Lesson Note on NITEL Communication Services: Telephone and Internet Calls for SS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Office Practice
Curriculum Theme: Communication
Previous Lesson: NIPOST Communication Services: Postal and Auxiliary Services.
Topic: COMMUNICATION SERVICES BY NITEL
Subject Matter: Communication services by NITEL, telephone services, common telephone services (internet calls, local calls, trunk calls, international calls, conference calls, fixed time calls, emergency calls), radio and TV services, satellite services, internet services (e-mail), global system for mobile communication (GSM)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define NITEL and its historical role in communication services.
• Identify and explain common telephone services.
• Describe satellite and internet services, including e-mail.
• Explain the meaning of Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM).

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of various communication services in daily life and business.
• Show interest in understanding the evolution of communication technologies.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Identify different communication devices such as telephone sets and GSM handsets.
• Differentiate between various types of telephone calls.

Social Domain:

• Discuss the impact of modern communication services on society and business operations.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Oyewole, A. (2018). Office Practice for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
• https://www.nitel.com.ng/ (if applicable for historical context)
• https://www.nigeriacommunications.gov.ng/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Pictures of various communication tools (e.g., old telephone sets, modern smartphones)
• A GSM handset
• A telephone set (if available)
• Pictures of a computer and satellite dish
• Newspapers and journals highlighting communication advancements

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational communication services provided by agencies like NITEL and how these services have evolved. It enables them to appreciate the importance of modern communication technologies in personal and business contexts.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of communication and some awareness of different methods people use to communicate.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Communication Services by NITEL

Introduction to NITEL

NITEL (Nigerian Telecommunications Limited) was a government-owned telecommunications company responsible for providing fixed-line and mobile communication services in Nigeria. While NITEL is no longer the primary service provider, it laid the groundwork for many communication services that are still relevant today.

Telephone Services

Telephone services allow individuals and businesses to communicate over distances using voice. These services are fundamental to modern communication.

Common Telephone Services

• Internet Calls: Calls made over the internet using voice over IP (VoIP) technology, often cheaper for long distances.
• Local Calls: Calls made within the same city or local exchange area, usually charged at a lower rate.
• Trunk Calls: Calls made between different cities or towns within the same country, also known as national long-distance calls.
• International Calls: Calls made from one country to another country. These are generally the most expensive type of call.
• Conference Calls: Calls involving three or more participants from different locations simultaneously, often used for business meetings.
• Fixed Time Calls: Calls that are pre-booked for a specific time, sometimes offered at special rates.
• Emergency Calls: Calls made to emergency services (e.g., police, fire service, ambulance) using specific emergency numbers (e.g., 112, 911 in some regions).

Radio and Television (TV) Services

These services transmit audio (radio) and audio-visual (TV) content over airwaves to a broad audience. NITEL played a role in providing the infrastructure for transmitting these signals across the country.

Satellite Services

Satellite communication involves transmitting signals via artificial satellites orbiting the Earth. These services are crucial for international calls, internet connectivity in remote areas, and broadcasting, as they cover vast geographical areas.

Internet Services (E-mail)

Internet services provide global connectivity, allowing users to access information, communicate, and conduct various online activities. E-mail (electronic mail) is a primary internet service used for sending and receiving messages digitally across computer networks.

• E-mail: A method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more recipients. It is fast, efficient, and can include attachments like documents and images.

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM)

GSM is a global standard for mobile communications. It allows mobile phones to make calls, send text messages (SMS), and access the internet. GSM technology revolutionized personal communication by enabling widespread mobile phone usage and roaming capabilities worldwide.

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 mention different ways people communicate over long distances. The teacher then introduces the topic: “COMMUNICATION SERVICES BY NITEL.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by mentioning methods like phone calls, letters, and internet. They listen attentively as the topic is introduced.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the topic is introduced.

Step 2: Explanation of NITEL and its Role

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what NITEL stands for and its historical significance as a major provider of communication services in Nigeria, laying the foundation for modern telecommunications.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification regarding NITEL’s role.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the historical context of communication services in Nigeria.

Step 3: Telephone Services

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the concept of telephone services and uses a telephone set or pictures to demonstrate how calls are made. The teacher introduces the idea of different types of calls.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration, listen to the explanation, and identify the parts of a telephone. They prepare to learn about different call types.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the basic operation of telephone services.

Step 4: Common Telephone Services

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains each common telephone service: internet calls, local calls, trunk calls, international calls, conference calls, fixed time calls, and emergency calls, providing relevant examples for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute their own examples or experiences with these call types.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the specific uses and characteristics of various telephone call services.

Step 5: Radio, TV, and Satellite Services

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how radio, TV, and satellite services contribute to communication infrastructure, showing pictures of satellite dishes or broadcasting equipment.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the visual aids and listen to the explanations, understanding the broader scope of communication.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about non-telephonic communication services.

Step 6: Internet Services (E-mail) and GSM

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Question and Answer
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains internet services, focusing on e-mail as a key communication tool. The teacher then defines and explains the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and its impact, using a GSM handset as an example.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in a question-and-answer session, clarifying their understanding of e-mail and GSM technology. They examine the GSM handset.
Learning Point: Pupils understand modern digital and mobile communication technologies.

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 does NITEL stand for and what was its primary role?
2. List any three common telephone services and explain when each is used.
3. Explain the difference between a local call and an international call.
4. What is GSM and how has it impacted communication in Nigeria?

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/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the evolution of communication services. The teacher then gives homework: “Research how the absence of NITEL has affected communication service delivery in Nigeria.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced, and pupils are encouraged to research further.

Lesson Keywords

• NITEL – Nigerian Telecommunications Limited
• Telephone Services – Communication over distance using voice
• Local Call – Call within the same city/area
• Trunk Call – Call between different cities within a country
• International Call – Call between different countries
• Conference Call – Call with multiple participants
• Emergency Call – Call to emergency services
• Satellite Services – Communication via artificial satellites
• Internet Services – Global network for information and communication
• E-mail – Electronic mail for digital messaging
• GSM – Global System for Mobile Communication

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to research the latest advancements in communication technology. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or pair them with stronger pupils for peer learning and discussion.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should emphasize the historical context of NITEL while relating the services discussed to current communication technologies. Encourage pupils to share their experiences with different communication methods. Ensure visual aids are clear and relevant to enhance understanding.