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Unit 1 Living in the Digital Age

Module 1

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

Name: ____________________________________

Date Started: _________________________

Goal to complete this chapter: I will complete this module by (date): _______________________________

This module took me about ______ hours to complete.

Try to complete this module in 2-5 hours!

Don’t begin Module 2 until you

complete and submit Module 1.

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Unit 1 (Module 1 of 4)

Living in the Digital AgeLearners will be expected to:

1.1 Recognize that we live in and must continually adapt to an ever-changing technological world.

Have learners:a. Reflect upon both obsolete and current technologies that they may have

encountered in their lives.b. Recognize that the adoption rate of new technologies and the demand for

technologically literate citizens has increased drastically over the last century.

c. Evaluate their existing technology skills and self-identify as a digital native or digital immigrant.

d. Examine and reflect upon the "computer-use" essential skills, as defined by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), necessary for specific careers.

e. Recognize the need for lifelong learning and critical thinking skills in this digital age.

f. Identify critical components of existing technologies.

Instructions

Work through the following material and complete the forms and short answer questions in your own words.

You are encouraged to work with other students in discussing this material and completing the forms and questions.

This chapter should be completed in 2-5 hours. Stay focused! You need to work on this material outside regular class time! Submit this document (stapled) to your instructor when complete!

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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The Times are a changing! Outcomes: 1.1a and b

This process of technological change is ongoing. The technology that we use and purposes for which we use it are always in a constant state of flux. In terms of technologies, what we did and used twenty years ago looks vastly different from what we do and use today. Most of this has to do with the continued advancements in the processing speed and capacity of microchips. Did you know that the 1Ghz chips powering smartphones and tablets in 2011 were 1 million times the speed and capability of chips found in the Apollo 11 guidance computer that took Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon. What will the processing speed and capacity of chips in another 10 or 20 years, and what types of new devices will be developed using these new chips? No one knows. Another question arises; how can we prepare for such changes when we don't even know what they will be?Below we have listed a variety of past technologies. Using a check mark () indicate whether:1. You or a person of the same age could have owned or used this technology in your lifetime.2. This technology was considered before your time (i.e. archaic or dead technology during your

lifetime).

Technology Complete this in 3 or 4 minutes.

Ownedor

Used

Before My

TimeA black and white television with rabbit ears.A color television with a rotary dial that could only receive 14 channels.A color television with a remote control that could receive up to 99 channels.A rear projection televisionA Betamax video recorder and playerA VHS video recorder and playerA laser disc playerA DVD playerA first generation gaming system (released in the early and mid-1970s; played only Pong or Pong-derived games)The Atari 2600 Gaming System (released in 1977)The NES Nintendo Entertainment System (released in 1985)The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (released in 1991)The Sony PlayStation Gaming System (released in 1994)The Nintendo 64 Gaming System (released in 1996)Microsoft's Xbox Gaming System (released in 2001)An eight track tape playerA cassette tape playerA record playerA portable cassette tape player (e.g. Sony Walkman)A portable disc player (e.g. Sony Discman)A first generation mp3 player (only played music; e.g. Apple's 2001 iPod)A landline telephone on a party line.A landline telephone with a rotary dial.A landline push button telephone service that did not offer features such as voice-messaging or call-waiting.A landline telephone service that offered features such as voice-messaging or call-waiting.A pager

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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Owned or Used

Before my time

A cell phone that was only a phone (no texting, no camera, no Internet capabilities)A cell phone that also serves as a camera and allows one to text (no Internet, gaming, or mp3 capabilities)A fax machineA palm pilot (i.e. an electronic organizer)A typewriterDial-Up InternetDOS Operating System for PCs (released in 1981)

inch floppy disk (a computer storage device released in 1976)

inch floppy disk (a computer storage device released in 1987)A recordable compact disc (CD-R; a computer storage device released in 1990)A rewritable compact disc (CD-RW; a computer storage device released in 1997)An instamatic camera (Uses film that develops within a few minutes of taking the picture.)

Of the 38 technologies listed in the chart, how many could you have owned or used in your lifetime? ….If you were born before 1970, you have likely used or owned all of the technologies listed in the chart. All the skills associated with using (or maintaining) these archaic or dead technologies are of little use in today's world. Who cares if you know how to store data on a floppy disk if these disks are no longer used? (No one!) Do you need to know how to program a VCR in the 21st century? (No!) Should you know how to transfer a song from a record to a cassette tape? (Absolutely not!)

In the chart below, name five current technologies (e.g. smartphone) and/or technological services (e.g. Facebook) that you currently use? Also indicate your frequency of use and your level of expertise with each technology or technological service by checking off the appropriate columns.

Frequency of Use Level of ExpertiseTechnologies or Technological Services You Currently Use

Use

Fr

eque

ntly

Use

O

ccas

iona

lly

Seld

om

Use

Exp

ert

Com

pete

nt

Beg

inne

r

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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Of the current technologies and technological services you listed above, which do you feel will be considered archaic or dead within the next five years?

Most people understand that technology is always changing, but many do not know that the rate of change is increasing. In the past it took decades before new technologies would be accepted by a large percentage of the population (i.e. mass adoption). Consider the black and white television. It was introduced in 1926, and it took approximately 24 years before there was mass adoption of that product. In this case mass adoption is defined as 50 million devices sold. Now consider Apple's iPod. It was introduced in 2001 but it only took 3 years before there was mass adoption. The following graph illustrates this point. The bottom of each bar indicates the year in which the product is introduced and the top of each bar indicates the year in which we reach mass adoption of the product.

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

Telep

honeRad

io

B&W TV

Color TV PC

Internet

iPod

Faceb

ook1870

1880

1890

1900

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

1960

1970

1980

1990

2000

2010

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Questions

1. View this 5 minute video and answer the following.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmwwrGV_aiE(or Google Search: YouTube Did You Know 3.0 Officially Updated for 2012 HD)

(a) There was a lot of statistical information supplied in this video. Record three pieces of statistical information supplied in the video that surprised you or that you found interesting.

1. ___________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________

(b) What was the message from this video?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. View this 6 minute video.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8Yt4wxSblc(or Google Search: YouTube The Future of Work)

Provide at least three points that were raised in this video.

1. _______________________________________________________________________

2. _______________________________________________________________________

3.________________________________________________________________________

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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Digital Natives and Digital Immigrants Outcomes: 1.1c

In 2001, Marc Prensky, a leading educator in the US, introduced the terms digital natives and digital immigrants into our vocabulary. He described digital natives as people who have spent their entire lives surrounded by and using devices and tools of the digital age (e.g. computers, video games, cell phones, digital cameras, Internet, text messaging, social media, etc.). Many people born after 1985 would fall into this category. However, not everyone who is born after this date is automatically a digital native; if have not been using digital technologies, then they cannot be called digital natives. In contrast to digital natives, we have the digital immigrants. These are people who were not born into the digital world, but later in life, became exposed to and reluctantly or slowly adopted some or many of these new digital technologies. Many people born before 1975 would fall into this category, but not everyone. Consider Bill Gates. The founder of Microsoft, who was born in 1955, is obviously a digital native, as opposed to being a digital immigrant.

Digital Natives Digital Immigrants Computer games, social networking, and/or

text messaging is an integral part of their lives.

Enjoy interacting or networking with many via the Internet.

Prefer receiving information quickly and from multiple sources.

Like to multi-task. Prefer graphics, pictures, and videos over text. Inclined to reading text in short bursts,

compared to reading all of the text at one time. Believe that learning should be fun. Use the Internet as their first source of

information. When learning a new technology, they prefer

to experiment with that technology, relying on their intuition, as opposed to referring to a manual.

Function best when networked to others. Thrive on instant gratification and frequent

rewards. Have little time for lectures. Use texting shorthand (e.g. cu later) Put personal information on the Internet

Prefer to talk on the phone or in person. Prefer to have "quality" interaction with one

individual or within a small group. Think many people waste too much time

online. Print out a document written on the computer

to edit it. Prefer to deal with one task at a time. Prefer text materials. Bring people physically into your office or

room to see an interesting web site, opposed to sending them the link.

Believe that learning is serious work and does not necessarily have to be fun.

Do not use the Internet as their first source of information. They first look for the information in books or journals.

When learning a new technology, they prefer to work from the accompanying manual which offers step-by-step instructions.

Place a lot of emphasis on logical and critical thinking skills.

Value "proper" English See value in deferred gratification and

rewards.

Questions

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

Wikimedia Commons, 2013

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1. (a) In what year were you born? _________

(b) Do you own or have a computer in your home? _________

(c) Do you own a cell phone? _________

(d) Do you own an mp3 player (e.g. iPod)? _________

(e) Do you own a tablet? _________

(d) Do you play electronic games? _________

(e) Do you download music, videos, and/or applications? _________

(f) Do you use the Internet regularly to look up information? _________

(g) Do you do online banking and/or make online purchases? _________

Are you a digital native or digital immigrant? Explain (short paragraph):

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Technology Self-Assessment Tool Outcome: 1.1c

In this lesson you are going to use an assessment tool to try to understand what technological skills you already possess. Understanding where you stand in this technological world today helps you understand what you need to learn for tomorrow. This tool is an adaptation of assessment tools developed by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Read each statement below. Place a check mark () in the column that bests describes your ability to complete the indicated task.

I can… Yes Somewhat NoEnter a security code into an electronic device (e.g. smartphone, ATM, burglar alarm)Create a secure password for an electronic device.Use a cell phone with text messaging features.Use texting shorthand (e.g. cu later, lol, omg)Use multiple features on a smartphone.Create and use a contacts list for a cell phone or smartphone.Download software, applications, music, and/or videos to an

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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electronic device.Create and use a social networking account (e.g. Twitter, Facebook).Connect a smartphone or tablet to a computer to transfer information, music and/or applications.Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g. Ctrl A - select all, Ctrl P - print)Use a computer mouse, touch pad, and/or touch screen to open and navigate programs and applications.Manage documents on a computer: save, locate and organize files and folders on a local computer and/or network.Quickly find a file.Resolve commonly occurring technology problems (e.g. paper jams, toner cartridge replacement, frozen applications)

I can… Yes Somewhat NoResolve more challenging technology problems which require one to use manuals or online resources.Use editing and formatting features of a word processing program (e.g. setting margins, changing fonts, changing spacing, copy and paste, spell and grammar check, adding bullets, bold or underline text)Can add tables and images to a word processing document.Can create headers and footers, and add page numbers to a word processing document.Select a printer and print the document using the appropriate settings (e.g. pages, orientation, margins, back-to-back)Use presentation software (e.g. PowerPoint) to create a simple presentation using my own text and images.Produce speaker notes, print outs and screen versions of a presentation created using presentation software.Can create a simple spreadsheet using spreadsheet software (e.g. Microsoft Excel)Create a chart or graph using spreadsheet software.Interpret spreadsheet information.Send a basic e-mail to one recipient.Send e-mails with attachments to multiple recipients.Forward an e-mail, delete an e-mail, and understand the difference between "reply" and "reply all."Use calendar software or applications on a computer, smartphone, or tablet (e.g. MS Outlook) to keep track of appointments and meetings, and better manage my time.Use a least one search engine (e.g. Google) and know how to narrow and refine my search.Bookmark web sites that I have visited and would like to revisit.Evaluate a web site's validity as a source of information.Identify potential scams/frauds that I might receive on my smartphone, through my e-mail account, or while surfing the Internet.Explain potential problems viruses and other malware can

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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create and practical methods for prevention.Identify intellectual property issues that apply to technology use in the classroom, at work, and at home (e.g. copyright, plagiarism).Provide basic technological assistance to others.

Questions

After completing the technology self-assessment, what do you believe are your technology strengths? List at least your top three strengths and explain.

1. ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

Essential Skills: Computer Use Outcome: 1.1d

"Essential Skills are the skills that people need for work, learning, and life. They are used in the community and the workplace, in different forms and at different levels of complexity." (HRSDC, 2013). Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) has broken these essential skills into nine broad categories. They are:

1. Reading2. Document Use3. Numeracy4. Writing5. Oral Communication6. Working with Others7. Thinking8. Computer Use (includes other forms of technology)9. Continuous Learning

For this course we are obviously interested in the eighth essential skill: computer use.

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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At the HRSDC web site, they have described the different levels of complexity associated with each of these nine essential skills for over 350 different professions. They refer to these as their essential skills profiles.

These essential skills profiles can be found at http://www10.hrsdc.gc.ca/es/English/all_profiles.aspx

Explore the HRSDC's essential skills website.Find the complexity level for computer use for two professions that you may wish to pursue in the future.

(a) Profession: _______________________________________

Computer Use Complexity Level: (1 simple to 5 very complex)Outline in your own words some of the computer skills required:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(b) Profession: _______________________________________

Computer Use Complexity Level: (1 simple to 5 very complex)Outline in your own words some of the computer skills required:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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Technology and Lifelong Learning Outcome: 1.1e

How can we prepare for the future? New digital technologies are being created at such a rapid rate, how can we possibly keep up?

Can we predict which technologies are going to be adopted in the future and then only focus on those? I wish we had a crystal ball to make such predictions, but we don't. To be honest, our ability to predict the future is pretty poor. As a child, growing up in the 1960's, I was repeatedly told that in the 21st century we would all be commuting to work in hover cars, and that man would have a permanent station on the moon. Obviously, neither of things happened. Even back in the 1980's, no one thought that in the future we would have such an interconnected world where people could easily and affordably create and share ideas using words, audio, and/or video with anyone else in the world.

Can we just focus on technologies that are going to impact the career we have chosen? We can, but this tends to be short-sighted for two reasons. First, digital technologies do not only impact our professional lives, our lives outside of work are affected by these technologies. If you are booking a flight, purchasing tickets for a concert, contacting friends or family, submitting a resume, helping your child with homework, or a host of other things, then the easiest and quickest way to complete these tasks is to use digital technologies. Second, who is to say that you will be in the same career for all of your working years? The federal agency, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC), stated the following in 2012.

The notion of a job for life is in rapid decline. Today's worker will have on average approximately three careers and eight jobs over a lifetime.

Your expertise with digital technologies will have to change as your career and/or job changes.

It becomes clear that the specific digital skills we learn in our secondary and post-secondary education will not be enough to cover us over our lifetime. We will constantly have to be upgrading our skills to keep up with the emerging technologies; that is, we will have to engage in lifelong learning

Formal Learning: This type of learning is delivered by an education or training institution (e.g. school, college, university) in a classroom-like setting (real or virtual), follows a set curriculum, and typically leads to some form of certification (e.g. diploma, certificate, degree). For example, as an ALP learner, you are partaking in formal learning because this program is delivered by NSCC, follows the ALP curriculum, and leads to a high school diploma.

Non-formal Learning: This type of learning, like formal learning, occurs in a classroom-like setting, but does not lead to certification. These include workshops, conferences, and continuing education courses.

Informal Learning: This type of learning does not occur in a classroom-like setting, follow a set curriculum, or lead to certification. It is the intentional and unintentional learning that occurs from daily life activities related to family, work and/or leisure activities (e.g. hobbies).

If, later on in life, you want to learn about a new piece of software, you could enroll in a college course specifically about that software (formal learning), enroll in a three day introductory workshop on that software (non-formal learning), and/or learn about the software by viewing numerous YouTube videos

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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(informal learning). The point being is that there are multiple ways to learn about digital technologies. We also have to understand that this process of learning will be ongoing; we can never assume that we know all that we will ever need to know.

Questions1. Below we have listed a series of tasks which you are attempting to learn. Of the three learning

options (formal, non-formal and informal), decide which ones best suit these tasks from your own learning perspective. More than one option can be selected. Be prepared to discuss your choices with your classmates and/or instructor.

Form

al

Non

-fo

rmal

Info

rmal

You need to help your child with operations with fractions. It's been a while since you've worked with fractions so you need a quick online refresher before assisting your child.

You have been working as a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) for several years, but decide that you would like to get into nursing by taking a Bachelors of Nursing degree.

You have been working with specific design software for a few years. You receive the latest version of this software, and need to learn about many of its new features.

You been playing piano for several years but you'd like to learn a few more tunes. The ones you have chosen are quite challenging based on your current skill level.

You are an information technology specialist whose primary work is protecting networks from hackers. You need training on some of the latest hacks these criminals are attempting to use.You will be traveling to China next year and decide that it would be useful to learn some basic Mandarin.

You are interested in getting into a video editing career. You know that this means becoming a master of the Final Cut Pro software.

2. Give at least two examples in your own life where you learned about something informally. Your examples do not have to deal with digital technologies.

1.________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

2.________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

You may discuss and complete this with a partner if desired.

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Existing Electronic Technologies and Their Components (2013) Outcome: 1.1f

List the parts of a basic computer:1. ______________

2. ______________

3. ______________

4. ______________

5. ______________

6. ______________

7. ______________

Work with one or two other students and identify at least 10 factors to consider when purchasing a computer:

1. ______________________________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________________________

5. ______________________________________________________________________________

6. ______________________________________________________________________________

7. ______________________________________________________________________________

8. ______________________________________________________________________________

9. ______________________________________________________________________________

10. ______________________________________________________________________________

Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1

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Post-Chapter Reflection Outcomes: 1.1a to 1.1f inclusive

To complete this module, please write a brief reflective piece (about 300 words / half a page) on the material you covered in this module. You may want to consider some or all of the following questions when preparing your response.

Describe the most valuable or important thing you learned in this section? What part did you find most interesting or enjoyable and why? How did you feel about these topics before and after completing this module? Are there new actions or behaviors that you will exercise after learning about the topics

in this module? Explain. Is any of the information in the module relevant to your long-term goals? If so, how?

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Computer 1210 Produced by David Pilmer (2014) Living in the Digital Age(Digital Technologies) Adapted by Ray Williams Module 1