1. Computers in the Learning Environment
Chapter 3
Teaching and Learning
With Technology 3e

2. Chapter 3 Rationale
To overcome teacher reluctance it is best for you, as education students, to become familiar with computers.

3. Computer Basics No built in predetermined purpose
Computer system = Computer + all components
Memory = temporary storage space
Storage = more permanent storage
Computing Cycle
Take in Data
Process Data
Store Data
Output Results
Hardware = physical, touchable equipment
Software = programs (sets of instructions)

4. Built-in Software Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)
Initial instructions
Stored on ROM chips (Read-only memory)
Booting up
Power-on self-test (POST)
Self-diagnostic
Runs after boot
Error message if problem

5. External Software Operating Systems Application Programs Windows
Macintosh OS
Application Programs
Microsoft Office
Microsoft Works
Clarisworks

6. Operating Systems Windows Macintosh OS Both Use Menus Icons
Commands – keystroke, menu options, clicking icons
Graphic User Interface (GUI)
Depends on graphics/visuals instead of text

7. Application Software Application Programs
Tell computer how to complete tasks
Utility programs for computer operations
Administrative software for word processing, databases, spreadsheets
Academic software for tutorials and encyclopedias
Application Suites (Microsoft Office)
Complete application programs
Integrated Software Packages (Works)
Main features of application programs

8. Important
You should always be aware of the specifications of your computer.
Software specifications identify the minimum levels of hardware necessary.
Specifications may include
Machine speed
Available memory
Monitor capability
Hard drive space

9. Hardware (Input Devices)
Used to enter data
Peripheral
Device that can be connected to computer
Types of Input Devices
Keyboard
Mouse
Trackball, joystick, touchpad

10. Hardware (Output Devices)
Move information out of computer
Types of Output Devices
Monitor
Electronic soft copy
Printer
Printed hard copy

11. Monitors Resolution LCD (liquid crystal display) – thin monitor
Clarity of images
Measured by number of pixels
Pixel (picture element) – single colored dot
Measured both vertically and horizontally (800x600)
Larger screen size requires higher resolution
LCD (liquid crystal display) – thin monitor
Display temporary soft copy

12. Printers Resolution Hard copy results Dots per inch (dpi) Paper
Transparencies
T-shirt transfers
Digital photos
Stickers

13. System Unit Central Processing Unit (CPU) Microprocessor chip
Controls all computer operations
Speeds measured in gigahertz
Operator issues a command
CPU locates program
Loads it into RAM (random-access memory)
Temporary storage during processing
SAVE frequently

14. Storage Hard Disks Floppy Disks Portable Media CD-ROMs
CD-Rs and CD-RWs
DVDs

15. Hard Disks Hold billions of bytes of data (gigabytes)
Newest trillions of bytes (terabytes)
Byte = one alphabetic or numeric character
Permanently mounted inside machine
Usually C: drive
Back up data as protection against crashes

16. Relative Sizes of Stored Data
EQUIVALENT
EXAMPLE
1 BYTE
1 alphanumeric character
The letter A or number 5
1 KILOBYTE
Approximately 1,000 characters
Slightly less than 1 page of typed, double-spaced text
1 MEGABYTE
Approximately 1 million characters
1,000 pages of typed, double-spaced text
1 GIGABYTE
Approximately 1 billion characters
1 million pages of typed, double-spaced text
1 TERABYTE
Approximately 1 trillion characters
1 billion pages of text

17. Floppy Disks Made of flexible Mylar-type material 1.44 megabytes
Portable file box
Data storage units
File – collection of related data
Folder – digital organizer for related files
Virus danger
Install antivirus programs

18. Portable Media Transportable 100 megabytes to several gigabytes
Ideal for large multimedia files
Flash drive, Thumb drive
Typically plugged into USB port

19. CD-ROMs Compact disc-read-only memory Get information only
No storage capability
Recorded and read by laser beams
650 megabytes
Programs to install
Large self-contained programs

20. CD-Rs and CD-RWs CD-R (compact disc-recordable)
Record data
Once recorded, not changeable
650 megabytes or 75 minutes audio
CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable)
Record and change stored data
Same capacity as CD-Rs
Good for large multimedia files

21. DVDs Digital versatile discs Can store on both sides in two layers
Store up to 17 gigabytes of data
DVD drives can read
DVDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-RWs and musical CDs
DVD-Rs and DVD+Rs are recordable only
DVD-RWs and DVD+RWs are rewritable

22. Networking Computers Switch - offers series of centralized connections
Node – connected workstation or peripheral
Wired
Network cards and cables
Wireless
Wireless cards and wireless channel

23. Networking Computers LANs – Local area networks
Connect machines in a classroom/school
WANs – Wide area networks
Connect machines in a school district or all school districts in the state

24. Using a School Network
Packet – small units of data sent through the network one at a time by the server
Bandwidth – carrying capacity of the transmission media
Privacy and security – logins and passwords, firewalls

25. Shared Programs Advantages Disadvantages Resource sharing
Cost-saving site licenses
Software upgrades for server only
Disadvantages
Problems with server - workstations down
Network or shared programs not accessible

26. Shared Data Network server with large storage area
User given small network storage area
Login and password protected
Use on any networked workstation
Access files from any workstation
Disadvantage
Quantity of hard disk storage needed

27. Shared Administrative Tools
Groupware
Common calendar
Address book
Facilities reservation list
Electronic Mail

28. Shared Administrative Tools
Monitor student workstations
Take control of student workstations
Broadcast images from one workstation to all others to share student work
Common in lab settings

29. Shared Hardware Stand-alone computers each need own printers
Networked computers share single printer

30. Hardware Evaluation Rubric
Table 3.6 on page 124
Lists evaluation criteria
Helpful when considering hardware purchases both for yourself and for the classroom
See also Interchapter 3, page 130