CS101 – Living with Computers

ACTIVITIES & QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

Chapter 6 (Classes 14-16):

• Answer student questions.
• Demo what’s on the CD
• Demo what’s on the website
• Questions for discussion:
• Describe the nature and function of local-area networks and wide-area networks.
• Discuss the uses and implications of electronic mail, teleconferencing, and other forms of on-line communication.
• Describe several types of communication services that are available with or without an Internet connection.
• Describe several types of electronic digital communication that don’t necessarily involve personal computers.
• Describe current and future trends in telecommunications and networking.
• Projects
• Break class into small groups, connecting each group into a “network” using a piece of wire or string. Assign each a sentence from the text to read aloud. Start the “LAN” and ask students to observe what happens – “collisions” between speakers. Then instruct the participants to apply a simple collision avoidance method – listen and don’t speak if anyone else is speaking. Do collisions still occur? Discuss what else can be done to prevent them. Select spokesperson from group to report to class (discuss group’s lists).
• Break class into small groups. Why does everyone want faster and faster modems? Have each group estimate the size of a typical computer game. How long would it take to download this game at 28,800 bps if you could buy it on-line? How long would it take at ISDN speeds (128000bps)? Select spokesperson from group to report to class on list (discuss groups’ lists).
• Bring in software licensing agreement materials. Distribute the agreements to groups of students (3-4). Ask the students to notice what the license says, and about use on a computer network. Select spokesperson from group to report to class on list (discuss groups’ lists).
• Break the class into small groups to respond to the proposition: “Resolved: It should be illegal for any citizen of the U.S. to send an encoded message unless the FBI shall be provided with the key.” Have each group report on three specific thoughts.
• Bring in an entire e-mail message, including headers. Distribute one to each group (3-4). Discuss what information beyond the contents of the message itself is contained in the headers? (Sender and recipient addresses, text, binary, information about kind of information contained, mail transmission, etc.). Select spokesperson from group to report to class on list (discuss groups’ lists).
• Chapter 6 Quiz: 3-5 short questions from the chapter review and 2-4 definitions
• Chapter 6 Assignment: page 176 - Project 1. (look at LH2, Purple Pub, etc.)
• Chapter e-journal on Networking and Telecommunications
• Student should find material from chapter 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