Transcript File

Learning
Activity
Package
communications
Instructor:Name
School: Red River College
Course: Technology Education
Unit: Communications
Estimated Time: One Hour
LAP Code: A06
Computer Edition
Introduction
In a world moving at such a fast pace, it is important for us to stay on top of things. This can
sometimes prove to be difficult, because there is so much to learn!
Communications is a major factor in what makes the world go ‘round.
Almost everything you do revolves around communications in some way.
By working through this LAP, you will better understand how communications systems
work. Then you will even be able to make your own system! Good luck, and have fun!
N
Table of contents
Objectives of this L.A.P
Info - Communication
Info - Morse Code
Info - Binary Code
Info - C.R.T.C.
Design Brief Communication Breakdown
Take The Self Test
Self Test Answer Key
Performance Exam
Performance Exam Key
Glossary Of Terms
References / Additional Info
Objectives
Upon successful completion of this LAP, you will be able to:
1) Create your own definition of the term communication without any
outside help. It must be realistic.
invention.
2) Place at least eight from a list of 10 communications terms in the correct order based on their date of
3) State the decade, and by whom Morse Code was invented.
4) Demonstrate and explain how five bits of binary code works.
5) Define the acronym CRTC and
describe it’s main objective in not more than one paragraph.
6) Construct a code in about 30
minutes with your partner that is
capable of transmitting instructions to them.
7) Have fun participating in the
activity Communication Breakdown
according to the design brief.
NPlease continue
Path Selection
Now that you have read the objectives of this Learning Activity Package (LAP), it should be clear what is
expected of you. Use the choices below to determine how you wish to learn.
NPath 1: “Are you kidding me, I can do all those things in my sleep! I’m going to page 17 in this LAP so I can take the self
test.”
NPath 2: “I don’t even know what language those objectives are written in! I better go to the page6 and start reading over the
material
carefully.”
NPath 3: “I know some of that stuff on the previous page, but not all of it, I’m going to refer to the next page so I can read up
on only what I don’t know.”
NPath 4: “This LAP is dumb, so I am going to refer to page 24 and learn this information from an alternate source.”
Information
Perhaps you have already noticed the red text so far mixed in with the black. A term typed in red is one you can find in the glossary on page 23 of this
Learning Activity Package.
As defined by dictionary.com, the term communication refers to “the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or
behavior”. By adding an ‘S’ to that term, you get, “the discipline that studies the principles of transmitting information and the methods by which it is
delivered (as print or radio or television etc.). All this means is that communicationS is the field that studies communication. There are many techniques that we use to
communicate.
N
Learning Activity Package
Learning Activity 1
Now that you’ve read the information on the previous page,
do the following two activities on a separate, blank sheet of paper.
1) Build your own definition of the term communication. Without
showing the term, ask five other people to read the definition and tell
you what you’ve defined. If they get it, you must have created a good
definition. If not, ask for help perfecting it.
2) Assemble a list of at least 15 ways and things we use to
communicate. Place them in order of their origin. Which do you think
came first, talking or (talking with) a cell phone?
NWhen you’re done, keep on rollin’!
Information
Morse Code is a method of communication. It involves sending a message based on long and short marks.
These are more commonly referred to as dots and dashes. The Code was invented by Samuel Morse for use with the telegraph
machine. It was then used
extensively for radio communication starting around 1890. Even though we rarely use Morse Code as a form of
communication today, modifications are still being made. In fact, the ‘@’ symbol was added to Morse Code in 2004.
Since it’s invention in the mid-1830’s, it has gone through several changes to improve it’s effectiveness,
and is now standardized throughout the world.
NNext!
Learning Activity Package
Learning Activity 2
Now that you’ve read the information on the
previous page, do the following activity on a separate,
blank sheet of paper.
Using the Official International Morse Code
chart on the left, exchange coded messages with a
friend to practice using the code. See how fast you can
write and read messages in Morse Code. Can you do it
without the chart? Start thinking about inventing your
own code. What would you call it?
1922 Chart of the Morse Code Letters and Numerals
NAfterward, scope out the next page!
Information
Binary Code is the language which a computer uses to perform operations. Binary is a type of numbering
system, only a little bit different from the one we know. The number system we use is called the Decimal system. Starting with
0, we can count up to nine, before having to add a decimal place. Therefore, we also
refer to this system as Base 10. In the binary number system, there are only two places: 0 and 1. Once you count to 1, you need
to add a decimal place. Therefore, we can call this
system: Base 2. This is the basis for pretty much every electronic device you use today. There are other types of numbering
systems out there, but these two are enough for now.
NNext!
Information
You already know that each place in a number is called a digit. The same is true for Binary. It’s called a
binary digit, or Bit, for short. You’ve likely heard this term before.
Examine the following charts carefully. The chart on the left is the decimal numbering system which you
use everyday. The binary system is on the right. You need to know at least five bits of this system, four are shown.
NAll done here!
Learning Activity Package
Learning Activity 3
Now that you’ve read the information on the previous page,
do the following activity on a separate, blank sheet of paper.
Create a chart of binary numbers that go up to 31. This will
be five binary digits, or five bits. After you’ve completed this list,
practice using the numbers (up to nine) by writing down things like
your phone number, birthday, house number and locker combo in
binary. Jot down as many numerical terms as you can, to get extra
practice. For example, Mr. Gavin typed this LAP when he was 22 years
old. Twenty-two in binary is written as: 10110
NWhen you’re done, continue reading
Information
The CRTC is the regulatory body responsible for broadcasting here in Canada. It was
established in 1968. In the United States, this body is referred to as the FCC (Federal
Communications Commission).
CRTC is an acronym for Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications
Commission. They supervise and regulate every aspect of the Canadian broadcasting system, including telecommunications
companies like MTS, Rogers and Telus. Additionally, they monitor your favourite radio station for
appropriateness, and Canadian content. Don’t forget, radio stations here in Canada are required by law to play 35% Canadian
Content between 6 am and 6 pm (Mon– Fri).
NCarry on!
Learning Activity Package
Learning Activity 4
Now that you’ve read the information on the previous page,
do the following activity on a separate, blank sheet of paper.
1) Compose a list of ten of your all time, favourite tunes. Do this step
before moving onto the next.
2) Using an internet search engine or other source of information,
determine what percentage of your favourite songs are Canadian.
NNow it’s time for some real fun!
Intro to self test
You may be ready for the self test. Read the following to determine your next path choice.
NPath 1: “Are you kidding me, I’m gonna kill this test! I’ll jump to the next page so I can take the self test and see how well I
know the objectives outlined on page 3.”
NPath 2: “I’m still having difficulty figuring out certain topics. I will jump to page 4 and chose another path to learn the rest
of this stuff.” (as outlined on page 3)
self test
When’s the last time you actually had fun doing a test!
When you’re done go to the next page.
Down
1
We could also refer to the binary system as
____2.
2
Language which computers use to perform
operations
3
Hip new way of communicating with your cell
phone
5
Long and short marks are more commonly
referred to as dots and _____.
6
One of the earliest forms of communication
7
The exchange of thoughts, messages, or
information, as by speech, signals, writing,
or behavior
8
Red text in this lap represents words which
are found in the _____.
13
Acronym for the regulatory body of
Canadian broadcasting
Across
2
The name of the awesome activity for this topic is called Communication _______.
4
Invented in the mid-1830's
9
This gentleman invented Morse code
10
The discipline that studies the principles of transmitting information and the methods
by which it is delivered
11
Combination of the words binary digit
12
A special code was invented for use with this machine
14
The number system we use
15
Radio stations are required to play 35% Canadian ______.
Print this
page and
complete
Evaluation of
Self test
mark.
You should have got 10 or more questions correct on the previous self test. Each answer was worth one
NPath 1: “Darn right, I killed that test! I’ll click to the next page so I can take the performance exam and finish this Learning
Activity Package.
NPath 2: “Aw man, that test was
bogus! I didn't even get at least 10 right. I will use another path to learn the rest of this stuff.” Page 4.
Performance exam
Print this
page and
complete
1)Who invented Morse Code? _________________________.
2)The word bit is a combination of the words
_________ & _______.
3)Define the term communication.
____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________.
4)Morse code was invented in the mid- __________.
5)CRTC stands for __________ ___________-____________ &
______________ ____________.
6)Describe the CRTC’s objective.
____________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________.
7)Number the following terms in order of their invention/use.
___Traffic lights
___Wireless Internet
___Telephone
___Talking
___Telegraph
___Cell Phone
___Television
___E-mail
___Radio waves
___Text messaging (SMS)
Term
Acronym
Definition / Source For More Info
A word formed from the first letters of a series of other words as in CRTC or parts of a series of words as in Bit
Base 10
Another term for the decimal numeral system
Base 2
Another term for the binary numeral system—a number system based on units of 2
Binary code
Bit
The language that a computer uses to perform operations
An acronym formed from the words Binary and Digit
Four elements, referred to as the MAPL system, are used to determine whether or not a song qualifies as Canadian.
Canadian Content
Cat-5 cable
Communication
(http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/INFO_SHT/G11.htm)
Short for Category 5. Type of cabling used in a computer network
the exchange of thoughts, messages, or information, as by speech, signals, writing, or behavior
the discipline that studies the principles of transmitting information and the methods by which it is
Communications
CRTC
Decimal system
delivered (as print or radio or television etc.).
Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission
A number system based on units of 10
Webpics\animation30.gif
Digit
The spot occupied by a number
FCC
Federal Communications Commission (USA)
Five Bit Communicator
Device created to Communication Breakdown activity
Internet Search Engine
Website used to seek out information on the internet, such as google.ca, yahoo.ca or search.sympatico.msn.ca
Morse Code
Morse code is a method for transmitting information, using standardized sequences of short and long marks
MTS
Rogers
Samuel Morse
Telegraph machine
Telus
Manitoba Telecom Services (mts.mb.ca)
Rogers Communications (rogers.com)
Inventor of Morse Code
A communication device used to transmit and receive simple electric impulses, called telegrams
Canadian communications provider (telus.com)
References
The following websites will assist you in achieving the objectives of this LAP.
A great definition of communication & communications:
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=communications
Learn everything there is to know about Morse Code:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code
Become a binary expert:
http://nickciske.com/tools/binary.php
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/binary.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binary_numeral_system
The CRTC’s Official Fan Site:
http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/welcome.htm
Build your own crossword puzzles:
http://www.varietygames.com/CW/
Mr. Gavin’s Recommended Ultimate Resources:
http://www.google.ca
http://www.dictionary.com
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page
http://ca.briefcase.yahoo.com