1. Computers in the Learning Environment
Teaching and Learning
with Technology
Chapter 5
Computers in the Learning Environment
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2. How Computers Work
Computers are simply machines that carry out your instructions
Very versatile, not limited to predetermined tasks
Takes your input and produces output you request
Understanding how computers work can help you use them effectively

3. How Computers Work The computing cycle consists of: Input Processing
Storage
Output
The computer system is composed of:
Hardware - physical equipment (e.g., laptop)
Software - digital programs (e.g., Word)

4. How Computers Work The Computing Cycle
Input - data or programs entered into the machine by the user
Central processing unit (CPU) receives the input for processing and directs and executes necessary tasks
Random access memory (RAM) may be used by the CPU to temporarily store data during processing

5. How Computers Work The Computing Cycle
Disks (hard drives), CDs, jump drives, or other storage devices may be used to store data more permanently
Output devices receive data as processing is complete (monitor, printer)
This computing cycle is continuous as long as the machine is on

6. How Computers Work

7. How Computers Work
Hardware and software make the computing cycle possible.
Hardware: all physical components of a computer
Software: all the programs telling the computer how to perform tasks

8. How Computers Work Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Programmed chip on the motherboard provides temporary processing memory
Stores computer’s Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that tells the machine how to function, stores no other information permanently
BIOS is stored in ROM when the machine is built but can be upgraded

9. Understanding Software
Graphical User Interface (GUI): “gooey”
Windows and Mac OS use GUIs
A GUI uses icons (small graphics) to represent objects, programs, and data
Commands are issued by clicking on icons

10. Understanding Software
In a GUI OS,
you click on an icon to issue a
command.

11. Understanding Software
Types of Programs
Operating system (OS) provides the interface to the user and enables the computer to run programs
Application programs tell the computer how to achieve a specific task
Utility programs help maintain the machine and its operations

12. Understanding Software
Application Software
Administrative applications are programs that help teachers perform administrative tasks (e.g., Word, PowerPoint)
Academic applications are programs that help you teach and your students learn (e.g., tutorials, electronic encyclopedias)
Application programs are sometimes bundled/sold with related software in an application suite

13. Understanding Software
Bundled software packages combine several popular applications into one package or suite (e.g., Microsoft Office)
Integrated software packages are “mini” versions of applications sold as a single software package (e.g., iWork)
Software has specific system requirements (e.g., computer memory, processor speed), so check the computer’s specifications before buying

14. Computer Hardware

15. How Computers Work Input Devices
User devices that send data or programs into the computer
Most common devices include keyboard and mouse
Others include trackballs, joysticks, touchpads, microphones, etc.

16. How Computers Work
Output devices move processed data from computer to user
Monitors:
Display data as soft copy output
Monitor displays vary in their clarity (resolution) and size
LCD (liquid crystal display)/LED (light emitting diode) monitors are thinner, flatter and lighter than CRT (cathode ray tube)

17. How Computers Work Printers: Output Devices
Display data in hard copy output
Vary in resolution (clarity of output), speed, color vs. black & white, and features included
The most common are ink-jet and laser

18. Understanding Hardware
Printers
Ink-jet printers squirt small droplets of ink on paper
Laser printers use heat to affix toner to paper
Most ink-jet printers print in color and/or black

19. How Computers Work Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Controls all machine processes
Performance measured in terms of information processing speed
The higher the speed, the faster the processing, getting users’ work done faster
Speed measured in megahertz (MHz)

20. How Computers Work Random Access Memory (RAM)
Temporary storage for programs and user input is referred to as memory
Measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB)
The greater the amount of RAM, the faster the computer can store and access data without needing to access drives

21. How Computers Work
When you “Save,”
data move from
RAM to storage

22. How Computers Work Storage
CPU stores data temporarily in RAM or more permanently on storage devices
Storage devices include floppy disks, hard disks, optical discs, and USB jump drives
“Save” command moves data from RAM to storage device

23. How Computers Work
Data
storage
sizes

24. Understanding Hardware
Hard Disks
Usually fixed inside computer
Where installed programs are stored
Can offer large storage capacity
Fast access time for data retrieval
Hard disks can “crash" or fail, backup of data critical

25. Floppy Disks
Small capacity, 1.44 MB, useful for small file backup or transport
Relatively fragile and becoming obsolete
As with any removable media, can carry viruses from computer to computer

26. Removable Storage Can be “flash memory” type or external hard disk
Normally connect to USB port
Vary in capacity to 64 MB for flash to 1.5 terabytes (TB) for hard drives
Good for transfer, backup, and archive storage of large and/or large amounts of files

27. Optical Media Two primary types:
CD - holds up to 650 MB, standard computer component
DVD - Holds up to 9 GB, becoming the new standard, originally used for video

28. Optical Recording Formats
CD-R - CD-R/W (CD = compact disk)
CD-R: “R” means record one time
CD-R/W: “R/W” can be rerecorded
DVD±R/W (DVD = digital video disk)
“+” and “-” represent 2 alternative formats, each is not compatible with the hardware for the other
DVD-R, DVD+R: R means record once
DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W: Rewritable, allows media to be erased and rewritten

29. Networking Basics Network
Collection of computers and peripherals connected together
Networked workstations connected to a server via hard wire or wirelessly

30. Networking Basics A network:
May have a server, a more powerful computer configured to facilitate communications and sharing of resources
Users can connect via hard wires or wirelessly

31. Network Types Several types, most common: Local Area Networks (LANs)
Serve a local area such as a single school
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
Serve a wider area such as a school district
WANs typically include multiple LANs

32. Networking Challenges
Protocol must be the same across networks
Bandwidth must be sufficient to support carrying capacity
Security must be considered, implemented, and continually monitored/upgraded

33. Network Advantages Shared resources:
Software including administrative and academic
Appropriate data files and folders
Hardware - printers, drives, scanners, etc.
Communications – , shared calendar, Internet access

34. Teachers and Computers
Why know about computers?
Teachers need to know enough to:
Meet ISTE’s NETS•T requirements
Use technology appropriately/effectively
Handle minor computer problems
Help students use computers
Recognize when technical support is needed
Use both hardware and software to effectively support learning in their classroom