COMPUTER SYSTEM

• Refers to the computer and other support devives that work as a team to recieve information being put in, process that information, and output that information in a usable format.

*NOTE: processing takes place in the central processing unit (CPU)*

MEMORY

• Bit = a single binary #: a 0 or 1 (binary character)
• Byte = 8 bits; the binary code for one character of data . 01000001= A; 01100001= a
• Kilobyte (K/KB) = 1024 bytes= 1 K
• Megabyte ( M/MB) = 1024 kilobytes = 1 MB
• Gigabyte (G/GB) = 1024 megabytes = 1 GB
• Terabyte (T/TB) = 1024 gigabytes = 1 TB 

*computer system work s with a binary coding system (ASCII)*

PROCESS SPEED

• conveys how fast information can be mover in and out of the memory
• expressed in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz)
• Megahertz= 1 million cycles per second
• Gigahertz = 1 billion cycles per second

INPUT DEVICES

• allows the input of data into the computer

• examples: keyboards, mice, trackballs, touch pads , scanners, graphic tablets, microphones, PDA's, ellphones, digital cameras, Web cameras, electronic white boards, and "clickers"

OUTPUT DEVICES

• produce the data after it has been processed in hard copy (paper for permanent media) or soft copy (computer screen or nonpermanent means)
• Categories include text document, graphics, or maultimedia
• examples: computer monitors, printers, speakers, projection units, document cameras, niteractive whiteboards, and portable medi players.

STORAGE DEVICES

• allows storage of data for later use.
• Internal storage = is offered within the computer by way of the computer hard disk drive, or hard drive which holds LARGE amounts of information
• External storage = holds a large amount of information but is less expensive and is portable
• examples : USB device, compact disk, and DVD

CONNECTING TO THE COMPUTER

• for a device to comunicate with a computer system it needs to be connected to the computer through an opening called a port.
• ports are found on the side, back, and/or front of the computer and there is a variety that is provided
• common ports provided = parallel, USB, Ethernet, Firewire, and audio and video ports.

SOFTWARE

• For a computer to function it must have software that tells the computer what to do
• System software- apart of each computer system
• Application software- allows the computer to carry out specific functions
• Instructional software- presents content in tutorial, simulation, instructional game, problem solving, and drill-and-practice forms
• Assistive technology (AT)- includes devices for special needs students

ADAPTING FOR SPECIAL LEARNERS

• Monitor Adaptions- screen magnifier, Anti-glare filters, Monitor mounts, speech output software, and refreshable Braille display
• Keyboard Adaptions- arm and wrist support, alternate keyboards, keyguards, moisture guards, alternative labels, adjustable wand and stick, touch screens, switches, and electronic pointing devices.
• Mouse Adaptions- joysicks, upside down mouse, etc.
• Peripherals- printed text into digitized text, PAC mate
• Classroom Sound Field Ampliflication System

• Best way to learn is by doing
• attend instructional meetings
• Team up with IEP members
• contact technology department in school district
• reach out to specialist