Evolution of Computing Devices from Pre-computing Age to Modern Computers

Subject: Information Technology
Class: SS1
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 14-16 years
Topic: Historical Development of Computing Devices
Sub-topic: Evolution of Computing Devices from Pre-computing Age to Modern Computers
Duration: 80 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define computing devices and give examples from different historical periods.
2. Identify inventors of key computing devices and their invention dates.
3. Compare various computing devices in terms of structure and functionality.
4. Evaluate the impact and relative functions of different computing devices over time.

Keywords

• Computing Devices
• Abacus
• Napier’s Bones
• Charles Babbage
• ENIAC
• EDVAC

Set Induction

Begin by discussing tools and devices students use to perform calculations today, such as calculators and computers. Then, introduce early calculating devices and explain how computing technology has evolved to meet growing demands.

Entry Behavior

Students are aware of current digital devices but may not have explored the historical progression of computing technology.

Learning Resources and Materials

1. Images and models of ancient computing devices (e.g., abacus, slide rule).
2. Visual timeline illustrating computing devices from different eras.
3. Videos or slideshows showcasing milestones in computing history.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have a general understanding of calculators and computers, which will serve as a basis for exploring how these technologies originated and developed.

Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and comparing the functionalities of different computing devices.
• Historical Analysis: Recognizing the progression of technological innovation in computing.

Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Standard IT Textbooks for SS1
• High-authority online resources (see embedded links)

Reference Books

• Lagos State Unified Schemes of Work for Senior Secondary Schools
• Comprehensive IT textbooks for SS1

Instructional Materials

• Physical models or pictures of early computing devices
• Timeline charts for visual aid
• Handouts featuring inventors and key invention dates

Content Outline

1. Definition of Computing Devices
   • Computing devices are tools designed to perform calculations and data processing. These devices have evolved from simple tools like the abacus to complex machines like modern computers.
   • For an overview of early computing, visit Computer History Museum.
2. Pre-computing Age to 19th Century
   • Abacus: One of the earliest known computing tools, used for basic calculations, originating around 500 BC.
   • Slide Rule: Introduced in the 17th century, it was an analog device used primarily for multiplication and division.
   • Napier’s Bones: Created by John Napier in 1617, this was a manually operated device for calculation.
   • Multiplier Wheel: Designed by mathematicians to simplify complex calculations.
   • Charles Babbage: Known as the “father of computers,” Babbage designed the Difference Engine in the 1820s, which paved the way for future computing concepts.
3. Computing Devices from the 20th Century to Date
   • ABC (Atanasoff-Berry Computer): The first electronic digital computer, developed in the 1940s.
   • ENIAC: The first general-purpose electronic digital computer, built in 1945 to assist in military calculations.
   • EDVAC and EDSAC: Successive models that introduced stored program concepts, which modern computers still use.
   • Desktop/PC and Laptop: Modern computers developed from the 1970s onward, widely used for personal, educational, and business purposes.
   • For further information on these milestones, check Encyclopedia Britannica’s history of computers.

Objective Questions

1. The earliest known computing device is the _______.
   a) ENIAC b) Slide Rule c) Abacus d) Multiplier Wheel
2. The device created by John Napier for multiplication and division is called _______.
   a) Napier’s Bones b) Slide Rule c) ABC d) Difference Engine
3. Charles Babbage is known as the _______ of computers.
   a) inventor b) user c) father d) operator
4. The first electronic digital computer was _______.
   a) EDSAC b) ENIAC c) ABC d) EDVAC
5. The Difference Engine was designed in the _______ century.
   a) 17th b) 18th c) 19th d) 20th
6. Which of these devices used stored program concepts?
   a) ABC b) ENIAC c) EDVAC d) Abacus
7. The abacus was first used around _______.
   a) 500 BC b) 100 AD c) 1700 AD d) 1900 AD
8. Which device was used mainly for military calculations in the 1940s?
   a) ABC b) ENIAC c) Napier’s Bones d) Slide Rule
9. The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC) was developed in the _______.
   a) 1920s b) 1930s c) 1940s d) 1950s
10. The first desktop computers appeared in the _______.
    a) 1950s b) 1960s c) 1970s d) 1980s
11. The main purpose of the slide rule was for _______.
    a) addition b) multiplication and division c) data storage d) printing
12. Which of these devices is a modern computing device?
    a) Napier’s Bones b) Abacus c) Slide Rule d) Laptop
13. ENIAC stands for _______.
    a) Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator b) Electrical Network Integrator and Calculator
    c) Enhanced Numerical Integration Circuit d) Efficient Numerical Integration Circuit
14. Which device was not a computing device until the 20th century?
    a) Abacus b) Slide Rule c) ENIAC d) Multiplier Wheel
15. A computing device primarily used in business, personal, and educational settings today is the _______.
    a) ENIAC b) Slide Rule c) Laptop d) Difference Engine

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a computing device?
   • A device used for processing calculations and data.
2. Can you give examples of computing devices from ancient times?
   • Examples include the abacus, slide rule, and Napier’s Bones.
3. Who invented the Difference Engine?
   • Charles Babbage.
4. What was the main purpose of ENIAC?
   • To perform military calculations during World War II.
5. Why is Charles Babbage known as the father of computers?
   • He developed the concept of programmable computing with his Difference Engine.
6. What was the function of Napier’s Bones?
   • It was used for multiplication and division.
7. Name a computing device from the 20th century.
   • The Atanasoff-Berry Computer (ABC).
8. Which device introduced the concept of stored programs?
   • EDVAC.
9. What makes modern computers different from early devices?
   • Modern computers can store large amounts of data, have graphical interfaces, and perform complex tasks.
10. What computing device do we use most commonly today?
    • Desktop PCs and laptops.
11. How did ENIAC contribute to the development of computing?
    • It was the first large-scale, general-purpose electronic computer.
12. What did people use for calculations before digital computers were invented?
    • Devices like the abacus, slide rule, and Napier’s Bones.
13. What invention laid the foundation for modern computers?
    • The Difference Engine by Charles Babbage.
14. What does EDVAC stand for?
    • Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer.
15. How does the laptop compare to earlier computing devices?
    • Laptops are portable, versatile, and much faster than early devices.

Evaluation Questions

1. Who developed the first general-purpose electronic digital computer?
   a) Charles Babbage b) John Napier c) Thomas Edison d) John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert
2. What device did Charles Babbage design in the 1820s?
   a) Abacus b) ENIAC c) Difference Engine d) Napier’s Bones
3. Which computing device was primarily used in military operations?
   a) Abacus b) Slide Rule c) ENIAC d) EDVAC
4. What was the main function of the abacus?
   a) Storage b) Calculation c) Display d) Printing
5. When was the ABC computer developed?
   a) 1920s b) 1940s c) 1950s d) 1960s
6. Which device is used for quick calculations in business and education today?
   a) Laptop b) Slide Rule c) Difference Engine d) Napier’s Bones
7. Which inventor’s ideas paved the way for modern computing?
   a) Edison b) Bell c) Turing d) Babbage
8. ENIAC was developed in _______.
   a) 1925 b) 1945 c) 1960 d) 1985
9. Identify one pre-computing age device used in ancient China.
   a) Slide Rule b) Abacus c) ENIAC d) Laptop
10. What modern device is a descendant of early computing tools?
    a) Laptop b) Abacus c) ENIAC d) Multiplier Wheel

Conclusion

The teacher recaps the historical progression of computing devices and clarifies any areas of confusion.