Basic 8 · Computing · Term Revision
Term Revision in Computing
In this topic you will recall and summarise the term's work on computer generations, data entry, output, storage, systems, accessibility, online services, workstation health and safety, and word-processing tables and hyperlinks.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Recall key ideas on hardware, storage and computer systems
- Recall key ideas on accessibility, online services and workstation safety
- Demonstrate table and hyperlink skills and answer revision questions
What you already know
- All topics covered in Computing this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
The first half of the term covered how computers have developed, how data gets in and out, and how it is stored and managed.
1. Key Ideas
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| fifth generation | AI, natural language processing, machine learning, robotics, parallel processing |
| quantum computing | qubits, superposition, entanglement; uses and challenges |
| direct data entry | barcode, QR, OMR, OCR, MICR, RFID, biometric readers |
| output devices | LCD, LED, OLED, projectors, printers, 3D printers, haptic and wearable devices |
| storage | magnetic, optical, solid-state, cloud; bits, bytes, KB, MB, GB, TB; 3-2-1 backup |
| Charms bar | Search, Share, Start, Devices, Settings; modern equivalents |
| drive management | check space, clean up, optimise, check errors, format carefully, eject safely |
2. Practical Review
- Connect a keyboard and mouse to a desktop and identify each device.
- Check the free space on the C: drive.
- Copy a file to a flash drive and eject it safely.
- State one care or safety rule for the workstation.
3. Self-Check
Can you explain the difference between a bit and a qubit? Can you name four direct data entry devices and where they are used? Can you calculate how many 5 MB photos fit on a 32 GB card? Can you name the five charms? Revise any topic you find difficult.
4. Linking the Topics
The hardware topics are connected. Direct data entry devices capture data quickly, the processor and AI systems work on it, output devices display it and storage systems keep it. The operating system, whether Windows 8 with its Charms bar or newer versions, manages all these parts, and drive management keeps storage healthy. Understanding these links helps you explain how a computer system works as a whole.
5. Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse direct data entry with manual input, mix up OMR and OCR, think formatting only deletes some files, and forget that cloud storage needs internet access. Others say quantum computers will replace all ordinary computers. Read questions carefully and use precise terms to avoid these errors.
New words
- revision
- Studying again what has been learned.
- hardware
- The physical parts of a computer.
- capacity
- The amount of data a device can hold.
- mind map
- A diagram linking ideas.
Summary
- The fifth generation is based on AI, and quantum computers use qubits.
- Direct data entry and modern output devices improve speed and accessibility.
- Storage types, capacity units, backup and drive management keep data safe.
Class activity: Hardware Revision Stations
- Rotate through stations on generations, data entry, output and storage.
- Answer two questions at each station.
- Check answers with the station cards.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which device reads QR codes?
- A. QR code scanner
- B. projector
- C. speaker
- D. plotter
Show answer
Answer: QR code scannerDDE.2. How many bytes are in a kilobyte (strictly)?
- A. 1,024
- B. 1,000
- C. 8
- D. 100
Show answer
Answer: 1,0242¹⁰.3. OLED screens have pixels that light themselves.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSelf-lit.4. A qubit can be in ______, a mix of 0 and 1.
Show answer
Answer: superpositionQuantum state.5. State three types of storage and an example of each.
Show answer
Answer: Magnetic: HDD; optical: DVD; solid-state: flash drive (or cloud).Any three.6. Explain why the Charms bar was replaced.
Show answer
Answer: It was designed for touchscreens and confused many desktop users, so its functions moved to familiar places such as the Start menu and Settings.Usability.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Revision
- Sub-strand
- Term Revision
Introduction
The second half of the term covered accessibility, online services, workstation health and safety, and Word tables and hyperlinks.
1. Key Ideas
| Topic | Key points |
|---|---|
| accessibility | categories of special needs; screen readers, magnifiers, captions, speech recognition; Act 715 |
| online services | social media, wikis, blogs, email, e-commerce, e-government, mobile money |
| online issues | privacy, cyberbullying, fake news, scams, addiction, plagiarism; Acts 843 and 1038 |
| workstation health | back pain, RSI, carpal tunnel, eye strain, stress, sitting |
| risk reduction | hierarchy of control; ergonomic equipment; UPS, surge protectors; policies |
| Word tables | Insert Table; Tab to move; merge and split; =SUM(ABOVE); borders and shading |
| hyperlinks | Ctrl + K; web pages, files, places, email; meaningful link text |
2. Sample Questions
Practice question 1
State three online scams and how to avoid them.
- Fake prize messages: ignore and delete.
- "Reverse my mobile money" requests: check your balance and call the official network number.
- Phishing links asking for passwords: do not click; go to the official website directly.
Answer: Recognise the scam and verify through official channels; never share PINs or passwords.
Practice question 2
Describe how to add a total to a Word table.
- Click the empty total cell.
- Click Layout, then Formula.
- Accept =SUM(ABOVE) and click OK.
Answer: Use the Formula tool with =SUM(ABOVE).
3. Examination Tips
Use technical terms such as "phishing", "assistive technology" and "surge protector". For practical questions, give steps in order with menu names. Give Ghanaian examples where possible, such as Acts 843 and 1038 or mobile money scams.
4. Holiday Practice
During the holidays, practise typing and creating tables, help family members set strong passwords and recognise scams, explore accessibility settings on phones and keep a healthy balance of screen time and outdoor activity.
5. Self-Check Questions
Can you name five categories of special needs and an assistive technology for each? Can you list five online issues and how to stay safe? Can you describe four workstation health issues and their prevention? Can you merge cells, add a formula and insert a hyperlink in Word without help? Practise any skill you are unsure of before the examination.
New words
- phishing
- Tricking people into revealing personal data.
- assistive technology
- Tools that help people with disabilities.
- formula
- An instruction that calculates a value.
- digital citizen
- A responsible user of technology.
Summary
- Accessibility technologies include screen readers, magnifiers and captions.
- Online services bring benefits and risks, and Ghana's laws protect users.
- Workstation safety and Word table and hyperlink skills complete the term.
Class activity: Revision Quiz
- Answer ten questions on all the term's topics.
- Mark using model answers.
- Correct your mistakes.
You need: Desktop computer, Keyboard, Mouse
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which helps a deaf person follow a video?
- A. captions
- B. screen reader
- C. Braille display
- D. magnifier
Show answer
Answer: captionsText of sound.2. Ghana's Data Protection Act is Act…
- A. 843
- B. 1038
- C. 917
- D. 715
Show answer
Answer: 8432012.3. A UPS provides backup power.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOutages.4. The shortcut Ctrl + K inserts a ______.
Show answer
Answer: hyperlinkLink.5. State three ways of reducing eye strain at a workstation.
Show answer
Answer: 20-20-20 rule, reduce glare, adjust brightness (or blink often).Any three.6. Explain why fake news is harmful and how to avoid spreading it.
Show answer
Answer: It misleads people and can cause panic or harm; check facts with reliable sources before sharing.Misinformation.
Homework
- Make a summary sheet for the term with one example or diagram per topic.