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PTB4054: PEDAGOGY IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Course Leader: Prof. Dr. Abdul Razak Habib

LECTURE NOTES FOR TOPICS 3

TOPIC 3: Personal Computers in the Learning Environment

(Read Textbook Chapter 3)

3.1 Computer, Teaching and You

Teachers are using the teaching strategies used by their teachers while they were pupils in

schools. This makes them reluctant to use new strategies in teaching and learning, such as the

use of personal computers. To overcome this reluctance, we must first be familiar with

computers, such as how they work and how they are used in administration and in teaching

and learning.

3.2 How Does A Computer Work?

Computers are made without a particular predetermined purpose. The tasks that a computer

can do depend on the instructions (programs) that give to the computer. Knowing how the

computers work can help us to decide on how to use computers in teaching and learning. The

first thing to know is that the computers and all its components is called a computer system.

All computers go through the same sequence of operations which is called the computing

cycle. A personal computer will receive the data (input) from us, process the data according

to instructions (programs), and gives us the computing product (output). Since the data can

be very large and the process may be very complex, the computer the needs the memory

(short-term & long-term) devices.

Computer memory is a temporary electronic storage space used by the computer to do short-

term tasks or to complete the complex tasks all at once. The long-term memory is a more

permanent electronic space in which a computer can store instructions and data. Both short-

term and long-term memories will help a computer to do a complex task a little at one time

until the entire task is completed (p76).

The Computing Cycle

INPUT CENTAL

PROCESSING UNIT

OUTPUT

MEMORY

STORAGE

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The computing cycle is done with the help of computer hardware and computer software.

The computer hardware includes the physical components of a computer, such as the

keyboard, CPU and the monitor (screen). Computer software is the program that runs the

computer and instructs the computer what to do. The programs are written in special

computer languages, such as Basic, C++.

3.3 What Do I Need to Know About Software?

Although a computer can do a lot of simple and complex tasks, but we need to instruct the

computer accurately before it will do the tasks for us. The computer even needs a program to

start itself up. The basic instructions, or Basic Input/Output System (BIOS), are stored inside

the computer on special ROM (read-only memory) chips. These instructions will be read by

the computer to start itself up (booting up).

The next set of instructions the computer will read is called POST (power-on-self-test). Its

for the computer to check (diagnose) to make sure that all computer components are

functioning well. The computer needs other software, which is called operating system thatwill instruct the computer to manage its own operations, such as to save data on a disk or

what to do when we click a mouse button.

The operating system controls and interacts with both the hardware components of the

computer and the software that we use. The operating system can be controlled through the

menu or icons. The next software that a computer needs to read is the instructions for the

computer to do a specific task. This software is called application program, such as word

processing, database management, or drawing.

Table 3.1 (p 81) gives you a list of most popular types of application software and their

functions. They include operating system, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database

management, presentation software, desktop publishing, graphic programs, communication

software and utilities. (Read this table to understand the function of each of the application

software & give examples).

3.4 What Do I Need to Know About Hardware?

Although a teacher does not need to know in detail all the computer hardware components to

be able to use it, he/she needs to know the components of the hardware to help him/her

choosing the necessary components for teaching purposes. The components include input

devices, output devices, the system unit, the storage (hard disk, floppy disk, removable hard

disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW & DVD). The summary of the hardware is given below:

Input Devices Data and instructions are given to computers through input devices,

such as the keyboard and mouse.

Output Devices Information/data that had been processed are given back to us by the

computer through output devices such as the monitor and printer.

System Unit System unit contains the chips needed for the computer to operate.

The central processing unit (CPU) is placed inside this unit.

Hard Disk Hard disk is the storage device for operating system, application

programs and personal data. Its permanently fixed in computers.

Floppy Disk Floppy disk is a storage device for small data or instructions to be

input to the computer, or it can be used as storage device for output.

Removable HardDisk

Just like floppy disk, removable hard disk can be easily carried, but itcan store more information or instructions, such as multimedia files.

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CD-ROM CD-ROM (compact disc-read-only memory) is also removable.

However its only a read-only storage device, e.g. program files.

CD-R CD-R (compact disc-recordable) is a special type of CD-ROM on

which you can record/write data using CD-R drive & software.

CD-RW CD-RW (compact disc-rewritable) is a special disc that allow you to

record/write data and also to change stored data.DVD-Drive DVD (digital versatile disc) drive is a drive that can read both the

DVD and CD. DVD can store more data compared to CD.

LCD Projection

Panel

LCD (liquid crystal display) projection panel is used with an overhead

projector to project images from the computer to the screen.

In teaching, teachers and studentscan use the hardware (input & output devices) in many

ways. Input hardware can be used to input data easily and quickly. A mouse can be used to

instruct computers easily. Output hardware can be used to make copies of print materials.

The CPU can be used to compute complex calculations. The LCD projector can be used to

project information and graphics on the screen or white board.

In learning, students can publish newsletter using the digital images of graphics or pictures

taken during a field trip. They can check computations and design drawings using computer

facilities. They can also get a lot of information throughout the world very quickly via the

internet facilities. They can type their homework and send solutions to their teachers or

communicate/discuss with their classmates through the internet.

3.5 Tutorial Activities

Read the functions of popular microcomputer software from Table 3.1 (p 81). Choose one

software and describe how you can use this software in teaching and learning of a particular

topic in ICT.

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