Intro to Computers

Course StoryboardZak MussigEDTC 5825Fall 20133

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Instructor IntroductionSyllabus (PDF) Learner Introductions (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki) – actual activity

Instructor Introduction

Hi, and welcome to the class! My name is Zak Mussig, and I will be guiding you through the course materials, consulting with you on projects, and assessing your work during this course.

Since many people are so intimidated by technology, my goal for this class is really to help you learn to feel comfortable with changing technology (because it will always change). By learning a little background about how these devices work, you will be able to approach new technology confidently. This will help you get the most out of advances in hardware and software in your work and for life in general. By the way, don’t worry if you don’t know what hardware and software are yet; we’ll get there!

To give you a bit more information about me, I have a masters in educational technology (MET) from Webster University* and a BA in mass communication with an emphasis in video production from Lindenwood University. I have always been excited about technology and I love it when the “latest and greatest” can help us to accomplish something that hadn’t been possiblebefore.

I live in Kirkwood Missouri with my wife and two young daughters.My oldest is already quite fond of the old iPad and loves to play wit alphabet apps or games (she takes care of the love while mom anddad handle the moderation).

I’m looking forward to “meeting” each of you and learning from youduring the course.

Zak

Syllabus (PDF)

Learner Introduction (Forum)

Now that you know a bit more about me, please take a few minutes to introduce yourself. We will have discussions like this throughout the course. Feel free to “speak” informally, but do use full sentences and proper grammar. While disagreement can be healthy, all conversations in this class should be polite and respectful.

Please share the following with the class: Your name and year in school. (this is a 6 year program, but students in this class could come from years 1-3)Why you are taking this class and what you hope to learnEither

– What kind of mobile phone you have and why your chose it? OR– What sort of technology did you use in high school and how do you think it helped or hindered your learning

experience?

Reflection Wiki

Use this wiki to post a weekly self-reflection on what you have learned or how it has changed your outlook. If you need ideas, you could use the “KWL” model of journaling where you write about what you already know about the current topic, what you want to know about the next topic, and what you have learned during the week.At the end of the course, you will summarize your journal to share with your classmates. You will also respond to your classmates’ own reflections.

Week 1 – Computer Basics

Syllabus / Overview (Video)Computing Basics Lecture (Video)Computer Tour (Video)Computer Hardware Simulation (TBD)Content Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 1 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic and pointing out important areas of the syllabus.

Week 1 – Computer Basics Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 1 – Computer Tour Video

Walkthrough of the parts of a computer. Linked from:

http://videos.howstuffworks.com/howstuffworks/23-computer-tour-video.htm

Week 1 – Build a Computer Activity

I would like something more interctive that helps students understand how the parts of a basic computer go together, but if I can’t find or make something like that I would fall back to having students design a computer and choose all the components here:

http://www.pugetsystems.com/configmenu.php

Week 1 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 1 – Discussion Forum

In your own words, define the general components of a computer that we learned about this week and describe how they work together. After you have posted, review the responses from your classmates and reply to at least 3 to discuss what you think. Was someone a little off the mark, or did one of your peers share some insight that helped to further your understanding?

Week 1 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 2 – Operating Systems

Overview (Video)Discussion (Forum)Operating Systems Lecture (Video) iOS 7 (Video)Windows 8 (Video)Content Assessment (Quiz)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 2 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 2 – Discussion Forum

Before you review this week's materials, let's do a little research. Using some trustworthy resources you find online, describe what both a "kernel" and a "GUI". Your description doesn't need to be overly technical, but do cover the role each plays in making a computer function rather than simply providing a plain definition. Be sure to link to your sources and quote them where appropriate.

Week 2 – Operating Systems Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 2 – iOS 7 Video

Overview of iOS 7 linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0ErUMeT7uE

Week 2 – Windows 8 Video

Overview of Windows 8 linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxbHawhzACA

Week 2 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 2 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 3 – Networks and the Internet

Overview (Video)Networks Lecture (Video) “What is the Cloud?” (Video) ICANN Internet InfographicsDiscussion (Forum)Content Assessment (Quiz)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 3 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 3 – Networks Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 2 – “What is the Cloud” Video

Simple explaination of cloud computing linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqfFMwjYA2I

Week 3 – ICANN Infographics

Graphical explaination of the internet linked from:

http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/governance-2500x1664-21mar13-en.png

http://www.icann.org/sites/default/files/assets/ecosystem-2500x1622-21mar13-en.png

Week 3 – Discussion Forum

Having reviewed this week's materials, define "the cloud" and describe how it works before Wednesday. After you have posted, review your classmates' posts and work together to come to a consensus by Saturday. Pull in any outside resources you need, but be sure to cite and link to them.

Week 3 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 3 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 4 – Communication & Social Media

Overview (Video)Comm. & Social Lecture (Video)Discussion (Forum)Content Assessment (Quiz)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)Tech Tip #1 Assignment

Week 4 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 4 – Comm. & Social Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 4 – Discussion Forum

My first form of electronic communication was the Hotmail account I set up in jr. high, around 1996. Hotmail was cool then, I promise. Share your first experience with electronic communications or social media. How has your use of these technologies evolved since then? After you post, respond to what your classmates have shared about their own experience.

Week 4 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 4 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 4 – Tech Tip #1

A simple link back to the actual Tech Tip #1 assignment with a reminder that this assignment will be due in week 6.

Week 5 – Research

Overview (Video) Library Database Training (Video)Content Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 5 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 5 – Library Training Videos

Links to a variety of database search tutorials created by the STLCOP library staff.

These are located on our intranet, so I will post the links to the course, but they won’t work for anyone outside of STLCOP.

Week 5 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 5 – Discussion Forum

Based on the subject of your choosing, find 2 sources of information. Compare and on trust your sources based on how the trustworthiness of the source impacts the value and validity of the information. Post these by Wednesday. By Saturday, respond to your classmates' posts to discuss their findings.

Week 5 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 6 – Security

Overview (Video)Security Lecture (Video)How Viruses Work (Video)Online Privacy (Video) Internet Encryption (Article)Content Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Tech Tip #1 DueSelf-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 6 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 6 – Security Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 6 – “How Virsuses Work” Video

Simple explaination of computer viruses linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxal31zIKdE

Week 6 – “Online Privacy” Video

Simple explaination of online privacy linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFfYxgDpRo

Week 6 – Internet Encryption Article

Explaiation of internet encryption linked from:

http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/01/keep-it-secret-keep-it-safe-a-beginners-guide-to-web-safety/

Week 6 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 6 – Discussion Forum

Having reviewed this week's materials, what do you do, both online and offline, to keep yourself and your information safe? We are focusing on technology-related topics, so for the purposes of this discussion, stick with information security rather than issues of physical safety.

Week 6 – Tech Tip #1 Assignment

From the syllabus: For each tech tip you will create a tutorial for others pertaining to the content of a unit or other related (pre-approved) topic. The tip can be an explanation, information, or a how-to. It can have pictures, screen shots, drawings, or any other content you feel is appropriate in getting your message across to others.

Week 6 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 7 – Copyright

Overview (Video)Copyright Lecture (Video)Everything is a Remix (Video)Fair(y) Use Tale (Video)Content Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Tech Tip Critiques (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 7 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 7 – Copyright Video Lecture

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 6 – “Everything is a Remix” Video

Documentary series on copyright and media creation linked from:

http://everythingisaremix.info/watch-the-series/

Week 6 – “A Fair(y) Use Tale” Video

Video explanation / commentary on copyright law and fair use doctrine linked from:

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJn_jC4FNDo

Week 7 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 7 – Discussion Forum

Describe time when something you wanted or needed to do was in conflict with copyright law. What happened, what did you do, and why? Don't criminalize yourself or your classmates, but do have an open discussion on where intellectual property laws intersect with your life.

Week 7 – Tech Tip #1 Critique

Review the tech tips posted by each of your classmates and post a constructive critique. Did you learn something new? Was there something that didn't quite make sense, or did they knock it out of the park?

Week 7 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 8 – Web Design

Overview (Video)Web Design Lecture (Video)Design Principles (Article)Content Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 8 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 8 – Web Design Lecture Video

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 8 – Design Principles Article

Web article describing design principles used by web designers, linked from:

http://uxdesign.smashingmagazine.com/2008/01/31/10-principles-of-effective-web-design/

Week 8 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 8 – Discussion Forum

Based on this week's materials, describe what makes a website usable and effective. Use your own words. Also, share a link to a website you feel exemplifies these principles and describe what, specifically, you feel makes the site effective.

Week 8 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 9 – Applications

Overview (Video)Applications Lecture (Video)Application Site LinksContent Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 9 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 9 – Applications Lecture (Video)

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 9 – Application Links

Providing links to product sites for several well known applications for reference, comparison, etc.

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/microsoft-office-365-for-home-or-for-business-office-online-FX101825692.aspx?CTT=97

http://www.apple.com/creativity-apps/mac/

http://www.google.com/enterprise/apps/business/products.html

Week 9 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 9 – Discussion Forum

Choose an application (or mobile app) that you use on a weekly basis and write a post describing 3 specific attributes or features of the software that cause you to continue using it week after week. Check your classmates' posts before responding. If your app has already been mentioned, choose another.

Week 9 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 10 – Creating Media

Overview (Video)Creating Media Lecture (Video)Media Creation Tool LinksContent Assessment (Quiz)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 10 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 10 – Creating Media Lecture (Video)

5-10 min video covering course content for the week or providing context for extrenal resources.

Week 10 – Media Creation Tool Links

Providing links to product sites for several well known applications for reference, comparison, etc.

http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.htmlhttp://www.gimp.org

http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/http://www.apple.com/mac/imovie/http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-live/movie-maker#t1=overview

Week 10 – Content Assessment

Short quiz just to ensure that students have been exposed to the material and have developed some level of competency so we can build on that content later.

Week 10 – Discussion Forum

While extensive media creation is beyond the scope of this course, the tech tip assignment you recently completed was a media creation project. Describe the process and tools you used to complete that project. Did you have to learn any new skills? Did you have past content creation experience to transfer to this project? Post your response by Wednesday and respond to your classmates by Saturday.

Week 10 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 11 – Future Technology

Overview (Video)Corning “Day Made of Glass” (Video) Inside Microsoft R&D (Video)Discussion (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 11 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s topic.

Week 11 – “Day Made of Glass” Video

Corning technology concept video linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkHpNnXLB0

Week 11 – “Microsoft Research” Video

Tour of Microsoft’s R&D lab linked from:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-9Sh47l5A

Week 11 – Discussion Forum

The technology industry moves at a rapid pace. The technologies you saw in the videos I shared could come to market next year, or we may never see those products. Find an article or news story describing a new technology (not a whole product) to share with the class. Post a link to your source as well as a brief explanation of what this technology does and how you think it might affect our lives if it comes to market.

Week 11 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 12 – Tech Tip #2 (group)

Overview (Video)Tech Tip #2 DueGroup Collaboration (Chat)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 12 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s activity.

Week 12 – Tech Tip #2 (group)

From the syllabus: For each tech tip you will create a tutorial for others pertaining to the content of a unit or other related (pre-approved) topic. The tip can be an explanation, information, or a how-to. It can have pictures, screen shots, drawings, or any other content you feel is appropriate in getting your message across to others.

Week 12 – Tech Tip #2 Group Chat

A simple chat room configured so that each group for the tech tip #2 project ahs their own room to communicate.

Week 12 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 13 – Tech Tip #2 Critiques

Overview (Video)Tech Tip #2 Critiques (Forum)Self-Reflection Journal (Wiki)

Week 13 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s activity.

Week 13 – Tech Tip # 2 Critique

Review the tech tips posted by each of the other groups and post a constructive critique. Did you learn something new? Was there something that didn't quite make sense, or did they knock it out of the park?

Week 13 – Reflection Wiki

A simple link back to the actual reflection wiki activity with a reminder that this should be completed each week.

Week 14 – Wrap Up

Overview (Video)Tech Tip #2 Critiques (Forum) cont.Reflection Sharing (Forum)

Week 14 – Overview Video

1-2 min video of me introducing the week’s activity.

Week 14 – Tech Tip #2 Critique cont.

A simple link back to the actual Tech Tip #2 Critique Forum with a reminder that this discussion should continue.

Week 14 – Wiki Reflections Discussion

Summarize your reflection wiki posts from the rest of the course and shaper what you learned with your classmates. Have you gained any new knowledge or insight? How will the things you have learned in this course affect your other studies?