Teaching and Learning

with Technology
Chapter 5

Computers in the
Learning
Environment
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How Computers Work

Computers are simply machines that carry out

your instructions

Very versatile, not limited to predetermined

tasks

Takes your input and produces output you

request

Understanding how computers work can help

you use them effectively

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

The computing cycle consists of:
Input
Processing
Storage
Output
The computer system is composed of:
Hardware - physical equipment (e.g., laptop)
Software - digital programs (e.g., Word)

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

The Computing Cycle
Input - data or programs entered into the

machine by the user

Central processing unit (CPU) receives
the input for processing and directs and
executes necessary tasks
Random access memory (RAM) may be
used by the CPU to temporarily store data
during processing
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

The Computing Cycle
Disks (hard drives), CDs, jump drives, or

other storage devices may be used to

store data more permanently
Output devices receive data as processing
is complete (monitor, printer)
This computing cycle is continuous as
long as the machine is on
Teaching and Learning with Technology, 4e
2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.

How Computers Work

Teaching and Learning with

Technology, 4e
2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved.

How Computers Work

Hardware and software make the
computing cycle possible.
Hardware: all physical components
of a computer
Software: all the programs telling the
computer how to perform tasks

Teaching and Learning with Technology, 4e

2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Read-Only Memory (ROM)
Programmed chip on the motherboard

provides temporary processing memory

Stores computers Basic Input Output
System (BIOS) that tells the machine how to
function, stores no other information
permanently
BIOS is stored in ROM when the machine is
built but can be upgraded
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Software
Graphical User Interface (GUI): gooey
Windows and Mac OS use GUIs
A GUI uses icons (small graphics) to

represent objects, programs, and data

Commands are issued by clicking on icons

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Software
In a GUI OS,
you click on
an icon to
issue a
command.

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Software
Types of Programs
Operating system (OS) provides the

interface to the user and enables the

computer to run programs
Application programs tell the computer how
to achieve a specific task
Utility programs help maintain the machine
and its operations
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Software
Application Software
Administrative applications are programs

that help teachers perform administrative

tasks (e.g., Word, PowerPoint)
Academic applications are programs that
help you teach and your students learn (e.g.,
tutorials, electronic encyclopedias)
Application programs are sometimes
bundled/sold with related software in an
application suite
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Software
Bundled software packages combine several

popular applications into one package or suite

(e.g., Microsoft Office)
Integrated software packages are mini
versions of applications sold as a single
software package (e.g., iWork)
Software has specific system requirements
(e.g., computer memory, processor speed), so
check the computers specifications before
buying
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Computer Hardware

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Input Devices
User devices that send data

or programs into the

computer
Most common devices
include keyboard and mouse
Others include trackballs,
joysticks, touchpads,
microphones, etc.
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Output devices move
processed data from computer
to user
Monitors:
Display data as soft copy output
Monitor displays vary in their clarity

(resolution) and size

LCD (liquid crystal display)/LED (light
emitting diode) monitors are thinner,
flatter and lighter than CRT (cathode
ray tube)
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Output Devices

Printers:
Display data in hard copy output
Vary in resolution (clarity of output), speed,

color vs. black & white, and features

included
The most common are ink-jet and laser
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Understanding Hardware
Printers
Ink-jet printers squirt small

droplets of ink on paper

Laser printers use heat to affix
toner to paper
Most ink-jet printers print in
color and/or black

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How Computers Work

Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Controls all machine processes
Performance measured in terms of

information processing speed

The higher the speed, the faster the

processing, getting users work done faster

Speed measured in megahertz (MHz)

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How Computers Work

Random Access Memory (RAM)
Temporary storage for programs and user

input is referred to as memory

Measured in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes
(GB)
The greater the amount of RAM, the faster
the computer can store and access data
without needing to access drives
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

When you Save,

data move from
RAM to storage

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Storage
CPU stores data temporarily in RAM or

more permanently on storage devices

Storage devices include floppy disks, hard
disks, optical discs, and USB jump drives
Save command moves data from RAM to
storage device
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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How Computers Work

Data
storage
sizes

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Understanding Hardware
Hard Disks

Usually fixed inside computer

Where installed programs are stored
Can offer large storage capacity
Fast access time for data retrieval
Hard disks can crash" or fail,

backup of data critical

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Floppy Disks
Small capacity, 1.44 MB, useful

for small file backup or

transport
Relatively fragile and
becoming obsolete
As with any removable media,
can carry viruses from
computer to computer

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Removable Storage
Can be flash memory type or external

hard disk
Normally connect to USB port
Vary in capacity to 64 MB for flash to 1.5
terabytes (TB) for hard drives
Good for transfer, backup, and archive
storage of large and/or large amounts of
files
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Optical Media
Two primary types:
CD - holds up to 650 MB,

standard computer
component
DVD - Holds up to 9 GB,
becoming the new standard,
originally used for video

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Optical Recording Formats

CD-R - CD-R/W (CD = compact disk)
CD-R: R means record one time
CD-R/W: R/W can be rerecorded

DVDR/W (DVD = digital video disk)

+ and - represent 2 alternative formats, each is

not compatible with the hardware for the other

DVD-R, DVD+R: R means record once
DVD-R/W, DVD+R/W: Rewritable, allows media to
be erased and rewritten

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Networking Basics
Network
Collection of computers

and peripherals
connected together
Networked workstations
connected to a server via
hard wire or wirelessly

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Networking Basics
A network:
May have a server, a more powerful

computer configured to facilitate

communications and sharing of resources
Users can connect via hard wires or
wirelessly

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Network Types
Several types, most common:
Local Area Networks (LANs)
Serve a local area such as a single school

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Serve a wider area such as a school district
WANs typically include multiple LANs

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Networking Challenges
Protocol must be the

same across networks

Bandwidth must be
sufficient to support
carrying capacity
Security must be
considered, implemented,
and continually
monitored/upgraded
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Network Advantages
Shared resources:
Software including administrative and

academic
Appropriate data files and folders
Hardware - printers, drives, scanners, etc.
Communications email, shared calendar,
Internet access

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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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Teachers and Computers

Why know about computers?
Teachers need to know enough to:
Meet ISTEs NETST requirements
Use technology appropriately/effectively
Handle minor computer problems
Help students use computers
Recognize when technical support is needed
Use both hardware and software to effectively
support learning in their classroom
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2011 Pearson Education, Inc.
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