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Teaching Systems and Fundamentals

Tech Span 2010

Marty Daniel mdaniel@houstonisd.org

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Elementary Grades

• Knowledge of the parts of the computer

• Basic technology vocabulary

• Storing and retrieving files on computers or networks

• Troubleshooting basic computer problems

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Middle School

• Basic parts of the computer, vocabulary and symbols of technology

• Create, store and retrieve data on the Internet, local area networks, and peripheral devices

• Recognize and distinguish among file types

• Select a data format or technology tool appropriate to the task or audience

• Basic troubleshooting for computer problems

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Labels

1. Scanner

2. CPU (Microprocessor)

3. Primary storage (RAM)

4. Expansion cards (graphics cards, etc.)

5. Power supply

6. Optical disc drive

7. Secondary storage(Hard disk)

8. Motherboard

9. Speakers

10.Monitor

11.System software

12.Application software

13.Keyboard

14.Mouse

15.External hard disk

16.Printer

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Systems within Systems

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Simple Network

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Where is the server?

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LANs, WANs, and Internet, Oh My!

Name: _________________________________ Teacher: _____________

Date: __________________ Period: _____ This is what I know about the local internet connections at my school.

I can diagram how the internet signal gets to our school, classroom, and my computer

I understand, and can explain difference between the LAN and WAN

I understand the function of the following:

o Ethernet

o Laptop/desktop computer

o Wireless access point (coffee shop or library)

o School server

o Router

o Land Line

o Microwave

o Fiber Optics

o Earth Station & Satellite

Advanced: I can diagram how computers in my community access the internet.

Choose 2 Assessment options: Attach diagram Research and add definitions, images or information to our class wiki (see specific requirements on the wiki)

Oral assessment

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Memory Sizes•Terabyte•Gigabyte•Kilobyte• Byte• Bit

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Organizing Windows Files

• Student Login ▬►My Documents

–Period•My Name

–Topic

»Files

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Organizing Windows Files

•Flash Drive–Period

•My Name–Topic

»Files

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Organizing Windows Files

•Flash Drive–Period

•My Name–Topic

»Files

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Organizing Windows Files

• Clean out your My Documents folder.

• Get rid of any shortcuts you no longer use. 

• Select work to keep.

• Develop an off site storage location such as Dropbox.

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File Extensions

• Set your lab computers to show file extensions

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphabetical_list_of_file_extensions

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Word Processing Files

•Compatibility•rtf, wks, doc, and docx

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Graphics Files

•Compatibility

•gif, jpg, png, tiff, bmp, and psd

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Spreadsheet Files

•Compatibility

•csv, xls, and xlsx

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Trouble

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Procedure• Define Problem – What’s happening when

problem occurs? Is it a computer system or software problem? Is it Internet related?

• Gather information - When did it occur? Did anything change? What error messages? What software & operating system?

• Narrow it down - Break things down until you can locate the problem and solve it.

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Common Culprits• Power train (from the computer to

the wall)

• Connectivity Cable (Ethernet, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.)

• Username/Password

• Frozen Screen

• Software file compatibility

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Common Solutions• Power train (plug it in )

• Connectivity Cable (plug it in )

• Username/Password (Slow down)

• Frozen Screen (ctrl+alt+del)

• Software file compatibility (check file type)

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Engagement Strategies

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Ideas• Metaphors – Have students create their

own metaphors and present to the class

• Diagrams – Have students use drawing skills to create diagrams that illustrate concepts

• Collaborate – Use a class wiki. Have students create a collaborative encyclopedia or FAQ with illustrations, definitions, diagrams, etc.