LESSON PLAN for introduction to computing skills

Topic:

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

Objective of the Lesson: To introduce the concept of computers and its history of how the actual computer revolution began and how it evolved to todays current approach. The usage and types of computers and how they are being used in the different areas of the industry.

Learning Outcomes: Able to understand the term of what a computer is about. Able to understand the overall evolution of computers from its early introduction to its current stage. Looking at how the computers are being used at many areas. Understanding the components of the actual computers and their functions Able to identify the components of a computer. This module introduces the basic concepts of Computers. It also explains about the Input devices, Output devices and Storage units in computer. It emphasizes the importance of Operating System, Application software and other utility programs. Communication is another important feature of Computers. This course explains the importance of networks, System Security and ethical issues in the computers

Duration:

1 hour. The class will be 30 minutes of lecture and the other 30 minutes will comprise of tutorial activities that will be carried out to enhance the overall learning process.

Background of students:

The target audience for this class would be college students who have just completed their Form 5 (High School). The students who are taking this course will be from the certificate level.

Prior knowledge of students on the topic:

Most of the students from the course have little or no knowledge of the overall usage of computers. But all have basic knowledge in the operations of a computer. As some of the terminologies that are used would be difficult in understanding, the overall delivery of the subject must be made simple and easy to understand. Since the students who are taking this course are doing the Certificate in Information Technology, the mentioned subject would be an important component and core subject for the mentioned student to master and understand. Since this subject would be a pre requisite to another related subject named IT Practical Skills. The other chapters from this aspect would also be interconnected and linked together with the rest of the other chapters in the course.

Equipment & Facilities: To enhance the overall learning process, the usage of the following equipment can be used in the delivery of this mentioned topic. a. Projector : This can be used for the delivery of the lecture class. The reason is, rather than using the traditional approach of writing on the actual board, the projector can project the lecture points for the students to follow during the class. b. Computer parts The usage of real examples and components of the computer can also enhance the overall understanding of the subject matter. In doing this, this will stimulate the knowledge and gives a clear picture of how the components would look like. For this class, it would be recommended that it be conducted in the computer lab.

Procedure:

Lesson plan for the lecturer Lecture (Between 25 to 30 minutes)

Activity

Duration

Remarks Start of the class by

Introduce the overall topic 5 minutes for the student and what is the expectation

introducing the overall topic for the lecture.

Ask the students in the class 5 minutes on what they understand about computers

As the lecturer, encourage the students to share their opinion of what they know about the term computers. Allow the student to express their

understanding. Start of the lecture class by 15 minutes giving the students the Provide relevant key points for the students to understand and also emphasize on the subject content and not divert form the topic. Try relating to real examples for the students to follow. In between, check and throw questions to the students to explain on the understanding of the actual lecture that has just took place. Break for 5 minutes

lecture points that is related to the topic that is to be discussed in the class.

Tutorial (Between 25 to 30 minutes)

Activity

Duration

Remarks The lecturer can give the option to the student to form their own group for this. But it would be advisable for the lecturer to identify the students capabilities and mix the weaker and the good students together.

Break up the students into 3 minutes groups of 3. Assign a group leader for each group that was formed.

Assign the task for task for 3 minutes to 5 minutes the student. Brief the students on what is the expectation that they must achieve for the actual course. Monitor the students 15 minutes

The lecturer can assign them scenarios and also pose

questions that are related to the topic which was taught earlier. Allow the students to discuss and also give them the opportunity to put their ideas and understanding

progress during the activity

Ask the group to come up 3 minutes to 5 minutes and present their findings based on the given situation

Each of the group members must present their actual findings and justify as to why they decided to choose that given scenario.

Students involvement In the overall involvement of the actual students participation, the overall listening and applying their knowledge would be tested.

The learning process will be applied two ways in terms of

a. Students attend lecture class In this aspect, the students are being taught on the actual knowledge of that subject. In the given subject of introduction to computers, the main terms are being defined and explained to the students. Another way that the students will be interested to know more is by having some real time examples which can be viewed using the internet. Many types of videos can played for this to take place.

b. Students involved in the tutorial aspect of the subject In the tutorial aspect, students will attempt various activities that are related to the actual given topic. The activities can be done in a group basis or it can be individual based work. From doing this, the students will be able to analyse and apply their skills and knowledge of what they have learned during their lecture sessions. The students will have to present their findings and explain to the audience on the answers that they have found.

Procedure levels for the class delivery In the actual relation to the classroom teaching of the topic of Introduction to computers, the following approach was used based on the 9 statements 1. Gain Attention. This approach is extremely important to ensure that the students get the attention during the class and lecture time. The human attention span is normally short and in order to do so, one must ensure that the students are on track with what is happening in class. 2. Inform Learner of Objective. This aspect is important as to give the learner as to what is expected in the classroom learning and what they will be learning during that session. 3. Stimulate Recall of Prior Knowledge. Ensure that there is a recap and summary of the session 4. Present the Material. Ensure that the materials that are used is suitable and this must be simplified to the level of understanding of the learner. Ensure that the usage of images and brief explanation is given to the learners. 5. Provide guidance for learning This is achieved through the tutorial sessions which are done after the lecture class. By doing so, the overall guidance is provided to the students and the lecturer can monitor the progress of the student as well. 6. Elicit performance This must be done in between lectures by having questions thrown to the audience and see their responds on their overall understanding before going to the next level. 7. Provide feedback As a lecturer, the feedback given to the learner must be in a constructive manner. Highlight the areas where the students need to improve in and what can be done to furture enhance their learning capabilities. 8. Assess performance. This approach is suitable for this subject as to see the performance of the student. The type of assessments can be carried out could include a. Short answer questions b. Scenario based questions c. Presentation 9. Enhance retention and transfer. This can be done by having real examples and share scenarios that the student or learner can relate to the mentioned topic.

Types of assessments that can be carried out during the learning process

In the delivery of the actual subject matter which is on introduction to Computers, various types of activities can be carried out for the learning process to be understood by the learner. As the lecture, the main role is to transfer the knowledge and idea to the student and from there, the student must be able to pick up and link the subject to their real life experience. In most cases, this can be carried out during the tutorial sessions with the student.

The type of assessment can be done would include a. Short Answer questions. At the end of the lecture class, the lecturer may give questions that is related to the actual topic of Introduction to computers. The questions will be related to what was explained earlier to the student. This can be an individual based task and the lecturer can assess the students performance individually. Keep the questions simple but yet challenge the students thinking skills.

b. Scenario based situation Give students actual scenarios and ask them to think of possible solutions that can be implemented to resolve the given issue. Ensure that the scenario can be linked back to what was delivered during the actual lecture class. This task can be done in a team or group. Each member must share their own ideas and opinion and prepare a report which can be presented to the class. As the lecturer, ensure that the feedback given must be constructive and allows the student to take the subject matter to a higher level. c. Research based and assignment Encourage the students to find out and send them out and ask them to come up with their own quotation to build a computer and what are important parts that are needed to complete the actual task.

Suggested reading and links that can be used by the students and lecturers for Introduction to Computers There are various reading materials and links that can be used by the student and lecturers to enhance the delivery and learning process of the subject

Books Teachers Discovering Computers, 7th ed Integrating Technology in a ... - Gary B. Shelly, Glenda A. Gunter, Randolph E. Gunter

Internet links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azZJZzDBZtU http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azZJZzDBZtU

The effective of feedback in the learning process.

Learning will become meaningful when an effective feedback is given based on performance. Learners do learn faster and more deeply if they are able understand their strengths and weaknesses of their each performance. Furthermore, the learners will have the opportunities to seek help to ensure their mastery of learning in their future undertakings. When a teacher conducts a formative assessment in class, feedback should be considered as a fundamental component that enables the learners to broaden their knowledge about their innate propensity. Thus, the formative assessments including the corrective feedback make great a departure the students learning process. Apart from that, an autonomous begins to bloom through an effective feedback. Every learner has the curiosity to know their current status of the performance. If a learner knows that he or she is on the right track ,then the person will make the necessary attempts to reach the required standards. On the contrary, the same student would react negatively if there is no platform for them to correct their mistakes. On the other hand, feedback also affects the self-esteem and motivation of students. Students see their lecturers as literate and powerful human beings. Therefore, a lecturer should avoid poorly worded or overly judgmental comments based on assessments. By doing so, a lecturer would be able to mold a student who can function in every aspect of the society.