Computers in the Learning Computers in the Learning EnvironmentEnvironment

Chapter 3Chapter 3Teaching and LearningTeaching and Learning

With Technology 3eWith Technology 3e

Chapter 3 RationaleChapter 3 Rationale

To overcome teacher To overcome teacher reluctance it is best for reluctance it is best for

you, as education you, as education students, to become students, to become

familiar with computers.familiar with computers.

Computer BasicsComputer Basics No built in predetermined purposeNo built in predetermined purpose Computer system = Computer + all components Computer system = Computer + all components Memory = temporary storage spaceMemory = temporary storage space Storage = more permanent storageStorage = more permanent storage Computing CycleComputing Cycle

Take in DataTake in Data Process DataProcess Data Store DataStore Data Output ResultsOutput Results

Hardware = physical, touchable equipmentHardware = physical, touchable equipment Software = programs (sets of instructions)Software = programs (sets of instructions)

Built-in SoftwareBuilt-in Software

Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Initial instructionsInitial instructions Stored on ROM chips (Read-only Stored on ROM chips (Read-only

memory)memory) Booting upBooting up

Power-on self-test (POST)Power-on self-test (POST) Self-diagnosticSelf-diagnostic Runs after bootRuns after boot Error message if problemError message if problem

External SoftwareExternal Software

Operating SystemsOperating Systems WindowsWindows Macintosh OSMacintosh OS

Application ProgramsApplication Programs Microsoft OfficeMicrosoft Office Microsoft WorksMicrosoft Works ClarisworksClarisworks

Operating SystemsOperating Systems

WindowsWindows Macintosh OSMacintosh OS

Both UseBoth Use MenusMenus IconsIcons WindowsWindows Commands – keystroke, menu options, clicking iconsCommands – keystroke, menu options, clicking icons Graphic User Interface (GUI)Graphic User Interface (GUI)

Depends on graphics/visuals instead of textDepends on graphics/visuals instead of text

Application SoftwareApplication Software

Application ProgramsApplication Programs Tell computer how to complete tasksTell computer how to complete tasks Utility programs for computer operationsUtility programs for computer operations Administrative software for word processing, Administrative software for word processing,

databases, spreadsheetsdatabases, spreadsheets Academic software for tutorials and Academic software for tutorials and

encyclopediasencyclopedias Application Suites (Microsoft Office)Application Suites (Microsoft Office)

Complete application programsComplete application programs Integrated Software Packages (Works)Integrated Software Packages (Works)

Main features of application programsMain features of application programs

ImportantImportant

You should always be aware of the You should always be aware of the specifications of your computer. specifications of your computer.

Software specifications identify the Software specifications identify the minimum levels of hardware necessary.minimum levels of hardware necessary.

Specifications may includeSpecifications may include Machine speedMachine speed Available memoryAvailable memory Monitor capabilityMonitor capability Hard drive spaceHard drive space

Hardware (Input Devices)Hardware (Input Devices)

Input DeviceInput Device Used to enter dataUsed to enter data

PeripheralPeripheral Device that can be connected to Device that can be connected to

computercomputer Types of Input DevicesTypes of Input Devices

KeyboardKeyboard MouseMouse Trackball, joystick, touchpadTrackball, joystick, touchpad

Hardware (Output Devices)Hardware (Output Devices)

Output DevicesOutput Devices Move information out of computerMove information out of computer

Types of Output DevicesTypes of Output Devices MonitorMonitor

Electronic soft copyElectronic soft copy PrinterPrinter

Printed hard copyPrinted hard copy

MonitorsMonitors

ResolutionResolution Clarity of imagesClarity of images Measured by number of pixelsMeasured by number of pixels

Pixel (picture element) – single colored dotPixel (picture element) – single colored dot Measured both vertically and horizontally Measured both vertically and horizontally

(800x600)(800x600) Larger screen size requires higher resolutionLarger screen size requires higher resolution

LCD (liquid crystal display) – thin monitorLCD (liquid crystal display) – thin monitor Display temporary soft copyDisplay temporary soft copy

PrintersPrinters

ResolutionResolution Dots per inch (dpi)Dots per inch (dpi)

Hard copy resultsHard copy results PaperPaper TransparenciesTransparencies T-shirt transfersT-shirt transfers Digital photosDigital photos StickersStickers

System UnitSystem Unit

Central Processing Unit (CPU)Central Processing Unit (CPU) Microprocessor chipMicroprocessor chip Controls all computer operationsControls all computer operations Speeds measured in gigahertzSpeeds measured in gigahertz Operator issues a commandOperator issues a command

CPU locates programCPU locates program Loads it into RAM (random-access memory)Loads it into RAM (random-access memory)

Temporary storage during processingTemporary storage during processing SAVE frequentlySAVE frequently

StorageStorage

Hard DisksHard Disks Floppy DisksFloppy Disks Portable MediaPortable Media CD-ROMsCD-ROMs CD-Rs and CD-RWsCD-Rs and CD-RWs DVDsDVDs

Hard DisksHard Disks

Hold billions of bytes of data (gigabytes) Hold billions of bytes of data (gigabytes) Newest trillions of bytes (terabytes)Newest trillions of bytes (terabytes)

Byte = one alphabetic or numeric characterByte = one alphabetic or numeric character Permanently mounted inside machinePermanently mounted inside machine Usually C: drive Usually C: drive Back up data as protection against crashesBack up data as protection against crashes

Relative Sizes of Stored Relative Sizes of Stored DataData

SIZESIZE EQUIVALENTEQUIVALENT EXAMPLEEXAMPLE

1 BYTE1 BYTE 1 alphanumeric 1 alphanumeric charactercharacter

The letter A or The letter A or number 5number 5

1 KILOBYTE1 KILOBYTE Approximately 1,000 Approximately 1,000 characterscharacters

Slightly less than 1 Slightly less than 1 page of typed, page of typed, double-spaced textdouble-spaced text

1 MEGABYTE1 MEGABYTE Approximately 1 Approximately 1 million charactersmillion characters

1,000 pages of typed, 1,000 pages of typed, double-spaced textdouble-spaced text

1 GIGABYTE1 GIGABYTE Approximately 1 Approximately 1 billion charactersbillion characters

1 million pages of 1 million pages of typed, double-spaced typed, double-spaced texttext

1 TERABYTE1 TERABYTE Approximately 1 Approximately 1 trillion characterstrillion characters

1 billion pages of text1 billion pages of text

Floppy DisksFloppy Disks

Made of flexible Mylar-type materialMade of flexible Mylar-type material 1.44 megabytes 1.44 megabytes Portable file boxPortable file box Data storage unitsData storage units

File – collection of related dataFile – collection of related data Folder – digital organizer for related filesFolder – digital organizer for related files

Virus dangerVirus danger Install antivirus programsInstall antivirus programs

Portable MediaPortable Media

TransportableTransportable 100 megabytes to several gigabytes100 megabytes to several gigabytes Ideal for large multimedia filesIdeal for large multimedia files Flash drive, Thumb driveFlash drive, Thumb drive Typically plugged into USB portTypically plugged into USB port

CD-ROMsCD-ROMs

Compact disc-read-only memoryCompact disc-read-only memory Get information onlyGet information only No storage capabilityNo storage capability Recorded and read by laser beamsRecorded and read by laser beams 650 megabytes650 megabytes Programs to installPrograms to install Large self-contained programsLarge self-contained programs

CD-Rs and CD-RWsCD-Rs and CD-RWs

CD-R (compact disc-recordable)CD-R (compact disc-recordable) Record dataRecord data Once recorded, not changeableOnce recorded, not changeable 650 megabytes or 75 minutes audio650 megabytes or 75 minutes audio

CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable)CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) Record and change stored dataRecord and change stored data Same capacity as CD-RsSame capacity as CD-Rs Good for large multimedia filesGood for large multimedia files

DVDsDVDs Digital versatile discsDigital versatile discs Can store on both sides in two layersCan store on both sides in two layers Store up to 17 gigabytes of dataStore up to 17 gigabytes of data DVD drives can readDVD drives can read

DVDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs and DVDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs and musical CDsmusical CDs

DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs are recordable onlyDVD-Rs and DVD+Rs are recordable only DVD-RWs and DVD+RWs are rewritableDVD-RWs and DVD+RWs are rewritable

Networking ComputersNetworking Computers

Switch - offers series of centralized Switch - offers series of centralized connectionsconnections

Node – connected workstation or Node – connected workstation or peripheralperipheral

WiredWired Network cards and cablesNetwork cards and cables

WirelessWireless Wireless cards and wireless channelWireless cards and wireless channel

Networking ComputersNetworking Computers

LANs – Local area networksLANs – Local area networks Connect machines in a classroom/schoolConnect machines in a classroom/school

WANs – Wide area networksWANs – Wide area networks Connect machines in a school district or Connect machines in a school district or

all school districts in the stateall school districts in the state

Using a School NetworkUsing a School Network

Packet – small units of data sent Packet – small units of data sent through the network one at a time by through the network one at a time by the serverthe server

Bandwidth – carrying capacity of the Bandwidth – carrying capacity of the transmission mediatransmission media

Privacy and security – logins and Privacy and security – logins and passwords, firewallspasswords, firewalls

Shared ProgramsShared Programs

AdvantagesAdvantages Resource sharing Resource sharing Cost-saving site licensesCost-saving site licenses Software upgrades for server onlySoftware upgrades for server only

DisadvantagesDisadvantages Problems with server - workstations downProblems with server - workstations down Network or shared programs not accessibleNetwork or shared programs not accessible

Shared DataShared Data

Network server with large storage areaNetwork server with large storage area User given small network storage areaUser given small network storage area

Login and password protectedLogin and password protected Use on any networked workstationUse on any networked workstation Access files from any workstationAccess files from any workstation

DisadvantageDisadvantage Quantity of hard disk storage neededQuantity of hard disk storage needed

Shared Administrative ToolsShared Administrative Tools

GroupwareGroupware Common calendarCommon calendar Address bookAddress book Facilities reservation listFacilities reservation list Electronic MailElectronic Mail

Shared Administrative ToolsShared Administrative Tools

Monitor student workstationsMonitor student workstations Take control of student Take control of student

workstationsworkstations Broadcast images from one Broadcast images from one

workstation to all others to share workstation to all others to share student workstudent work

Common in lab settingsCommon in lab settings

Shared HardwareShared Hardware

Stand-alone computers each Stand-alone computers each need own printersneed own printers

Networked computers share Networked computers share single printersingle printer

Hardware Evaluation RubricHardware Evaluation Rubric

Table 3.6 on page 124Table 3.6 on page 124 Lists evaluation criteriaLists evaluation criteria Helpful when considering Helpful when considering

hardware purchases both for hardware purchases both for yourself and for the classroomyourself and for the classroom

See also Interchapter 3, page See also Interchapter 3, page 130130