PPR Comp 009-Technology
Chromebook
A Chromebook is a laptop running Chrome OS as its operating system. The device is designed to be used primarily while connected to the Internet, with most applications and data residing in "the cloud". Because the only software application that Chrome OS can run locally is the Google Chrome browser, a Chromebook is often described as a browser-in-a-box. Example: The low-cost Chromebook has given school districts an affordable alternative that they're gravitating to with gusto, leaving the iPad behind.
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
A Uniform Resource Locator, commonly referred to as a web address, is a reference to a web resource that specifies its location on the Internet. Example: Students were given the URL www.geometry4kids.org to help them visualize and manipulate the volume and surface area of cylinders.
Book Trailer
A book trailer is a vision representation of a book and it employs techniques similar to those of movie trailers such as video, sound effect, music, image, custom graphics, motion graphics, and animation. They are designed to promote books and encourage readers. Example: Marla scripted the story, used free copyrighted material, imported pictures from a camera, cropped pictures, added effect and background music --- that's how she produced the book trailer for her school project.
Network
A computer network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data. Example: Computer applications and services such as access to the world wide web, digital video, digital audio, printers and fax machines can be supported by a computer network.
Digital Textbooks
A digital textbook is a digital book or e-book intended to serve as the text for a class. Digital textbooks can open in a word processor, in a web browser, or in application designed specifically for them. Example: Some examples of how digital textbooks enhance the learning experience include; helping students with dyslexia, reading challenges, or visual impairments. It can also reduce eye strain, improve foreign language learning and promote listening skills.
Copyright Laws
A form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of original works of authorship. Example: Multiple copies of a short poem with a notice of copyright on them were made by the teacher for each student for classroom discussion in compliance with Copyright Laws.
Advocacy Group
A group which activities aim to influence decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions. Example: An organization whose members share a common political, economic, or social interest and try to advance those interests through the political process is called an advocacy group .
Programming Language
A language with a sequence of instructions that a computer can understand to do what the programmer (or the computer user) wants it to do, is called a programming language. It is designed for programming computers. Example: Java is a programming language used for building video games, while with Objective-C you can create Apple apps for iPhones and iPads.
Multimedia Presentation
A multimedia presentation involves the integration of multiple forms of media. This includes text, graphics, audio, video, etc. Example: a presentation involving audio and video clips would be considered a multimedia presentation.
Procedure
A sequence of steps and activities that have been designed to lead to the acquisition of learning objectives. Example: The science teacher taught the students the procedure necessary to complete the experiment.
Problem Solving
A strategy that involves the application of knowledge and skills to produce a result or solution. Example: The students used their problem solving skills to solve the mystery of the novel before even finishing the reading. Comp. 009 -Technology
Web Page
A web page is a hypertext document connected to the World Wide Web. A web browser (Chrome, Firefox) displays a web page on a monitor or mobile device, and it may contain text, graphics, and hyperlinks to other web pages and files. Example: A "404 Page Not Found" error is a message indicating that the web page the user was trying to reach on a website could not be found in the server, which means that either the page has been removed or moved to another location and the URL was not changed accordingly.
Internet
A widely used, worldwide public computer network, initially developed by the U.S. military, that links smaller computer networks and allows users to communicate with one another on a global scale. Example: The student was able to use the Internet to research about African-American inventors.
Android Tablets
An Android tablet is a tablet-sized PC that runs on Google's Android operating system (OS). Android tablets include almost all the key features found in a regular tablet PC, including office applications, games, Web browsers and many other programs. Example: Schools can't always afford iPads in classrooms and instead opt for lower priced Android tablets which some schools have reported present more technical problems than Ipads.
CD-ROM
An acronym for "compact disk-read only memory," used to describe a device for storing information. Example: The social studies CD-ROM contained audio files that allowed students to listen to the text being read aloud.
Search Engine
An application software that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user to locate information; used especially for finding particular sites on the World Wide Web. Example: Systems like Google, Bing and Yahoo Search are examples of search engines that enable users to search for documents on the World Wide Web.
Output Device
Any device used to send data from a computer to another device or user. It converts the electronically generated information into human-readable form such as audio or video. These devices include monitors, projectors, speakers, headphones and printers. Example: The teacher could not print out the report because there was not an output device connected to his desktop computer.
Storage Devices
Any hardware component in a computer capable of storing and retrieving data. Example: Hard disks, CD-ROMs, and USB flash drives are examples of storage devices in a computer.
Processing Devices
Any hardware component in a computer that manages the storage and retrieval of information. They are used to process data using program instructions, manipulate functions, perform calculations and control other hardware devices. Example: Central processing units (CPUs), computer motherboards, network cards, graphics-processing units and sound cards are examples of processing devices in a computer.
Memory Devices
Any hardware component in a computer used to store programs (sequences of instructions) or data (e.g. database information) on a temporary or permanent basis for use in a computer or other digital electronic device. Example: Random access memory (RAM),and read-only memory (ROM) are examples of memory devices in a computer.
Input Devices
Any hardware device that sends data to a computer allowing the user to interact with and control the computer is an input device. Example: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, joystick, web camera, and the digital camera are examples of input devices in a computer.
Assistive Technology Device
Any item, piece of equipment, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities (20 U.S.C. Chapter 33, 1401 [25]). Example: Braille writers, speech synthesizers. Example: The student was given a magnifying overlay to use as an assistive technology device in order to see the textbook more clearly.
Clickers
Clickers, or student response systems, are a technology used to promote active learning. Example: Actively engaging students during the entire class period, gauging their level of understanding of the material being presented, and providing prompt feedback to student questions, are some of the benefits of using clickers in the classroom.
Data
Data is a plural of datum. It is used both as a plural noun meaning "facts or pieces of information" and as a singular noun meaning "information". Computer data is information processed or stored by a computer. This information may be in the form of text documents, images, audio clips, software programs, or other types of data. Example: The school principal uses data to evaluate the progress of the school and to identify and plan for needed changes in the instructional program.
Descriptive Data
Data that have been organized, categorized, or quantified by an observer but do not involve a value judgment. Example: When listening to students read, the teacher would note descriptive data about specific struggles or patterns that emerged.
Digital Information
Digital information is stored using a series of ones and zeros. Computers are digital machines because they can only read information as "on" or "off" - "1" or "0". It is the most commonly used method of storing and reading data, as it can be copied, edited and moved without losing any quality. Example: The teacher provided students with learning opportunities by using the technology tools and applications available in class to learn, work with, and manage digital information. Comp. 009 -Technology
Dropbox
Dropbox is a free cloud storage service for sharing and storing files including photos, documents and videos. To use Dropbox you need to create an account on dropbox.com. Files can be shared with others by providing them with a link to your Dropbox folder. Example: The science teacher did not have time to finish the science activities she was working on, so she saved it to her Dropbox folder in her computer at school and when she got home the work was waiting for her in her home computer just the way she left at school.
Electronic mail, usually delivered by interconnecting computers. Example: The teacher received an e-mail from the principal informing that there would be an afterschool meeting for all math teachers.
Google Drive
Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service created by Google. It allows users to store files in the cloud, share files, and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with collaborators. Example: Using Docs in Google Drive the beginning fifth-grade teachers worked with their mentor on the same lesson plan at the same time from different classrooms in the building and got it done in no time.
Instructional Materials and Resources
Human and technological resources (for instance, computers, CD-ROM, videodiscs, primary documents and artifacts, audiovisual equipment, manipulatives, local experts) that can be used in instruction. Example: The fifth-grade teachers knew which instructional materials and resources would best support teaching about the Boston Tea Party.
Publisher
Individual or corporation responsible for the printing and distribution of digital or printed publications. Example: The publisher of the magazine was criticized by some teachers.
Online Help
Instruction or documentation that is immediately available on the web. Example: The students were tasked with finding online help to solve the last five homework problems on the sheet.
PowerPoint
It is a Microsoft application software used to create a visual presentation - a combination of text and graphs - that include charts, graphs, diagrams, screenshots, photos, movies and animations. The individual slides of the presentation contain information on a topic and are shown onscreen. Example: Sometimes it's helpful to provide visual aids to complement teaching, and stimulate discussion. The thoughtful use of PowerPoint can provide that type of learning experience.
Server
It is a computer or device on a network that manages network resources. Example: A computer that manages one or more printers on a network, or a computer that manages network traffic is called a server. One is called a print server and the other is called a network server.
Google Docs
It is a free Web-based application in which documents and spreadsheets can be created, edited and stored online. Files can be accessed from any computer with an Internet connection. It is designed for both individual and real-time collaborative projects. Example: Students in the group project used Google Docs to share data in a spreadsheet, and to write together the science experiment, review the work, improve word choice and other key elements in their document.
Ipad
It is a handheld tablet computing device from Apple Inc. that first launched in January 2010. The iPad is designed for consumers who want a mobile device that is bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop for entertainment multimedia. Example: In explaining why iPads are being replaced by Chromebooks in her school, the teacher said that students saw the iPad as a "fun" gaming environment, while the Chromebook is perceived as a place to "get to work."
Fair Use
It is a legal concept that allows the reproduction of copyrighted material for certain purposes without obtaining permission and without paying a fee or royalty. Example: Quoting or excerpting a work in a review essay for an English project for purposes of illustration or comment is an example of Fair Use.
Application Software
It is also called end-user program because it enables the user to complete tasks such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases, and publications, doing online research, sending email, designing graphics, playing games. It is specific to the task it is designed for and can be as simple as a calculator application or as complex as a word processing application. Example: All the illustrations of the 1836 Battle of the Alamo on the social studies project were created using Photoshop which is a graphics application software.
Acceptable Use Policy
It refers to a document stipulating constraints and practices that a user must agree before access to a computer network or the Internet can be granted. Example: Attempting to mail bomb a site with mass amounts of e-mail in order to flood their server is a violation of the acceptable use policy.
Virtual Environments
It refers to environments that are virtual - meaning not real - but made up by the technology of computer networking, program simulations, and interactive software. It provides a set of teaching and learning tools with simulation, modeling, and data visualization designed to enhance students' learning experience. Example: Geology Explorer is a virtual world where learners assume the role of a geologist on an expedition to explore the geology of a mythical planet. The Virtual Cell (VCell) is an interactive, 3-dimensional visualization of a bio-environment. Both of these present virtual environments.
Graphic Tools
It refers to graphics software or image editing software that enable the user to manipulate visual images on a computer. Example: The students in the technology class were tasked with using data files from a variety of sources and doing the layout of the graphs according to specification in the assignment, using any of the four graphic tools available: Photoshop, Microsoft Publisher, Picasa, and Dplot.
Privacy Guidelines
It refers to information that warns against misrepresenting oneself as another user or sharing user names and passwords to access a school computer or computer network. The information may also allude to the fact that the school, where the computer or network resides, reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by all users; that users shall have no expectation of privacy in their use of school computers. Example: Users who violate the school privacy guidelines will have their privileges revoked and may be subject to further disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal.
Technology Applications TEKS
It refers to the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) curriculum established by the Texas State Board of Education. The curriculum has six strands: (1) creativity and innovation; (2) communication and collaboration; (3) research and information fluency; (4) critical thinking, problem solving, and decision making; (5) digital citizenship; and (6) technology operations and concepts. Example: The goal of the Technology Applications TEKS is for students to gain technology-based knowledge and skills and to apply them to all curriculum areas at all grade levels.
PowerPoint Lecture
It refers to the delivery of instruction using Microsoft PowerPoint software. In the teacher-led presentation individual slides that contain information on a topic are shown onscreen. The presentation is usually a combination of text ---often in the form of a bulleted list---and graphs that include charts, graphs, diagrams, screenshots, photos, movies and animations. Example: The key element of a Powerpoint lecture is its potential to increase and maintain student interest and attention to the lecture when combined with active teaching and student involvement.
Critical Thinking
It refers to the disposition to think critically; evaluating the worth of ideas, opinions, or evidence before making a decision or judgment. This is sometimes called "having a mind of your own." It means that a student doesn't have to believe or accept everything on face value. Example: A student is using her own knowledge or point of view to decide what is right or wrong as she evaluates someone else's paper that describes how plants use energy from the sun to make food. This student is said to be using critical thinking to reach her decision.
Decision-Making Process
It refers to the process of making choices by identifying a decision, gathering information, and assessing alternative resolutions. Example: As classrooms are busy places in which teachers face complex situations and competing demands and must make decisions quickly, often with little time for deliberation, their decision-making process is governed by what they know about teaching, learning and curriculum, and based upon their view of what is in the best interest of the student.
Remote Device
It usually refers to a computer, printer, or network located at some distance away. Example: One can access a remote device through the Internet via remote access application software.
Online Quizzes
Online quizzes are tests of knowledge published on the Internet. The test-taker logs in to the Internet site with his/her log-in credentials and submit to the test. Example: Instant grading and feedback is one of the many benefits of online quizzes.
Prezi
Prezi is a cloud-based (web-based) presentation software. A Prezi presentation does not run on slides but one big canvas where you can add videos, graphs, audio and much more. It is also easy to handle. The product employs a zooming user interface (ZUI), which allows users to zoom in and out of their presentation media, and allows users to display and navigate through the information. Example: Sometimes it's helpful to provide visual aids to complement teaching, and stimulate discussion. The thoughtful use of Prezzi can provide that type of learning experience.
Visualization Tools
Refers to a broad range of digital tools and resources to help the teacher make information clearer to students by providing students with clearer visuals or by having the students use these resources to make connections. Example: Concept maps, infographs, and videos are example of visualization tools used in the classroom to enhance learning.
Hardware Components
Refers to all the parts in the computer that you can physically touch. Example: Input devices (keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, joystick, web camera, digital camera), processing devices (Central processing units - CPUs), memory devices (Random Access Memory - RAM), storage devices (Hard Disk, CD-ROM, USB flash drive), and output devices (monitor, printer, speakers, projectors) are examples of hardware components.
Presentation Software
Refers to application software used to create a visual presentation - a combination of text and graphs - that include charts, graphs, diagrams, screenshots, photos, movies and animations that tell a story or help support information on a topic. Example: Microsoft's Powerpoint, Lotus's Freelance Graphics, and Adobe Persuasion are some of the most popular presentation software used in the classroom.
Digital Learning Tools
Refers to learning technologies used in the classroom to enhance visualization, facilitate knowledge mapping, integrate games into learning, and conduct experiments via remote laboratories to name a few. Example: When effectively integrated into the curriculum, digital learning tools can extend learning in powerful ways.
Levels of Performance
Refers to the Rubric scoring scale. A rubric is comprised of two components: criteria and levels of performance. The criteria, characteristics of good performance on a task, are usually listed in the left-hand column and the levels of performance for each criterion is listed on the right. Example: Exemplary, proficient, partially proficient, and unsatisfactory may be used as levels of performance in a rubric scoring scale.
Rubric
Rubric is a scoring scale used to assess student performance along a task-specific set of criteria Matching a student's performance against a set of criteria to determine the degree to which the student's performance meets the criteria for the task is what rubrics do. A rubric is comprised of two components: criteria and levels of performance. The criteria, characteristics of good performance on a task, are usually listed in the left-hand column and appropriate levels of performance for each criterion is listed on the right. Example: Descriptors, such as "Few inaccuracies" spell out what is expected of students at each level of performance for each criterion in the rubric scoring scale.
Secondary Storage
Secondary storage refers to storage devices and media that are not constantly accessible by a computer system. These devices must be either plugged in or inserted into a computer in order to be accessed by the system. Example: The teacher had to resort to a secondary storage off the shelf --- a DVD player --- and plug it into the computer to show students pictures of the different physical regions of Texas.
Siri
Siri is Apple's voice-recognition service for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch). Siri responds to users' spoken questions by speaking back to them and presenting relevant information. Example: Here are some of the things students can do with Siri: find word definitions, see an image with pertinent information, learn historical information.
Smart Boards
Smart boards put simply, are a sophisticated replacement of the traditional overhead projector. The cutting-edge technology in these devices enhances teaching/learning experience, supports student interaction and sharing, supports access to online resources and are low maintenance. Example: One way smart boards provide students with an enriched learning experience is by projecting visual elements in the delivery of a lesson, and by accommodating different learning styles.
Software Components
Software components of a computer have no physical presence, they are stored in digital form within the computer memory. These components are classified in three categories: operating system software (Microsoft Windows, Apple MAC OS X, Linux, Google Chrome OS), applications software (mobile applications - apps, word processors like Microsoft Word, Quickbooks for accounting, Adobe Captivate for multimedia presentation), and utilities software that perform very specific tasks (antivirus, backup, disk checker, disk defragmenter). Example: A computer operating system, an application, and a utility program are called software components and install in the computer memory.
Multimedia
Software that combines text, sound, video, animation, and graphics into a single presentation. Example: The teacher wanted to capture the students' interest in outer space at the beginning of the lesson, so a multimedia video was used to engage their attention. Comp. 009 -Technology
Information Superhighway
The developing network of digital communications, including satellite systems, the Internet, cable television, and telephone networks. Example: The information superhighway has made it possible for people across the world to communicate and share knowledge.
Apps
The word "app" is an abbreviation for application. An app is a piece of software. An app is an application, typically a small, specialized program downloaded onto mobile devices to run in them. Example: Edmodo and eClicker are two of the most popular apps for the classroom.
Productivity Tools
These are applications that you can use to create documents, multimedia presentations, tables, charts, and graphs, newsletters, brochures. Example: The student did not know how to integrate any of the productivity tools (tables, charts, graphs, graphics, mail merge, etc.) in the main document of her project.
Accuracy
This means that if you can find similar information in at least two valid and reliable sources, then your information could be considered accurate. Example: To determine the accuracy of information one must consider whether the information can be substantiated in more than one reliable source. (i.e. is the information consistent with information from other reputable sources?).
Reliability
This means that if your information is current, written by an expert in the area you are investigating, without bias and is in a reputable publication, then your information could be considered reliable. Example: To determine the reliability of information one must consider among other things whether the information is current, whether the site or publication is reputable, and the credentials of the author.
Implement
To carry out. Example: The principal instructed the teachers to implement the new discipline management procedures in their classrooms. Comp. 009 -Technology
Enhance
To help or cause (something to happen or increase). Example: The teacher knows how to enhance learning for all students through the appropriate use of instructional materials and resources learning.
Support
To help or cause (something to happen or increase). Example: The teacher uses a variety of instructional materials and resources to support individual and group learning.
Vimeo
Vimeo is a video-sharing website that allows members to view, upload and share videos. Vimeo's free services allow members to employ a number of creative tools in order to enhance videos, add music tracks, etc... Vimeo has less overall traffic and is not as widespread as YouTube. The comment section is fully monitored - no hateful, racist, sexist comments as found on YouTube. Example: Students can synthesize their new knowledge from class and create a personal video to demonstrate understanding and show it on Vimeo.
Student Interests
What engages one's time and thoughts. Example: Effective teachers know how to give students choice and voice, finding ways to design learning experiences that tap into what students value - student interests.
YouTube
YouTube is a free video-hosting website that allows members to store and serve video content. YouTube lets anyone with a free account upload videos. Example: The teacher got the student parents' permission first before sharing the student's work on YouTube.
