Vocabulary Development: Words Associated with Technology – SS2 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

Technology vocabulary is the set of words used to talk about computers, the internet and electronic communication. This note defines thirteen of them: computer, internet, software, hardware, data, algorithm, cell phone, SMS, ping, email, browse, upload and download. Students learn what each word means so that they can use it correctly in speech and writing.

Behavioural objectives

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

• explain the meaning of common words associated with technology;
• tell the difference between software and hardware;
• tell the difference between uploading and downloading;
• use the technology words correctly in sentences of their own.

What are the common words associated with technology?

1. Computer: A device that can be programmed to perform a variety of tasks.
2. Internet: A global network of computers that allows users to share information and communicate with each other.
3. Software: A set of instructions that tell a computer what to do.
4. Hardware: The physical components of a computer system.
5. Data: Information that is stored in a computer.
6. Algorithm: A set of steps that are used to solve a problem.
7. Cell phone: A portable telephone that uses cellular radio waves to communicate.
8. SMS: Short message service, a text messaging service that is used to send short messages between cell phones.
9. Ping: A command that is used to test whether a computer is connected to a network.
10. Email: Electronic mail, a system for sending and receiving messages over the Internet.
11. Browse: To search for information on the internet.
12. Upload: To transfer a file from a computer to a server.
13. Download: To transfer a file from a server to a computer.

Words of the week

Nuzzle, Platitude, Feisty, Oust, Disarmament, Vestige, Exude, Rattle, Tantalizing, Unbridled

Evaluation

1. What is the difference between software and hardware?
2. Explain the difference between “upload” and “download”.
3. What does SMS stand for, and what is it used for?
4. What is an algorithm?

Assignment

Choose five words from the list of technology words. Write the meaning of each word, then use each one in a sentence of your own.