Practical training
Theme of the lesson: “Types of computers”
Цели занятия
ensuring the assimilation of new vocabulary during the lesson;
improving the technique of reading aloud and silently;
improving grammatical skills;
developing dialogical speech skills
I. Warming up
How often do you use computers?
Do you have a laptop?
What’s your laptop brand?
Do you have an access to the internet at home?
Do you usually store movies and music in your computer?
What type of computer would you like to have in the future?
Do you have a printer at home?
Do you know any computer programming languages?
Do you take computer classes in school?
Do you play computer games in your computer?
What email service do you use?
What do you use more? Cellphones or Computers?
What are you looking for in a good computer?
What websites do you visit in a regular basis?
Do you download movies or music from the Internet?
Do you like a job in which you have to use computers?
How many hours do you use the internet? Do you visit English websites?
Do computers make life easier?
II. Practice
1.Reading the text
The types of computers range from the Hybrid to the Analog types. The computers you come across in the daily course of your day range from laptops, palmtops and towers, to desktop computers, to name a few. But the very word “computers” reminds one of the desktop computers used in offices or homes. Different categories of computers have been devised in keeping with our varied needs.
According to the classification based on operational principle the types of computers: analog and hybrid.
The Analog computer is almost an extinct type of computer these days. It is different from a digital computer in respect that it can perform numerous mathematical operations simultaneously. It is also unique in terms of operation as it utilizes continuous variables for the purpose of mathematical computation. It utilizes mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical energy or operation.
Hybrid computers are a combination of both Analog and Digital computers. The Digital computers which work on the principle of binary digit system of “0” and “1” can give very precise results. But the problem is that they are too slow and incapable of large scale mathematical operation. In the hybrid types of computers the Digital counterparts convert the analog signals to perform Robotics and Process control. Apart from this, computers are also categorized on the basis of physical structures and the purpose of their use. Based on capacity, speed and reliability they can be divided into three categories of computers:
1. The Mainframe Computer – these are computers used by large organizations like meteorological surveys and statistical institutes for performing bulk mathematical computations. They are core computers which are used for desktop functions of over one hundred people simultaneously.
2. The Microcomputer – these are the most frequently used computers better known by the name of “personal computers”. This is type of computer meant for public use. Other than Desktop Computer the choice ranges as follows:
A desktop is a PC that is not designed for portability. The expectation with desktop systems is that you will set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren.
Laptops, also called notebooks, are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball, processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover book.
Palmtops, more commonly known as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), are tightly integrated computers that often use flash memory instead of a hard drive for storage. These computers usually do not have keyboards but rely on touchscreen technology for user input. Palmtops are typically smaller than a paperback novel, very lightweight with a reasonable battery life. A slightly larger and heavier version on the palmtop is the handheld computer.
A tablet PC is a notebook or slate-shaped mobile computer, first introduced by Pen Computing in the early 90s with their PenGo Tablet Computer and popularized by Microsoft. Its touchscreen or graphics tablet/screen hybrid technology allows the user to operate the computer with a stylus or digital pen, or a fingertip, instead of a keyboard or mouse. The form factor offers a more mobile way to interact with a computer. Tablet PCs are often used where normal notebook are impractical or unwieldy, or do not provide the needed functionality.
A workstation is a desktop computer that has a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development.
3. The Mini computer – Mini computers like the mainframe computers are used by business organization. The difference being that it can support the simultaneous working of up to 100 users and is usually maintained in business organizations for the maintenance of accounts and finances.
Yet another category of computer is the Super Computers. It is somewhat similar to mainframe computers and is used in economic forecasts and engineering designs. Today life without computers is inconceivable. Usage of different types of computers has made life both smooth and fast paced.
2. Translate the following words into English:
точный, определенный, наблюдение, обзор, настольный компьютер, основная масса, базовый, исходя из, на основе, устаревший, часто, наводить на мысль, означать, натолкнуться на что-либо, одновременно, карманный компьютер, принимая во внимание, робототехника, персональный цифровой секретарь, переменная величина.
3. Speaking
With books closed, ask students to make a list of computer hardware in small groups. To start
them off, write one or two items on the board under the heading Computer hardware (for example, monitor and mouse). If you asked students to prepare a list of the computer hardware and software they use in their studies or work, collate the lists on the board and deal with any vocabulary queries. A lot here will depend on your students’ expertise and situation but in addition to the items in the vocabulary task that follows, students may suggest the following: scanner, modem, joystick,
DVD drive, speakers, microphone, camera (web, CCTV), router, headphones, USB, SD cards.
4. Grammar. Comparison of adjectives degrees.
Before students do this activity, go through the adjectives and make sure they understand their
meaning by translating, demonstrating (for example, miming heavy and light) or explaining (for example, When something is very durable, it lasts a long time. Metal is more durable than plastic.). Ask students to identify the pairs of opposites in the list of adjectives: light – heavy, soft – hard and light – dark.
III. Developing dialogical speech skills
Amy: Sorry to bother you, but I have one problem and I think you might help me with it.
Sean: No problem. What's happened?
Amy: It's my computer. I've been having some problems with it lately. I know that you're good with computers, so I decided to address you. As for me, I don't understand a thing in electronic appliances.
Sean: I see. I'll try to help you. So, what's the problem?
Amy: There are actually several problems here. First of all, my computer started to shut down unexpectedly. It wasn't like this before. Secondly, I fail to open some of my past pictures of documents. Thirdly, I can't start the music. I'm at loss. I think, perhaps, my computer has become outdated or something.
Sean: Those problems are quite serious. I must come over and have a look at it. I assume that the problem of shutting down is because of overheating. Perhaps you should replace the battery. When certain files fail to open, it might be a virus. So we will need a reliable anti-virus software set up. And the problem with audio files might be because the player became outdated. It needs to be refreshed.
Amy: See, I knew you are a computer genius. Could you come over?
Sean: Yes, of course. When is it more convenient for you?
Amy: The sooner, the better. I don't work this week so you can come anytime.
Sean: Ok, then. I will come tomorrow evening if that's all right.
Amy: That's perfect. I'll be waiting for you.
Sean: I will have to take some software and equipment with me. Is there anything else to be fixed?
Amy: My printer is also a mess. I've tried to change the ink, it didn't help. I'm having some trouble printing black and white pages.
Sean: I see. I'll have a look. However, I'm not good at printer or scanner fixing.
Amy: It's ok, Sean. Those devices are not so important for me as the computer and laptop. By the way, my laptop also plays tricks on me.
Sean: What's wrong with it?
Amy: I think, there is also some kind of a virus, because my files don't open.
Sean: Yes, that might be a virus. It is a common problem of computers these days.
Amy: I will buy anti-virus software for both computers then. I should have done this earlier.
Sean: Yes, it is important to protect your PC. Otherwise, your personal information might become available to third parties.
Amy: Thank you, Sean, for trying to help me. I'll see you tomorrow then.
Sean: See you. Bye.
1. What problems does an owner have?
computer started to shut down unexpectedly.
fail to open some of past pictures of documents.
can't start the music.
printer is also a mess. tried to change the ink, it didn't help. having some trouble printing black and white pages.
there is also some kind of a virus on the laptop, because my files don't open.
2. What advice does Sean give to the owner of the devices?
I assume that the problem of shutting down is because of overheating. Perhaps you should replace the battery. When certain files fail to open, it might be a virus. So we will need a reliable anti-virus software set up. And the problem with audio files might be because the player became outdated. It needs to be refreshed.
it is important to protect your PC. Otherwise, your personal information might become available to third parties.
III.Reflexion. Homework.
Make up a report “Types of computers”
