5-Technical Issues

Images for Discussion

(1) History of computer technology 

• Assignment - Work as a breakout-room to construct a collaborative online presentation of the history of computer technology. Each student will take two responsibility for two or more slides as assigned in class.  Collaborative Presentation 

Describe the significance of each invention to the development of computer technologies. Use no more than three bullets and no more than 10 words. You may wish to use AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini in the process.

(2) Computer knowledge

• Assignment - Teachers should be conversant with computer terminology and concepts that pertain to the use of technology in their classrooms. 

  1. • 1. Study using : Flashcards, Learn, Test;  Review using: Gravity, Matching

       2. Play a classroom game with Quizlet Live

     • Create a quizlet.com of computer terms and concepts . - sample

     • Create a Quizlet stack (with images) relevant to your curriculum

(3) Computer quizzes and games

• Assignment -  Play the following games and discuss the reasons why you may want to use this resource or similar resources in the classroom. Be specific.

  • • Play Wayground game of computer knowledge.  

    • Create a Quizziz game (with images) relevant to your curriculum

(4) Computer profile

• Assignment - The market for personal computers is very competitive, and manufacturers are continually working to develop better and more powerful systems. Unfortunately, you can not determine how powerful a computer is by looking at the outside. It is necessary to look at the system profile to determine the type of processor, memory, hard drive capacity, etc. Compare the system profile of the computer used in class with your computer at home on the following properties.  Mac (Apple/About this Mac);  Windows (Start/System).

• Analyze the computer your computer. Summarize your  and interpret your findings in light of current standards. 

  • Microprocessor (Chip,CPU): (a) name; (b) number of cores; (c) processor speed

  • Memory: (a) how much RAM; (b) speed of the RAM 

  • Storage devices: (a) type and capacity solid state drives (SSD); (b) capacity of hard drives

  • Operating system: (a) OS; (b) service pack or version

  • Monitor(s): (a) resolution; (b) video card

(5) Navigating the Internet

• Assignment - Use a web-based traceroute program to identify the location where the official tourism website of a relatively unknown contry is located.

  • 1. 1. • 1. 1. Include a screen shot showing a map and the text of the specific route taken when contacting the website. Compare your findings with those of others in the class.

               2.  Are websites always located in the country in which they are registered? 

               3. What does this show about the nature of Internet-based business and commerce? 

(6) Connection Speeds

• Assignment -  What type of connection are you using (Mobile Data (4G/5G), Cable Internet, Fiber Internet, Satellite Internet).  Determine your upload and download connection speeds.  Compare your speeds with those of your peers in the class and describe any patterns you notice. Why do internet speeds vary between different types of providers, such as mobile data, cable, fiber, and satellite?

(7) Programming

 Scratch is a free programming language and online community where you can create your own interactive stories, games, and animations.  It is widely used to teach computer programming for the following reasons:

• • 1. Easy to learn: Uses drag-and-drop blocks instead of typing code, so beginners avoid syntax errors.

    2. Teaches key concepts: Introduces loops, variables, conditionals, events, and algorithms.

    3. Instant feedback: Students immediately see their programs work through animations and games.

    4. Encourages creativity: Lets learners create stories, games, and interactive projects.

    5. Builds problem-solving skills: Develops computational thinking and debugging abilities.

    6. Prepares for other languages: The concepts learned in Scratch transfer easily to languages like Python and JavaScript.

• Assignment-

  • Watch this tutorial [20:28] and either re-create your own Pong game or a game or animation of your choice. 

  • What is the value of teaching programming to secondary school students? Explain.