1. Teaching and Learning with Technology
Chapter 5
Schools and Technology

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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 , 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

19. 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

20. 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