m1

=**Module 1: Fluency with Information Technology (Weeks 1 & 2)**=

**__Gaining Students' Attention__**
Have you ever been around someone who knew a lot about computers and the more they talked, the sillier you felt? The person used all sorts of terms and treats you like they can't understand why you don't know what's being talked about. It's not a fun feeling, is it? No one wants to feel like those in this video do:

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It doesn't have to be that way! This module is designed to help you familiarize yourself with basic computer terminology, basic functions, and other topics related to information technology fluency.

**__Standards Addressed__**

 * = =**National Educational Technology Standards for Students (NETS-S) 2007**= ||= =**Internet and Computing Core Certification Standards**= ||
 * ==**6**== || ==**Technology Operations and Concepts**== || ==**A. IC³ Standard – Computing Fundamentals**== ||
 * || Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students: || This exam covers the following areas: ||
 * a. || understand and use technology systems. || ===**1. Computer Hardware:**=== ||
 * b. || select and use applications effectively and productively. || a. Identify types of computers, how they process information and how individual computers interact with other computing systems and devices ||
 * c. || troubleshoot systems and applications. || b. Identify the function of computer hardware components ||
 * d. || transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies. || c. Identify the factors that go into an individual or organizational decision on how to purchase computer equipment ||
 * ||  || d. Identify how to maintain computer equipment and solve common problems relating to computer hardware ||
 * ||  || ===**2. Computer Software:**=== ||
 * ||  || a. Identify how software and hardware work together to perform computing tasks and how software is developed and upgraded ||
 * ||  || b. Identify different types of software, general concepts relating to software categories, and the tasks to which each type of software is most suited or not suited ||
 * ||  || c. Identify fundamental concepts relating to database applications ||
 * ||  || ===**3. Using an Operating System:**=== ||
 * ||  || a. Identify what an operating system is and how it works, and solve common problems related to operating systems ||
 * ||  || b. Manipulate and control the Windows desktop, files and disks ||
 * ||  || c. Identify how to change system settings, install and remove software ||

**__Learning Objectives__**

 * 1) Students will define computer terms.
 * 2) Students will explain how a computer works.
 * 3) Students will explain basic troubleshooting techniques.
 * 4) Students will demonstrate proper file management techniques.
 * 5) Students will research buying a new computer.

**__Recall of Prior Learning__**
Complete the Pre-Assessment Activity

**__Presentation of Material__**
There are four components to this module: 1. Introduction to Computers 2. File Management 3. Troubleshooting 4. Purchasing

1. Introduction to Computers
When beginning to learn anything about technology, it is important to have a good foundation. Most computer-based technologies are described using terms that are vague and cumbersome to those who don't know what they mean. Beyond terminology, there are other basics that are necessary to move beyond being a novice user. A. Thoroughly read, watch the videos, and experience the activities in the following online lessons designed by Intel: Introduction to Computers: http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreTheCurriculum/EC_IntroductionToComputers/ Microprocessors: http://educate.intel.com/en/TheJourneyInside/ExploreTheCurriculum/EC_Microprocessors/ //B. Watch the following video, taking notes on what you learn: What Components are in My Computer// available at:[] media type="custom" key="5101727" C. Complete the online test assessing what you've learned so far.

2. File Management
A. Read through the following tips: Make sure all of your applications are saved in the Program Files on your hard drive. For instance, the executable files for Word, PowerPoint, Simply Accounting and WinZip would all reside in the Program Files folder. Place all documents in the My Documents folder and no where else. So whether it’s a spreadsheet, a letter or a PowerPoint presentation, it goes here. This will make it easier to find things and to run backups. Always avoid saving a file to the Desktop. These are the drawers of your computer’s filing cabinet, so to speak. Use plain language to name your folders; you don’t want to be looking at this list of folders in the future and wondering what “TFK” or whatever other interesting abbreviation you invented means. You may also want to color code these folder. For example, you may want have a few main folders like "Classes", "Financial Aid", "Personal", and "Work". Create other folders within these main folders as need arises. For instance, a folder called “Classes” might contain folders called “EDTC 4113”, “BIOL 1114” and “MATH 1513”. A folder withing the "EDTC 4113" folder might be a "Module 1" folder. The goal is to have every file in a folder rather than having a bunch of orphan files listed. So, a file named for a video you've made should be homecoming09video or homecoming_09_video rather than "Homecoming 09 video" or (much worse!) "My Video". Give files logical, specific names and include dates in file names if possible. The goal when naming files is to be able to tell what the file is about without having to open it and look. So if the document is a scholarship application, call it something like “scholarship_application_02012010” rather than something like “application”. The best time to file a document is when you first create it. So get in the habit of using the “Save As” dialogue box to file your document as well as name it, putting it in the right place in the first place. If there are folders or files that you use a lot, force them to the top of the file list by renaming them with a ! or an AA at the beginning of the file name. Sometimes what’s old is obvious as in the example of the folder named “Classes” above. If it’s not, keep your folders uncluttered by clearing out the old files. Do NOT delete files unless you are absolutely certain that you will never need the file again. Instead, in your main collection of folders in My Documents, create a folder called "Old" or "Inactive" and move old files into it when you come across them. Whether you’re copying your files onto another drive or onto tape, it’s important to set up and follow a regular back up regimen. Here are four basic steps to get you started:
 * 1. Organize by file types.**
 * 2. One place for all.**
 * 3. Create folders in My Documents.**
 * 4. Nest folders within folders.**
 * 5. Follow the file naming conventions.**
 * Do not use spaces in file names,
 * keep file names under 27 characters, and
 * use all lower case.
 * 6. Be specific.**
 * 7. File as you go.**
 * 8. Order your files for your convenience.**
 * 9. Cull your files regularly.**
 * 10. Back up your files regularly.**
 * **Decide on the proper backup media for your needs.** CD-R, DVD+-R, tape, hard drives (internal and external), online, and flash drives are all great choices, but the right tool for the job is always best. Do some research on the advantages of each, and choose the one which will best suit your needs
 * **Choose a back-up program.** For personal computers, there are many options. If you are using Microsoft Windows, there is a back-up program built in (Start>Programs>Accessories>System Tools>Backup). You can also use third party back-up managers, ranging from small programs to full online backup services. If you use a flavor of Linux, there are many open source options available in repositories for all of the major distributions.
 * **Prepare your back-up device of choice.** If you are using a hard drive, it's best to use it just for back-up purposes. Make sure whatever you are using is ready to accept the back-up.
 * **Open your choice of programs, select the files you wish to keep, select the media where you will be saving the back-up, and start it up.**

3. Troubleshooting
Below are three great resources for continuing to learn about solving computer problems that you will be sure to encounter. Browse through all three sites and locate an item that solves a problem you have had in the past (or are having now) with a computer. Be prepared to share that link and what you have learned from it with your classmates in the Discussion Board. A database of computer troubleshooting techniques: [] The How-To Geek [] I Fix It http://www.ifixit.com/ (Macs, iPods, iPhones)

4. Purchasing
What would you do if you were given $2000 to buy a new computer system and peripherals to go with it? Do you have the knowledge to make smart purchasing decisions? Would you know what to do? Would you know if you were getting a good deal? A. Access the links on How To Buy particular products on the PC World website: http://www.pcworld.com/howto.html B. Determine what you would buy with your money. Hint: You'll need to go to specific vendor websites (Dell, Apple, etc.) to get actual prices. C. In the Discussion Board, post what you purchased for how much money and why you made the choices you made.

**__Assignments and Assessment__**
See above.


 * 1) Test over Part 1 material: How does a computer work?
 * Now that you've looked over the basic computer terminology and how a computer works, use the websites provided to you to answer the following questions. Type your answers in a Word document and turn it in through the drop box.
 * Which part of the computer would be considered the brain, and why?
 * Which part of the computer acts like a file cabinet, and why?
 * Which part of the computer is like short-term memory, and why?
 * In your own words, what does the function of the motherboard?
 * List three input devices on your computer.
 * List three output devices on your computer.
 * List two devices that act as both input **AND** output devices.
 * Which is more: 340,000,000 bytes or 250 megabytes?
 * Name five different operating systems.
 * Which is the menu bar, which is the tool bar, and which is the task bar?

**__Retention/Transference__**
Now that you've got a better understandings of basic computer terminology and operations, you should feel more confident in conversations centering on computers. You have an idea of how a computer functions, but they are much more than the terms here. Next module we'll learn some basic computer productivity applications.

**__Additional Items For Online Sections__**
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