Introduction to computer hardware

Introduction to Computer Hardware
Lesson Plan for Computer Studies
(Secondary 4-5, topic 8.1: The functions and the interrelationship of computer system components)

This module should take 3 lessons. The first two lesson should be used for lecturing, online learning, and clarifying questions. The following lesson should will be lab activities (described below), video-on-demand and mini in-class quiz. And a summary of all will end this module.

22 PCs are used for simple computer reconnection labs.

For a class of 44, we suggest you break the students into 22 pairs, each consists of 2 students. Two students work on 1 PC. By this way, all the students have the chance to access to the physical hardware as the same time, since we only have 22 computers.

　

In Advance

Preview:

Introduction to computer hardware (I)

Introduction to computer hardware (II)

Dictionary lookup activities: CPU, RAM, ROM, harddisk, floppy disk, zip disk, CR-ROM, CR-RW, bar code reader, digitizer, graphics tablet, keyboard, keypad, touch screen, scanner, magnetic strip card reader, point-of-sale terminal, voice input device, graph plotter, printer, sound/speech output devices, visual display unit, modem.

Class Materials:

Item	Quantity	Comments
Computer with keyboard, mouse, monitor, speakers and Chinese character input tablet	22	Disconnect all peripherals with the main unit
Curriculum viewing PC	1	Same as the experimental PC but with VGA signal projected

Preparation for Learning

Objectives:

Understanding the functions of each of the listed I/O devices

Understanding the relationship between components

Understanding the general IPO sequence

Understanding how to re-connect a PC with the peripheral devices

Vocabulary:

CPU, RAM, ROM, harddisk, floppy disk, zip disk, CR-ROM, CR-RW, bar code reader, digitizer, graphics tablet, keyboard, keypad, touch screen, scanner, magnetic strip card reader, point-of-sale terminal, voice input device, graph plotter, printer, sound/speech output devices, visual display unit, modem.

Focus Questions:

Do you know the components of a comnputer?
What is their main functions?
What is their relationships?
How to reconnect the PC by yourself?

Delivery of Instruction

Lecture:

Review the block diagram of the components of a computer

Review the baisc facts of selected devices

Review how to re-connect a PC

Key Graphics:

Online:

Students study online in the given web resources to get the idea of updated information.

Lab/Activity

For the Lab activity the students are divided into 22 teams, which is equal to the number of computers. Each team consists of 2 students. Each team uses one computer. A team study the back-panel of the computer and re-connect all I/O peripherals back t the main unit. After finish the lab, restart the computer and have video-on-demand and in-class online quiz in their own working pace..

In the last 10 minutes of the lesson, help the students who cannot fix the machine by themselves..

Assessment

An online examination to the assessment server in this section will be held at the last lesson.

Homework

Each student has to submit a URL describing new I/O peripheral device to the teacher by email.

Resources

Web Sites:

A Free On Line Dictionary on Computing can help you to find brief definition of unfamiliar terms.

Life long learning in computer science (Courseware@CIT.AC.NZ) web offer you updated materials.

A leading peripheral producer: HP

A leading peripheral producer: epson

Video-on-demand:

Introduction to hardware

Interactive programs:

Introduction to hardware (with in-class quiz)

Books:

KWOK, W,K., Computer Studies 2000 Volume 1 & 2 (2nd edition), Macmillan Publishers (China) Limited, 1999.

Comments?

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