Transcript PowerPoint Lesson 19

Computing Fundamentals Module
Lesson 19 — Using Technology
to Solve Problems
Computer Literacy BASICS
Objectives
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Define problem solving.
Identify technology tools for solving
problems.
Identify problem-solving steps.
Identify fundamental concepts of software
applications including word processing,
spreadsheets, databases, graphics and
multimedia, and presentation software.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Objectives (cont.)
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Explain how computer software can be used
to solve problems.
Explain how other forms of technology are
used to solve problems.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Vocabulary
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Database
Database software
Distance learning
Graphics software
Multimedia software
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Personal information
management
software (PIMS)
Presentation
software
Problem solving
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Vocabulary (cont.)
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Relational database
Search engines
Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
software
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Technology
Telecommunications
Teleconferencing
Word-processing
software
Computer Literacy
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Problem Solving with Technology
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Technology is the application of scientific
discoveries to the production of goods and
services to improve the human environment.
Technology provides tools in solving
problems for business operations and
individuals’ daily lives.
The Internet’s capabilities are endless.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Problem Solving with Technology
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Computers are playing a major role in the technology
boom.
A basic function of a computer is to solve problems,
that is, to answer questions and to provide an easier
and better way to perform certain tasks.
Computer software controls the versatility of the
computer.
With appropriate software, you can solve any
problem or simplify any task.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Quick Quiz
1.What do we call the application of scientific
discoveries to the production of goods and
services that improve the human
environment?
A. technology
B. information technology
C. data communication
D. computer applications
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Computer Literacy
BASICS
Defining Problem Solving
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Problem solving is a systematic approach of
going from an initial situation to a desired
situation that is subject to some resource
constraints.
Logical guidelines must be followed to
identify the situation and find the best
technology to apply to the situation.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Problem-Solving Steps
1. Define the problem.
2. Investigate and analyze the problem.
3. Identify possible solutions.
4. Select and implement a solution.
5. Evaluate solutions.
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Computer Literacy
BASICS
Define the Problem
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Make certain that there really is a problem
and identify what it is.
Clarify the current situation and identify what
it should be.
If necessary, make notes or sketches.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Investigate and Analyze
the Problem
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Collect all available data about the problem.
This provides the information you need to
make an accurate decision.
Sometimes this step reveals that there is no
actual problem or that the problem is being
caused by something else.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Identify Possible Solutions
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Once the problem is defined and analyzed, consider
what can be done to solve it.
See what can be done differently or what can be
added or removed to the situation to fix the problem.
Ask questions, what can be done to solve this
problem? What needs to be done differently? What
needs to be deleted or added?
At this stage, you may identify several possible
solutions.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Select and Implement a Solution
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If multiple solutions are available, compare
and test each one to determine the best
possible choice.
When you have determined the best solution,
implement it to fix the problem.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Evaluate Solutions
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After implementing the chosen solution,
analyze it to be sure that it has solved the
problem.
Ask questions to assess the solution:
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Did the solution eliminate the problem?
Did it accomplish the required task?
If your answers are positive, you have a
solution to the problem.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Quick Quiz
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What is the systematic approach of going
from an initial situation to a desired situation,
subject to some resource constraints?
Answer: problem solving
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Case Study
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Employees have been missing meetings, so
lets explore how technology can help with
this issue.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Case Study:
Step 1: Define the problem
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What needs to be accomplish? What
information is needed and how it is to be
presented?
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Select appropriate software to be used.
Eliminate scheduling conflicts.
Know employees’ schedules.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Case Study:
Step 2: Investigate and analyze the
problem
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How can a manager know all employees’
schedule?
How can a manager notify all employees of a
meeting in a timely fashion?
What type of software is available for these
needs?
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Case Study:
Step 3: Identify solutions
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Use word-processing software to key a
memo to send to all employees announcing
a meeting.
Manually check everyone’s schedule to see
when they are at work and available for a
meeting.
Identify a software that can be used to enter
and maintain employees’ schedule.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Case Study:
Step 4: Select and implement a
solution
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After studying the possible solutions, it was
decided that the company would purchase a
specialized software to solve the problem of
missed meetings.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Using Technological Tools
to Solve Problems
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Individuals and businesses face problems every day
that can be solved by technology.
Many software programs can be used to solve
problems.
Choose the best software application for the task
you want to accomplish.
Sometimes software must be developed or at least
modified to be effective for a specific task.
The Internet can be used to solve many problems.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Typical Software Applications
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Word processing
Spreadsheet
Database
Presentation
Graphics
Multimedia
(animation, digital
video, sound)
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Telecommunications
Web browsers and
Web design
Personal information
management
Specialized
programs for specific
jobs
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Word Processing Software
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A document created
with word-processing
software
Word-processing
programs can be used
to prepare newsletters,
reports, and tables to
organize and distribute
important information.
The merge feature
saves hours in
preparing multiple
documents.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Word Processing Software
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Web pages can be designed using HTML
code or word-processing software.
Many word-processing programs have
advanced features that allow you to perform
spreadsheet and database like functions.
Example of word-processing software:
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Microsoft Word
WordPerfect
Lotus
WordPro
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Word-Processing Software
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You can prepare an entire book complete
with illustrations, tables, and index using
word processing software.
You can create a Web page using word
processing and then publish it to a Web
friendly format automatically.
WordPerfect
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Computer Literacy
BASICS
Spreadsheet Software
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Spreadsheets are
designed to store and
manipulate numeric data.
Spreadsheet programs
can be used to quickly
create a budget or
analyze sales.
EX: Microsoft Excel &
Lotus 1-2-3
A spreadsheet prepared
electronically
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Spreadsheet Software
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A spreadsheet or worksheet is an organized table of
financial or other numerical information, arranged in
rows and columns.
The place where a row and column intersect is
called a cell.
Spreadsheets are organized into workbooks ( a
group of worksheets), and can include numerical
values and textual data as well as formulas,
functions, and variables.
The output of a worksheet can be configured into
charts and graphs that illustrate the data.
Database Software
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Database software can organize, store, and
retrieve large amounts of data and create queries
to locate specific data.
A database
document
used to
organize a list
of customers
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Database Software
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A few database products are Microsoft
Access, dBASE, and SQL.
Database is an organized collection of data.
The information in a database is organized
into fields (a column of one type of
information, such as names or telephone
numbers), records (all the data in one row or
entry), and tables ( a set of fields and
entries).
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Database Software
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The data can be used to create reports and
forms, and entries in a database table can be
queried to find a specific information.
A relational database is a collection of
database tables that are connected to each
other. Changing the data in one will change
related data in another table.
A non- relational database, one consisting of
only a single database table, called flat file
database.
Database Software
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Enterprise database are vast and complex
relational database used in industry. Ex:
airline reservation system.
Presentation Software
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Businesses and individuals use presentation
software to create automated slide shows.
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EX: Microsoft PowerPoint & Word Perfect
Presentations.
Creating a
slide with
presentation
software
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Computer Literacy
BASICS
Presentation Software
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Presentation software are a type of multimedia
software, since they can include both images and
sound.
The slides in a slide show are created using slide
masters, which are templates you can use to
produce a presentation with a unifying design.
The information in a slide show is presented in an
active, exciting format to hold an audience’s
attention.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Graphics and Multimedia Software
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You would use multimedia software to edit digital video on a
computer monitor.
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Graphics software is
used to create images
electronically.
Different kinds of
multimedia software
can be used to
manipulate digital
photographs, video,
and sound files.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Graphics and Multimedia Software
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There are programs for creating and editing
artwork including Microsoft Paint, Corel
Draw, and Adobe Studio.
Applications such as Macromedia’s Flash
can be used to produce detailed graphics or
animation.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Graphics and Multimedia Software
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Graphics software offers electronic versions
of an artist’s tools, such as pens and paint
brushes, that allow you to draw lines, fill
objects with colors, and move elements
around in a composition.
You can use multimedia software to
manipulate digital photographs (Adobe
Photoshop and Microsoft Picture it).
Graphics and Multimedia Software
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Graphics and Multimedia File Format:
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.bmp (bitmapped)
.tif or .tiff (tagged image file format)
.jpg or .jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group)
.gif (Graphic interchange format)
.fpx (FlashPiX)
.mov ( short for “movie”)
.QT ( Quick Time)
.wav ( short for wave)
.mp3 (Moving pictures Expert Group layer 3-audio)
.avi (audio video interleaved)
.mpg or mpeg (Moving Pictures Expert Group)
.rm or .ram ( real movie and real Audio)
Telecommunications
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Telecommunications refers to the electronic
transfer of data.
Telecommunications software allows
computers across the country to talk with
each other.
This capability is used extensively in the
fields of distance learning and
teleconferencing.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Use the Internet to Solve Problems
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E-mail allows users around the world to
communicate almost instantly.
Networking and electronic research tools
allow users to collect and analyze data.
Search engines allow you to enter a
keyword or phrase and will search millions of
Web sites to find the information you are
seeking. Ex: Excite, Hotbot, AskJeeves, and
google, Mamma.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
An Internet Search Engine
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Computer Literacy
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Web Software
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Browser software allows users to view Web
pages and move from one Web site to
another. Such as Netscape and Internet
Explorer
Software is also available to simplify the
process of creating Web sites. Such as
Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia
Dreamweaver.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Other Software Programs
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Personal information management software (PIMS)
is used to organize appointments, meetings,
telephone and contact information, projects, and
tasks to be completed.
Ex: Microsoft Scheduler, Microsoft outlook, & louts
Organizer.
There are many software programs available to
solve a problem in a particular area or field of
interest including real estate, medical offices,
construction, and so on.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Integrated Application Software
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An integrated software package or suite
combines different productivity applications into
one package.
Integrated software applications allow you to
transfer data easily from one program to
another.
Microsoft Office, AppleWorks, and the Corel
Graphics suite are examples of integrated
applications.
Computer Literacy
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Other Technologies Used
to Solve Problems
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Entertainment: Computer games can teach
problem-solving skills, and simulations allow
you to experiment with real-life situations.
Electronic banking: It allows customers to
bank whenever it is convenient for them.
Medical and health care: Computers and
electronic devices are used extensively in
hospitals to monitor patients’ health.
Computer Literacy
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Other Technologies Used
to Solve Problems (cont.)
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Dangerous tasks:
Computers and robots are
increasingly being used for
tasks that would be very
risky for a human to
attempt.
Repetitious tasks:
Computers can do
repetitive work accurately
without getting tired or
making mistakes.
Computers can perform
tasks in environments too
dangerous for humans.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Quick Quiz
What software is designed to store and
manipulate numeric data?
A. word processing
B. database
C. presentation
D. spreadsheet
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Computer Literacy
BASICS
Discussion Questions
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Is our society becoming too dependent on
technology? Why or why not? Provide
examples to support your position.
Compare and contrast how an individual, a
company, and a national government might
approach the problem-solving process to find
the solution to a specific problem. How does
the amount of resources available to find a
solution impact the process?
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Discussion Questions
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What do you think is the most useful software
application available today? Explain your
choice, and give examples of why it is so
useful. Do you think the software will
continue to work as it does today, or can you
envision changes and improvements to make
it even better?
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Summary
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Technology has made a great impact on our
lives.
The computer plays a major role in the
technology boom.
Computer software controls the versatility of
the computer.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Summary (cont.)
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Problem solving involves defining a problem
and finding a solution.
The sequence of problem solving includes
defining the problem, investigating and
analyzing the problem, identifying possible
solutions, selecting and implementing the
best solution, and evaluating the chosen
solution.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Summary (cont.)
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Typical software programs, such as word
processing, spreadsheet, database
management, presentations, graphics,
multimedia, and telecommunications, are used
to solve problems.
The Internet offers electronic communication,
distance learning, teleconferencing,
networking, and electronic research tools to
solve problems.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Summary (cont.)
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Other technology, including devices with
microprocessors, has affected our lives by
providing solutions to problems and
situations in the areas of entertainment,
medicine, banking, and the performance of
dangerous and repetitious tasks.
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BASICS
Key Terms
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Database: A collection of related information organized for
rapid search and retrieval.
Database software: Software that makes it possible to create
and maintain large collections of data.
Distance learning: Schooling concept in which students in
remote locations receive instruction via telecommunications
technology.
Graphics software: Application used to create artwork with a
computer.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Key Terms
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Multimedia software: Application used to create output that
integrates several different types of media such as text, images,
audio, video, and animation.
Personal information management software (PIMS):
Software designed to organize and manage personal tasks,
appointments, and contacts.
Presentation software: Software that is used to create and
edit information to present in an electronic slide show format.
Problem solving: A systematic approach of going from an
initial situation to a desired situation.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Key Terms
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Relational database: A collection of interconnected database
tables that can be searched without knowing how the tables are
organized.
Search engines: Tools that allow you to enter a keyword to
find sites on the Internet that contain information you need.
Spreadsheet: An organized table of financial or other
numerical information.
Spreadsheet software: Used to store, manipulate, and
analyze numeric data.
Computer Literacy
BASICS
Key Terms
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Technology: The application of scientific discoveries to the
production of goods and services that improve the human
environment.
Telecommunications: Electronic transfer of data.
Teleconferencing: Telecommunications service in which
parties in remote locations can participate via telephone in a
group meeting.
Word-processing software: Software you use to prepare text
documents such as letters, reports, flyers, brochures, and
books.
Computer Literacy
BASICS