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 Author: Sondra Audia and Jessica Weekly
 Based on unit by: JESSICA WEEKLY
 Date Created: 6/22/2006 10:04:00 AM EDT
 
Computers Only Do What They Are Told
VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
 Business, Technology, Vocational Studies
Grade/Level:
 7-12
Time Required:

2- 50 min. class periods
Objective(s):
  1. Recognize the importance of following directions.
  2. Recognize the difficulty of giving precise directions.
  3. Understand that a specific process takes place to make all mechanisms work.
  4. Understand the debugging process. 
  5. Learn to create a HTML web page.
  6. Learn to create a VRML program.
Summary:

The purpose of this activity is to help students realize the need to be precise when programming a computer. Students will write simple programs in HTML and VRML; showing their understanding that the computer only did what it was told.
IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Activities:
1. Programming Using VRML*
 
Resources and Unit Handouts:
  • Materials and resources:
    Materials and resources:
    1. A computer with Internet access.
    2. Textpad with VRML tools.
    3. Internet Browser (i.e., Microsoft Internet Explorer.
    4. Data CD-R's
    5. Data Projector
    6. Notepad
    7. HTML tag chart
    8. Four different geometric designs as described in the activities section.
    9. Powerpoint files
  • Technology resources:
    Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, Web Authoring, Technology resources:
    Internet Explorer, PowerPoint, VRML v2.0, Textpad, VRML Cortona Viwer, Notepad
  • 1 Computer per student


    •
STANDARDS
Standards compiled from learning activities:
WV- West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives
• Subject : Technology
• Grade or Course : Seventh Grade
• Standard : Standard 1: Basic Operations and Concepts (TEC.S.1)
Students will:
 Detail : demonstrate a sound understanding of the nature and operation of technology systems; and
 Detail : demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology.
• Standard : Standard 3: Technology Productivity Tools (TEC.S.3)
Students will:
 Detail : use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity; and
 Detail : use productivity tools to collaborate in constructing technology-enhanced models, preparing publications, and producing other creative works.
 Objective TEC.7.3.3:  use presentation software demonstrating the use of animation and graphics.
• Standard : Standard 5: Technology Research Tools (TEC.S.5)
Students will:
 Detail : use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources;
 Detail : evaluate and select new information resources and technological innovations based on the appropriateness to specific tasks.
 Objective TEC.7.5.1:  produce a product using online sources.
• Standard : Standard 6: Technology Problem-solving and Decision-making Tools (TEC.S.6)
Students will
 Detail : use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions; and
 Detail : employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.
 Objective TEC.7.6.1:  use appropriate computer-based productivity tools to create and modify solutions to problems.

USA- ISTE: National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for All Teachers
copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.
• Standard I: Technology Operations and Concepts
Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.
 Performance Indicator B: Demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
• Standard II: Planning And Designing Learning Environments and Experiences.
Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology
 Performance Indicator A: Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.
 Performance Indicator B: Apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
• Standard III: Teaching, Learning, and the Curriculum.
Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
 Performance Indicator B: Use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
 Performance Indicator C: Apply technology to develop students’ higher order skills and creativity.

USA- ISTE: Profiles for Technology Literate Students (includes NETS for Students)
• Grade : Grades 6-8

Numbers in parentheses following each performance indicator refer to the standards category to which the performance is linked. The categories are:
1. Basic operations and concepts
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
3. Technology productivity tools
4. Technology communications tools
5. Technology research tools
6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Reprinted from National Educational Technology Standards for Students - Connecting Curriculum and Technology, copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.

 Performance Objective 4: Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research. (3, 5)
 Performance Objective 5: Apply productivity/multimedia tools and peripherals to support personal productivity, group collaboration, and learning throughout the curriculum. (3, 6)
 Performance Objective 6: Design, develop, publish, and present products (e.g., Web pages, videotapes) using technology resources that demonstrate and communicate curriculum concepts to audiences inside and outside the classroom. (4, 5, 6)
 Performance Objective 8: Select and use appropriate tools and technology resources to accomplish a variety of tasks and solve problems. (5, 6)

USA- 21st Century Learning Skills & ICT Literacy
• Area : Information and communication technology literacy
 Skill : Thinking and problem-solving skills
 Skill : Critical thinking and systems thinking
 Skill : Problem identification, formulation, and solution
 Skill : Creativity and intellectual curiosity
• Area : Interpersonal and self-direction skills
 Skill : Self-direction