in computing In this unit, students focus on the development of computing over time and key achievements in this development. The first reading text looks at landmarks in the development of computing up to the introduction of semiconductors, which is the beginning of the modern age of computing. The second reading text builds on the first and continues to describe developments up to modern computing. Reading skills development in this unit centres on how topic sentences can provide an overview of a text and how research questions can be used to focus on relevant information. Writing skills development focuses on writing topic sentences and writing a summary of a text.
Language skills • reading and writing
Topics
• landmarks in early computing • key developments in modern computing
Vocabulary focus • using an English–English dictionary
Skills focus
• doing reading research • using topic sentences to summarize a text
Key vocabulary
algorithm batch block calculations codes component computer computerize counter current cycle data digital switches division driver electric current engine frame hold (v) host integrated circuit log (n) mainframe computers mechanical computer memory microchip mouse multiplication network number systems processor protocol