Teaching and Learning with Technology Chapter 5 Schools and Technology

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Learning Outcomes Identify the components of a typical classroom computer system and their application in the classroom Describe the functions of classroom computers and peripherals Determine the role of networking in enhancing the capabilities of classroom computers Identify the opportunities and challenges associated with computer integration

The Classroom Computer Chapter 5 Schools and Technology The Classroom Computer Teachers will be responsible for first line support of their classroom computers Need to know enough to handle minor issues and to identify when they need IT support Educator computer literacy means that you must know enough about computers so you can keep them available for your students not just be able to use them yourself

Computer Hardware All of the physical components of a computer Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Computer Hardware All of the physical components of a computer Hardware takes in data, processes it as the user directs, and returns information Hardware also includes short and long term storage Data is stored short term in Random Access Memory (RAM) Long term, data is stored on storage devices such as hard disks, CDs, or flash drives Hardware uses programs (software) to complete tasks System software tells the computer how to operate Application software tells the computer how to perform a task

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Computer Hardware Purchasing and integrating hardware in a district is complex Typically schools select hardware on the basis of bid prices, support issues, and compatibility Districts often use a strategic planning process to factor in all the variables to make the most efficient technology choices Teachers often participate in strategic planning As a strategic plan is phased in and new hardware is acquired, teachers may have to deal with several different types of hardware in their classroom

Classroom Input Devices Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Classroom Input Devices Input devices allow users to enter data and commands Most common input devices are keyboard and pointing devices Keyboards are come in various shapes and sizes, both wired and wireless, to meet users unique physical needs Some keyboards may be assistive devices to address students with special needs The operating system software can make adjustments to keyboard sensitivity and other functions to help better adapt them to students

Classroom Input Devices Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Classroom Input Devices Pointing devices move the pointer around on the screen and issue commands Most common pointing devices include Mouse – wired or wireless, with one or multiple buttons, this device makes selections and moves objects Trackballs - have the roller on top and minimize space Touch pad – usually on laptops, pressure sensitive surface Functionality can be adjusted via the operating system to make pointing devices easier for students to use

Classroom Output Devices Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Classroom Output Devices Output devices include all hardware that move information from the computer to the user Monitor is an essential output device Displays soft copy that can be changed before printing Resolution is a measure of monitor’s display quality Expressed as number of pixels horizontally and vertically (e.g. 1920x1080) The greater the number, the better the image Can be adjusted to customize image and adapt to older software

Classroom Output Devices Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Classroom Output Devices Printer second most common output device Can be stand alone, networked, wired, or wireless Quality measured in resolution (dots per inch) and speed of printing (pages per minute) Ink jet printer – inexpensive, good resolution printers supporting color that use replaceable ink cartridges Laser printer – more costly black and white toner printers offering fastest, higher resolution image Both types may be bundled with a scanner/fax component

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology The Computer System System unit contains the primary components of the computer including motherboard, ports, and storage To customize a computer, peripherals are attached to the system unit via ports The mother board includes Central Processing Unit (CPU) – microprocessor chip that is the “brain” of the computer CPU quality determined by the speed of processing as measured in gigahertz Random Access Memory (RAM) – banks of chips for temporary storage of data

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology The Computer System To manage classroom computers need to be aware of system unit capabilities Software has specifications – these must match system capabilities The operating system (Windows or Mac) Operates the unique configuration of system hardware Also must match applications software in order for it to run properly Software may have upward and downward compatibility

Storage Devices for longer term, permanent storage of data Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Storage Devices for longer term, permanent storage of data Hard disk drive fixed into most computers offer storage for operating system, application software, and user data Additional removable hard drives can added for back up and extra storage space Flash storage is chip based storage Most often used for flash drives connected via USB port Available on tablets and some laptops instead of traditional hard disk drives

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Malware Destructive files can be inadvertently saved to storage devices, especially hard drives Malware including viruses, spy programs, and other uninvited malicious software can be downloaded to hard drives via email or website visits Malware can disrupt or destroy hardware, software, and data Antivirus programs protect computers but must always be turned on and updated frequently

Portable Storage Media Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Portable Storage Media Optical disc – Drive may be installed in a computer but data is stored on CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-R, DVD-RW ROM discs are read only and cannot be recorded on after the initial recording; -R discs can be recorded on once by the user; -RW discs can be rewritten multiple times CDs store approximately 650 megabytes (millions of bytes) while DVDs can store 17 gigabytes (trillions of bytes) One byte of data is approximately equal to one alphanumeric character

Portable Storage Media Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Portable Storage Media External Drives– Hard drives or flash memory drives that can be added via connection to USB port External hard drives offer sufficient space for a complete computer backup Flash drives are typically used to back up data Cloud Storage is online storage on a hard disk at a remote location User typically rents space for a modest fee Files may be shared by invited guests Files may synch to multiple devices Cannot access data unless you are online

Network Storage Storage on the hard drive of school network servers Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Network Storage Storage on the hard drive of school network servers Available to users with a login and password Often used by school networks to backup all data from all school computers to ensure student and teacher information and records are not lost Does not require Internet access to use

Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Networking Schools Networks distribute computing capability across the school Able to share resources, hardware, software, and files via networks Servers provide computing power, coordination, and massive storage to all connected computers (workstations) Networks can be wired or wireless (WiFi) Older schools may need costly retrofitted for networking

Networking Schools Networks offer many useful functions to educators Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Networking Schools Networks offer many useful functions to educators Communications – Enable email, shared calendars, and groupware Resource sharing including Software via less expensive site licenses Sharing hardware (e.g. shared printers) Files sharing to facilitate collaboration Student monitoring – Network software enables teachers to monitor and take control of student computers

Challenges and Opportunities Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Challenges and Opportunities Opportunities when using classroom computers Preparing 21st century students with the technology skills they need Providing individualized learning for unique learner needs via multimedia, tutorials, and other teaching and learning software Offering access to information beyond the class walls Supporting and facilitating teacher tasks and teacher instruction Encouraging collaboration and communication

Challenges and Opportunities Chapter 5 Schools and Technology Challenges and Opportunities Challenges for classroom computer integration Teachers and students need to be computer literate Schools need adequate funding to make computer technology broadly available, add new computer technology as it evolves, and to upgrade computers currently available Schools need to use strategic planning for computer integration, expansion, and upgrades Teachers need continuous training in new computer technology as it is acquired