Introduction to Computer Processing and its Uses Computer Studies JSS 1 Third Term Lesson Notes

Subject: Computer Studies

Class: JSS 1

Term: Third Term

Week: 1

Topic: Understanding Computer Processing and its Applications

Sub-topic: Introduction to Computer Processing and its Uses

Duration: 45 minutes

Behavioural Objectives:

  • Students should be able to define computer processing.
  • Students should be able to identify the four main components of a computer.
  • Students should understand the uses of computers in communication, timing and control, information processing and management, and society.

Key Vocabulary Words:

  • Computer processing
  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  • Memory
  • Input units
  • Output units
  • Communication
  • Timing and Control
  • Information Processing and Management
  • Society

Learning Resources and Materials:

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for Computer Studies
  • Textbook: “Introduction to Computer Studies for Junior Secondary Schools” by XYZ Publishers

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge:

  • Review with students what they already know about computers and their basic functions.
  • Discuss with students how they use computers in their daily lives, such as for playing games, doing homework, or watching videos.

Embedded Core Skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

Content:

  1. Introduction to Computer Processing:
    • Define computer processing as the actions the CPU performs when it receives information.
    • Explain the role of the CPU as the “brain” of the computer.
    • Discuss the four main components of a computer: CPU, memory, input units, and output units.
  2. Uses of Computers:
    • Explain how computers are used in communication, such as through mobile phones and emails.
    • Discuss the applications of computers in timing and control, including traffic and weather control.
    • Describe how computers are used in information processing and management, such as in marketing and accounting.
    • Explain the societal uses of computers in areas like healthcare, airlines, and law.

TOPIC: DEFINITION OF COMPUTER PROCESSING

COMPUTER PROCESSING

Computer processing is an action or series of actions that a microprocessor, also known as a central processing unit (CPU), in a computer performs when it receives information. The CPU is a type of electronic “brain” for a computer system, and it executes a series of instructions that are fed to it by software programs installed onto a computer’s hard drive and loaded into random access memory (RAM). Though modern computer systems have become much faster and more complex than their earlier counterparts, they still perform the same basic type of computer processing.

There are four distinct states that processing goes through in order to produce meaningful output for any program. These states are commonly referred to as (fetch, decode, execute and write back).

A computer has four main components: the central processing unit or CPU, the primary memory, input units and output units. A system bus connects all the four components, passing and relaying information among them.

  • Central Processing Unit (CPU)

Computer scientists typically call the CPU the “brain” of the computer because this is where programs are executed. The CPU is further broken up into three smaller components: the arithmetic unit handles all the simple mathematical computations; the control units interpret the instructions in a computer program; and the instruction decoding unit converts computer programming instructions into machine code.

  • Memory

Once the CPU converts a specific set of computer program instructions into machine code, it stores that machine code in primary storage or memory. The machine code will be treated as either data or instructions. The CPU fetches data and instructions from memory, uses an instruction to manipulate the data, and then sends the result and the next set of instructions back to memory.

  • Input Units

Input units are all the devices you use to feed data to the computer, such as a keyboard, a hard drive or a networking card. These devices, in essence, bring data from the “outside world” into your computer, in much the same way that your eyes and ears bring information to your brain. Each input device has its own hardware controller that connects to the CPU and primary memory, and it has a set of instructions that tells the CPU how to use it.

  • Output Units

Output units are the devices your computer uses to relay information to the user, such as a printer, monitors and speakers. For example, everything you see on your computer monitor starts as machine code in memory. The CPU takes that machine code and converts it into a format required by your monitor’s hardware. Your monitor’s hardware then converts that information into different light intensities so that you see words or pictures.

EVALUATION

  1. Define computer processing.
  2. State four main components of computer.

Uses of Computer in communication

  1. Computer gadgets such as mobile phones, palmtops can be used in communicating
  2. The use of Video and Tele-conferencing in having meeting(s) with various members of staff or board of directors in different locations, with the ability to view themselves.
  3. Used in sending and receiving mails through the internet.
  4. Used in multi- media communications.

Uses of Computer in Timing and Control

  1. Traffic Control
  2. Weather Control
  3. Machine Control
  4. Airplane Control

Uses of computer in information Processing and Management

  • Marketing: individuals and companies also use the system to source for e-shopping, 0n-line payment and delivery of ordered goods.
  • Generation of payroll: Computers can be used to prepare and process payroll through Microsoft Excel.
  • Accounting and Banking: Computers are used to keep proper and effective records of both goods and customer’s money.

Uses of computer in the society

  • Health Care: Hospitals are comprehensively computerized in order to facilitate patient care at competitive cost.
  • Airlines: Airline reservation agent communicates with a centralized computer via a remote terminal to update the database the moment a seat on any flight is filled or becomes available.
  • Law: Lawyers use keywords to search through massive full text database containing more cases than in any law office’s library.

GENERAL EVALUATION

  1. Define computer processing.
  2. State four main components of computer.
  3. State five uses of computer in the society.

READING ASSIGNMENT

Computer studies for junior secondary education JSS 1 By Hiit Plc. pages 65 – 67

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT

  1. The ……….. executes a series of instructions that are fed to it by software programs installed onto a computer’s hard drive and loaded into random access memory (RAM). (a) core (b) CPU (c) ROM (d) control unit
  2. ……….. stores program instruction in the computer system. (a) memory (b) CPU (c) ALU (d) control unit.
  3. ……….. are the devices your computer uses to relay information to the user. (a) input unit (b) output unit (c) memory (d) primary.
  4. ………. are all the devices you use to feed information to the computer. (a) input unit (b) output (c) memory (d) CPU
  5. ……….. are comprehensively computerized in order to facilitate patient care at competitive cost. (a) Hospitals (b) airline reservation (c) banking (d) payroll

THEORY

  1. Define computer processing.
  2. State four main components of computer.
  3. Mention four areas of the society where computer is used.
  4. List four areas where computer is used in timing and control.

Computer Studies JSS 1 Third Term Lesson Notes

Summary :

  1. Computer Processing:
    • Action or series of actions a CPU performs with information.
    • Example: When you type on a keyboard, the CPU processes the keystrokes.
  2. Four Main Components of a Computer:
    • CPU: Acts like the computer’s brain.
    • Memory: Stores information for the CPU to use.
    • Input Units: Devices like keyboards that send data to the computer.
    • Output Units: Devices like monitors that show information to the user.
  3. Uses of Computer in Communication:
    • Mobile phones for calling and texting 📱.
    • Video conferencing for meetings with people in different locations 📹.
    • Sending and receiving emails through the internet 📧.
  4. Uses of Computer in Timing and Control:
    • Traffic control for managing road signals 🚦.
    • Weather control for monitoring and predicting weather patterns 🌦️.
    • Machine control for operating industrial equipment 🏭.
    • Airplane control for guiding flights ✈️.
  5. Uses of Computer in Information Processing and Management:
    • Marketing: Online shopping, payment, and delivery 🛒💳📦.
    • Payroll generation: Using software like Microsoft Excel 💼.
    • Accounting and Banking: Record-keeping for goods and money 💰.
  6. Uses of Computer in Society:
    • Health Care: Hospitals use computers to care for patients 🏥.
    • Airlines: Reservation systems manage flight bookings ✈️.
    • Law: Lawyers search databases for legal information ⚖️.

By understanding these uses, you can see how computers help in various aspects of life

Class Activity Discussion

  1. What is computer processing? Answer: Computer processing is what happens when a computer gets information and does something with it using its “brain,” the CPU.
  2. What are the four main parts of a computer? Answer: The main parts are the CPU, memory, input units (like keyboards), and output units (like monitors).
  3. How does the CPU work? Answer: The CPU is like the brain of the computer. It does math, follows instructions, and changes programming into machine code.
  4. What does memory do in a computer? Answer: Memory stores information and instructions for the CPU to use when needed.
  5. What are input units used for? Answer: Input units bring information from outside devices, like keyboards or hard drives, into the computer.
  6. What do output units do? Answer: Output units show information to the user, like on a monitor or through speakers.
  7. How are computers used in communication? Answer: Computers help us talk to others using gadgets like phones and send emails over the internet.
  8. How can computers help with timing and control? Answer: They can control traffic lights, monitor weather, operate machines, and even help control airplanes.
  9. What are some ways computers are used in information processing and management? Answer: They help with marketing, preparing payroll, and managing accounts and banking records.
  10. How are computers used in society for healthcare? Answer: Hospitals use computers to take care of patients more efficiently and at lower costs.
  11. How do airlines use computers? Answer: They use them to manage reservations and keep track of flights and seats.
  12. How do lawyers use computers? Answer: They search through large databases to find legal information quickly.
  13. Can computers help with shopping? Answer: Yes, they make it easy to shop online, pay bills, and get goods delivered.
  14. How do computers assist in banking? Answer: They help keep track of money and records for both customers and businesses.
  15. Why are computers important in today’s world? Answer: Computers make many tasks easier and faster, helping us communicate, work, and live better lives

Evaluation

  1. Computer processing is the _______ action a computer takes with information. a) basic b) complex c) simple d) difficult
  2. The CPU is like the computer’s _______. a) heart b) brain c) muscle d) skin
  3. The CPU has three smaller parts: arithmetic unit, control unit, and _______ decoding unit. a) data b) instruction c) memory d) output
  4. Memory stores _______ code and data for the CPU to use. a) machine b) human c) animal d) plant
  5. Input units bring _______ from the outside world into the computer. a) energy b) information c) food d) toys
  6. Output units relay information to the _______. a) computer b) user c) printer d) keyboard
  7. Mobile phones and palmtops are examples of computer gadgets used for _______. a) communication b) cooking c) gardening d) sleeping
  8. Video and tele-conferencing help people have meetings with members in different _______. a) countries b) cities c) rooms d) schools
  9. Computers can be used for sending and receiving _______ through the internet. a) money b) emails c) food d) clothes
  10. Traffic control is an example of using computers for _______ and control. a) timing b) eating c) dancing d) singing
  11. Hospitals use computers to _______ patient care. a) hinder b) facilitate c) stop d) ignore
  12. Airlines use computers for _______ to update flight information. a) playing b) swimming c) reservation d) walking
  13. Lawyers search through massive databases for _______ using computers. a) cases b) books c) toys d) clothes
  14. Computers can be used to prepare and process _______ through Microsoft Excel. a) emails b) payroll c) food d) reports
  15. Marketing uses computers for e-shopping, online payment, and _______ of goods. a) collection b) delivery c) hiding d) throwing

Presentation:

  • Use visual aids such as diagrams and images to illustrate concepts.
  • Encourage student participation through questions and discussions.
  • Relate computer applications to real-life examples to enhance understanding.

Teacher’s Activities:

  1. The teacher revises the previous topic by asking students questions about basic computer functions.
  2. The teacher introduces the new topic, explaining the concept of computer processing and its importance.
  3. The teacher presents examples of how computers are used in different aspects of life.
  4. The teacher facilitates discussions and encourages students to share their experiences with using computers.

Learners’ Activities:

  1. Students participate in the revision activity by answering questions.
  2. Students listen attentively as the teacher introduces the new topic.
  3. Students engage in discussions and ask questions to clarify their understanding.
  4. Students share their own experiences with using computers for various purposes.

Assessment:

  • Observational assessment of student participation and understanding during class discussions.
  • Written assessment with multiple-choice questions related to the topic.

Ten Evaluation Questions Related to the Topic:

  1. What is computer processing?
  2. Name the four main components of a computer.
  3. How are computers used in communication?
  4. Give an example of how computers are used in timing and control.
  5. What are some applications of computers in information processing and management?
  6. How are computers used in healthcare?
  7. Describe the role of computers in airline reservations.
  8. How do lawyers use computers in their work?
  9. What is the CPU’s role in computer processing?
  10. Explain the importance of understanding computer processing in today’s world.

Conclusion:

  • The teacher goes around to assess students’ understanding and provides necessary corrections.
  • Students are encouraged to continue exploring computer technology and its applications in their daily lives