Images of 3 computers hooked together
LTCY 518 Literacy Education and Technology - Dr. Pam Petty - pam@pampetty.com

Hardware Competencies

     Webopedia provides a great definition of hardware and a great analogy of hardware to books (http://webopedia.internet.com/TERM/h/hardware.html).  The HARD (pardon the pun) part of training people to use the hardware components of technology is that without software, they are just pieces of metal, plastic, etc.  However, there are choices to make before we get to the software applications that help designate the technology tools (tools encompass both hardware and software) you have available to you and want to learn to use. 

     Because readers comprehend better when they have a PURPOSE for reading and when they are ACTIVELY engaged in the reading, you are asked to fill in the following table and submit to Dr. Petty in the Assignments section of Blackboard (please note that you must SEND me the file as opposed to clicking ADD when you upload the file):  HARDWARE TABLE and TASKS - (Instructions for completing this assignment are on this handout)

RUBRIC used for scoring this assignment:  http://edtech.wku.edu/~ppetty/518rubrichardware.doc

     This is an OVERVIEW of these topics - what a non-techie needs to know.  You are not expected to read in extreme detail - scan the information, look for items/issues that hold meaning for you.  There is no megapixels quiz in your future!

BEWARE of the Image of Black Hole of this task! These are interesting topics and you are inquisitive folks.  If you spend 5 hours on each topic it will be July before you finish this one task!  Try not to take too many "bird walks" away from the main topic.  Instead, bookmark (or start a print binder, if you are so inclined) to ensure that you can find your way back for more in-depth investigations in a more leisurely manner.  You are NOT expected to read every article in each category - choose the ones that most interest you! You may also search and find your own articles/webpages on these topics - just include the URL in the table linked for this assignment:   HARDWARE TABLE and TASKS

     Here is a list of the most common pieces of hardware available to teachers:

  • Computers (either MS/DOS/Windows-compatible or made by Apple - Macintosh)
    • Windows compatible computers would include Dell, IBM, Sony, HP, Toshiba, and several others.
    • Macs have fancier features and fancier prices.
    • People usually "LOVE" the format they learned on and/or have used the longest.
    • People have strong opinions and are usually defensive about their choice of platform - the level of passion rivals that of politics and religion. 

    Suggestion:  Read this article:  http://www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/pc_mac/

    Want a quick lesson in the connections on the BACK of your computer?  http://www.customguide.com/computer_basics/computer_basics.htm

  • Monitors - a screen is a screen is a screen, huh?  Not exactly.  Prices, quality, and options vary widely.  http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/monitor1.htm or http://www.geek.com/htbc/buy/monitby.htm
    • Care is probably the most important thing teachers need to know about monitors:
      • http://www.ehow.com/video_940_clean-computer-monitor.html
        If you touch my flat panel monitor I will scream as though I have been personally assaulted!  I have a note on the frame around my screen warning people not to touch my screen - and STILL THEY DO!  Can you explain that to me??
         
  • Keyboards - A, B, C, Did you know that there is more to keyboards than qwerty?  True.  You need to consider the USER and the applications you want to locate easily when searching the market for a keyboard.  This is a commercial site, but it will give you some idea as to the depth of options there are for keyboards: http://www.fentek-ind.com/  Please note how the industry has developed assistive technologies for both keyboards and mice.  What to know the geeky stuff like how they work?  http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/keyboard.htm
  • Mouse (mice?) - They may not have invented a better mouse trap, but they are inventing better mice all the time!  A mouse can be purchased as a stand-alone product or bundled together with a keyboard.  Logitech makes a fabulous combo, as does Microsoft.  Wireless is the way to go for ease of movement and directionality in your computer chair.  Some mice aren't mouse-like at all!  They look more like aliens or the gas pedal in your car:  http://www.fentek-ind.com/ergmouse.htm  People who LIVE at their computers (like myself) develop joint and muscle problems from the pesky little mice - again the industry has stepped up and invented not only new shapes, but software that makes life easier for those with carpel tunnel, joint, and muscle/nerve problems.  I have this software so that I don't have to "click" the mouse as much - it truly COUNTS the number of clicks you make and it also gives you a TIME OUT period every 30 minutes so that you have to WAIT (if not actually get up and MOVE) before it lets you proceed:  http://www.download.com/E-Quill-Liberator-Nib/3000-2110_4-10420446.html
  • Printers - Be still my heart!  I LOVE printers.  The new ones that come with card readers (http://www.lexar.com/readers/multi.html) are very useful - pop that memory card out of your digital camera and into the slot on your printer and immediately all your photos are downloaded into your pre-selected photo editing/photo storage software program of choice.  Add to that the new types of ink (you can now do TRUE grayscale for black and white photos instead of the gray "mixed" from the color cartridges that was around for years).  Printers come as "all-in-ones" that include printer, scanner, fax, and copier.  They are large - they are small - they are wired - they are wireless.  They are indispensable. Prices have dropped as features have increased - a combo that is MY personal favorite! 


iPods - http://www.apple.com/ipodclassic/
http://www.apple.com/education/itunesu_mobilelearning/ipod.html

 http://www.schoolcio.com/showArticle.php?articleID=196604276

http://www.springfield.k12.il.us/ipod/

 

Click button to the RIGHT to go to the next task:  Software Competencies

05/12/2008 11:05:19 PM