Objective

Students will be able to…

1. identify and describe different types of computers (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, etc).
2. understand the basic functions and uses of each type of computer.
3. compare and contrast the various types of computers.

Prerequisites

1. Students should understand what a computer is and its general purpose.
2. They should be familiar with basic computer components (e.g., monitor, keyboard, mouse)

Goal

Operational Definition

All – This gives the goal, which is the minimum that the teacher must achieve for all students in the classroom.
Some – This gives the goal that the teacher may try to achieve for some students in the classroom who can achieve the suggested goal over and above the goal stated for ‘All’.
Few – This gives the goal that the teacher may try to achieve for few students in the classroom who can achieve the suggested goal over and above the goal stated for ‘Some’ and ‘All’.

Materials Required: 

Technology

• An audio-enabled computer with an internet connection, smartboard projector and screen.
• All devices like laptops, tablets and desktop computers with accessibility features enabled.
• Screen readers like JAWS and NVDA.
• Large keyboards, built-in screen magnifiers, hearing aids, text-to-speech and speech-to-text software.
• Voice recognition software like Siri, Windows Speech Recognition, etc.
• Headsets.
• Student writing or typing tools.

Teacher Materials

• Whiteboard and markers or blackboard and chalk.
• Pre-teach vocabulary cards, sight words, communication cards and worksheets.
• Lesson videos.

Student Handouts

• Handout 1: Communication Cards
• Handout 2: Vocabulary Cards
• Handout 3: Yes or No Cards
• Handout 4: Thumbs Up and Down Card
• Handout 5: Worksheets

Print Preparation

• Communication Cards for students 
• Vocabulary Cards for students
• Thumbs up and Thumbs down Card for students
• Yes or No Cards for students
• Pre-teach vocabulary cards, sight word cards
• Worksheets for students

Preparation for the Activity:

1. All the learning and teaching materials needed for this lesson plan must be ready before the lesson begins.
2. Ensure that there are enough copies for all children. Multiple copies can be made by photocopying too.
3. Please have the assistive technologies and accessibility features ready for your inclusive classroom.

Setup for transacting the lesson:

This topic must be taught in the computer lab.

1. Expected Prior Knowledge

Awareness of the extent of student’s prior knowledge of the topic will help the teacher plan and deliver the lesson appropriately.
This could be assessed through the provided pre-assessment worksheet.

Worksheets, Vocabulary Cards, Sight Words:

Worksheet: Pre-Assessment

LTM: Pre-teach Vocabulary

2. Warm-Up

1. Write the word ‘Types of computers’ on the board.
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when thinking of the types of computers?

Possible Answers: Laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone

2. Why do we use a smartphone?
Possible Answers: to make phone calls, to take pictures, to play games, play with your pets

3. Ask, “Which computer can be kept on the lap?” (The answer is a laptop)
4. Ask, “Which computer sounds like a medicine?” (The answer is a tablet)

 Differentiation

• Students can write down answers in their notebooks or on a slip of paper and stick it on the corkboard.
• Students can choose to write their answers or communicate their responses verbally with a friend/teacher.
• Students can draw the word or point to the picture on the Communication Card (a Communication Card handout should be provided).
• The teacher should immediately praise the student with her/his name and reward the child.

Worksheets and Communication Cards:

Worksheet: Vocabulary

LTM: Thumbs Up and Down

LTM: Communication Card

LTM: Yes or No Cards

Instructions to the teacher:

• Begin the topic with a Pre-assessment worksheet and pre-teach the vocabulary. 
• Relate to real-life experiences: Discuss how different types of computers are used in various professions and daily life.

3. Sit Smart

When I use my computer
I sit straight on the chair,
Rest my hands on the keyboard,
Keep my wrists on the table,
Eyes on the screen
and feet flat on the floor.

Video: Sit Smart

Video: Sit Smart with ISL

4. Types of Computers

Guided watching
Bring the attention of the students to the screen and say, “Let’s watch this video.”
Ask students to give a thumbs up whenever they hear and see the words desktop computer, laptop computer, smartphone, PDA, tablet computer, or notebook computer in the video.
Play video

Video: Types of Computers

Video: Types of Computers with ISL

Informal assessment (After playing the video)
1. Ask, “What is a laptop computer?”
If needed, prompt the children to come up with a definition using language from the video.
Example: It is a portable computer.
Write the term and definition on the board after the students respond.
 2. Ask, “Do we keep desktop computers on our lap?” (The answer is no) 
3. Ask, “Do we carry laptops everywhere?” (The answer is yes)
4. Ask, “Does the notebook computer look like a smartphone?” (The answer is no)
5. Ask, “Do we use smartphones to make calls?” (The answer is yes)
6. Ask, “Do we use tablet computers to play games?” (The answer is yes)

Worksheet: Informal Assessment

5. Design – Types of Computer chart

Aim: To bring out students’ creative expression and gauge their knowledge on the topic – Design  Types of Computer chart

Resources Required: Cutouts of the pictures, 5 chart papers, glue, scissors, coloured pencils, papers, pencils, erasers, ruler.

Setting for the activity: Peer activity/Group activity

Type of Activity: Creation

Preparation of Activity: 
1. Divide the students into five groups.
2. All the printouts provided to students must be taken before the activity.
3. Chart paper, glue, scissors, coloured pencils, papers, erasers, rulers, etc. must be provided.

Role of the Teacher: Facilitator

Procedure:
1. The teacher shows the sample/how-to make the chart instructional video to all the students.
2. The students can draw/cut and paste the pictures on the chart.
3. Children who are good at writing should be allowed to write on the chart.
4. Display the chart on the class noticeboard.

Observation: Students will work in groups and understand the different types of computers by presenting and having discussions.

Conclusion: This activity will help the students to know the different types of computers and their uses.

Suggested variation in rules: 
Allow additional time to finish the projects for children with disabilities.

Instructions to the teacher:

1. For group activity, divide students into small groups and assign each group a type of computer to research and present. They can choose their method of presentation (poster, digital slideshow, or report).
2. Provide materials (handouts, internet access) and guide them in creating a presentation (poster, digital slideshow, or report).
3. Each group should include the following in their presentation:
i)  Definition and features of the assigned type of computer
ii) Common uses and examples
iii) Advantages and disadvantages
4. Have each group present their findings to the class.
5. Facilitate a discussion, asking questions and encouraging students to compare and contrast the different types of computers.

Video: Let’s Prepare Charts

Video: Let’s Prepare Charts with ISL

LTM: Printables for the Activity

LTM: Types of Computers Poster A4

LTM: Types of Computers Poster A5

LTM: Types of Computers Poster A4 Horizontal

Try Me: Types of Computers

6. Adventures of the Tech Town Friends

Desktop Dan was big and good, perfect for important work.
Laptop Lucy was on the go great for travel and entertainment.
The tablet Tina was ideal for drawing and playing games.
Smartphone Sam was small and always ready to connect.
PDA Patty was great at organising important information.
Notebook Nick was light and perfect for learning and writing.
One day, the friends went on a picnic. Soon, it started raining. They worked together to find shelter for everyone, showing that each of them was special in their own way.

Video: Adventures of the Tech Town Friends

Video: Adventures of the Tech Town Friends with ISL

7. Adaptations and Modifications: Types of Computers

Adaptations and Modifications: Types of Computers

8. Assessment: Types of Computers

Worksheet: Types of Computers

9. Assistive Technologies

Video: Assistive Technologies

Teacher Resource Document

Source and Attribution of images: All images used in the above Assets and Aids are originally created.

This digital material has been developed by the Sri Sathya Sai Vidya Vahini Inclusive Education Project, a unit of Sri Sathya Sai Central Trust, Prasanthi Nilayam, as a collaborative offering in the service of our nation.