HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL DEVICES 2 - STAGES IN THE HISTORY OF DIGITAL DEVICES - JS1 NOTES

 HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL DEVICES 2

STAGES IN THE HISTORY OF DIGITAL DEVICES

Objectives: At the end of the lesson the students should able to

1. Define Age early counting devices

2. State the technology based on Information ages

Introduction

Historical Development of Digital Devices

The historical development of digital devices refers to the gradual improvement of tools and machines used for counting, calculating, processing, storing, and communicating information over time.

The development began with simple counting tools and progressed to mechanical calculators, electronic computers, personal computers, and modern smart devices.

Early devices were mostly operated manually, while modern devices use electronic circuits, microprocessors, and computer software to perform tasks quickly and accurately.

Age Early Counting Devices

Long ago, people used different and easily available and affordable counting methods such as fingers, toes, stones, sticks, pebbles, cowries, writing on the wall, etc to solve different counting needs.

Technology based on Information Ages

Technology based on information ages are as follows:

a. Stone Age (Primitive period)

b. Iron Age (12A Century BC)

c. Industrial Age (Late 18th Century)

d. Electronic Age (Late 19th Century)

a. Stone Age : is a very early period of human history, when people used tools and weapons made of stone. In this era, stones were struck together to make fire. Clay was also used for making pots, jugs, and pottery.

b. Iron Age: In this age, life's gradual attention began to shift on iron. The iron such as steel and bronze were used for making tools and weapons for war e.g hoe, knife, and cutlasses for human usage.

c. Industrial Age: This is also known as the industrial revolution age. In this period, machines were produced, and used to perform tedious and manual production of goods. In man’s history, this period was a turning point because roads, ships, railways, electricity e.t.c were developed.

d. Electronic Age: This is also known as the information age or the digital age. It began around the 1970s and continued till the present day. This is the invention of the electronic machine over other stages like computers, smart phones e.t.c. This age also allows internet connectivity worldwide

What is Digital Technologies?

Digital technologies are electronic tools, systems, devices, and resources that generate, store, or process data. Examples: Computers, smartphones, tablets, robots, 3D printers, and the internet.

Uses of Digital Technologies

• Education: Online classes, e-books, simulations.

• Communication: Email, video calls, social media.

• Health: Medical records, digital scans, health apps.

• Business: Online banking, e-commerce, digital marketing.

• Entertainment: Video games, movies, music streaming.

Emerging Digital Technologies

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Machines that “think” like humans (e.g., chatbots, self-driving cars).

• Robotics: Machines that can perform tasks.

• 3D Printing: Creating physical objects from digital models.

• Virtual Reality (VR): Immersive computer-generated environments.

Class Activities

1. List any four (4) counting methods adopted in the early days

2. What is digital technologies?

3. State any two (2) emerging technologies.

4. Differentiate between iron age and computer age.