ICT student textbook/How is a computer different from a fridge

How is a computer different from a fridge

Objectives

1. Appreciating that a computer can do many things; unlike many other electronic appliances
2. Understanding the difference between hardware and software
3. Understanding that a computer works with data and can connect to other computers

What prior skills are assumed

1. Academic levels as per class level; no specific ICT skills required

Resources needed

Hardware, software, Files

1. Computer installed with Ubuntu Operating System
2. Projection Equipment
3. Images to show of the computer
4. Basic digital literacy Handout
5. Freeplane Handout.

Image

Image

Parts of the computer

#Scanner (nowadays this is in mobile itself, not very much used)
#CPU – This is the processing unit
#Main Memory: RAM: This determines how fast the computer works
#Expansion  cards
#Power supply unit
#CD Drive – External storage device 
#Hard disk: This determines how much storage capacity
#Motherboard: This is where all instructions are wired together and helps the computer work
#Speakers
#Monitor
#Operating System
#Application Software
#Keyboard
#Mouse
#External Hard Disk
#Printer

Digital skills

1. Interacting with the ICT environment
2. Understanding the difference between operating system and application software

Description of activity with detailed steps

Teacher-led component

1. Students in small groups can make a of list all the items a fridge does and a list of all the things they think a computer can do.
2. In a group activity your teacher will compile all the group comments in a digital mind map using a concept mapping tool and encourage students to classify the various things the computer will do.
3. The teacher will discuss why an operating system needed is and how it works with different applications to ensure that data is communicated
4. With the help of a schematic the teacher will discuss the parts of a computer
5. In small groups the students can switch on a computer and identify the parts they know
6. The teacher will help you create a folder on your computer, for saving your work done in the class.

Student activities

1. With your friends, compare a mobile phone and the computer and list the things each does
2. Discuss with your friends if there is any difference
3. For any one mobile application, draw a flowchart to document all the steps in using the application. Click here File:Example flowchart.odg for an example.
4. In groups, you can draw concept map for the following things (your teacher will discuss with you additional activities):
   1. Connecting a TV to a cable network
   2. Using phones to book cooking gas
   3. Using the farmer SMS service from MKisan portal
5. With the help of your teacher, take photographs of the charts and concept maps created, using a cell phone or a digital camera.

Portfolio

We saw earlier that you will keep adding to your digital outputs during this course. You will begin your portfolio collection with the digitized mind maps/ charts. Create a folder with your name and start saving your files.