Teaching and Learning with Technology COMPUTERS in the CLASSROOM

Teaching and Learning with Technology

COMPUTERS in COMPUTERS in the the

CLASSROOMCLASSROOM


• Hardware and software make the computing cycle possible.– Hardware: all physical

components of a computer– Software: all the programs

telling the computer how to perform its tasks

How Computers WorkHow Computers Work


• The computing cycle consists of Input Processing Storage Output

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



The Computing Cycle• Begins with input - data or programs

entered into the machine by the user• Input goes to the Central Processing

Unit (CPU) for processing• CPU chip directs and executes

necessary tasks • The CPU may use Random Access

Memory (RAM) to store data during processing



The Computing Cycle• Data may be placed more

permanently (stored) on a disk CD-R, or other storage device

• When processing is complete, the CPU sends the processed data (information) to an output device

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



The COMPUTING CYCLEThe COMPUTING CYCLE


Understanding Understanding HARDWAREHARDWARE



Input Devices • Devices that send data or

programs into the machine

• Common devices include keyboard and mouse

• Others include track balls, joy sticks, touch pads, microphones, etc.


Output Devices • Move processed data from

computer to user• Monitors

– display data as soft copy output

– Monitor displays vary in their clarity (resolution)

– LCD monitors offer flat, thin hardware



Output Devices • Printers

– Display data in hard copy output– Printer vary in resolution (clarity

of output) and speed– The most common types are laser

and ink jet




Printers• Laser printers use heat

to affix toner to paper • Ink-jet printers squirt

small bubbles of ink on paper

• Most Ink-jet printers print in color and/or black



The CPU (Central Processing Unit)

• Controls all machine processes

• CPU performance measured in terms of information processing speed

• The higher the speed, the faster the CPU, making the computer more responsive to the user

• Speed measured in Megahertz (MHz) and Gigahertz (GHz)


Storage• CPU can store data temporarily in

RAM or more permanently on storage devices

• Storage devices include floppy disks, hard disks, optical discs, and USB drives.

• SAVE command moves data from RAM to storage device




When you SAVE,data moves fromRAM to Storage


Random Access Memory (RAM)• Temporary storage for programs

and user input• Measured in Megabytes (Mb) or

Gigabytes (Gb)• The greater the amount of RAM,

the faster the computer can store and access data without crashing




DataStorageSizes


Read Only Memory (ROM)• Programmed chip on the

motherboard • Includes the computer’s Basic Input

Output System (BIOS) that tells the machine how to function

• BIOS is stored in ROM when the machine is built but can be upgraded



POST• After BIOS program is

read, Power-On Self-Test (POST ) starts

• POST checks functionality of computer’s hardware

• If any problems exist, it writes an error message on screen to inform user



The Operating System• After a successful POST, the

Operating System (OS) loads• The OS operates hardware,

manages operations, and provides the user interface

• Windows and Mac OS are the operating systems for PCs and Macs

Understanding SoftwareUnderstanding Software


Graphical User Interface (GUI)

• Windows and Mac OS use GUIs• A GUI uses icons (small graphics)

to represent objects, programs, and data

• In a GUI OS, commands are issued by clicking on icons



Understanding Understanding SoftwareSoftware

In a GUI O/S, to issue acommand youmove the mouse whichmoves the pointer to click on icons.


Types of Programs• OS programs prepare the

machine to run other programs • Application programs apply the

machine to a specific task• Utility programs help maintain

the machine and its operations



Application Software• Academic applications are programs

that help you teach and your students learn

• Administrative applications are programs that help teachers perform administrative tasks

• Application programs are sometimes bundled/sold with related software in an application suite



• Integrated software packages are “mini” versions of applications sold as a single software package

•Software is written to run on specific machines so check machine specifications before buying software



TEACHERS and TEACHERS and COMPUTERSCOMPUTERS

Why know so much about computers?

Teachers need to know enough to • Use technology appropriately• Handle minor computer problems• Help students use computers• Recognize when technical support is

needed• Use both hardware and software

effectively in their classroom

Documents

Teaching and Learning with Technology COMPUTERS in the CLASSROOM