Hardware and Software Basics Identifying Hardware Components to Meet Application Software Requirements

Hardware and Software Basics Class Objectives  Demonstrate knowledge and appropriate use of operating systems, software applications, and basic hardware, communication and networking components of a microcomputer system  Select and use application software for a defined task according to quality, appropriateness, effectiveness, and efficiency  Explain the differences between analog and digital technology systems and give examples of each  Compare and contrast LANs, WANs, the Internet, and intranets

Hardware and Software Basics Essential Questions  What problems do you wish to solve?  Will technology assist you in solving the problem?  What technology hardware and software tools are necessary?  What technology-based resources are readily available to you?

Hardware and Software Basics Additional Questions  How can you determine if a new software package will work on the hardware you have available? What do you need to know to make this determination?  What resources are readily available to you to guide your ability to make a recommendation about purchasing new software?  What strategies are you using to include all learner’s special needs are met in your classroom? Is technology part of this solution? Why or why not.

Hardware and Software Basics What problems do you wish to solve?  Administrative Support  Instructional Support  Curricular Based Activities

Hardware and Software Basics What problems do you wish to solve?  Administrative Support  Grade book  Attendance  Student’s Personal Data  Parental contact information  ARDs  Discipline contracts

Hardware and Software Basics What problems do you wish to solve?  Instructional Support  Educational Software  Interactive Books  Encyclopedias  Internet Resources

Hardware and Software Basics What problems do you wish to solve?  Curricular Based Activities  Teaching with Technology  Teaching about Technology

Hardware and Software Basics Hardware Resources  Computer Systems  Stand-alone computers  Networked computer systems  In the classroom  Computer Labs  Internet Accessibility  Other Technology  Projection systems  Video and audio equipment

Hardware and Software Basics Software Resources  System Software  Unix, Mac OS or Microsoft Windows  Application Software  Administrative  Educational  Technology content specific  Desktop Publishing  Video Editing

Hardware and Software Basics Software Resources  Integrated Learning Systems (ILS)  Combination of instructional software and administrative management tools  Provides simulations, drill and practice, tutorial and problem solving activities while tracking student’s progress, managing assignments and providing detailed reports  Most powerful and most expensive

Hardware and Software Basics Software Resources  Computer Assisted Instruction  Drill and practice  Simulations  Tutorials  Educational games  Problem solving

Hardware and Software Basics Software Resources  Computer Based Resources for the Instructor  Many textbook publishers are providing additional teaching materials on CD- ROM to accompany and/or supplement Teacher’s Guides  Testing materials with automatic grading  Internet resources  Additional computer based activities that are content specific

Hardware and Software Basics Library Resources  Texas Library Connection  Integrated statewide resource sharing system where information resources are identified, accessed and retrieved  The Internet Public Library  eBooks or online texts  magazines, newspapers, serials

Hardware and Software Basics Library Resources  List of online encyclopedias  Almanac resources  Dictionaries

Hardware and Software Basics Class Activities  Create a checklist that identifies hardware and software resources available within your classroom, on your school campus, within your school district.  Complete a software evaluation using tools provided within the content module.

Hardware and Software Basics Class Activities Within your small discussion group, identify, compare and analyze the most critical needs and problems areas within your classroom. Can technology assist you in meeting these needs and solving the problems?

Hardware and Software Basics Class Activities  Available Resources:  An in-depth look at the following resources will be forthcoming in Top Down Technology Planning Module  National Technology Plan  Statewide Technology Plan  District wide Technology Plan

Hardware and Software Basics Class Activities  Available Resources:  Texas Education Agency Website – plethora of information is available including all TEKS (in downloadable format), lesson plans, and the Texas Long-Range Technology Plan.

Hardware and Software Basics Class Activities  Available Resources:  Technology Applications Center for Educator Development (TACED)  Sample technology projects, classroom activities, assessment tools and rubrics