Lesson Plan Course Title: Computer Technician Session Title: Computer Software: Failures, Corruptions, Repair, and the Future of Computing Lesson Duration: Three to four 1 hour sessions with 1 additional 1 hour session for the exam [Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor] Performance Objective: Upon completion of this lesson, the student will be able to define, identify, and repair computer software, as well as understand where computing is headed in the future pertaining to software. Specific Objectives: The student will be able to define computer software failures, corruptions, and repairs The student will be able to identify the future of computing TEKS Correlations: Preparation This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed. 130.275(c) Computer Technician (1) The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, employability, and successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to: (E) solve problems and think critically (3) The student relates core academic skills to the requirements of computer technologies. The student is expected to: (C) estimate supplies, materials, and labor costs for installation, maintenance, and repair work orders; and (D) read and interpret technical documentation such as schematics, drawings, charts, diagrams, technical manuals, and bulletins. (6) The student knows the proper function and application of the tools, equipment, technologies, and materials used in computer technologies. The student is expected to: (D) identify new and emerging technologies that may affect the field of computer technology such as quantum computing, photonics, and nanotechnology. (10) The student provides support to computer users to maintain service. The student is expected to: (E) use hardware and software diagnostics. Instructor/Trainer References: Webster Online Dictionary Content Developer Knowledge 1
Instructional Aids: 1. Computer Software Failures, Corruptions, Repair, & Future of Computing Presentation 2. Computer Software Failures, Corruptions, Repair, and the Future of Computing Exam 3. Computer Software Failures, Corruptions, Repair, and the Future of Computing Exam - KEY Materials Needed: 1. Operational Computers 2. Varying types of computer software 3. Screenshots of specific computer software failures or errors 4. Copies of Exam Equipment Needed: 1. Projection system to play presentation 2. Computer with Internet access Learner 1. Students should refer to presentation, curriculum material, and class notes for definitions, instructions, and concepts regarding computer software failures, corruptions, repairs, and the future of computing. Introduction Introduction (LSI Quadrant I): Last session, we discussed computer software types, their set up and ethical boundaries. Since you re aware of this introduction to software, we re going to take it one step further to discuss computer software failures, corruptions and repairs. Finally we will discuss the future of computing. Ask: Tell me again what types of software we discussed in our last session? Ask: Can you name some different types of failures you ve seen with these different programs? Ask: Has anyone heard of Moore s law? Tell me more Tell: By the end of this session you will be able to identify different software failures and corruptions and be able to repair them. At the end of these sessions, you and your group will be presenting on one of the three emerging technologies and you will independently be able to prove Moore s law. Outline Outline (LSI Quadrant II): Instructor Notes: Note: Instructors can use the presentation slides and notes with the following outline. I. Course Objectives (Slide 2) 2
II. Computer Software A. Definition (Slide 3) III. Computer Software Failure (Slide 4) A. Causes (Slide 5) IV. Computer Software Corruption (Slide 6) A. Causes (Slide 7) V. Computer Software Repair A. OS Corruption PC (Slide 8) B. OS Corruption Non-PC (Slide 9) C. PC Application Repair (Slides 10-12) D. Non-PC Application Repair (Slides 13-14) VI. Future of Computing A. Moore s Law (Slides 15-16) B. Quantum Computing (Slide17) C. Photonics (Slide 18) D. Nanotechnology (Slide 19) VII. Independent / Group work (Slide 20) VIII. Exam Preparation (Slide 21) Application Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III): The teacher will define software failures and corruptions in addition to teaching students how to repair them. The teacher will introduce the future of computing and Moore s Law Groups will research one of the three emerging technologies and present their findings to the class. Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III): Independently, the learner will define Moore's Law. Have each student select one specific computer manufacturer and make a chart to illustrate the last 12 years of its technology growth. The chart should prove Moore s Law. Included in the chart should be the CPU and transistor count, in addition to the percentage of growth from one year to the next. 3
Summary Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV): Ask the students these summary questions. 1. What are Software Failures and how can you identify them? 2. What are Software Corruptions and how can you identify them? 3. Name some of the different methods of repairing software. 4. What is Moore s Law and how does it apply to the progression of technology? 5. What are some of the future areas computing will explore? Evaluation Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III): The instructor will monitor student progress during the independent practice and answer questions groups may have as they practice researching a future emerging technology and Moore s Law by charting its principles over a 12 year period. Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV): The instructor will utilize the Computer Software: Failures, Corruptions, Repair, and the Future of Computing Exam and Exam Key. Extension Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV): The students need to diagnose and repair a computer software failure. The instructor will set the computer up by deleting key files from the program beforehand. Students will then be tasked with finding out which of the applications are experiencing a problem and be tasked with fixing it. Different software packages will be at the computer station for the students to use. 4
Icon Teaching Strategies Verbal/ Linguistic Logical/ Mathematical Visual/Spatial Musical/ Rhythmic Bodily/ Kinesthetic Intrapersonal Interpersonal Lecture, discussion, journal writing, cooperative learning, word origins Problem solving, number games, critical thinking, classifying and organizing, Socratic questioning Mind-mapping, reflective time, graphic organizers, color-coding systems, drawings, designs, video, DVD, charts, maps Use music, compose songs or raps, use musical language or metaphors Use manipulatives, hand signals, pantomime, real life situations, puzzles and board games, activities, roleplaying, action problems Reflective teaching, interviews, reflective listening, KWL charts Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming, cross-cultural interactions Personal Development Strategies Reading, highlighting, outlining, teaching others, reciting information Organizing material logically, explaining things sequentially, finding patterns, developing systems, outlining, charting, graphing, analyzing information Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing with color, mental imagery (drawing in the mind s eye) Creating rhythms out of words, creating rhythms with instruments, playing an instrument, putting words to existing songs Moving while learning, pacing while reciting, acting out scripts of material, designing games, moving fingers under words while reading Reflecting on personal meaning of information, studying in quiet settings, imagining experiments, visualizing information, journaling Studying in a group, discussing information, using flash cards with other, teaching others Naturalist Existentialist Natural objects as manipulatives and as background for learning Socratic questions, real life situations, global problems/questions Connecting with nature, forming study groups with like minded people Considering personal relationship to larger context 5
Computer Technician NAME DATE Computer Software Exam: Failure, Corruption, & Repair True/False 4 points each: Indicate if the statement is True (T) or False (F) in the space provided. 1. Moore s Law is about the designing of software programs. 2. The least common fix for a software problem is to reset the program to its defaults. 3. Each piece of software serves a particular purpose in making the computer function. 4. The Operating System will not allow the user to open applications where critical files are missing as a safety precaution. 5. A failing hard drive always keeps data from being corrupted. 6. Malicious software such as Spyware can damage or delete critical files in software applications. 7. Under Moore s Law, as technology advances, transistors become larger. 8. Quantum Computing relates to an older principle of computing and is being phased out. 9. Nanotechnology pertains to the study of manipulating matter at an atomic level. 10. When a software crash occurs, the Operating System doesn t place a popup onscreen to notify the user. Multiple Choice 5 points each: Select the letter choice that best completes the statement or question. 11. A crash or cessation of processing because of a logic error in a program is: a. Boot process b. Quantum Computing c. Software Failure 12. Repairing Software on a PC involves these steps in which order? 6
a. Insert the OS disk, press any key, and reboot the computer b. Press any key, reboot the computer, and insert the OS disk c. Reboot the computer, Insert the OS disk, and press any key d. Insert the OS disk, reboot the computer, and press any key 13. Moore s Law was coined in the year a. 1970 b. 1967 c. 1980 d. 1979 14. The generation, emission, transmission, modulation, and signal processing of light is called what? a. Nanotechnology b. Quantum computing c. Photonics d. Moore s Law 15. The study of manipulating matter at an atomic and molecular level is called what? a. Quantum computing b. Nanotechnology c. Moore s Law d. Photonics 16. One or more programs and a collection of data that is stored on the computer for a purpose is a. Software b. Firmware c. BIOS d. B and C 17. When repairing an application, which is less common? a. Resetting the program s defaults b. Repairing the software c. Uninstalling and reinstalling the software 18. Computer performance doubles about every _ year(s). a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 19. Causes of corrupted software include: a. Corrupt files were installed at software installation b. Hardware failure c. Files are missing d. All of the above 20. To delete an application from a Mac, you do what to the file? 7
a. Drag it to the Trash and empty the trash b. Click Uninstall c. Download an application to delete the software Essay (20 pts total): Describe Moore s Law and how it pertains to the advancement of technology and computing. Draw a chart over a 6-year period illustrating Moore s Law. On one axis, indicate time. On the other axis, indicate the computer s performance. 8
Computer Technician NAME DATE Computer Software Exam: Failure, Corruption, & Repair Exam Key True/False 4 points each: Indicate if the statement is True (T) or False (F) in the space provided. F 1. Moore s Law is about the designing of software programs. T 2. The least common fix for a software problem is to reset the program to its defaults. T 3. Each piece of software serves a particular purpose in making the computer function. T 4. The Operating System will not allow the user to open applications where critical files are missing as a safety precaution. F 5. A failing hard drive always keeps data from being corrupted. T 6. Malicious software such as Spyware can damage or delete critical files in software applications. F 7. Under Moore s Law, as technology advances, transistors become larger. F 8. Quantum Computing relates to an older principle of computing and is being phased out. T 9. Nanotechnology pertains to the study of manipulating matter at an atomic level. F 10. When a software crash occurs, the Operating System doesn t place a popup onscreen to notify the user. Multiple Choice 5 points each: Select the letter choice that best completes the statement or question. C 11. A crash or cessation of processing because of a logic error in a program is: a. Boot process b. Quantum Computing c. Software Failure D 12. Repairing Software on a PC involves these steps in which order? 9
a. Insert the OS disk, press any key, and reboot the computer b. Press any key, reboot the computer, and insert the OS disk c. Reboot the computer, Insert the OS disk, and press any key d. Insert the OS disk, reboot the computer, and press any key A 13. Moore s Law was coined in the year. a. 1970 b. 1967 c. 1980 d. 1979 C 14. The generation, emission, transmission, modulation, and signal processing of light is called what? a. Nanotechnology b. Quantum computing c. Photonics d. Moore s Law B 15. The study of manipulating matter at an atomic and molecular level is called what? a. Quantum computing b. Nanotechnology c. Moore s Law d. Photonics A 16. One or more programs and a collection of data that is stored on the computer for a purpose is a. Software b. Firmware c. BIOS d. B and C C 17. When repairing an application, which is less common? a. Resetting the program s defaults b. Repairing the software c. Uninstalling and reinstalling the software B 18. Computer performance doubles about every _ year(s). a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 D 19. Causes of corrupted software include: a. Corrupt files were installed at software installation b. Hardware failure c. Files are missing d. All of the above A 20. To delete an application from a Mac, you do what to the file? 10
a. Drag it to the Trash and empty the trash b. Click Uninstall c. Download an application to delete the software Essay (20 pts total) Describe Moore s Law and how it pertains to the advancement of technology and computing. Transistor count can inexpensively be doubled every two years Processors are able to run at higher speeds Processors are able to run cooler Transistor size are able to be manufactured easily at a smaller size Draw a chart over a 6-year period illustrating Moore s Law. On one axis, indicate time. On the other axis, indicate the computer s performance. Chart should have 6 years listed on one axis Chart should have a base number at the first point on the second axis The second axis number should double in value every two years 11