👉 A device that encodes digital computer signals into analog/analogue telephone signals and vice versa and allows computers to communicate over a phone line.
Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look! Today we’re tackling a word you’ll hear quite a lot – “modem.” It's a tricky one at first, but trust me, it’ll click. The dictionary gives us a mouthful, doesn’t it? Let’s break it down piece by piece, like building with blocks: “A device that encodes digital computer signals into analog/analogue telephone signals and vice versa…” That means your computer talks in digital – ones and zeros, neat and precise. But phones talk in analog , a continuous wave! The modem is the clever translator. It’s like a little helper, changing those numbers into sounds your phone can understand, and then back again - converting the sound back into numbers for your computer. "...and allows computers to communicate over a phone line.” That's its main job! It lets your computer "talk" to other computers or servers using the old telephone system – a connection that once seemed quite amazing! Think of it this way: Your computer wants to send a message, but the internet isn’t always built with direct cables. The modem uses the phone lines as a pathway - a route to get your information where it needs to go. Does that make sense? Any questions about how this little device works its magic? Don't hesitate to ask! Let's try an example... (pause for student interaction)
