Basic Computing Skills

Curriculum Area and Level:

Cambridge Primary Computing – Level 1

Learning Objectives:

• Understand different parts of a computer. (1CS.01)
• Appreciate how to use different input and output devices. (1CS.02)
• Open and save a file to a specific location. (1DW.02)
• Use technology purposefully to create, organise, store, and manipulate digital content. (1DW.03)
• Use technology safely and respectfully. (1TC.01)
• Identify where to go for help and support when they have concerns about content or contact on the internet. (1TC.02)

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Materials Needed:

• Laptops or tablets (1 per 2 students)
• Projector and screen
• Digital images for sorting in folders
• Internet access (supervised)
• Interactive whiteboard (if available)
• Worksheet with computer parts (keyboard, mouse, monitor, etc.)

Preparation:

1. Ensure all devices are charged and in working condition.
2. Prepare digital images that will be used for the sorting activity.
3. Check the internet connection and access to approved websites.
4. Print out worksheets for each student.
5. Prepare labels for computer parts.

Lesson Structure (45 Minutes):

1. Introduction (5 Minutes)

• Greet the Students and Introduce the Lesson:
  • “Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to learn about computers and how we can use them safely and effectively.”

2. Computer Parts (10 Minutes)

• Discussion:

  • Show images of different computer parts on the projector: keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU.
  • Discuss the function of each part with the class.

• Activity:

  • Hand out worksheets with images of computer parts.
  • Ask students to colour them in.

3. Input and Output Devices (10 Minutes)

• Explanation and Demonstration:

  • Show examples of input devices (keyboard, mouse) and output devices (monitor, printer).
  • Discuss how each device works.

• Pair Activity:

  • Ask students to work in pairs with a laptop or tablet.
  • Guide them to identify input and output devices on their own device.

4. Creating and Organising Content (10 Minutes)

• Explanation:

  • Demonstrate how to open a digital image and create a new folder on the device.
  • Show how to move the image into the new folder.

• Activity:

  • Students practice opening, saving, and organising digital images into folders with their partners.

5. Internet Safety (5 Minutes)

• Discussion:

  • Talk about the importance of using the internet safely.
  • Highlight the significance of keeping personal information private and what to do if they encounter something that makes them uncomfortable.

• Interactive Question Session:

  • Ask simple questions about internet safety.
  • Where should they go for help?
  • Who can they talk to if they have concerns?

6. Review & Conclusion (5 Minutes)

• Recap the Main Points:

  • Ask students what they learned about computer parts, using devices, saving files, and internet safety.
  • Reinforce how these skills will help them in their learning journey.

• Homework:

  • Give students a take-home task to draw and label their computer at home. Ask them to include any input or output devices they see.

Assessment:

• Observe students during activities to ensure understanding and participation.
• Collect worksheets to assess their ability to identify computer parts.
• Review the take-home task for understanding and correct labelling of computer parts.

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Notes:

• Ensure all online activities are supervised to maintain internet safety.
• Encourage students to ask questions if they encounter any difficulties during the lesson.
• Adapt the pace of the lesson to suit the needs of the students. If necessary, spend more time on specific areas they find challenging.

By the end of this lesson, students will not only have a basic understanding of computer parts and their functions but also be equipped with fundamental skills to navigate, organise, and use technology safely and effectively.