Changes

==== The ICT environment ====

==== 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.

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.

==== Learning to input with keyboard ====

==== Learning to input with keyboard ====

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.

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:

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

# Typing (alphabets and numbers) keys: These keys are arranged as in a traditional 'QWERTY' typewriter

# Typing (alphabets and numbers) keys: These keys are arranged as in a traditional 'QWERTY' typewriter

==== Learning to input with the mouse ====

==== Learning to input with the mouse ====

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.

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.  

 

 

 

In the computers in your lab, a custom distribution of Ubuntu [[wikipedia:Linux|GNU/Linux]] operating system which contains all the educational software applications and utilities required to transact this paper, would have been installed. A copy of the Ubuntu custom distribution could be obtained from DSERT, if required. In case you need to install the system on the institution computers, or you would like to install in your own computer, you can do so. Being able to install the operating system itself on your computer is an empowering process. In many cases, if you face problems while using your computer, including serious issues such as hard disk crash, you can re-install the operating system to start using your computer again. The installation process for the custom Ubuntu GNU/Linux system is available in this [https://teacher-network.in/OER/images/8/8e/Ubuntu_16.04_installation_as_stand_alone_OS.pdf document] and you can become more familiar with your computer by [[Explore a computer|exploring it]].  

==== Accessing and adding various FOSS applications  ====

==== Accessing and adding various FOSS applications  ====