Different Information Ages – JSS1 Computer Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Technology is the use of tools, machines and methods to carry out tasks efficiently and improve people’s lives and environment. As people developed, their technology developed through different ages: the early counting devices, the Stone, Bronze, Iron and Middle Ages, the Industrial Age and the Electronic Age.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define technology;
• list the different technology ages in order;
• give examples of early counting devices;
• describe the Stone, Bronze, Iron and Middle Ages;
• state the features of the Industrial Age and the Electronic Age.

What is technology?

Technology can be defined as the technical means or methods that people use to improve their lives and environment. It is a method of using tools and machines to carry out tasks efficiently.

What are the different technology ages?

As a human being develops, the technology he uses develops. These are the different ages of technology development:

• Early counting devices
• The Stone Age
• The Bronze Age
• The Iron Age
• The Middle Ages
• The Industrial Age
• The Electronic Age

What were the early counting devices?

Early counting devices were the means of counting and calculation used in the early ages. Examples are:

• Fingers and toes: The ten fingers and toes were used to give an account of days, trading and children.
• Pebbles and grains: Pebbles are small round stones that were used for counting. Grains from the farm, such as corn, beans and rice, were also used for counting.
• Cowries: Cowries were used as money and for other counting needs.
• Sticks: These are pieces of shaped wood that were used for measuring land areas and for other counting and measuring needs.
• Writing on the wall: In the early ages, man used objects like charcoal, mud, limestone and chalk to write strokes on the wall for counting.

What were the other technology ages?

The Stone Age

This was the period when all tools and weapons were made of stones. The occupations of man during this period were hunting, farming and gathering of fruits. Technology was primitive during this age.

The Bronze Age

This was the period when most tools and weapons were made of bronze. Technology during this period was also primitive.

The Iron Age

This was the period when iron was used for making tools and weapons. It was around 1200 BC, and technology was primitive during this period.

The Middle Ages

This was the period when man started finding better ways of improving his life. Technology was improved upon, and tools and weapons were made from a combination of substances. Eyeglasses, gunpowder, the ship, the clock and the compass were also improved upon.

The Industrial Age

This was the period when electric power, combustion engines and factories for production became available.

Features of the Industrial Age

• Electricity became available.
• Goods were produced in industries.
• Internal combustion engines were introduced.
• There were massive improvements in technology.

The Electronic Age

This is the period when electronic calculators, electronic typewriters and the computer system were introduced.

Features of the Electronic Age

• Electronic machines and devices were developed.
• Computers were made.
• Electronic circuits and chips were introduced.
• Technology became advanced.

Evaluation

1. What is technology?
2. List the seven technology ages in order.
3. Name four early counting devices.
4. What were tools and weapons made of in the Stone Age?
5. State two features of the Electronic Age.

Assignment

1. Write short notes on the Industrial Age.
2. List three things that were improved upon in the Middle Ages.