Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Computer Science
Lesson Topic: Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an automated system used for a given scenario
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the advantages and disadvantages of an automated ticket vending machine.
  • Analyse how automation impacts cost, availability, user experience, and data management.
  • Evaluate security and maintenance considerations of automated systems.
  • Compare automated versus manual ticketing and justify appropriate use cases.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector and screen
  • Computer with presentation slides
  • Printed worksheet with scenario and comparison table
  • Demo or simulation of a ticket vending interface
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Sticky notes for group brainstorming
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick video showing a busy railway station and a passenger using a self‑service ticket vending machine. Ask students to recall previous experiences with automated services and discuss what they expect from such systems. Explain that today they will identify the benefits and drawbacks of automation and will be able to articulate these in a clear comparison.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑Now (5') – Students list three automated services they use daily and share briefly.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10') – Present the TVM scenario and walk through its workflow using the flowchart diagram.
  3. Guided analysis (12') – In pairs, students fill a two‑column table listing advantages and disadvantages from the source.
  4. Whole‑class discussion (8') – Groups present findings; teacher highlights key points and adds missing items (e.g., security, maintenance).
  5. Evaluation activity (10') – Students rank the advantages and disadvantages by impact and justify their rankings on sticky notes.
  6. Exit ticket (5') – Individually write one advantage, one disadvantage, and a brief sentence on when automation is appropriate.
Conclusion:
Summarise that automation can improve speed, availability, and data insight but may involve high upfront costs, technical failures, and accessibility challenges. Collect the exit tickets as a quick retrieval check and assign homework to research another automated system and prepare a short pros‑cons list.