Computer Basics and Online Teaching Strategies

Introduction to Computer

• A computer is a machine using electronic devices to perform calculations and operations based on software or hardware instructions.
• It accepts data (input), processes it, and produces information (output).
• Computers store data for later use and retrieval.
• Modern computers are used for diverse tasks like web browsing, writing documents, editing video, creating apps, playing games, etc.

Basic Concepts of Computer

• A computer is an electronic device used for storing data and producing results quickly and accurately.

Data, Information, and Knowledge

• Data are facts and figures related to a specific topic, unorganized, and have little impact on the user.
• Information is contextualized and organized data with relevance and purpose; it answers questions about data.
• Knowledge is related to experience, understanding, and the ability to use information.

Computer Classification

• Personal computer: A small, single-user computer based on a microprocessor, with keyboard, monitor, and storage devices.
• Workstation: A powerful, single-user computer with a powerful microprocessor and a high-quality monitor.
• Minicomputer: A multi-user computer that supports 10 to hundreds of users simultaneously.
• Mainframe: A powerful multi-user computer supporting hundreds or thousands of users simultaneously.
• Supercomputer: An extremely fast computer with capabilities to perform millions of instructions per second.

Laptop and Smartphone Computers

• Laptop: A portable, battery-powered, personal computer with desktop computer functionality. Some laptops (netbooks) sacrifice some functionality for portability.
• Netbook: A type of laptop designed for portability and internet/email access, often cheaper but less powerful than other laptops.
• Mobile device: Refers to handheld computers including tablet computers, e-readers, and smartphones, with portability as a main feature.
• Tablet computer: A portable, touch-screen computer that lacks a keyboard and touchpad. Optimized for reading, browsing, watching videos, and playing games.
• Smartphone: A powerful mobile phone that runs various applications, enabling browsing, watching videos, reading, etc.

Computer Components

• Computer: A combination of input, processing, and output devices.
• CPU (Central Processing Unit): The "brain" of the computer, responsible for processing data.
• Keyboard: An input device for entering text and commands into the computer.
• Mouse: An input device used to control cursor movement on the screen.
• Monitor: An output device to display images and text from the computer.
• Hard Disk (HDD): Storage device for storing large amounts of data.
• Printer: An output device used to print text and graphics onto paper.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB): Allows connecting external devices to the computer.
• Ethernet Cable: Connects computers together (networking)
• CD/DVD ROM: Storage devices for storing digital data.
• Speaker: An output device to produce sound.
• Mike: An input device to record sound.
• Laptop: A complete computer that can be carried anywhere.
• Netbook: A mini-laptop, generally lighter and smaller than a laptop.
• RAM (Random Access Memory): The computer's primary memory; working data is stored here.
• ROM (Read-Only Memory): Memory containing permanent data written by the vendor of the computer.
• Pen Drive: A portable storage device used for carrying data.
• Blue Ray Disk: Similar to CD/DVD but capable of storing more data and faster.
• Scanner: An input device for converting physical documents to digital copies.
• LCD: Liquid Crystal Display, a type of monitor.
• Motherboard: A central component that houses electronic circuits.
• Sound Card: Electronic component that outputs sound to the speakers.
• Graphics Card: Electronic component that outputs images to the monitor.
• Computer Software: Logical programs for complex problems.
• System Software: Controls the computer system.
• Application Software: Designed for particular problems; an example is a word processing program.
• Embedded Software: Software embedded in hardware for specific tasks.
• Proprietary Software: Software that requires payment for use by particular users.
• Open Source Software: Free software allowed for commercial or non-commercial use.

Characteristics of Computers

• Speed: Computers execute tasks millions of calculations per second, faster than humans.
• Accuracy: Computers are accurate, errors are almost always due to human error in data input, system design, or programming.
• Diligence: Computers relentlessly carry out tasks without tiring or becoming bored, more consistent than humans.
• Versatility: Computers adapt for any tasks and different types of work.
• Storage Capacity: Modern computers store significant data efficiently with rapid retrieval.
• Power of Remembering: Computers retain data for future use.
• No iQ: Computers require instructions to function.
• No Feelings: Computers lack emotions, knowledge, and experience.

Online Teaching and Learning

• Online learning is a collaborative, interactive approach.

• Constructivism emphasizes that learners actively construct knowledge.

• Learning is an active, social process.

• Online learning is through virtual platforms like live classes, video conferencing, webinars and other tools.

• Online teaching tools are available, such as email, messaging, video calls.

• There are advantages and challenges with online teaching.

• Online teaching involves the use of technology and online mediums.

Online Teaching Methods

• Online teaching methods vary depending on factors like teaching methodology, learning goals, subject area, etc.
• Various effective pedagogical strategies in online education include: Presentations, online whiteboard, live online classes.
• Other related learning methods include pre-recorded video lectures, flipped classroom, group collaboration/feedback, open-ended questions, game-based learning.

E-Learning Blogs

• Encourage online learners to create daily or weekly e-learning blogs to post questions, their thoughts, and progress.