Introduction To Computers

Student Objectives:
Students will be able to explain how a computer works and
what to do to keep the computer operating properly.
They will use the internet to research computers for a
possible classroom purchase.

Key Concepts:
Students will identify the major components of a computer.
They will explain the function of each of these components.
Students will use the Internet to research computer brands
and select one for a possible classroom purchase.
Students will become familiar with computer vocabulary and terms.
Students will troubleshoot computer problems.
They will develop a maintenance plan for their computer.

Unit: Technology
Lesson: All About Computers

computer2

Introduction: Purpose, Motivation, Exploration,

Construction of Meaning: Understanding

Students will be put into groups of three.
They will examine the information provided in the URL's that they choose.
After collecting this information they will be able to use it in a project that they select.
After selecting the way they want to demonstrate their knowledge of the information
they will present it to the teacher or the class, whatever is appropriate.

Give opportunity for students to construct
meaning from knowledge and experience

Concrete Sequential Students
Students construct meaning in a factual, structured way.
Perhaps for these students more direction about how to organize
the information could be given. The teacher might suggest that they
construct a model of a computer. They will be label the parts and explain
in detail what function each part performs. Or they may want to pretend
they are a computer and explain their components.

Abstract Random
Students construct meaning in an interpretive, personal feeling , or flexible way.
They may want to pretend they are a representative from a computer retailer.
They can make sales presentation explaining the product they are trying to sell
highlighting its strengths and reasons their product is superior to all other manufacturers.

Abstract Sequential
Students construct meaning in a conceptual, reporting, researching, or logical way.
These students will probably need little help finding the information on the Internet.
They would probably choose to write a report comparing different computers. The report
would include benchmarks, hardware, expansion slots, monitor, keyboard, etc.

Concrete Random
Students construct meaning in a divergent, problem-oriented, investigative way.
These students may want to develop a flowchart that would be followed when trouble-
shooting the machine. They would also create a maintenance schedule and assign
maintenance tasks to various students.

Closure: Culminate, Conclude, Debrief

Students will be asked to demonstrate their final product to the class.
During this demonstration they need to use computer vocabulary using
terms the class will understand. They will also develop a short quiz (10-15 questions)
that they will administer to the class. After the presentations a discussion will be held
regarding what worked well and what didn't work for the group and reasons.

Resources

Structure of the Computer/Components

http://www.kids-online.net/learn/c_n_l.html - This is a great place to start learning about the parts of a computer. The information is available for different levels of computer knowledge. Once you choose a level, click on the different parts to learn what they do.

http://www.brainpop.com – Several videos about the computer, mouse, and other technologies. You can only watch 2 videos per day.

http://www.howstuffworks.com – Great site that tells how PCs work

http://www.eduplace.com/rdg/gen_act/g_start/computer.html - This lesson lets students get familiar with the parts of a computer

http://school.discovery.com/clipart/category/tech0.html - Lots of technology clip art

http://www.adita.com/literacy.htm - Fundamentals Of Computing

http://www.tzone.demon.co.uk/comintro.htm - Parts Of A Computer

Jeopardy -How Computer Works

http://www2.magmacom.com/~dsleeth/kids/lessons/starter.htm - Getting To Know The Computer

http://www.fayette.k12.il.us/99/Intro2Comp/introduction_to_computers.html - Parts, Care Of The Computer

http://www.jegsworks.com/lessons/lessonintro.htm - Basics

http://www.multcolib.org/seniors/tutorials/basics/ - Computer Basics- Quiz

http://www.oswego.edu/~janowski/ISC370/hardware.html - Hardware and more