: What is a key difference between special and general purpose computers?
         • A: Special purpose computers do one job, general purpose computers do many jobs.
     14. Q: Are tablets special or general purpose computers?
         • A: Tablets are general purpose computers.
     15. Q: Can a special purpose computer change tasks?
         • A: No, it can only do one specific job.

Presentation:

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Digital wristwatches” and asks pupils to recall the uses of a digital wristwatch.

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic, “Classification by purpose,” and defines special and general purpose computers.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and the teacher corrects the pupils when and where necessary.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Present different pictures of special and general purpose computers.
• Explain the differences between special and general purpose computers.
• Provide examples of each type of computer.

Learners’ Activities:

• Observe the pictures of different types of computers.
• Listen to the explanations provided by the teacher.
• Answer questions about the topic and ask questions if they have any.

Assessment:

1. Define special purpose computers.
2. Define general purpose computers.
3. Give an example of a special purpose computer.
4. Give an example of a general purpose computer.
5. What is the main difference between special and general purpose computers?
6. Is an ATM a special or general purpose computer?
7. Can a laptop be used to play games?
8. Can a calculator browse the internet?
9. Is a desktop computer a general purpose computer?
10. What can special purpose computers do?

Conclusion:

• The teacher goes around to mark the pupils’ answers and provides corrections where needed.
• The teacher wraps up the lesson by emphasizing the main differences between special and general purpose computers and their uses.