AIOU Assignment BEd 1.5 Year 8620 Computers in Education Assignment 2

AIOU Assignment BEd 1.5 Year 8620 Computers in Education Assignment 2

AIOU Assignment BEd 1.5 Year 8620 Computers in Education Assignment 2



Note: For Other Assignment of BEd 1.5 Year Please click on the Links Below:

Course: Computers in Education (8620)

Level: B.Ed (1.5 Years)

ASSIGNMENT No. 1

Q.1 How computer is a powerful tool. Describe the categories of computer and their uses?
Answer:

A computer is a device that can be instructed to carry out sequences of arithmetic or logical operations automatically via computer programming. Modern computers have the ability to follow generalized sets of operations, called programs. These programs enable computers to perform an extremely wide range of tasks. Computers are used as control systems for a wide variety of industrial and consumer devices. This includes simple special purpose devices like microwave ovens and remote controls, factory devices such as industrial robots and computer-aided design, and also general purpose devices like personal computers and mobile devices such as smartphones. Computers are powerful tools because they can process information with incredible speed, accuracy and dependability. They can efficiently perform input, process, output and storage operations, and they can store massive amounts of data.

Computers enable users to access information whenever necessary and to share information with other users. They allow people to use the Internet, which is a global network connecting millions of individuals, educational institutions, businesses and government agencies.

Through the Internet, users communicate with each other, search for helpful information, buy products and services, and access various types of entertainment. A widely used component of the Internet is the World Wide Web, which consists of numerous documents known as Web pages. These pages are composed of text, video, sound, graphics and other types of content.

Desktop computers typically comprise a system unit, input devices and output devices that fit on a table, whereas notebook computers are small, portable machines. Many people use desktop and notebook computers to access the Internet or accomplish tasks that require the use of application programs.

Computers that fit in the hand are called handheld computers. Midrange servers are bigger and more powerful than workstation computers. The quickest and most powerful type of computer is called a supercomputer. Another extremely efficient computer is the mainframe, which can simultaneously manage thousands of linked users.

Categories of computer and their uses:
Below you’ll find an extensive, descriptive list of the five types of computers, from supercomputers to mobile computers, and everything in between.

Supercomputers
A supercomputer is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. It’s a term used to describe computers that have the most capable processing power of its time. Early supercomputers in the 60s and 70s used just a couple processors, while the 90s saw supercomputers with thousands of processors at a time. Today, modern supercomputers run hundreds of thousands of processors, capable of computing quadrillions of calculations in just a few nanoseconds. You probably won’t be needing that kind of power to access Facebook… Actually, supercomputers are used in computational science to calculate and carry out a plethora of complex tasks. Modeling molecular structures, weather forecasting, and the field of quantum mechanics, among others, rely on supercomputers and their intense processing power to solve their equations.

Mainframe Computers
Like supercomputers, mainframe computers are huge, towering machines with lots of processing power. Mainframe computers are mostly used by corporations, government agencies, and banks – organizations that need a way to store large quantities of information. They are not the same as supercomputers. The processing capabilities of mainframe computers are measured in MIPS, or millions of instructions per second. Supercomputers, on the other hand, are measured in FLOPS, or floating point operations per seconds.

Minicomputers
A minicomputer is a multiprocessing machine that can support up to about 200 users at the same time. It’s like a less powerful mainframe computer, and is about the size of a refrigerator. A server can be an example of a minicomputer, but not all servers are minicomputers. Despite their name, a minicomputer is not a personal computer like the desktop machine you might have at home or work. They are much larger than that. Because of the ways microcomputers – which we’ll cover next – have excelled in processing power even beyond minicomputers, and at a much smaller size, minicomputers have become pretty much obsolete.

Microcomputers
Microcomputers are the ones people are most familiar with on a daily, non-professional basis, but of course that doesn’t mean they’re exclusive to the home. Microcomputers are smaller computers that run on microprocessors in their central processing units. They are much, much cheaper than supercomputers, mainframe computers and even minicomputers, because they’re meant for everyday uses that are more practical than professional. The range of capabilities for microcomputers are still vast, though. A film editor might use a microcomputer to run many intensive editing programs at once, while a student might use a microcomputer for Facebook and word processing. 

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Q.2 Survey five such instructions of your locality which have computer. Compare the printing devices they on the criteria of type, speed, print quality and cost.
Answer:

Wouldn’t it be great if you could have a paperless office?
Sadly though, there are still occasions when you need to print documents, such as things required by law, of you like the feel of a piece of paper in your hand. For many small businesses, printers look all the same to them. But choosing your printer can be a decision that leads to frustration, unneeded expenses, and hampered productivity if you don’t consider it carefully. We at Fueled, make it easy for you by highlighting the 10 features of a printer that you’ll want to think about before making a purchase.

1. Inkjet or laser
Although there isn’t much of a price difference these days, think about what kind of ink you want to use. Toners and ink cartridges can vary in budgets, so choose one that suits you the best.

2. How many functions do you want?
Some companies are happy with a printer and photocopier, while some might want an allin- one printer where you can scan, fax, print and photocopy. Go through to see what your office uses often, and what kind of existing equipment you have to decide. For example, if you already have a scanner, then you probably don’t need a printer/scanner.

3. Image quality
Think about what your needs are when printing images. Are you a design company that needs to print high quality to show their clients drafts of work, or are you a writing company that just needs to print text? It would be a shame to need high quality images but you bought a lesser quality printer.

4. Print speed
Think about the volume of paper you want to print. The more you need, the chances are you’ll probably want a faster printer.

5. Connectivity
Are you obsessed with wireless connections, or couldn’t care less? Do you want to print from your mobile device, or will a regular computer connection do?

6. Paper handling
Depending on what kind of paper you want to use, you will have to purchase specific printers for the job. Obviously someone who wants to print mainly on cardstock and photo paper will need a different printer than someone who wants to print on regular blank paper. Don’t forget about sizes of paper you want. If you need to print on larger pieces of paper, then don’t purchase a printer that is obviously too small for the job. 

7. Office size
If your office is pretty much you on the go with a laptop, you might want to consider a portable printer. Otherwise, if you have some extra room and depending on print quality, you can easily afford a bigger one.

8. Other running costs
Other than ink cartridges, think about the brand of cartridges you want to use. If you get refillable cartridges, you might save some money, but if you let the ink run out completely, it might damage your printer. Also think about how much it would cost if your printer breaks down, or even how much energy it’ll use.
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Q.3 Define application software. How system software interacts with application software?
Answer:

Application software is a program or group of programs designed for end users. These programs are divided into two classes: system software and application software. While system software consists of low-level programs that interact with computers at a basic level, application software resides above system software and includes applications such as database programs, word processors and spreadsheets. Application software may be bundled with system software or published alone. Application software may simply be referred to as an application.

Different types of application software include:
• Application Suite: Has multiple applications bundled together. Related functions, features and user interfaces interact with each other.
• Enterprise Software: Addresses an organization’s needs and data flow in a huge distributed environment
• Enterprise Infrastructure Software: Provides capabilities required to support enterprise software systems
• Information Worker Software: Addresses individual needs required to manage and create information for individual projects within departments
• Content Access Software: Used to access content and addresses a desire for published digital content and entertainment
• Educational Software: Provides content intended for use by students
• Media Development Software: Addresses individual needs to generate and print electronic media for others to consume

How system software interacts with application software:
Computer software can be divided into two main categories: application software and system software. According to Brookshear [1997], “application software consists of the programs for performing tasks particular to the machine’s utilization. Examples of application software include spreadsheets, database systems, desktop publishing systems, program development software, and games.” Application software is generally what we think of when someone speaks of computer programs. This software is designed to solve a particular problem for users.

On the other hand, system software is more transparent and less noticed by the typical computer user. This software “provides a general programming environment in which programmers can create specific applications to suit their needs. This environment provides new functions that are not available at the hardware level and performs tasks related to executing the application program”

On the other hand, system software is more transparent and less noticed by the typical computer user. This software “provides a general programming environment in which programmers can create specific applications to suit their needs. This environment provides new functions that are not available at the hardware level and performs tasks related to executing the application program” [Nutt 1997]. System software acts as an interface between the hardware of the computer and the application software that users need to run on the computer. The diagram below illustrates the relationship between application
software and system software.

The most important type of system software is the operating system. According to Webopedia, an operating system has three main responsibilities:

Perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. Ensure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. Provide a software platform on top of which other programs (i.e., application software) can run.

The first two responsibilities address the need for managing the computer hardware and the application programs that use the hardware. The third responsibility focuses on providing an interface between application software and hardware so that application software can be efficiently developed. Since the operating system is already responsible for managing the hardware, it should provide a programming interface for application developers.

Perform basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. Ensure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other. Provide a software platform on top of which other programs (i.e., application software) can run.

The first two responsibilities address the need for managing the computer hardware and the application programs that use the hardware. The third responsibility focuses on providing an interface between application software and hardware so that application software can be efficiently developed. Since the operating system is already responsible for managing the hardware, it should provide a programming interface for application developers.

Nutt [1997] identifies four common types of operating system strategies on which modern operating systems are built: batch, timesharing, personal computing, and dedicated. According to Nutt, “the favored strategy for any given computer depends on how the computer is to be used, the cost-effectiveness of the strategy implementation in the application environment, and the general state of the technology at the time the operating system is developed.” The table below summarizes the characteristics of each operating system strategy as described by Nutt [1997].
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Q.4 DeGlilo (1987) has suggested four different arrangment of layout of a computer centre. Explain with examples.
Answer:

Many high schools and colleges use computer labs to allow student access to the software necessary to complete coursework. Computer labs are also used to instruct students on computer use, programming, and related subjects. However, many institutions give little thought to the design and layout of the lab. Too often, they simply fill a room with computers and set up the machines any way they fit inside the room.

Why Computer Lab Design and Layout is Important
Computer labs must be designed intelligently and serve the purpose they were intended to serve. Imagine if parking lots did not have lines telling you where to park and everyone just drove in and parked wherever they wanted. Soon no one would be able to enter to exit. The lines in parking lots create important rules about how you should park in the lot.

Similarly, the design and layout of a computer lab creates rules and defines how the lab can be used. Thought given to the layout of a computer lab dictates the usefulness of the lab and increases user satisfaction which justifies its expense and assists in future investments in upgrades.

Certainly, the layout of the lab depends on the equipment, the furniture, and space available. The purpose of this document is to discuss some basic computer lab layouts and their advantages and disadvantages.

Any of these layouts can be modified to satisfy the individual needs of the institution. It just takes a little planning and imagination to adapt any of these designs to a specific application.

Classroom Computer Lab Designs
The classic classroom computer lab design serves as the default layout in many High School and Colleges. However, it does have two major advantages. First, it serves as a great instruction room where students learn computer topics from an instructor at the front of the room. With everyone facing the same direction, it allows instructors to see the faces of the students with which to read non-verbal cues as to whether students are learning the material or need more help. Second, it is similar to the layout of other classroom environment emphasizing that the students are there to learn.

One disadvantage of the classroom layout is the need to disturb other students along the rows of computers as students enter and exit the lab. For labs where students are coming and going, the classroom layout is not ideal. In addition, the classroom layout is not conducive to team work. It is difficult for students to work together, especially on collective projects and in peer-assist teaching models.

Four-Leaf Clover Computer Lab Layouts
The four-leaf clover design offers the most privacy for students and reduces to a minimum the possibility of cheating during tests or exercises. It also eliminates the need for students to disturb others when entering and exiting the lab and allows instructors to go from student to student to address individual problems and concerns.

One disadvantage of the four-leaf clover design has to do with attention spans. When students are sitting at their own computers, instructors will not be able to see what each student is doing at his/her workstation. Students may not be paying attention to lessons or may be surfing to inappropriate websites in labs equipped with Internet access.

Four-leaf clover designs can also be more expensive if each computer sits on its own table. Some computer lab furniture is made specifically for this design offering space for four computers on one table or desk. The next two designs are less traditional but offer some things the classroom layout and the four-leaf clover layout do not.

U-Shaped Computer Lab Designs
The U-shaped computer lab layout encourages engagement between instructors and students. Instructors can enter the U and engage with students one-on-one. This design also serves as the most conducive layout for computer maintenance as technicians do not have to disturb others to gain access to the computers. In addition, students will not interfere with other students’ work while entering and exiting the lab. 

Unfortunately, the U-shaped design offers little opportunity for instructors to monitor what students are doing and looking at on their monitors. This design is not compatible with test taking and requires many assistants to monitor students. Furthermore, this design often takes up more space that other layouts. 

Inverted U-Shaped Computer Lab Layouts
Like the U-shaped layout, the Inverted U-shape also offers engagement between instructors and students. In addition, the layout allows for the most convenient method of monitoring students. For individual learning, this layout minimizes the distance instructors must walk to move from workstation to workstation and student to student.

Like the classroom layout, traffic into and out of the Inverted U-shape can become constrictive especially when all of the students must enter and exit at the same time. This congestion is reduced if students are entering and exiting individually as in an open lab paradigm where students can come and go as they please. In addition, this layout takes up the same amount of space as the U-shaped design. If space is not a consideration, either of the U-shaped layouts is appropriate.

Conclusion
There are many options when designing the layout of a computer lab. The key is to make sure form is following function. Thought and planning at the beginning of designing the lab ensures that students and instructors are satisfied with what the lab offers. Choosing a suboptimal layout can negatively affect student learning and reduce the engagement between instructors and students.
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Q.5 Discuss functions of graphic software and its different types of packages.
Answer:

In computer graphics, graphics software refers to a program or collection of programs that enable a person to manipulate images or models visually on a computer. Computer graphics can be classified into distinct categories: raster graphics and vector graphics, with further 2D and 3D variants. Many graphics programs focus exclusively on either vector or raster graphics, but there are a few that combine them in interesting ways. It is simple to convert from vector graphics to raster graphics, but going the other way is harder. Some software attempts to do this.

In addition to static graphics, there are animation and video editing software. Different types of software are often designed to edit different types of graphics such as video, photos, and drawings. The exact sources of graphics may vary for different tasks, but most can read and write files. Most graphics programs have the ability to import and export one or more graphics file formats, including those formats written for a particular computer graphics program. Examples of such programs include GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Pizap, Microsoft Publisher, Picasa, etc.

The use of a swatch is a palette of active colours that are selected and rearranged by the preference of the user. A swatch may be used in a program or be part of the universal palette on an operating system. It is used to change the colour of a text or image and in video editing. Vector graphics animation can be described as a series of mathematical transformations that are applied in sequence to one or more shapes in a scene. Raster graphics animation works in a similar fashion to film-based animation, where a series of still images produces the illusion of continuous movement.

This software enables the user to create illustrations, designs, logos, 3-dimensional images, animation and pictures. Graphics software creates, edits, and manages two-dimensional images. These computer graphics may be clip art, web graphics, logos, headings, backgrounds, digital photos, or other kinds of digital images.

Common Applications
Common graphics editors include Photoshop, Illustrator, Paint Shop Pro, CorelDRAW, The Apple Photos plugins from Macphun, Adobe Lightroom, Digital Image Suite, Canva, Picasa, and related programs.

What Isn’t Graphics Software?
Software that people think of as graphics software, but isn’t, include programs that don’t directly manipulate individual images. Page layout software such as InDesign, QuarkXpress, and Publisher fall into that category. Likewise, presentation software such as PowerPoint or Apple Keynote isn’t graphics programs. And in general, home publishing or creative printing software doesn’t rise to the occasion, either.

What are the Types of Graphics Software?
The two main categories of graphics programs are pixel-based image editors and vectorbased image editors. In a nutshell, an image is either comprised of a series of small dots (pixels) or a series of commands about how to draw an image (vectors). You’ll know the difference between pixel- and vector-based images by zooming on them. If they zoom very close without appearing fuzzy and blotchy, you’re working with a vector image. Some of the categories of specialized tools for managing graphics include:

Publishing Software
• Publishing software, also known as desktop publishing software, can also combine text and graphics but the tools in this breed of software are much more sophisticated. Desktop publishing software offers tools for precise control over text and graphics placement, leading, kerning, and some image editing functions. Highend desktop publishing software has the power to handle layouts for books, magazines, and other large publications.When desktop publishing software first emerged, the only products available were expensive, high-end publishing packages. More recently, the low-end desktop publishing market has exploded with products intended for small businesses and home users (SOHO).
• High-End Publishing Software:
• SOHO Publishing Software:
• Adobe InDesign
• Corel VENTURA
• QuarkXPress
• Adobe PageMaker
• Microsoft Publisher

Illustration Software
• Illustration software, although not technically considered layout software, is also beginning to incorporate more and more word processing and text manipulation features. Many of the illustration programs have the ability to flow text, check spelling and grammar, and adjust kerning and line spacing. It’s becoming more common to use illustration software for page layout on smaller projects such as postcards, greeting cards, brochures, business cards, letterhead and small booklets.
Illustration Software:
• Adobe Illustrator
• CorelDRAW
• Macromedia Freehand

Creative Printing Software
• Creative printing software is a market that has boomed recently as inkjet printers have become more affordable. This software is especially designed for creating greeting cards, postcards, business cards, signs, posters, t-shirt designs, and other crafts. As with all page layout software, they allow you to combine text and graphics in a single document, but the tools in this breed of software are often more specialized. You probably won’t find tools to adjust line spacing and kerning… what you will find are a number of fun, special effects such as curved and outlined text, image shaping and distortion, and possibly some limited image editing functions.
• Creative Printing Software:
• Print Artist
• The Print Shop
• PrintMaster
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Harvard Graphics

Presentation Software
Presentation software is designed for creating on-screen presentations, reports, overhead transparencies, and slideshows. Like all the software mentioned above, it allows you to combine both text and graphics in a single document, but the final output is not always intended for printing.

Like creative printing software, presentation software offers limited text editing and manipulation with an emphasis on special effects, and possibly some basic image editing functions. Presentation software is unique in that you will almost always have functionality for working with charts and graphs. Also, most of this type of software allows you to incorporate multimedia into your documents.

Web Publishing Software
• Another development in recent years that is common among all the types of software above, is the ability to publish your work on the Internet. Just about every genre of software available today is adding built-in Internet tools. The low-end software will have the basics such as sending your files through e-mail or creating animated greetings; some may have basic Web page creation tools. The high-end software will have more sophisticated Web publishing tools for exporting to HTML or PDF (portable document format). And of course, there are many dedicated Web publishing programs. As you can see, the lines that distinguish the various types of layout software are beginning to blur. I hope this article has helped you to understand the differences between them, and how they all fit in to the world of graphics software. 

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