Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 5
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Computer Studies
Curriculum Theme: Computer Studies
Previous Lesson: Third Term Computer Studies Examination.
Topic: PEOPLE WARE
Subject Matter: Computer professionals: Computer users

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define people ware.
Identify different categories of computer professionals.
List at least three types of computer users.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the importance of human interaction with computer systems.
Develop an interest in learning more about various computer roles.

Psychomotor Domain:

Categorize individuals into appropriate computer user roles.
Demonstrate basic understanding of how different users interact with computers.

Discuss the collaborative nature of computer professionals and users.
Understand the ethical responsibilities associated with different computer usage roles.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Basic Science and Technology for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2
https://www.studyadda.com/notes/class-8-computer-studies-peopleware-and-its-importance/6575
https://www.teachict.com/as_a2_ict_new/ocr/A2_F453/3_3_2_people/people/miniweb/index.htm

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Whiteboard and markers
Pictures or charts showing various computer professionals and users
A functional computer system (if available)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand that human beings are essential components of any computer system. It enables them to identify different roles people play in using and managing computers, which is important for effective computer interaction in daily life.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of computer hardware and software components.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

PEOPLE WARE

Definition of People Ware

People ware refers to the human element of a computer system. It includes all the people who interact with the computer system, from those who design and build it to those who use it daily.

Computer Professionals

Computer professionals are individuals who have specialized knowledge and skills in various aspects of computing. They are involved in designing, developing, maintaining, and managing computer systems and software.

Computer Users

Computer users are individuals who interact with a computer system to perform tasks, retrieve information, or operate applications. They are the people who utilize the computer for their work, studies, or personal use.

The following are types of computer users:

End-users: These are the most common type of users. They use computer applications to achieve a specific task, such as writing documents, browsing the internet, playing games, or sending emails. They usually do not have technical knowledge of how the computer works internally.
Programmers/Developers: These users write, test, and maintain computer programs and software applications. They use programming languages to create instructions for the computer to follow.
System Administrators: These professionals are responsible for the overall maintenance, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers like servers. They manage networks, ensure security, and troubleshoot issues.
Data Entry Operators: These users are responsible for inputting data into computer systems. Their job involves typing information from various sources into a database or software application accurately and efficiently.
Database Administrators (DBAs): These users manage and maintain databases. They ensure data security, integrity, and availability, and they are responsible for backing up and recovering data.

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 asks them to recall the components of a computer system they learned previously (hardware and software).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning hardware and software.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of computer components.

Step 2: Explanation of People Ware

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the concept of “People Ware” as the human element of a computer system and explains its importance. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, ask questions, and copy the definition into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand that people are crucial to computer systems.

Step 3: Introduction to Computer Professionals

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines computer professionals and gives examples of roles like programmers, system administrators, and network engineers, showing relevant pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify computer professionals from the pictures and discuss their roles.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize individuals with specialized computer skills.

Step 4: Types of Computer Users

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Categorization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that computer users are people who simply use computers. The teacher then discusses various types of computer users such as end-users, data entry operators, and programmers, providing simple examples for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and identify themselves as end-users.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about different categories of computer users.

Step 5: Roles of Computer Users

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher further explains the specific tasks and responsibilities associated with each type of computer user discussed, emphasizing their importance in different settings.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss the roles and give examples of people they know who fit these roles.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the functions performed by different computer users.

Step 6: Practical Interaction/Discussion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: If a computer is available, the teacher briefly demonstrates how an end-user might interact with a simple application. Otherwise, the teacher leads a discussion on how different users would interact with a computer system.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration or participate actively in the discussion, sharing their experiences.
Learning Point: Pupils connect theoretical knowledge to practical computer usage.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

What is People Ware?
Who are computer professionals?
Mention three types of computer users.
Briefly explain the role of an end-user.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the importance of people ware. The teacher then assigns homework for pupils to list five computer professionals they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and prepare for further learning.

Lesson Keywords

People Ware – The human component of a computer system.
Computer Professionals – Individuals with specialized computer knowledge and skills.
Computer Users – People who interact with a computer system.
End-users – General users who operate applications for specific tasks.
System Administrators – Professionals who manage and maintain computer systems and networks.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research more specialized computer professional roles. For those needing extra support, the teacher can provide simpler real-life examples and allow peer-assisted learning during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage pupils to share their personal experiences with computers and different types of users they have encountered. Use visual aids like charts or short videos to illustrate the various roles effectively. If a computer is available, allow pupils to briefly demonstrate how they use it as an end-user.