Computer External Components, Peripherals and Their Functions for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs
Curriculum Theme: Fundamentals of Computer Hardware
Focal competence: Identify internal and external components of computers and GSM phones
Key competencies/values: Critical Thinking; Collaboration; Responsibility
Skills:

• Connecting and maintaining external peripherals of a computer

Previous Lesson: Computer and Mobile Phone Components, Functions, Relationships
Topic: External Components And Peripherals Of A Computer
Subject Matter: Meaning of External Components and Peripherals of a computer, Common external peripherals of a computer and their functions, Connection of external peripherals of a computer

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define External Components and Peripherals of a computer.
• Explain common external peripherals of a computer and their functions.
• Mention the functions of a monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers, and scanner.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the importance of external peripherals to computer functionality.
• Develop a sense of responsibility for the proper care and handling of computer peripherals.

Psychomotor Domain

• Identify various external peripherals of a computer.
• Demonstrate how to connect external peripherals of a computer correctly.

Social Domain

• Collaborate effectively in groups to discuss and present information about computer peripherals.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2025 New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• The HeadTeacher Scheme of work For The New Revised Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• A suitable Computer Hardware textbook for SS 1

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Computer
• Monitor
• Mouse
• Printer
• Keyboard (Keypad)
• Speakers
• Scanner
• Pictures or diagrams of various external peripherals

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding external computer components and peripherals is fundamental for anyone working with computer hardware. This lesson provides students with essential knowledge about how these devices interact with a computer system, preparing them for basic troubleshooting and maintenance tasks. It also lays the groundwork for more advanced topics in computer hardware and GSM repairs.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of what a computer is and its main parts (hardware and software) from previous lessons.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

External Components And Peripherals Of A Computer

Meaning of External Components and Peripherals of a Computer

External components of a computer are hardware parts that are physically separate from the main computer unit (the system unit) but are connected to it to perform specific functions. These are also commonly referred to as peripherals.

Peripherals are devices that are connected to a computer system but are not part of the core computer architecture (CPU, memory, and motherboard). They expand the computer’s capabilities by providing input, output, storage, or communication functions.

Common External Peripherals of a Computer and Their Functions

External peripherals can be categorised based on their primary function:

1. Input Devices: These devices send data and control signals to the computer.
   1. Keyboard: Used for entering text, numbers, and commands into the computer. It has keys for letters, numbers, symbols, and special functions.
   2. Mouse: A pointing device used to control the cursor on the screen, select items, and interact with graphical user interfaces. It typically has two buttons and a scroll wheel.
   3. Scanner: Converts physical documents or images into digital format that can be stored and processed by the computer.
2. Output Devices: These devices receive data from the computer and display or reproduce it in a human-readable form.
   1. Monitor: The primary visual output device that displays text, images, and video generated by the computer’s graphics card.
   2. Printer: Produces hard copies of electronic documents or images on paper. Common types include inkjet and laser printers.
   3. Speakers: Output audio (sound) from the computer, allowing users to listen to music, voice, and other sound effects.
3. Input/Output Devices: Some devices can perform both input and output functions.
   1. Modem: Modulates and demodulates signals to allow a computer to transmit data over telephone lines or cable connections (input and output for communication).
4. Storage Devices: While some storage is internal, external storage devices are also peripherals.
   1. External Hard Drive: Provides additional storage space for files and backups, connected via USB or other ports.
   2. USB Flash Drive (Pen Drive): A portable data storage device that connects to a USB port.

Connection of External Peripherals of a Computer

Connecting external peripherals to a computer usually involves these general steps:

1. Identify the Port: Determine the correct port on the computer for the peripheral. Common ports include:
   1. USB (Universal Serial Bus): Most common for keyboards, mice, printers, scanners, flash drives, etc.
   2. HDMI/VGA/DisplayPort: For monitors.
   3. Audio Jacks (3.5mm): For speakers and headphones.
   4. Ethernet (RJ-45): For network cables (e.g., connecting to a modem/router).
2. Connect the Cable: Carefully insert the peripheral’s cable into the corresponding port on the computer. Ensure the connector is oriented correctly to avoid damage.
3. Power On (if necessary): If the peripheral has its own power supply (e.g., a printer, monitor, or scanner), plug it into a power outlet and switch it on.
4. Install Drivers (if required): For some peripherals, especially older or specialised ones, the operating system might require specific software called “drivers” to function correctly. These usually come on a CD or can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website. Modern operating systems often install generic drivers automatically.
5. Test the Peripheral: After connection, test the peripheral to ensure it is working as expected (e.g., type on the keyboard, move the mouse, print a test page, play audio).

Safety and Best Practices for Connecting Peripherals:

1. Always handle cables and connectors gently.
2. Ensure the computer is off or in sleep mode before connecting/disconnecting some peripherals (especially older ones or those that are not “hot-swappable”).
3. Avoid forcing connectors into ports.
4. Keep cables organised to prevent tangles and accidental disconnections.
5. Refer to the peripheral’s manual for specific connection instructions if unsure.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Group Work, Practical Activity

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Engaging

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to identify some common devices they use with a computer. The teacher then introduces the topic: External Components and Peripherals of a Computer.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming devices like mouse, keyboard, printer. They listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to peripherals

Step 2: Meaning of External Components and Peripherals

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of external components and peripherals of a computer, using simple language and relating it to devices students already know. The teacher clarifies that these are devices connected to the main computer unit to expand its functions.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and contribute examples of peripherals they know.

Learning Point: Definition of peripherals

Step 3: Common External Peripherals and Their Functions (Part 1)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Discussion

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to use pictures and samples of external peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) to discuss their functions in groups. The teacher circulates to assist and clarify.

Pupils’ Activity: Students work in groups, discussing the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, identifying them and explaining their functions.

Learning Point: Functions of input/output devices

Step 4: Common External Peripherals and Their Functions (Part 2)

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Presentation/Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher calls on groups to present their findings on the functions of the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. The teacher then introduces and explains the functions of other peripherals like printers, speakers, and scanners, using actual samples or pictures.

Pupils’ Activity: Groups present their discussions. Pupils listen to other presentations and the teacher’s explanations, taking mental notes.

Learning Point: More peripheral functions

Step 5: Connection of External Peripherals

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practical

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to safely connect various external peripherals (e.g., mouse, keyboard, monitor, speakers) to a computer. The teacher highlights the different types of ports and the importance of correct orientation.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, paying attention to the ports and connection procedures.

Learning Point: Connecting computer peripherals

Step 6: Caring and Maintenance of Peripherals

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Group Discussion/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students to work in groups to discuss basic care and maintenance practices for external peripherals, emphasising safe handling and organisation.

Pupils’ Activity: Students discuss in groups, sharing ideas on how to care for and maintain peripherals.

Learning Point: Peripheral care and maintenance

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

1. What are external components of a computer?
2. Name three input peripherals and their functions.
3. How would you connect a monitor to a computer?
4. Mention two ways to care for a computer mouse.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding peripheral concepts

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the meaning, common peripherals, their functions, and connection methods into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the importance of external components and peripherals for computer functionality and reminds students about their proper handling and connection. The teacher encourages students to explore more about different types of peripherals.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Consolidation of learning

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework/Practice Exercise

Instruction: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

1. Differentiate between an input device and an output device, giving two examples for each.
2. Describe the steps you would take to connect a printer to a computer system.
3. Research and list two less common external peripherals and explain their uses.
4. Explain why it is important to handle computer peripherals with care.

Lesson Keywords

• Peripherals – Devices connected to a computer to expand its functions.
• Input Devices – Hardware that sends data to the computer (e.g., keyboard, mouse).
• Output Devices – Hardware that displays or reproduces data from the computer (e.g., monitor, printer).
• Monitor – Visual display unit for computer output.
• Keyboard – Input device for typing text and commands.
• Mouse – Pointing device for screen navigation.
• Printer – Device for producing hard copies on paper.
• Scanner – Device for converting physical documents to digital.
• USB Port – Common port for connecting many peripherals.

Differentiation

For learners needing support: The teacher will provide simplified diagrams and one-on-one guidance during the practical connection demonstration. Group activities will be structured to ensure all members contribute, with stronger students supporting weaker ones. Focus on identifying and defining the main peripherals.

For advanced learners: These students will be encouraged to research more specialised peripherals (e.g., graphics tablets, webcams, projectors) and their applications. They can also assist in demonstrating connections and explaining more complex functions to their peers.

Suggested Lesson Videos

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