Lesson Plan: Computer Applications: Vocabulary

Date: September 2,1998

Objectives: The students will

I. outline the processes involved in information relay within a computer.

II. become familiar with DOS commands.

III. gain a basic understanding of the Windows 3.1 operating system.

Curricular Connection: How Do these activities relate to the essential curriculum?

Indicator: Recognize and discuss the ethical and social implications of computer use.

Objectives:

1) explain how the basic components of a computer system work.
2) list the various criteria to be considered when evaluating a computer for purchase.
3) investigate recent and emerging developments in computer technology.

Warm Up Activity (Anticipatory Set): Name Those Parts

A) Have students list as many computer parts as they can.
 
 B) Have the students assign a function for each part listed.

C) Review student lists. If students have the same part on their list as any other student, have them check it off on their list.
 

Main Activity (Instructional Input): Article analysis and Vocabulary

A) Distribute copies of PC Novice's Computing Basics Articles from pp.11 and 22-25 covering
 

• How information travels through your PC;
• A Guide Through the Directory Jungle;
• Operating Tips For Windows 3.1: Learning the Basics.

Back issues of PC Novice can be ordered on the Web from http://www.pcnovice.com/

B) Have students review articles and define the following terms (a separate worksheet with this list of terms is available with this link:
 

1. Microprocessor (CPU)
2. RAM
3. Hard drive
4. DOS
5. Boot
6. Eight plus three file name structure
7. Root Directory
8. Directory
9. Subdirectory
10. Command prompt
11. Executable Files
12. Groups and Icons
13. Minimizing and Maximizing
14. Driver
15. Shortcut key.

Many of these terms can be found defined at PC Novice's Website at http://www.pcnovice.com/pcnglos.html.

Examples (Modeling):  Illustrate these processes on a Windows 3.1 machine as the students discuss these topics.

Check For Understanding: Have students answer oral questions relating to the articles.
 
Guided Practice: After students have discussed the terms, demonstrate these concepts and processes by allowing students to move to the computers and walking them through the process of booting a PC, executing DOS commands, and manipulating files in Windows 3.1.

Homework (Independent Practice):
Have students develop 3 questions about any of the above topics they might like to answer or have answered. Discuss student questions and answers tomorrow.

Wrap-Up Activity (Closure): See homework.
 
 Evaluation: The lesson will be evaluated by:

I. the accuracy of student's written responses;

II. student's scores on future tests and quizzes.