Wikis
Information
Communication Technology (ICT), according to Tino (2003) refers to, and encompasses
a range of technologies and other resources that are used to create,
communicate, disseminate, store and manage information. We live in an
information age where ICT is vital to everyday life. This is supported by Leask
and Meadows (2000) who pointed out that ICT plays a critical role along with
literacy and numeracy and should not be ignored. ICT can improve
education for children in many ways as it teaches skills namely: critical
evaluation, collaboration, planning, receiving feedback and organization, it
can provide better learning results, as children are better able to solve
problems, work more efficiently and develop to their full potential. Therefore,
since technology is engrained into our culture it is important that children
learn the skill of computing as it will be beneficial to them at school, in the
workplace and throughout their life. Based on the above reasons I choose
the topic Computer Basics - The Parts of the Computer.
A basic aptitude with computers and technology is becoming a requirement in our society’s education system as it intersect our children lives, and is fast becoming a way of life. A general level of computer knowledge is very useful as it is vital in this modern age of technology for children to be technology literate. Children need to learn the basic parts of the computer, which would cover both computer devices and the use of common applications. These basic skills are just as important as teaching children to read and write.
A basic aptitude with computers and technology is becoming a requirement in our society’s education system as it intersect our children lives, and is fast becoming a way of life. A general level of computer knowledge is very useful as it is vital in this modern age of technology for children to be technology literate. Children need to learn the basic parts of the computer, which would cover both computer devices and the use of common applications. These basic skills are just as important as teaching children to read and write.
Computer Basics - The Parts of a Computer
What is a computer?
A
computer is a powerful electronic system that executes and manipulates data
according to a list of instructions in a programme. It is really a system of
many parts working together. Here are a few examples of types of computers.
The
computer is divided into two major categories - hardware and software. The physical part of the computer which you
can see and touch is called the hardware.
The software on the other hand refers to the instructions that tell the
hardware what to do.
What are Computers Used For
Computers are used for a variety of purposes. In the workplace it can be used to keep records, analyze data, do research and manage projects. At home it can be used to find information, store pictures, down load and play music, play games and communicate with others. At school it can be used for a myriad of learning purposes for research purposes, to make presentations, and to create documents in an effort to enhance learning.
Basic Functions of a Computer
A computer has four basic functions which it performs.
(a) It accepts data or instructions as input
(b) It processes data as instructed
(c) It produces information/results in the form of output
(d) It stores data and instructions
Data is the raw facts given to the computer. Information is data that has been processed into a useful form.
Characteristics of Computers
The distinguishing features of a computer that has made it powerful and universally useful are its:
(a) Incredible speed - a computer can perform billions of actions per seconds.
(b) Accuracy - failures are usually due to human error, one way or another.
(c) Storage capacity - a computer can keep huge amounts of data.
What are Computers Used For
Computers are used for a variety of purposes. In the workplace it can be used to keep records, analyze data, do research and manage projects. At home it can be used to find information, store pictures, down load and play music, play games and communicate with others. At school it can be used for a myriad of learning purposes for research purposes, to make presentations, and to create documents in an effort to enhance learning.
Basic Functions of a Computer
A computer has four basic functions which it performs.
(a) It accepts data or instructions as input
(b) It processes data as instructed
(c) It produces information/results in the form of output
(d) It stores data and instructions
Data is the raw facts given to the computer. Information is data that has been processed into a useful form.
Characteristics of Computers
The distinguishing features of a computer that has made it powerful and universally useful are its:
(a) Incredible speed - a computer can perform billions of actions per seconds.
(b) Accuracy - failures are usually due to human error, one way or another.
(c) Storage capacity - a computer can keep huge amounts of data.
The Components of a Computer
Desk top Computer system
The
basic parts of a computer are the monitor, System Unit, the keyboard and the
mouse. The System Unit is the hub of a
computer system and it is made up of many electronic components which process
information. The central processing unit
(CPU) or the microprocessor is the “brain” of the computer.
The Monitor
The Monitor
The monitor is a screen on which the
information is displayed in a visual form using text and graphics.
The Keyboard
The
Keyboard is used as an input device for mainly typing data into the
computer.
The Mouse
The mouse is a small device which is used to point to and to select item
on the computer screen. They come in
many different shapes.
Safe
Guards for my Wikis
Solomon and Schrum (2010) describe wikis as web pages which can be collaboratively prepared with other people as well as other approved users. Although every member can modify a document, it was noted by Alden (2010) that all the previous versions is restored at any time and made available if necessary.
Since the main purpose of any wiki is to reflect the collaborative work of a community by allowing others to edit any part of a wiki and one of the biggest risks of using wikis is the possibility of vandalism, then if this was a real wiki I would safe guard it by putting relevant policies in place and by allowing only the administrator and registered users the privilege of editing, modifying and revising the pages of the wiki. This means that I would set up my wiki to require a password access for posting and editing, and only those who are logged in and whose accounts are confirmed can edit, modify and revise the pages. Also in an effort to maintain vigilance and to maintain the wiki – site I would allow for anonymity of registered users, by providing screen names after allowing them to become members.
As pointed out by Prensky (2001) “our students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach, because they have changed radically and become digital natives.” It is through the digital media that they absorb knowledge and skills and as such ICT must be integrated into the curriculum in an effort to create an effective learning environment for all students.
The purpose for teaching the topic chosen is definitely part of the curricula. The curricula emphasizes that teachers integrate ICT in the planning, assessing, and enhancement of the teaching/ learning process.
For ICT to be effective in the classroom both teacher and students have to be knowledgeable about computer basics. Hence computer basis becomes vital to students since they will ultimately need to use the computer in the classroom if they are to use it to create, communicate, collaborate, think critically and creatively, understand the social and personal impact of ICT and to develop foundational knowledge, skills and concepts.
Culligan (2006) states that due to the cognitive uniqueness of these children it has become necessary to recognise the various ways in which children process information and to identify learning strategies that can be used to maximize their potential. In activity oriented learning, learning takes place when children are actively exploring, manipulating, experimenting and finding answers to questions. Such activities do not only make a difference in the thinking of the child but also in the learning environment as the child pursues learning goals. Also, through problem based learning, children can find meaning in their experiences by using ICT tools which places great importance on reflection. Theories that place emphasis on social interaction can also improve the children’s developmental level by interacting with others who are more capable.
Solomon and Schrum (2010) describe wikis as web pages which can be collaboratively prepared with other people as well as other approved users. Although every member can modify a document, it was noted by Alden (2010) that all the previous versions is restored at any time and made available if necessary.
Since the main purpose of any wiki is to reflect the collaborative work of a community by allowing others to edit any part of a wiki and one of the biggest risks of using wikis is the possibility of vandalism, then if this was a real wiki I would safe guard it by putting relevant policies in place and by allowing only the administrator and registered users the privilege of editing, modifying and revising the pages of the wiki. This means that I would set up my wiki to require a password access for posting and editing, and only those who are logged in and whose accounts are confirmed can edit, modify and revise the pages. Also in an effort to maintain vigilance and to maintain the wiki – site I would allow for anonymity of registered users, by providing screen names after allowing them to become members.
As pointed out by Prensky (2001) “our students are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach, because they have changed radically and become digital natives.” It is through the digital media that they absorb knowledge and skills and as such ICT must be integrated into the curriculum in an effort to create an effective learning environment for all students.
The purpose for teaching the topic chosen is definitely part of the curricula. The curricula emphasizes that teachers integrate ICT in the planning, assessing, and enhancement of the teaching/ learning process.
For ICT to be effective in the classroom both teacher and students have to be knowledgeable about computer basics. Hence computer basis becomes vital to students since they will ultimately need to use the computer in the classroom if they are to use it to create, communicate, collaborate, think critically and creatively, understand the social and personal impact of ICT and to develop foundational knowledge, skills and concepts.
Culligan (2006) states that due to the cognitive uniqueness of these children it has become necessary to recognise the various ways in which children process information and to identify learning strategies that can be used to maximize their potential. In activity oriented learning, learning takes place when children are actively exploring, manipulating, experimenting and finding answers to questions. Such activities do not only make a difference in the thinking of the child but also in the learning environment as the child pursues learning goals. Also, through problem based learning, children can find meaning in their experiences by using ICT tools which places great importance on reflection. Theories that place emphasis on social interaction can also improve the children’s developmental level by interacting with others who are more capable.
References
Alden, J, (2010). Use of wikis to support collaboration among online students (110-126). In
H. Hoa Young & Chi-Yin Yuen (Eds.). Collective intelligence and E-Learning 2.0:
implications of web-based communities and networking. Hershey, PA: Informative
Science Reference.
Culligan, M. (2006). Digital natives in the classroom. In B. Hoffman (ED.). Encyclopedia of
Educational Technology. Retrieved from:
http://coe.sdusu.edu/eet/articles/digitalnatives/start/html
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technologies in Education. (2013). Unit 1:
Development and characteristics of ICT. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technologies in Education. (2013). Unit 2:
Learning theories that guide ICT-mediated learning. [Essential reading]. UWI Open
Campus.
Leask, M. & Meadows, J, (200). Teaching and Learning Using ICT in the Primary School.
270 Madison Ave, New York NY, Routledge.
Solomon, G. & Schrum, L. (2010). Web2.0 how-to for educators. Eugene, Oregon:
International Society for Technology in Education.
Prensky, M. (2010).Teaching digital Natives. SAGE Ltd., London, United Kingdom.
Tino, V.L. (2003). ICT in education. UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information
Programme (APDIP). Retrieved from: http://www.saigontre.com/PDFiles/ ICT_in_Education. PDF
Alden, J, (2010). Use of wikis to support collaboration among online students (110-126). In
H. Hoa Young & Chi-Yin Yuen (Eds.). Collective intelligence and E-Learning 2.0:
implications of web-based communities and networking. Hershey, PA: Informative
Science Reference.
Culligan, M. (2006). Digital natives in the classroom. In B. Hoffman (ED.). Encyclopedia of
Educational Technology. Retrieved from:
http://coe.sdusu.edu/eet/articles/digitalnatives/start/html
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technologies in Education. (2013). Unit 1:
Development and characteristics of ICT. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technologies in Education. (2013). Unit 2:
Learning theories that guide ICT-mediated learning. [Essential reading]. UWI Open
Campus.
Leask, M. & Meadows, J, (200). Teaching and Learning Using ICT in the Primary School.
270 Madison Ave, New York NY, Routledge.
Solomon, G. & Schrum, L. (2010). Web2.0 how-to for educators. Eugene, Oregon:
International Society for Technology in Education.
Prensky, M. (2010).Teaching digital Natives. SAGE Ltd., London, United Kingdom.
Tino, V.L. (2003). ICT in education. UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information
Programme (APDIP). Retrieved from: http://www.saigontre.com/PDFiles/ ICT_in_Education. PDF