Transcript Computer Basics

Technology In The
Classroom Series
Computer Basics
Why Use Technology
in the Classroom?
Technology can be used in the classroom to enhance teaching.
Today’s students are growing up in a technological world.
They are not only tech savvy, but their brains are “wired” to the
concepts of technology in their lives.
Using technology in the classroom improves student attention and
performance.
Technology opens the door for more innovative lessons.
Technology takes the work out of preparing resources.
Technology is fun!
Outline of This
Course
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So, What’s Inside Your Computer
Basic Vocabulary
So What Can You Do?
More Basic Vocabulary
This Is How It Works
The Internet
Well Then, In Conclusion
So, What’s Inside Your
Computer
Processor: The chip that coordinates all of the
processes going on inside your computer.
Hard Drive: The place inside the computer where
documents and programs are stored. Also known as
a the c: drive.
Graphics Card: The component that communicates
with the monitor and renders images on the screen.
It is not usually necessary to worry about the graphics
card unless you are a “gamer”.
Sound Card: The component that communicates
with the speakers to produce music and sounds.
Modem: The component that communicates with
other computers, usually a Server that hosts a web
site or database.
Basic Vocabulary
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Application: Another word for program. Popular applications are MS
Office: MS Word, Excel, and Power Point.
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Extension: When you save a document, the computer automatically
assigns your file name an extension, which is a period followed by three
letters. MS Word gives the extension .doc. This extension helps the
computer identify the program that created the document. (other common
extensions are .jpg, .gif, .html, .ppt, and .xls).
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Operating System: The program on a computer that allows you to
manage and organize computer documents and to run programs.
Windows XP is currently the most popular operating system, but there are
alternatives, if you’re interested.
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Menu: A list of actions available through the program you are using.
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Toolbar: Within most programs, there are groups of icons which look like
buttons. The group of buttons collectively is called the toolbar. These
buttons perform different actions when you click on them. Toolbars are
also common components of browser windows.
So What Can You Do?
• MS Word
• Excel
• Power Point
• Internet
More Basic Vocabulary
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Internet: The internet is a network of computer connections that form the
backbone of the world wide web (www).
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Browser: The program that connects you to the internet and renders the
pages on your machine. The most common browser is Internet Explorer, but
again, there are others, if you’re interested.
(There are also browsers developed for people with disabilities).
ISP (Internet Service Provider): There are three ways to connect to the
internet: Dial-up, DSL, and Cable. Once you are there, your ISP acts as your
switchboard operator (plus a few other things).
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Server: A computer that serves as the central location for programs and
documents made available to a network.
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Networks: The internet is a network, but so are the computers within most
schools and companies, perhaps even your home. All computers connected
to a central server are considered a network. This can be done with an
Ethernet connection, or a LAN.
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Ethernet: This is a cable that connects computers to a network. There are
now wireless Ethernet routers that can connect computers without cables.
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Router: A router is the switching station of the network. All components of the
network, including computers, printers, modems and more can be coordinated
through a router.
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Bandwidth: This refers to the capacity of the cables in the network. The more
bandwidth, the faster information can be transferred.
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Client: You are the client in any communication with a server, or rather your
computer is. Many applications you use will work on your computer then
communicate with the server, and others will work on the server then
communicate with your computer. Databases often run “server side”, while MS
Word is a “client side” application.
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IP Address: The internet works like a telephone. Whenever you “call” another
computer, the IP Address is the number.
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Domain Name: To make it easier for you to know who you’re calling, web sites
provide a domain name. Your name in your e-mail address is also a domain
name.
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Uniform Resource Locator (URL): The URL translates the domain name into
the IP Address.
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HTTP: The hypertext transfer protocol provides the rules for communication
between computers. Through the use of this computer language, your
computer can faithfully render a page located on a network server.
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WWW: The world wide web is the cyberspace created by the internet.
This Is How It Works:
The Internet
How do you get there?
Search Engines:
Google
What do you do when you get there:
Research:
HUNSTEM
Organization:
Moodle
Teach:
Online Lessons
Movies
Reference
Well Then, In
Conclusion
• You Can:
– Use your computer to research topics
and find resources
– Use your computer to prepare lessons
– Use your computer to present lessons
– Use your computer to supplement
lessons
– Reach today’s kids more effectively
– Teach your students media literacy
For More Info
• Go to HowStuffWorks.com