Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom

1. Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom Teaching and Learning with Technology Chapter 3 Allyn and Bacon 2002

2. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

3. How Computers Work • The computing cycle consists of • Input • Processing • Storage • Output • Each stage of the cycle has specific hardware devices associated with it Allyn and Bacon 2002

4. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

5. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

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7. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

8. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

9. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

10. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

11. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

12. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

13. 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) Allyn and Bacon 2002

14. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

15. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

16. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

17. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

18. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

19. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

20. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

21. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

22. 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 The 21st Century Classroom: Technology in Teaching and Learning Allyn and Bacon 2002

23. 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 The 21st Century Classroom: Technology in Teaching and Learning Allyn and Bacon 2002

24. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

25. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

26. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002

27. 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 Allyn and Bacon 2002