Computer Network: Advantages, Disadvantages and Uses of Computer Networks Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 6 Information Technology – Computer Studies

COMPUTER NETWORK: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER NETWORK, USES OF COMPUTER NETWORK

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (COMPUTER STUDIES)

PRIMARY 6 – SECOND TERM – WEEK 6

THEME – BASIC COMPUTER OPERATIONS 

PREVIOUS LESSON – Network Topology: Meaning and Types of Network Topology Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 5 Information Technology – Computer Studies

TOPIC – COMPUTER NETWORK 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Meaning of Computer Network

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Network

4. Uses and Importance of Computer ne

6. Weekly Assessment: Test Questions and Answers/Assignment

7. Summary

LEARNING OBJECTIVES 

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

1. Define a computer network.

2. State the advantages of a computer network.

3. State the disadvantages of a computer network.

4. Explain the uses of a computer network.

5. Identify places where computer networks are commonly used.

ENTRY BEHAVIOUR

Pupils have previously learned the meaning of a computer network, the types of computer networks (LAN, MAN, and WAN), the requirements of a computer network, and network topology. They also learned how computers are connected to communicate and share resources.

This lesson builds on that knowledge by explaining the advantages, disadvantages, and uses of computer networks in homes, schools, offices, businesses, and other organisations.

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

The teacher will teach the lesson with the aid of:

1. Desktop computers or laptops

2. Network cables (Ethernet cables)

3. Router

4. Switch or hub

5. Chart showing a computer network

6. Pictures of networked computers in schools, banks, and offices

7. Multimedia projector (optional)

8. Whiteboard and marker

9. Internet-enabled devices (optional)

10. Pupils’ notebooks and writing materials

METHOD OF TEACHING

Choose a suitable and appropriate methods for the lessons.

Note – Irrespective of choosing methods of teaching, always introduce an activities that will arouse pupil’s interest or lead them to the lessons. 

REFERENCE MATERIALS

1. Scheme of Work

2. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum

3. Course Book

4. All Relevant Material

5. Online Information

CONTENT OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Many organisations such as schools, banks, hospitals, offices, and businesses use computer networks to share files, printers, internet connections, and other resources. Computer networks help people work together more efficiently, but they also have some challenges, such as security risks and installation costs.

In this lesson, pupils will learn the advantages, disadvantages, and uses of computer networks and understand why networking is important in today’s digital world.

MEANING OF A COMPUTER NETWORK

A computer network is a system in which two or more computers and other devices are connected together to communicate, share information, exchange data, and share resources such as files, printers, software, and internet access.

ADVANTAGES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK

1. Sharing of Files – Users can easily share files, documents, pictures, and other information.

2. Sharing of Printers and Other Devices – Many computers can use the same printer, scanner, and other devices.

3. Sharing Internet Connection – Several computers can access the internet through one network.

4. Improves Communication – Users can send messages, emails, and share information quickly.

5. Saves Time – Information can be transferred quickly between computers.

6. Reduces Cost – Sharing resources such as printers and internet connections helps reduce expenses.

7. Supports Teamwork – People can work together on projects and share information easily.

8. Easy Access to Information – Users can access shared files and data from different computers on the network.

DISADVANTAGES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK

1. High Installation Cost – Setting up a network can be expensive.

2. Security Risks – Hackers and viruses can spread through a network if it is not properly protected.

3. Virus Spread – Computer viruses can easily spread from one computer to another.

4. Network Failure – If the network fails, users may not be able to access shared resources.

5. Requires Skilled Personnel – Setting up and maintaining a network requires trained professionals.

6. Maintenance Cost – Networks require regular maintenance and updates.

USES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK

Computer networks are used to:

1. Share files and documents.

2. Share printers, scanners, and other devices.

3. Provide internet access to multiple users.

4. Send emails and messages.

5. Store and access information.

6. Support online learning.

7. Conduct online banking and financial transactions.

8. Manage hospital records.

9. Run business operations.

10. Support communication in government offices.

PLACES WHERE COMPUTER NETWORKS ARE USED

1. Schools

2. Hospitals

3. Banks

4. Offices

5. Libraries

6. Airports

7. Hotels

8. Government offices

9. Business organisations

10. Homes

IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

Computer networks are important because they:

1. Make communication faster and easier.

2. Help users share information and resources.

3. Improve teamwork and collaboration.

4. Save time and reduce costs.

5. Increase productivity in schools, offices, and businesses.

6. Support online services such as e-learning, e-banking, and e-commerce.

WEEKLY ASSESSMENT: TEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ASSIGNMENT 

A. Multiple Choice Questions

1. One advantage of a computer network is that it allows users to _______.

A. damage computers

B. switch off all computers

C. delete all documents

D. share files and information

2. Which of the following is a disadvantage of a computer network?

A. Easy sharing of files

B. Improved communication

C. Security risks

D. Sharing of printers

3. A computer network allows many computers to share a ________.

A. printer

B. keyboard only

C. table

D. chair

4. Which of the following is a use of a computer network?

A. Cooking food

B. Online learning

C. Washing clothes

D. Sweeping the classroom

5. Which place commonly uses a computer network?

A. Bank

B. Farm

C. Playground

D. Football field

B. Fill in the Gaps

Complete the sentences using the words in the box below: communication, printers, internet, viruses, files

6. A computer network makes _______ faster and easier.

7. Computers on a network can share _______ and documents.

8. Many computers can use the same _______ on a network.

9. A network allows several users to access the _______ connection.

10. Computer _______ can spread quickly through an unprotected network.

C. True or False

11. A computer network allows users to share files and information. _______

12. Computer networks can only be used in schools. _______

13. Sharing printers is one advantage of a computer network. _______

14. Security risks are one advantage of a computer network. _______

15. Hospitals and banks use computer networks. _______

D. Match Column A with the correct answer in Column B.

Column A – Column B

16. Sharing files – A. Disadvantage

17. Security risks – B. Use of computer network

18. Online learning – C. Advantage

19. Sharing printers – D. Place where networks are used

20. Bank – E. Advantage

Answer KEYS

1. D – Share files and information

2. C – Security risks

3. A – Printer

4. B – Online learning

5. A – Bank

6. communication

7. files

8. printers

9. internet

10. viruses

11. True

12. False

13. True

14. False

15. True

16. C – Advantage

17. A – Disadvantage

18. B – Use of computer network

19. E – Advantage

20. D – Place where networks are used

SUMMARY

In this lesson, pupils learned that a computer network is a system in which two or more computers and other devices are connected together to communicate, share information, exchange data, and share resources such as files, printers, software, and internet access.

Pupils identified the advantages of a computer network, including sharing files and information, sharing printers and other devices, sharing an internet connection, improving communication, saving time, reducing costs, supporting teamwork, and providing easy access to shared resources.

Furthermore, pupils learned the disadvantages of a computer network, such as high installation costs, security risks, the spread of computer viruses, network failure, the need for skilled personnel, and maintenance costs.

Finally, pupils learned the uses of a computer network, including file sharing, resource sharing, internet access, email communication, online learning, online banking, hospital record management, business operations, and communication in government offices. They also identified common places where computer networks are used, such as schools, hospitals, banks, offices, libraries, airports, hotels, government offices, business organisations, and homes.

PRESENTATION

To deliver the lesson, the teacher adopts the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction – The teacher asks pupils if they have ever used computers to share files, print documents, or browse the internet in their school or at home. The teacher explains that these activities are possible because the computers are connected through a computer network.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention places where they have seen computers connected together and listen attentively.

Step 2: Meaning of a Computer Network – The teacher explains that a computer network is a group of two or more computers connected together to share information and resources.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils explain the meaning of a computer network in their own words.

Step 3: Advantages of a Computer Network – The teacher explains the advantages of a computer network, such as:

• Sharing files.

• Sharing printers.

• Sharing the internet.

• Saving time.

• Improving communication.

• Supporting teamwork.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention the advantages of a computer network.

Step 4: Disadvantages of a Computer Network – The teacher explains the disadvantages of a computer network, including:

• It can be expensive to install.

• Viruses can spread easily.

• Hackers may attack the network.

• The network may stop working if there is a fault.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils identify the disadvantages of a computer network.

Step 5: Uses of a Computer Network – The teacher explains that computer networks are used in:

• Schools

• Hospitals

• Banks

• Offices

• Homes

The teacher explains that they help people share information and work together.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils mention places where computer networks are used.

Step 6: Practical Demonstration – The teacher demonstrates how to identify a router, switch, network cable, and two connected computers. The teacher explains how computers share files and the internet through a network.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils observe the demonstration and identify the networking devices.

Step 7: Group Activity – The teacher divides the class into four groups and assigns the following activities:

• Group 1: Define a computer network.

• Group 2: State five advantages of a computer network.

• Group 3: State four disadvantages of a computer network.

• Group 4: Mention five uses of a computer network.

Each group presents its work before the class.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils discuss the activities and present their answers.

Step 8: Lesson Summary – The teacher reviews the meaning, advantages, disadvantages, and uses of a computer network.

Pupils’ Activities: Pupils answer oral questions and summarise the lesson.

CONCLUSION

To conclude the lesson for the week, the teacher revises the entire lesson and links it to the following week’s lesson.

NEXT LESSON

Scratch in the Classroom: Applying Scratch Programming to Draw Basic Shapes | Primary 6 (Basic 6) Second Term Week 8 Information Technology – Computer Studies

LESSON EVALUATION 

Teacher asks pupils,

1. Define a computer network.

2. State five advantages of a computer network.

3. State four disadvantages of a computer network.

4. Mention five uses of a computer network.

5. Identify five places where computer networks are used.

6. Explain why computer networks are important in homes, schools, offices, and businesses.