Living In the IT Era: The First Calculators.pptx

This presentation offers a thorough and insightful exploration of the early history of computers, tracing the evolution of computing technology from its foundational concepts and mechanical origins to the development of early electronic machines. It highlights key milestones, influential figures, and groundbreaking innovations that laid the groundwork for the digital age.

1. Pre-Mechanical Age The First Calculators

2. Learning Objectives: At the end of the discussion, students should be able to perform the following with at least 75% proficiency:

3. Learning Objectives: Develop an understanding of the characteristics of the Pre-Mechanical Age in computing history At the end of the discussion, students should be able to perform the following with at least 75% proficiency:

4. Learning Objectives: Develop an understanding of the characteristics of the Pre-Mechanical Age in computing history Identify and describe early calculating devices At the end of the discussion, students should be able to perform the following with at least 75% proficiency:

5. Learning Objectives: Develop an understanding of the characteristics of the Pre-Mechanical Age in computing history Identify and describe early calculating devices Analyze the how early tools helped process information and how human needs sparked creative inventions. At the end of the discussion, students should be able to perform the following with at least 75% proficiency:

6. Introduction

7. Introduction Before touchscreens and supercomputers, ancient societies were already seeking ways to simplify calculations and record data.

8. This period, known as the Pre-Mechanical Age, marks the earliest phase in the development of information technology—roughly from 3000 BCE to 1450 CE. Introduction

9. Key Features

10. Key Features No electricity

11. Key Features No electricity Tools were manually operated

12. Key Features No electricity Tools were manually operated Devices used for counting, measuring, recording

13. Early Calculating Devices

14. 1. The Abacus

15. 1. The Abacus Origin: Mesopotamia (around 2700 BCE), later refined by the Chinese and Romans

16. 1. The Abacus Origin: Mesopotamia (around 2700 BCE), later refined by the Chinese and Romans Design: Beads sliding on rods or wires, often within a wooden frame

17. 1. The Abacus Origin: Mesopotamia (around 2700 BCE), later refined by the Chinese and Romans Design: Beads sliding on rods or wires, often within a wooden frame Function: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

18. 1. The Abacus Origin: Mesopotamia (around 2700 BCE), later refined by the Chinese and Romans Design: Beads sliding on rods or wires, often within a wooden frame Function: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division Legacy: Still used today for mental math training and speed competitions

19. 2. The Counting Board / Pebble Calculator

20. 2. The Counting Board / Pebble Calculator Also known as: Calculi, from the Latin word for "small stones"

21. 2. The Counting Board / Pebble Calculator Also known as: Calculi, from the Latin word for "small stones" Usage: In Ancient Greece and Rome, people used pebbles on marked tables

22. 2. The Counting Board / Pebble Calculator Also known as: Calculi, from the Latin word for "small stones" Usage: In Ancient Greece and Rome, people used pebbles on marked tables Purpose: Trade and accounting

23. 2. The Counting Board / Pebble Calculator Also known as: Calculi, from the Latin word for "small stones" Usage: In Ancient Greece and Rome, people used pebbles on marked tables Purpose: Trade and accounting Fun Fact: The word “calculate” comes from calculi — tiny stones used in math!

24. 3. Tally Sticks

25. 3. Tally Sticks Origin: Used in medieval Europe

26. 3. Tally Sticks Origin: Used in medieval Europe Material: Wood or bone

27. 3. Tally Sticks Origin: Used in medieval Europe Material: Wood or bone Method: Notches indicated units of count — commonly used for keeping track of debts or cattle Advantage: Portable, easy to use

28. 4. Quipu ( Khipu )

29. 4. Quipu ( Khipu ) Origin: Incan Civilization (Andes Mountains)

30. 4. Quipu ( Khipu ) Origin: Incan Civilization (Andes Mountains) Design: Knotted cords of different lengths and colors

31. 4. Quipu ( Khipu ) Origin: Incan Civilization (Andes Mountains) Design: Knotted cords of different lengths and colors Function: Record numbers, census data, taxes

32. 4. Quipu ( Khipu ) Origin: Incan Civilization (Andes Mountains) Design: Knotted cords of different lengths and colors Function: Record numbers, census data, taxes Special Note: A brilliant non-written system of information storage and retrieval

33. Beyond Counting: Writing as Technology

34. Beyond Counting: Writing as Technology The Pre-Mechanical Age didn’t just give us tools—it gave us systems. These systems reflect how early societies viewed knowledge as power.

35. Pictographs & Hieroglyphs in Egypt and Mesopotamia were used to record transactions and laws.

36. Clay tablets & papyrus scrolls stored data long before digital hard drives

37. Lasting Legacy of Pre-Mechanical Innovations While primitive compared to today's technology, these tools set the foundation for:

38. Lasting Legacy of Pre-Mechanical Innovations While primitive compared to today's technology, these tools set the foundation for: • Organized record-keeping

39. Lasting Legacy of Pre-Mechanical Innovations While primitive compared to today's technology, these tools set the foundation for: • Organized record-keeping • Efficient trade systems

40. Lasting Legacy of Pre-Mechanical Innovations While primitive compared to today's technology, these tools set the foundation for: • Organized record-keeping • Efficient trade systems • Advancement in science and mathematics

41. Lasting Legacy of Pre-Mechanical Innovations While primitive compared to today's technology, these tools set the foundation for: • Organized record-keeping • Efficient trade systems • Advancement in science and mathematics • Development of future mechanical and electronic calculators

42. The Pre-Mechanical Age reminds us: every great innovation starts with a need and a spark of creativity.

43. Thank You