What we are looking to do in this project is build up the knowledge of each individual in the class while we create a community of informed collaborative problem solvers. Here, we need to develop our knowledge in the individual parts and systems of the computer. Here is the Topics List.
Rather than having hours of lectures telling you what you are going to learn, and rather than just diving in without any background on the parts of a computer, we will daily develop an area of knowledge on a particular part or system. First we will introduce the part, see what it looks like, discuss a bit of what it is and how it works. Next, we'll go online to find out more info about the part or system in the computer. As we go online, we will create a collection of links and write text that helps explain what it is, how it works and how to find more information.
The skills that you will come out of this project are:
- Search and retrieval of information
- Identify and become familiar with the background of each of the parts of the computer
- Develop curiosity and awareness of these systems.
- Identify excellent online resources for computer repair
In the web component, each of the parts and systems is examined separately, taking a period or less each. Where possible, we can move faster and explore more than one part/system in a period.
For each one of these parts/systems, you should be able to
- Explain what the system is
- See what it is, by looking at examples in the room
- See how it fits into the larger context of the computer
- Explain a bit of its history and technical development
After seeing the part/system and hearing some info about it, you will gather more information about it through the web. You will do online research about this computer technology, and will create blog posts to demonstrate your learning for future reference.
Questions for guiding your blog posts:
- What is this technology?
- What is the history of this technology?
- Where and how was it developed?
- How is it made/manufactured?
- What should you consider when using/handling/servicing?
- What should you consider when buying or choosing one of these?
- What are the variations on design of this technology?
(Required topics are underlined)
Overall pc architecture
Operating systems
Processer
Motherboard
RAM
Hard Drive
USB
Serial/Parallel ports
Ethernet
Mouse
Keyboard
Power Supply
Optional topics, You will choose at least five. You can choose to research more for extra credit.
Printer - Laser and inkjet
Network
Monitor
Optical drive
Firewire
Cooling - Air and Liquid
Speaker system
Graphics card
wireless network
Bluetooth
Touchpad
Touch screen
Flat screen/LCD
CNC mill
Vinyl cutter
Shopbot
Makerbot - Rep Rap
CNC Lathe
Microcontroller
Arduino
X-Bee
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