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===Basic familiarity with ICT devices and applications===

===Basic familiarity with ICT devices and applications===

We will use the [[wikipedia:Ubuntu_(operating_system)|Ubuntu]] ‘[[wikipedia:Free_and_open-source_software|Free and Open Source Software]]’ (called FOSS in short) operating system for our paper. Operating systems use a program called the Graphical User Interface (GUI, which is pronounced as goo-ee), to access other computer with a mouse. The popular operating systems are Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux and Mac OSx. You will learn about the functions of an operating system, using an example of '''Ubuntu''' GNU/Linux operating system. With this learning, you can also operate a computer with Windows of Mac operating systems. Since Ubuntu is a FOSS operating system, FOSS applications like Office suite, web browser, educational software can be bundled with Ubuntu GNU/Linux operating system. All these applications will be installed on the computer along with the operating system.  

==== Computer Hardware and Software ====

A computer is a device which takes input, processes it and gives output which can be stored and shared. When you enter data into your computer, it is called as input. An input can be data like text or picture or an instruction on what to do with the data. This data is processed (process means to perform a series of operations on a set of data) and you will get the output. The software is what makes the computer and mobile so powerful. Learn more about the [http://www.computersciencelab.com/ComputerHistory/History.htm history of computers]. Like computers, tablets and mobile phones also allow you to process and share information digitally.  

 

==== The ICT environment ====

Having an overview of ICT and their larger societal implications, we will now learn how to navigate / use ICTs. Any technology has a skill component and ICT is something all of us can practise for our own use. In the next section we will learn how to use a computer and various software applications for our professional activities. We will explore the basics of computer hardware and software and learn Internet browsing, concept mapping as well as text and number editing applications in this section. At all times, we will try to see how ICT are relevant to your primary mandate of teaching-learning. Hence we will approach the learning and use of these applications from a pedagogical perspective.

 

Most of the instructions / input is given to the computer through the keyboard, hence it is important that teachers should be able to type efficiently, using all their fingers. Typing using the correct finger for each key on the keyboard will help improve the speed of input enormously. It will enable the teacher to type without seeing the keyboard, and seeing the monitor during typing, will enable spotting of any mistakes immediately. Earlier to learn typing, one had to go to a typing class, but now the computer has [[Learn Tux Typing|software]] that you can use to learn typing.

 

The keys on the keyboard can be divided into several groups based on function:

# Special purpose keys: These keys are used alone or in combination with other keys to perform certain actions, such as CTRL, ALT, ESC, Function keys etc.

# Navigation keys: These keys are used for moving around in documents / editing text. They include the arrow keys, HOME, END, PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, DELETE and INSERT.

# Numeric keypad: The numeric keypad is handy for entering numbers quickly. The keys are grouped together in a block like a conventional calculator or adding machine. This block may not be available on all keyboards, numbers are also provided in the top rung of the keyboard

 

Initially, the keyboard was the only device for providing instructions to the computer, but with the invention of the 'graphic user interface' (GUI in short), the mouse became an important input device. The mouse makes giving instructions much simpler by pointing the cursor to a place on the screen and clicking to select an instruction. You can become comfortable in using the mouse by practising with Tux Paint. Tux Paint features a simple interface and a fixed drawing area with access to previously made images using icons. [[Learn Tux Paint|Tux Paint]] is equipped with cartoon mascots which can encourage students to learn to use the mouse.

==== Installing operating system on the computer ====

==== Installing operating system on the computer ====

Ubuntu installation is quite simple, and can be done by an average computer user. The minimum hardware required to install Ubuntu in a computer is:  

Ubuntu installation is quite simple, and can be done by an average computer user. The minimum hardware required to install Ubuntu in a computer is:  

# Minimum 40GB or above free space /  separate partition in hard disk.

# Minimum 40GB or above free space /  separate partition in hard disk.