Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Computer Studies
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Communication System I.
Topic: COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS
Subject Matter: public switched telephone network, GSM mobile phone system, satellite telephone system, fixed wireless telephone system, data networks, personal area network, local area network, wide area network, internet

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define communication systems.
List and explain different types of communication systems.
Identify and describe various data networks including PAN, LAN, WAN, and the Internet.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of communication systems in daily life.
Show interest in exploring different communication technologies.

Psychomotor Domain:

Identify examples of communication devices and network components.
Differentiate between various communication systems and data networks.

Participate actively in discussions about communication technologies.
Collaborate with peers to access information on the internet or other devices.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Senior Secondary Education)
State Unified Scheme of Work for Computer Studies
M.O. Okeke (2018). Comprehensive Computer Studies for Senior Secondary Schools 1-3. Aflon Limited.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Internet facility
GSM phone
Fax machine
Projector
Computer system
Charts illustrating different network types
Satellite dish (if available for display or picture)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how people and devices communicate over distances using various technologies. Understanding communication systems enables pupils to make informed choices about connectivity and appreciate the role of technology in connecting the world.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of computers, information technology, and general communication methods from their previous lessons or daily experiences.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

Definition of Communication Systems

A communication system is a collection of hardware and software components that work together to transmit information from one point to another.

Types of Communication Systems

The following are common types of communication systems:

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN): This is the traditional circuit-switched telephone network that connects landline telephones globally. It uses physical wires for voice communication.
GSM Mobile Phone System: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) is a standard for digital cellular networks used by mobile phones. It allows voice calls, text messages (SMS), and data transfer wirelessly.
Satellite Telephone System: This system uses communication satellites orbiting the Earth to provide telephone services to remote areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
Fixed Wireless Telephone System: This system provides telephone service using radio signals instead of physical wires to connect a subscriber’s phone to a public telephone network.

Types of Data Networks

Data networks are systems that allow computers and other devices to share data and resources. The following are common types:

Personal Area Network (PAN): A PAN is a computer network used for communication among computer devices (including telephones and personal digital assistants) located close to a single user. Examples include Bluetooth and USB connections.
Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN connects computers and devices within a limited area such as a school, office building, or home. It allows users to share files, printers, and internet access.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A WAN extends over a large geographical area, such as a state, country, or even the world. It connects multiple LANs together, often using telecommunication lines or satellite links.
Internet: The Internet is a global network of interconnected computer networks that uses standard communication protocols. It allows users worldwide to share information and resources.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils how they communicate with friends and family who are far away, and shows some communication gadgets like a mobile phone or a picture of a satellite dish.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and observe the gadgets.
Learning Point: Pupils recall previous knowledge and are introduced to the topic of communication systems.

Step 2: Definition of Communication Systems

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines communication systems and explains their basic purpose. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand what communication systems are.

Step 3: Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and GSM Mobile System

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains PSTN, describing how landlines work. Then, the teacher explains the GSM mobile phone system, using a mobile phone as a demonstration. The teacher highlights the differences between the two.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the phone, and take notes. They may share their experiences with landlines or mobile phones.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about traditional and mobile phone communication systems.

Step 4: Satellite and Fixed Wireless Telephone Systems

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains satellite telephone systems, mentioning their use in remote areas, possibly showing a picture of a satellite dish. The teacher also explains fixed wireless telephone systems.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe pictures (if shown), and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand other advanced communication systems.

Step 5: Data Networks (PAN, LAN, WAN)

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces data networks and explains Personal Area Network (PAN), Local Area Network (LAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN) with examples relevant to pupils’ daily lives (e.g., Bluetooth for PAN, school network for LAN, internet for WAN). The teacher may use charts to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe charts, and contribute examples they know.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about different scales of data networks.

Step 6: The Internet

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher focuses on the Internet as a global WAN, explaining its importance and how it connects people worldwide. The teacher encourages pupils to access information using the internet facility or other devices if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss their experiences with the internet and understand its global reach.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the concept and importance of the Internet.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a communication system.
Mention three types of communication systems.
Differentiate between a LAN and a WAN.
What is the Internet?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Consolidation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of communication systems in modern society. The teacher gives homework: “List five communication devices you use daily and state the type of communication system they belong to.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks to reinforce understanding.

Lesson Keywords

PSTN – Public Switched Telephone Network, traditional landline network.
GSM – Global System for Mobile Communications, mobile phone standard.
Satellite Phone – Phone system using satellites for communication.
Fixed Wireless – Telephone service using radio signals instead of wires.
PAN – Personal Area Network, short-range network for personal devices.
LAN – Local Area Network, network within a limited geographical area.
WAN – Wide Area Network, network covering a large geographical area.
Internet – Global network of interconnected computer networks.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage research into emerging communication technologies. For those who need more support, the teacher can provide simplified diagrams and allow peer tutoring or offer one-on-one explanations.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that instructional materials like a GSM phone are available for practical demonstration. Encourage pupils to share their experiences with different communication systems. Emphasize safety and responsible use of internet and communication devices.