Definition
Technology that merges computing with high-speed communications links carrying data, sound, and video. Why it's important: Information technology is bringing about the fusion of several important industries dealing with computers, telephones, televisions, and various handheld devices.
Historical Perspective
The Charles Babbage Institute Center for the History of Information Technology is an historical archives and research center located at the University of Minnesota. It offers a wealth of resources on the history of information technology, including a fascinating look at "Hollywood & Computers."
Definition
Programmable, multiuse machine that accepts data—raw facts and figures—and processes (manipulates) it into useful information, such as summaries and totals. Why it's important: Computers greatly speed up problem solving and other tasks, increasing users' productivity.
Web Exercise
Discuss benefits of computers in schools using this link: http://faculty.uvi.edu/users/rnicholl/benefits.htm. Ask students to discuss some limitations they may have faced while using computers.
Definition
Electromagnetic devices and systems for communicating over long distances. Why it's important: Communications systems using electronic connections have helped to expand human communication beyond face-to-face meetings.
Web Exercise
The New York Times offers a free archive of all articles published within the last seven days. Use their website to read an article published in their Technology section within the last seven days. Write a paragraph summarizing the contents of this article.
Definition
Using a computer or other information device, connected through a network, to access information and services from another computer or information device. Why it's important: Online communication is widely used by businesses, services, individuals, and educational institutions.
Knowledge in Action
Interview three of your acquaintances about the use of online communications. How do online communications help them perform tasks? How many hours do they spend online? Do they experience problems while performing tasks online? Write a short report summarizing the results of your interviews.
Definition
Messages transmitted over a computer network, most often the internet. Why it's important: Email has become universal; one of the first things new computer users learn is how to send and receive email.
Web Exercises
Ask students to visit a web portal such as http://www.yahoo.com/ or http://www.msn.com/ to register themselves for free email services. They can send emails to their friends as well as understand the concept of attachments, by attaching group photos or other images with their emails.
Definition
Worldwide network that connects hundreds of thousands of smaller networks. Why it's important: Thanks to the internet, millions of people around the world can share all types of information and services.
Web Exercise
Discuss how the internet helps to share all types of information and services. Ask students to join an online discussion group at http://groups.google.com/groups?group=comp&hl=en and share information about recent innovations in computers.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment