Technology in the Classroom

1. Hardware

1.1. The physical components that make up a computer system.

1.2. Printer: Device that prints text or illustrations on paper.

1.3. Benefits: To be able to have a hard copy of the information you can see on the computer.

1.4. Challenges: Lack of funding to purchase ink cartridges for the printer.

1.5. Application: Allows students print hard copies of their assignments.

2. Software

2.1. Data that's stored electronically on a computer.

2.2. MS Word: A word processor developed by Microsoft.

2.3. Benefits: Students can download MS Word Starter (Trial Version) for free to create, edit and revise documents.

2.4. Challenges: Lack of funding to purchase Microsoft Office productivity licenses for schools.

2.5. Application: Allows students to use a computer application for electronically writing and storing documents of every kind.

3. Input Devices

3.1. Device used to enter raw data or communicate instructions to the computer.

3.2. Keyboard: Device used to type and input data into a computer.

3.3. Benefits: Some keyboards are customized to meet students' individual needs. That is the keyboard can be programmed to enter specific text or to execute particular commands when keys are pressed.

3.4. Challenges: Due to wear and tear, they need to be replaced often.

3.5. Application: Allows students to type their data on a computer.

4. Output Device

4.1. Device used to view the information processed and organized by the computer.

4.2. Monitor: Device that houses the screen used to view information processed by the computer.

4.3. Benefits: Widescreen LCD monitors allow the students to view two programs side by side.

4.4. Challenges: Lack of funding to replace monitors if broken.

4.5. Application: Allows students to see information that they are searching.

5. By the way, this is a floating topic. To create a floating topic, simply drag it away from the map center.