Computer SoftwareA Lesson Using Concept Attainment
EDTE 280Ben AndersonDiana Ganju
Dave MargolisMonica Range
Bonnie Sugiyama
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
Computer SoftwareWe 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,
Controls what isdisplayed on yourmonitor
Enables you tosend instantmessages
YES NO
Controls the output that is sent to aprinter
Enables you toedit and touchupphotographs andcreate otherimages or graphics
YES NO
Provides accessto a floppy diskor CD-ROM
Enables you to capture and edit video clips on your computer
YES NO
Have you spotted any similarities or characteristics that separate the “YES”
examples from the “NO” examples?
Here come some more…
Manages files and folders
Enables you tocompose andsend e-mails
YES NO
Recognizes input from the keyboard and mouse
Automates the preparation of your income tax forms
YES NO
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…
Manages memory on your computer
Enables you toview Web pages
YES NO
The most essential program on a computer
Enables youto create a presentation with slides, text, and graphics
YES NO
Manages all other programs on a computer
Enables you to create word processed documents
YES NO
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”.
Manages the hardwareand software resourceson your computer
YES
Enables you to analyze,store, sort, and performoperations on varioustypes of data
NO
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.
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
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
On your handout, give two examples that might represent computer operating systems.
Then, give two examples that represent computer applications.
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
Lesson Web Site & Support Materialshttp://www.edmedia.net/courses/280/final_project
References