GoalMatch common computer problems to a good first fix and act them out with a partner.
New words
problem · something that stops a tool working wellfix · an action that solves the problemprocessor · the part of the computer that does the steps, like a brainhelp desk · the service of your internet company that answers questions
Explanation
Every tool has problems, and many have a simple first fix. A very large file will not open: the computer is busy, so close the programs you are not using. There is no room for new files: move old files to an external drive. A video call keeps freezing on Wi-Fi: try a cable instead. The home connection stops: first look at the cable and the router with a grown-up, and if it still does not work, a grown-up calls the help desk of the internet company. A slow processor slows everything, like a very slow cook in a kitchen. Do not open the device or pull wires yourself. Ask a teacher or a family member.
Problem
Good first fix
A big file will not open
close programs you do not use
No room for new files
move old files to an external drive
Video call freezes on Wi-Fi
try a cable
Connection stops at home
check cable and router, then ask the help desk (grown-up)
Worked examples
Youssef’s computer is slow and a big drawing will not open. He has six programs open. He closes four he does not need, and the drawing opens.
Habiba’s family computer is full. They move the old holiday photos to an external hard drive. Now there is room for the new school files.
Malak’s video call to her aunt keeps freezing on Wi-Fi. A grown-up plugs in an ethernet cable. The call becomes steady.
Class activity
Problem and fix game. Write four problem cards and four fix cards (use the table). Shuffle them. With a partner, take turns: one picks a problem card and acts it out, the other finds the best fix card and says why. Then make up one new problem and its fix. A hint: the fix must be safe, so it never says ‘open the machine’.
Practice
1
A very large file will not open. What is a good first fix?
Close the programs you are not using.
2
There is no room to save a new file. What can you do?
Move old files to an external drive.
3
The home internet stops. After a grown-up checks the cable and the router, who can answer more questions?
The help desk of the internet company.
4
Why should a child not open a computer or pull its wires?
It can break the device or hurt the child. Ask a grown-up.
