Introduction To Personal Computers in The Classroom: Teaching and Learning With Technology

Teaching and Learning with Technology
Introduction to Personal Computers in the Classroom

Chapter 3
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
THE COMPUTING CYCLE
s
I
NPUT
TORAGE
CENTRAL PROCESSING UNIT
MEMORY
UTPUT
OUTPUT DEVICES PRINTER MONITOR GUI WITH ICONS CPU

DISK/CD
MOUSE STORAGE DEVICES

KEYBOARD
THE COMPUTER SYSTEM
INPUT DEVICES
Software
Once the BIOS program is read, the next program starts This program is the Power On Self Test (POST) The POST checks the computers 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 Teaching and Learning with 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 (CDR disc) and drive to record data Once recorded, data can be read on a CDROM drive
Disk Storage
CD-RW Compact Disks that can be read and recorded on many times are Compact DiscReWriteable (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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Teaching and Learning with Technology