1. Computer Software A Lesson Using Concept Attainment EDTE 280 Ben Anderson Diana Ganju Dave Margolis Monica Range Bonnie Sugiyama

2.  View labeled pairs of examples/non-examples  Compare the attributes  Generate hypothesis; write on handout  Test hypothesis against unlabeled examples  State the definition of the concept  Generate additional examples  If you know the concept, please keep quiet until discussion How the Lesson Works

3. Computer Software We are going to compare two distinct categories of computer software. The software in one of these categories has unique characteristics not shared by other software. Our goal is to assist you in defining this unique category. can you figure out what they are? Looking at the examples to follow,

4. Controls what is displayed on your monitor Enables you to send instant messages YESNO

5. Controls the output that is sent to a printer Enables you to edit and touchup photographs and create other images or graphics YESNO

6. Provides access to a floppy disk or CD-ROM Enables you to capture and edit video clips on your computer YESNO

7. Have you spotted any similarities or characteristics that separate the “YES” examples from the “NO” examples? Here come some more…

8. Manages files and folders Enables you to compose and send e-mails YESNO

9. Recognizes input from the keyboard and mouse Automates the preparation of your income tax forms YESNO

10. Do you have an idea of what distinguishes the “YES” examples from the “NO” examples? Write your hypothesis in the first box on your handout. Now, see if your hypothesis holds up in light of the remaining examples…

11. Manages memory on your computer Enables you to view Web pages YESNO

12. The most essential program on a computer Enables you to create a presentation with slides, text, and graphics YESNO

13. Manages all other programs on a computer Enables you to create word processed documents YESNO

14.  Considering the additional examples shown, do you have to edit your hypothesis?  If necessary, revise your hypothesis and write it in the second box of your handout. Now it’s time to test your hypothesis. Identify the next examples as “yes” or “no”.

15. Manages the hardware and software resources on your computer YES

16. Enables you to analyze, store, sort, and perform operations on various types of data NO

17.  Did you have to change your hypothesis to accommodate the last examples?  Share with your neighbor about the characteristics you’ve noticed about the “YES” examples  If necessary, revise your hypothesis and write it in the third box of your handout. Now it’s time to see if your hypothesis was correct.

18. In all the “YES” examples, the attribute is one that represents a characteristic of a computer operating system. In the “NO” examples, the attribute represents characteristics of some other type of software. NO YES

19. The most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. - webopedia.com Operating System

20.  On your handout, give two examples that might represent computer operating systems.  Then, give two examples that represent computer applications.

21.  What thinking processes assisted you in adding and eliminating concepts?  How did you decide to eliminate concepts after seeing more examples?  What use did the non-examples play in helping you to add or narrow the concept?  What did you think about as you wrote your examples? Discussion

22. Lesson Web Site & Support Materials http://www.edmedia.net/courses/280/final_project References