ICT teacher handbook/What is the nature of ICT

Chapter Objectives

1. Introduction to the idea of computing
2. What makes the computer special
3. The computer communicates with data
4. Data is of different kinds and can be edited, processed, combined in multiple formats which is what makes it possible to do many things with ICT
5. Different devices can be different for reading, representing data
6. Data can be organized in files and folders
7. Computers can connect with one another

Additional Resources

1. History of Charles Babbage, who is considered the Father of Computing
2. What is an operating system
3. Internet of things
4. How has the desk changed

Transaction notes for activities

Each activity has the following components.

1. Time estimate
2. Prior preparation
3. Methodology
4. Discussion questions
5. Subject integration
6. Assessment

How is a computer different from a fridge

1. This activity requires 40 minutes -1 period
2. It will be useful to go through the additional links given for this discussion; the classroom must have a projection enabled for this session. The labs should have sufficient computers for students to practise switching on and off.
3. In small groups ask students to come up why a computer is different from a fridge and this can be compiled digitally.
4. Introduce to the children that computer understands data and applications communicate data; distinguish between an operating system and application software
5. In small groups let the students talk about any application they are familiar with and list out the steps involved (this can be a flow chart). This can be used to introduce the idea of computing - the ability to describe a process to get to an outcome.
6. Student created mind maps can be digitized and added to their cumulative portfolio.

What all can a computer do

1. This activity requires 80 minutes - 2 periods
2. Prior to this the teacher must keep ready the following files/ applications:
   1. Images
   2. Videos
   3. Geogebra files
   4. Simulation
   5. Marble
   6. Text document
   7. Games
   8. Wikipedia page on Tigers, or Godavari
3. It may be an interesting idea to start the class with this video "How has the desk changed". The video shows as a timeline how different applications came into the computer. Ask students to watch and make their comments. Encourage them to talk about any applications that they see on the video that are familiar to them.
4. Demonstrate the folder structure and show how you have organized the resources for the class.
5. When opening each file ask students to focus on the following:
   1. What is the file name and file extension
   2. How the application was opened (from a menu or right click)
   3. What all did they see on the application
   4. What input had to be given (for example, opening a browser and typing an URL)
   5. What controls are available (increase in size, volume, etc)
6. The files and applications chosen can be reflective of multiple subjects
7. Show the students the Applications Menu on the computer and ask them to explore multiple applications
8. On student computers, create a folder with an image, video, text document, concept map stored.
9. Students must open the folder on the computers and each of the files.

Introduction to the internet

1. The time required for this activity is 40 minutes.
2. During the previous session, you would have opened an internet page. You could start the discussion with introducing students to the idea that it is possible to access date not stored on your computer also. Discuss with the students if they have accessed information like that. Introduce the students to of the internet and also the idea of the web.
3. It is important to introduce them to the idea of the browser and how to use it to navigate the internet.

Historical perspective of ICT

1. The teacher must introduce ICT as a process of interaction with society
2. It is important to understand that technology is not neutral

Internet for learning

1. Introduce students to the possibilities of self learning
2. Build skills of collaboration