Centro Escolar Entrevalles - Computer Science Department

Goal-directed Instructional Design Plan

Computer Science IT Systems: Hardware & Software

Author - Angelica Rocha

1. A problem or a need – there must be a problem of practice or an educational need that should be addressed during the lesson.

We all have to buy or choose an IT system for our job or studies at some point. For most of us, this is not an easy task. It is very common that we find ourselves reading a list of technical specification to which we understand half or less of its contents. Because of our lack of knowledge we end-up buying the most expensive computer with more of everything and it is not necessarily the most adequate for our needs. Technology changes so fast and there are so many options out there, that it’s important to teach ourselves and our students the basic structures, functions and principles of IT Systems. Only then, can we make smart decisions and maybe become future innovators in this growing field of science. The goal that will be addressed during this lesson is to provide students with the essential concepts and skills to evaluate IT Systems for different purposes and environments.

2. A real-world performance – how the learning objective fit into a real-world activity or need.

When faced with different types of tasks, environments or situations, students will be able to analyze and evaluate the several IT Systems that are available to them today. Picking the IT solutions that will make them more efficient and productive in solving everyday problems. They will be able to write technology proposals with critical thinking, thus becoming more informed shoppers of technology and being able to give informed opinions or good advice to others.

Those students that are looking for a future career in computer science will acquire the basic knowledge of IT Systems so they can improve or innovate the future hardware or software components of today.

“Computer science has an immense impact on modern life. The job prospects are excellent and the field is rigorous, intellectually vibrant, and multi-faceted. [...] It is not an exaggeration to say that our lives depend upon computer systems and the people who maintain them. [...] A fundamental understanding of computer science enables students to be not just educated users of technology, but the innovators capable of using computers to improve the quality of life for everyone.” CSTA Model Curriculum

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Centro Escolar Entrevalles - Computer Science Department3. An instructional objective – the objectives are based on the final outcome, activity or

test. These objectives will each be different for the four types of knowledge; performing skills, recalling facts, identifying examples of concepts, and applying principles.

a. Understand the specifications of a proposed new system.b. Evaluate other physical considerations that may influence the choice of the physical

environment of the proposed new system, such as ergonomics and other health-related issues.

c. Suggest upgrades to the computer system to take advantage of improvements in components, such as processing speed.

d. Define the term “operating system”.e. Outline the functions of operating systems.f. Select suitable software for the computer and decide which source to obtain the

software from.ISTE NETS for Students

6. Technology Operations and Concepts: Students demonstrate a sound understanding of technology concepts, systems, and operations. Students:

● understand and use technology systems.

● select and use applications effectively and productively.

● troubleshoot systems and applications.

● transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies.

4. A set of essential content – the basic ideas and skills that will allow the learner to complete the task or understand the content.

IT Systems - Hardware

● Types of computers.● MAC address.● Motherboard.● Central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor, clock speed.● Primary storage: read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM).● Secondary storage: optical, magnetic, flash memory: for example, USB (universal

serial bus) flash drive.● Ports.

IT Systems - Software

● Applications: word processing, desktop publishing, presentations, photo and video editing, music and sound development, website development.

● System software: operating systems and utilities.● Interfaces: graphical user interface (GUI), command line interface (CLI), menu-driven

interface (MDI), voice.● Licensing: shareware, public domain, freeware, proprietary and open source software.● Web-based software.

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Centro Escolar Entrevalles - Computer Science Department5. An evaluation consisting of a test or observation – an assessment, observation or

product showing that the objectives can be accomplished in the real-world setting.Students will be presented with user profiles that have different needs and requirements for an IT System. The profiles will be:

● A graphic designer and digital animator● A music composer or music producer● A business manager of an international corporation● A special needs high-school student● An environmental scientist that works in remote places● A computer science engineer that develops software

After choosing one of the above options. They will write a proposal of the ideal IT system for that type of user. All proposals will be published in Glogster where they can insert different types of multimedia to illustrate their choices better. The students that select the same user profile will have to compare their proposals and discuss their system specifications on a forum.

Rubric

Glogster Rubric: http://butlertech.wikispaces.com/file/view/Glogster+Rubric.pdf

Proposal Sections

1. Description of user’s profile: tasks, responsibilities and needs.2. Hardware specifications3. Software specifications4. Justification: advantages and disadvantages

6. A method to help participants learn – the method to deliver the content; a lesson. The lesson is provided through a blended learning method. Many resources and activities will be found in the school’s Moodle Online Campus. We will also have class once a week for three weeks.

● Motivation:○ Meaningfullness – content and activities must have meaning for the learner.

Understanding the basic concepts, structures and functions of IT Systems will help students become more efficient and competitive no matter what profession they choose to pursue.

○ Pleasant consequences – the effects that achieving the goal will have on the learner.

Students will feel more confident in choosing IT Systems for themselves or others according to different needs.

○ Novelty – an attention-getting, humorous or curious manner that relates to the

useful information in your lesson. Making improvements in current systems. Dreaming of what IT Systems could be able to do in the future. Imagine the role that IT Systems will have on the students future careers.

Centro Escolar Entrevalles, APDEwww.apde.edu.gt

Centro Escolar Entrevalles - Computer Science Department● Socialization - a strong motivator for student learningThere will be a discussion forum and all finished IT System proposals will be published in Glogster where students can comment on each others work.

● Audience – For what audience are you designing this lesson? Consider the following:○ Age: 11th Grade Students (16-17 years old)○ Skill level (including technology skills): Has experience using computers. ○ Prerequisite knowledge (including technology background): Understands the

difference between hardware and software. Is able to list some basic components of computer hardware. Knows different software applications.

● Technology Needs – the computers, software, programs (such as Angel or other CMS’s) printers, equipment, Internet access, time in the computer lab will be needed to successfully complete your technology-rich lesson.

Home or school computer with high speed Internet access.

Access to Moodle Online Campus, school’s E-mail, and student Glogster account.

Basic technology skills: Office Tools, E-mail, Multimedia and Web applications including Moodle.

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