Wiki
Lever-Duffy and McDonald (2011) defined a Wiki as a site in which content is written jointly so that it can be accessed by anyone who can revise, append or amend the information which is provided.
ICT Topic : The Computer
Why did I choose this topic?
This topic was chosen because computers have become quite ubiquitous. Many kids now grow up and are exposed to computers within their homes. Those who are not fortunate enough get the exposure at school. It therefore means that children will interact with computers. Consequently, it is imperative that they become familiar with the basics pertaining to it. We are now in the technological era, and computers are the “toy” of the modern day. The more knowledge one is of this concept of computers is the easier it will be to function with it.
Curricular purpose
Educators are now expected to use ICT in the classrooms to enhance learning which includes computers. For this to be effective, both educators and learners should be knowledgeable about computer basics. Students themselves will ultimately need to utilize the computer for various purposes as they interact within the learning environment. If children are to use computers in the classroom, they should have basic knowledge about the device. EDTK2030 Unit 2, (2013) highlights that the mere presence of computers will not assume effective learning in the classroom.
The computer is a very interactive tool which is applicable to all the learning theories associated with ICT; namely Activity-based, Reflection-orientated and Social learning. Learning theories according to Januszewski and Molenda (2008) depict how people learn. The activities that students are engaged in should require them to utilize the computer for sourcing information, storage for future use, to discover things on their own and to help them assimilate in order to solve problems. Furthermore, they can benefit from social learning through networks such as blogs, skype, emails, facebook, wiki and so on.
Safeguards
1 If this was a real wiki I would ensure that there is a security feature on who is editing. I would not allow just about anyone to edit or make changes. EDTK2030 Unit 4, (2013) states that when a wiki page is edited by someone, the current page is also accessible for amendment as well. I would engage a team/group of administrators for editing so that the information which goes in will be accurate and trusted. With this group I would know who to contact if anything goes wrong with the wiki.
2. Another safeguard measure which I would enforce is to have polices/procedures in place in terms of who can edit, how often the editing has to be done, what kinds of changes can be made. Klobas (2006) explained Wikis as tools used by multiple authors who mutually edit the pages in an effort to produce a single resource.
3. I would also set guidelines on what topics should be discussed as the wiki develops.
Content for wiki
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device/machine that manipulates information or “data”. It has the ability to store, retrieve and process data. The computer has input devices and output devices.
ICT Topic : The Computer
Why did I choose this topic?
This topic was chosen because computers have become quite ubiquitous. Many kids now grow up and are exposed to computers within their homes. Those who are not fortunate enough get the exposure at school. It therefore means that children will interact with computers. Consequently, it is imperative that they become familiar with the basics pertaining to it. We are now in the technological era, and computers are the “toy” of the modern day. The more knowledge one is of this concept of computers is the easier it will be to function with it.
Curricular purpose
Educators are now expected to use ICT in the classrooms to enhance learning which includes computers. For this to be effective, both educators and learners should be knowledgeable about computer basics. Students themselves will ultimately need to utilize the computer for various purposes as they interact within the learning environment. If children are to use computers in the classroom, they should have basic knowledge about the device. EDTK2030 Unit 2, (2013) highlights that the mere presence of computers will not assume effective learning in the classroom.
The computer is a very interactive tool which is applicable to all the learning theories associated with ICT; namely Activity-based, Reflection-orientated and Social learning. Learning theories according to Januszewski and Molenda (2008) depict how people learn. The activities that students are engaged in should require them to utilize the computer for sourcing information, storage for future use, to discover things on their own and to help them assimilate in order to solve problems. Furthermore, they can benefit from social learning through networks such as blogs, skype, emails, facebook, wiki and so on.
Safeguards
1 If this was a real wiki I would ensure that there is a security feature on who is editing. I would not allow just about anyone to edit or make changes. EDTK2030 Unit 4, (2013) states that when a wiki page is edited by someone, the current page is also accessible for amendment as well. I would engage a team/group of administrators for editing so that the information which goes in will be accurate and trusted. With this group I would know who to contact if anything goes wrong with the wiki.
2. Another safeguard measure which I would enforce is to have polices/procedures in place in terms of who can edit, how often the editing has to be done, what kinds of changes can be made. Klobas (2006) explained Wikis as tools used by multiple authors who mutually edit the pages in an effort to produce a single resource.
3. I would also set guidelines on what topics should be discussed as the wiki develops.
Content for wiki
What is a computer?
A computer is an electronic device/machine that manipulates information or “data”. It has the ability to store, retrieve and process data. The computer has input devices and output devices.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/9/25197189/1560958.jpg?708)
Computers must basically handle four operations. They
Accept data (information and instructions from the user)
Store data and instructions
Process data
Output data and/or information
Uses of computers
(1) To type email
(2) Browse the internet
(3) Type documents
(4) Play games
(5) To perform calculations using spreadsheets
(6) To store information in databases
(7) To make presentations
(1) To type email
(2) Browse the internet
(3) Type documents
(4) Play games
(5) To perform calculations using spreadsheets
(6) To store information in databases
(7) To make presentations
Parts of a computer
The basic parts of a computer are monitor, mouse, system unit/CPU and keyboard. However there are other peripheral devices that complement these components such as printer, speaker, modem.
The basic parts of a computer are monitor, mouse, system unit/CPU and keyboard. However there are other peripheral devices that complement these components such as printer, speaker, modem.
The monitor is the screen like part which displays the information or result of work being done on the computer.
The keyboard is an input device. This is where information is typed into the computer.
The mouse is a pointing device that is used to position the cursor on a computer screen, so that actions can be performed on selected items that were previously stored.
CPU is short for Central Processing Unit. It is considered the “brain” of the computer. The CPU processes all the information that is put in and displays the result on the screen or printer. All the peripheral devices are connected to the CPU/ System Unit (for input, output or storage).
Printers accept text and graphic output from the computer and transfer the information to paper.
Modems are used to make the computer connect to the internet.
Making Computers Simple
Computers systems consist of two basic components: hardware and software.
• Hardware is any part of the computer that has a physical structure, example keyboard, mouse, monitor. The physical components for input, output, processing, storage.
• Software is a set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do. It is a guide which tells the hardware how to accomplish each task through programs, instructions or applications. There is System software and Application software. Operating system, Programs/Applications and Drivers are what actually defines the system. Without them a computer would not be functional.
Types of Computers
We may be familiar with personal computers such as laptops, tablets and desktop computers.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/9/25197189/5350747.jpg)
Desktop computers are set up on a desk/ table and are frequently used at home, in schools on at offices. They are used for general computing tasks.
![Picture](/uploads/2/5/1/9/25197189/2733749.jpg)
Laptop computers or laptops as they are commonly known are battery operated. Also, they are portable. That means that they can be carried around for use anywhere.
However, many of the everyday devices that people use are indeed computerized or forms of computers. Example the ipad, smart phone and game consoles.There are still other types of computers.
Hand-held computers (PDAs, smart phones)
Mainframes are used by large companies to provide centralized storage, processing, and management for extensive amounts of data.
Supercomputers are the largest and fastest of computers, and can process an enormous volume of data.
References
ECFS2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education. (2013). Unit 4: Educational application of web 2.0. tools. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
ECFS2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education. (2013). Unit 2: Learning theories that guide ICT-mediated learning. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
Januszewski, A. & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational technology: A definition with commentary. NY: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Klobas, J. (2006). Wikis, from social software to social information space. In J. Klobas (Ed.),
Wikis: Tools for information work and collaboration. Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.
Lever-Duffy, J. and Mc Donald, J. B. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology. (4th
ed). Boston: Pearson.
Hand-held computers (PDAs, smart phones)
Mainframes are used by large companies to provide centralized storage, processing, and management for extensive amounts of data.
Supercomputers are the largest and fastest of computers, and can process an enormous volume of data.
References
ECFS2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education. (2013). Unit 4: Educational application of web 2.0. tools. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
ECFS2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education. (2013). Unit 2: Learning theories that guide ICT-mediated learning. [Essential reading]. UWI Open Campus.
Januszewski, A. & Molenda, M. (2008). Educational technology: A definition with commentary. NY: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Klobas, J. (2006). Wikis, from social software to social information space. In J. Klobas (Ed.),
Wikis: Tools for information work and collaboration. Oxford, England: Chandos Publishing.
Lever-Duffy, J. and Mc Donald, J. B. (2011). Teaching and learning with technology. (4th
ed). Boston: Pearson.