Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom

Allyn and Bacon 2002Teaching and Learning with Technology

Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom

Chapter 3

Teaching and Learning with Technology

Teaching and Learning with Technology Allyn and Bacon 2002

How Computers Work

• A computer is made up of hardware and software that makes the computing cycle possible.

• Hardware includes all the physical components of a computer

• Software includes all the programs (set of computer instructions) that instruct the computer how to perform operations or tasks


How Computers Work

• The computing cycle consists of• Input• Processing • Storage• Output

• Each stage of the cycle has specific hardware devices associated with it


How Computers Work – The Cycle

• Input includes any data or programs that are entered into the machine by the user

• Input is directed to the CPU for processing• The CPU chip control data flowing through

the computer and executes all necessary tasks to complete the requested process

• The CPU may use temporary memory (RAM) to store data during processing


How Computers Work – The Cycle

• Or, if the data needs to be stored more permanently, the CPU may direct data to be placed on a storage media (disk)

• When processing is completed, the CPU moves data to the user as output

• This cycle is continuous as long as the machine is on


NPUT

UTPUT

CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT

TORAGE

MEMORY

I

o

s THE COMPUTING CYCLE

INPUT DEVICES

KEYBOARD

MOUSE

MONITOR

CPU

PRINTER

DISK/CD

GUI WITH ICONS

OUTPUT DEVICES

STORAGE DEVICES

THE COMPUTER SYSTEM


Software

• Once the BIOS program is read, the next program starts

• This program is the Power On Self Test (POST)

• The POST checks the computer’s hardware to make sure all parts are functional

• If any problems exist, it writes an error message to the user on the monitor


Software

• If the POST completes successfully, the next program to load is the Operating System (O/S)

• The O/S operates all the hardware and provides the user interface, the method for user and computer interaction

• Windows (PC) and Mac O/S are the operating systems for PCs and Macs respectively


Software

• Both Windows and Mac O/S use a Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• A GUI uses icons to represent objects and programs and a pointer to select and/or start them

• Menus are also available in a GUI operating systems to give users lists of command options from which to choose


Software

• The O/S prepares the machine to run other programs

• Some programs are called Applications because they apply the machine to a specific task

• Other programs may be Utility programs because they help maintain the machine and its operations


Software

• Academic Applications are programs that help teachers or learners in the teaching/learning process

• Administrative Applications are programs that help teachers perform the administrative tasks required in their work

• Application programs are sometimes sold as a bundle of related software called an Application Suite


Software

• Integrated software are “mini” versions of applications that condensed into a single software package

• All software is written to run on specific machines so it is important to check machine specifications before making software purchases


Hardware

• The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the chip that controls all machine processes

• CPU performance is measured in terms of the speed at which it can process instructions

• The higher the speed, the faster the CPU, the more responsive the computer will seem

• Speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz)


Hardware

• The CPU uses a special temporary storage location for programs and user input

• This temporary storage is Random Access Memory (RAM)

• RAM size is measure in Megabytes (Mb)• The larger the RAM the more the CPU can

store for easy, fast access


Hardware

• The CPU can store data in RAM more permanently in storage devices

• Storage devices include floppy disk, hard disk, CDs, and DVDs

• Users can issue a SAVE command which instructs the CPU to move data from RAM to disk


Hardware

Input Devices • Include all devices used to put data or

programs into the machine• The most common devices are the keyboard

and mouse• Other input devices include alternative

pointing devices such as track balls, joy stick or glide points


Hardware

Output Devices • Include all devices that move processed data

from the computer to the user• Monitors display data in the form of soft-copy

output• Monitors vary in the clarity (resolution) of their

display as well as their size (measure diagonally across the screen)

• LCD monitors using a different display technology offer flat, smaller hardware


Hardware

Output Devices • Printers display data in hard-copy output• Laser printer use heat to affix toner to paper

to create clear, permanent images• Most laser printers are black and white• Ink Jet printers blow small bubbles of ink on

paper to create images• Most Ink Jet printers print in color and black


Disk Storage

Hard Disks • Are typically permanently fixed inside the

computer• Offer the largest storage capacity of all disks• When installing programs, most of the

program is stored on the hard disk for quick access

• Hard disks can “crash” so it is important to backup data on removable media


Disk Storage

Floppy Disks • Are portable storage with a limited capacity of

1.44 megabytes• Are usually used to store smaller files for

back up or for transportability• Hard disks can “crash” so it is important to

backup data on removable media• Like hard disks, can store both electronic files

and the electronic folders that organize them


Disk Storage

Floppy Disks • Are useful in the classroom when each

student is given their own disk on which to store work

• Floppy disks may inadvertently transport viruses as well as files

• It is important to use a virus checker program to protect classroom machines from possible infection via floppy disks

The 21st Century Classroom: Technology in Teaching and Learning


Disk Storage

Removable Hard Disks • Some hard disks are designed to be

removable cartridges that work with a special external drive

• Removable hard disks vary in capacity from 100 megabytes to 1 gigabyte

• These disks are good for backup and classroom storage of files too large for floppy disk



Disk Storage

CD-ROM • Compact Disks (CD) that are read only

(ROM) can be used only to read programs• CD-ROMs cannot be used to store files• CD-ROMs use a laser technology to store

approximately 600 megabytes of data• These optical discs are typically used by

software manufacturers to store programs for user installation



Disk Storage

CD-R• Compact Disks (CD) that can be read many

times AND recorded on ONCE are Recordables

• CD-Rs are useful to archive (back up) large amounts of data

• CD-Rs require a specially designed disc (CD-R disc) and drive to record data

• Once recorded, data can be read on a CD-ROM drive


Disk Storage

CD-RW• Compact Disks that can be read and

recorded on many times are Compact Disc-ReWriteable (CD-RWs)

• CD-RWs can be used like a portable hard disk with up to 600 megabytes of space

• CD-RWs require a specially designed disc (CD-RW disc) and drive to record data

• Once recorded, data can be read by most newer CD drives


Disk Storage

DVD• Digital Versatile Discs are optical discs that

can store up to 17 gigabytes of data• DVDs are typically used to store digital video

since video files require large amounts of storage space

• DVDs require a DVD drive, but DVD drives can also play back CD technology

• DVD-Rs, recordable DVDs, are an emerging technology just becoming available


Computers in Education

• Teachers need to be sufficiently aware of computer hardware and software to use both effectively in their classroom

• While teachers need not be technical experts, they do need to know enough to • Use the technology appropriately• Handle minor computer problem• Help students use computers• Recognize when technical support is

needed

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Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom