CS101 – Living with Computers

ACTIVITIES & QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Chapter 4 (Classes 8-10):

• Answer student questions.
• Discuss what’s on the CD (animated look at OS and program executing, user interface design video clip, h’ware/s’ware buyer’s guide)
• Discuss what’s on the website
• Questions for discussion:
• Describe three fundamental categories of software and their relationship.
• Explain the relationship of algorithms to software.
• Discuss the factors that make a computer application a useful tool.
• Describe the role of the operating system in a modern computer system.
• Outline the evolution of user interfaces from early machine-language programming to futuristic virtual reality interfaces.
• Compare character-based user interfaces with graphical user interfaces and explain the trade-offs involved in choosing a user interface.
• Discuss what to look for in “good” software.
• Projects
• Have students break up into different groups. Give each group a description of a simple task (registering for class, taking a test, getting from one class to another, etc.) and have them prepare an algorithm for the task. Each group should then present their algorithm to the class for discussion.
• Have students break up into different groups. Have each group select a piece of software (wordprocessor, spreadsheet, Windows, web browser, game) and have them select a task from the software to explain. Each group should then write a one page “user’s guide” (documentation) and present their documentation to the class for discussion.
• Have each group of students discuss the ethical issues surrounding copyright and illicit copying and distribution of software.
• If it is wrong, why is it widespread?
• Is it wrong to make a backup copy of software you purchased?
• What if you want to use the same package at your home and at your office, but not at the same time?
• What penalties should apply to people or sovereign countries that trade widely on “pirated” software?
• What is the relationship of the Internet to software piracy?
• Should companies like Napster be fined?
• Have each group brainstorm “next generation” software applications and present them to the class.
• Chapter 4 Quiz: 3-5 short questions from the chapter review and 2-4 definitions
• Chapter 4 Assignment: page 115 - Project 1.
• Chapter 4 e-journal on Software Basics
• Student should find material from chapter (operating systems, …) in newspapers, magazines, or online
• Student should discuss the most difficult concept for them in this chapter
• Student should list any terms they do not understand