Unit 3
reading
computers
Enable students to understand the whole passage.
Improve students’ ability of gathering information.
let students know some basic information about computers
Teaching aims
Guessing game
Pre-reading:
I’m a machine that has a screen with moving pictures and sounds.
With me you can watch different program just at home.

Who am I?
TV set
I’m also a machine. But I’m small, so you can put me in your pocket.
There are ten numbers on me.
And you can use me to talk to others even in a far-away place.

Who am I?
Mobile phone
There is no doubt that I’m also a machine.
There are some numbers and letters on me.
People often use me to play games, and teachers often use me to give lessons.

Who am I?
computer
WHO AM I?
1. Who is the speaker in this story?
2. What’s the main idea of this passage?
A. The development of computers.
B. The development and use of computers.
C. A machine which is simple-minded.
D. Computers may replace human beings.
3. The text is written in the order of .
A. time B. space C. logic D. all the above
A computer.
While-reading(1):
timeline
1642:
1822:
1936:
1940s:
1960s:
1970s:
The computer began as a calculating machine.
The Analytical Machine was built by Charles Babbage.
The computer grew rapidly both in size and in brainpower.
Computer had grown as large as a room.
Computers were used in offices and homes.
The first family of computers was connected by a network.
Many new applications have been found for computers.
Now:
Computers connect people all over the world together.
While -reading(2):
(Universal machine)
Why could you “think” logically and produce an answer quicker than any person?
I totally changed my shape, because .
Many new applications have been found for me, such as .
(translation) Over time my memory has developed so much that, like an elephant, I never forget anything I have been told.
While-reading(3):
Why could you “think” logically and produce an answer quicker than any person?

Because I was programmed by an operator who used cards with holes.
While-reading(3):
2.I totally changed my shape, because
my memory was first stored in tubes, then on transistors and later on very
small chips.
I totally changed my shape！
While-reading(3):
3. Many new applications have been found for me, such as
communication/ finance/
trade/ robots/ mobile phones/ medical
operations/ space rockets
Careful-reading:
4. (translation) Over time my memory has developed so much that, like an elephant, I never forget anything I have been told.
随着时间的推移，我的记忆力发展的如此之快，就像一头大象，我从来不会忘记告诉我的任何事情。
While-reading(3):
One of you bought a computer yesterday. Talk about the advantages and disadvantages about computers.
Make a dialogue
Post-reading: pair-work
Advantages
listen to the music
see films
watch news
communicate with friends
buy things on line
Disadvantages
play computer games too much
chat（聊天） on the Internet too much
little time to study
Homework
1. Writing (about 80--100 words)
The Use of Computers in Our Daily Life
2. Preview language points of this text and finish the exercises on P153--155（学案）