In technological civilization, children are growing up in a digital household that is a computer within the world of computers. 

Today, digital devices are the main source in helping people with daily activities, even children have become active users of this technology.

Introducing computer basics for kids helps them build a strong foundation in technology, enabling them to navigate the digital realm with confidence and ease

They play, learn, make friends, and even communicate quickly and efficiently with the help of technology.

Over the years computers have gone through great changes and development. With Each Computer Generation, the technology was much improved but at the same time, there were some major changes in design.

In the past, when children wanted to see their grandparents, they had to travel far to see them.

Now, the situation is different with smartphones and computers that are extraordinarily sophisticated. 

This has a positive impact that children, in a matter of seconds, can conduct video call meetings widely.

So how did computers come to be what they are today? 

Let us dive a little deeper and learn about what is called Computer Generations which describe the journey of computer invention and development throughout the years.

Computer Generations

1. First Generation 1940s-1950s

The first generation of computer technology was designed using a vacuum tube, which is a fragile glass device. 

In addition, this computer had a large and heavy size, and the speed of data processing was very slow, so it took up full space and consumed high electricity. 

The programming language was not the OS system, which means that this computer could only be used for calculation, storage, and control purposes.

2. Second Generation 1950s-1960s

Technological scientists developed computers in this generation using the main electronic components in the system, namely transistors. 

A transistor is a component made of semiconductor material that serves to strengthen, open or close the data processing system circuit on the computer.

The programming languages used in computers from this generation were machine and assembly language. 

The memory was a magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk. The size of this computer was smaller than the first generation, and its power consumption was lower, too, producing less heat.

3. Third Generation 1960s-1970s

An Integrated Circuit (IC) was used as the main electronic component in this third-generation computer. 

Integrated Circuits are transistors placed on a silicon chip, a semiconductor material. The advantages of these ICs are larger memory space and faster data processing efficiency. 

Memory on this computer was a large magnetic core and magnetic tape/disk. 

The development of input or output devices in the form of magnetic tape, monitors, keyboards, printers, and others occurred during this computer generation.

4. Fourth Generation (1970s-present)

The microprocessor was the main component that contained all the LSI (Large Scale Integration) integrated circuits needed to perform arithmetic, logic, and control functions on a single chip model.

Because of that, it resulted in a smaller computer size design, but one with a large and diverse data processing capacity.

Users could experience multiprocessing technology, pointing devices, optical scanning, multiprogramming, time-sharing, operating speed, virtual memory, keyboards, monitors, printers, and more. 

This computer generation has inspired computer networks and computer marketing strategies for personal consumers.

5. Fifth Generation of Computers (Present and Beyond)

History has recorded that the generation of computers for today and beyond is the Fifth Generation Computers, which are based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques, the Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) technology, and the parallel processing method. 

This computer is also designed to resemble a human. Trackpad or touchpad, touchscreen, pen, speech input or voice recognition, light scanner, printer, keyboard, monitor, mouse, and so on are examples of input or output devices that are available in this computer generation.

This computer can understand the words spoken by children; it can even imitate the reasoning described by each student when they are studying, playing, or doing other activities.

Great, isn’t it?.

Why should kids today learn about the Fifth Generation of Computers?

We as adults and parents must introduce to our children that the computer generation has advantages that are very helpful for future growth processes.

In addition to the advantages of using AI techniques, this sophisticated computer also has a very fast data processing speed, and the size of the shape of hardware is also smaller. 

For example, these points will make it easier and faster for students to learn all kinds of knowledge. 

The next advantage is portable and has a large memory storage capacity. Children can bring and use the computer not only in one place. 

The portable computer is called a laptop, desktop, tablet, smartphone, etc. Children can bring and use the computer in more than one location.

They can explore all information and computer activities wherever they want without being constrained by space.

Furthermore, the large memory provided by this generation of tools will support children’s creativity in learning intelligence and reaching across all fields (arts, math, engineering, economics, and others).

This generation of computers also has complete input and output devices, such as keyboards, monitors, touch screen pens, printers, light scanners, USB cables, cameras, and others. 

You can imagine how easy it is for children to make projects, complete school assignments, or do all other activities.

Conclusion 

The more sophisticated the computer technology, the better the children should be in the process of talent development and learning activities, as well as more helpful or profitable in various fields in realizing the function of the computer.

Children become involved in using computers to create technological projects, and they become very comfortable with the technology, increasing the likelihood that they will adopt any new technology faster.

With the world moving at such a breakneck pace, BrightChamps recognized the need to introduce key life/future skills to children to keep them ahead of the game. 

With a mission to bridge the gap left by traditional education, we are bringing key future skills through specially designed courses on coding and financial literacy taught by some of the world’s best minds from top-tier institutes such as IITs and IIMs.

Elevate your child’s learning journey with BrightChamps, the leading EdTech company offering a transformative blend of robotics, financial education, and coding courses.
To get your hands on more such articles, educational content, and free resources on coding for kids, robotics courses for kids, game development, etc., check out the BrightCHAMPS Blog Page now!