Weeks 1-3: Learning Synthesis
Updated: Sep 19, 2018
To make meaningful and useful connections throughout the learning process, it is important to periodically review and synthesize what has been learned. This is my synthesis outline of Weeks 1-3 from my Survey of Computer Education course, covering Bits and Binary, Computer Parts, and the book Hello Ruby.
Over the first three weeks of class, we have discussed two main topics--Bits/Binary and Computer Parts--while using the children's book Hello Ruby as an introduction and learning aid. The following overview outline summarizes what we learned about each topic.
1. Bits and Binary
Simply defined, a bit is the smallest piece of information in a computer and represents a binary value of either 0 or 1. We can think of a bit like an on/off switch or a yes/no, true/false question--there can only be one response given. Likewise, a bit can only have one binary value (0 or 1) and therefore can only give the computer one single instruction (either to do or not do something in a certain situation). By combining these simple instructions, we can program computers to perform different, more complicated actions. Eight bits combined together creates a byte. All data in a computer can be represented through different combinations of 0s and 1s, called binary code. This is the basic language of computers and how circuits operate.
To illustrate how binary code could be used to represent different values, one group from class used a series of red and blue cups (in place of 0s and 1s) to "write out" their initials. To do this, they assigned each cup color a value (either 0 or 1), researched the byte for each letter, and arranged the cup colors in the same order as the 0s and 1s from each byte.
2. Parts of the Computer
The parts of the computer can be divided into four main categories: hardware, software, memory, and inputs.
Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer and includes:
Central Processing Unit (CPU): the "brain" of the computer where all commands are processed and then forwarded to the appropriate locations to be carried out
Video Card: converts binary code into images to make what happens on the inside of the computer visible to users
Monitor: an output device that shows the images and information converted by the video card
Computer Case: protects the inner parts of the computer and helps prevent the computer from overheating
CD-ROM Drive: used to read the information stored on compact discs
Keyboard: used to input information into the computer
Mouse: used to interact with the information and images displayed on the monitor
Software refers to the instructions given to the computer that govern its operation.
Memory refers to the data stored by a computer. There are two types of memory:
Volatile Memory: short-term storage which is cleared when the computer shuts down (e.g. Random Access Memory)
Non-Volatile Memory: long-term, persistent storage (e.g. a hard disc)
Inputs refer to devices that can be connected to and used in conjunction with the computer, including:
Printers,
Barcode readers,
Scanners,
Microphones,
Speakers,
Sound cards,
Modems, and
Network cards
As an introduction to the parts of a computer, we collectively read the children's book Hello Ruby, which describes a little girl's magical adventure through the inside of a computer while also teaching readers about the parts that make computers work. Then we each individually assembled Kano mini computer kits to explore further how the parts of the computer work together to form one functional device. (This was my favorite part!)
BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER
In order to better synthesize this information from the past three weeks, I will be creating my own "choose your own adventure" story using Google Slides! I thought this project was appropriate because it effectively illustrates the concept of bits and binary values. Just like each bit can either have a binary value of 0 or 1 and can only instruct the computer to perform one action at a time, on each page of the story the reader must choose between two different options for continuing the story, each producing a different action with a different result. In order to create the story on Google Slides, I will have each slide represent one book page, and the two different options for continuing the story on each page will be linked to different slides.
Creating this synthesis outline really helped me develop a clearer understanding of the information and skills we have learned thus far, and I hope my board game will prove to be just as useful. I can't wait to share the finished product!
-Miss Hennings
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