Generation of Computers and Parts… · B4 Computing

Lesson notes

Indicator: B4.1.1.1.5 - Summarise the first generation of computers which used vacuum tubes as a major piece of technology.

By the end of the lesson, learners can:

State the period of the first generation of computers and identify vacuum tubes as the major technology used.
Name at least three examples of first generation computers, such as ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, and IBM-701.
Describe at least two characteristics of first generation computers, such as their large size, heat production, and slow speed compared to modern devices.
Explain in simple terms why first generation computers were not like the computers and gadgets we use today.
Summarise the first generation of computers in three to four sentences using key facts from the lesson.

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Strand: Introduction to Computing (Strand 1)
Sub-strand: Generation of Computers and Parts of a Computer and Other Gadgets (1.1)
Content standard: B4.1.1.1 - Identify parts of a computer and technology tools
Indicator: B4.1.1.1.5 - Summarise the first generation of computers which used vacuum tubes as a major piece of technology.
Suggested placement: Term 1, Week 5 (Week 5 of the year)
Our suggestion, laid out in curriculum order across three terms of twelve weeks. NaCCA does not fix the week, so follow your school's scheme of learning.
Source document note: The official curriculum document has a fault in this entry, so the curriculum text above is transcribed exactly as printed:

strand name - printed p.2 and the table of contents head B4 strand 1 "WORD PROCESSING", which is a copy-paste error. Corrected to "INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING" on four pieces of evidence: the scope-and-sequence names strand 1 "Introduction to computing"; B5 and B6 both print "STRAND 1: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING" over the same sub-strands; B4 own p.9 heads strand 3 "WORD PROCESSING"; and B4 strand 1 sub-strands are Generation of Computers, MS-Windows Interface, Data Sources and Usage, and Technology in the Community, none of which is word processing
Curriculum reference: Computing Curriculum (Basic 4-6), 2019, p. 2
Transcribed from the official NaCCA publication. Check this page against the source.

Guide learners to discuss about the first generation of computers. e.g. ENIAC, EDVAC, UNIVAC, IBM-701 etc.