computing fundamentals module lesson 19 — using technology to solve problems

Computing Fundamentals ModuleLesson 19 — Using Technology

to Solve Problems

Computer Literacy BASICS


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Objectives

Define problem solving. Identify technology tools for solving problems. Identify problem-solving steps. Identify fundamental concepts of software

applications including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, graphics and multimedia, and presentation software.


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Objectives (cont.)

Explain how computer software can be used to solve problems.

Explain how other forms of technology are used to solve problems.


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Vocabulary

Database Database software Distance learning Graphics software Multimedia software

Personal information management software (PIMS)

Presentation software

Problem solving


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Vocabulary (cont.)

Relational database Search engines Spreadsheet Spreadsheet

software

Technology Telecommunications Teleconferencing Word-processing

software


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Problem Solving with Technology

Technology is the application of scientific discoveries to the production of goods and services to improve the human environment.

Technology provides tools in solving problems for business operations and individuals’ daily lives.

The Internet’s capabilities are endless.


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Problem Solving with Technology

Computers are playing a major role in the technology boom.

A basic function of a computer is to solve problems, that is, to answer questions and to provide an easier and better way to perform certain tasks.

Computer software controls the versatility of the computer.

With appropriate software, you can solve any problem or simplify any task.

Quick Quiz

1.What do we call the application of scientific discoveries to the production of goods and services that improve the human environment?

A. technologyB. information technologyC. data communicationD. computer applications


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Defining Problem Solving

Problem solving is a systematic approach of going from an initial situation to a desired situation that is subject to some resource constraints.

Logical guidelines must be followed to identify the situation and find the best technology to apply to the situation.


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Problem-Solving Steps

1. Define the problem.2. Investigate and analyze the problem.3. Identify possible solutions.4. Select and implement a solution.5. Evaluate solutions.


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Define the Problem

Make certain that there really is a problem and identify what it is.

Clarify the current situation and identify what it should be.

If necessary, make notes or sketches.


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Investigate and Analyze the Problem

Collect all available data about the problem. This provides the information you need to

make an accurate decision. Sometimes this step reveals that there is no

actual problem or that the problem is being caused by something else.


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Identify Possible Solutions

Once the problem is defined and analyzed, consider what can be done to solve it.

See what can be done differently or what can be added or removed to the situation to fix the problem.

Ask questions, what can be done to solve this problem? What needs to be done differently? What needs to be deleted or added?

At this stage, you may identify several possible solutions.


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Select and Implement a Solution

If multiple solutions are available, compare and test each one to determine the best possible choice.

When you have determined the best solution, implement it to fix the problem.


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Evaluate Solutions

After implementing the chosen solution, analyze it to be sure that it has solved the problem.

Ask questions to assess the solution:– Did the solution eliminate the problem?– Did it accomplish the required task?

If your answers are positive, you have a solution to the problem.

Quick Quiz

What is the systematic approach of going from an initial situation to a desired situation, subject to some resource constraints?

Answer: problem solving


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Case Study

Employees have been missing meetings, so lets explore how technology can help with this issue.


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Case Study:Step 1: Define the problem

What needs to be accomplish? What information is needed and how it is to be presented?– Select appropriate software to be used.– Eliminate scheduling conflicts.– Know employees’ schedules.


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Case Study:Step 2: Investigate and analyze the problem

How can a manager know all employees’ schedule?

How can a manager notify all employees of a meeting in a timely fashion?

What type of software is available for these needs?


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Case Study:Step 3: Identify solutions

Use word-processing software to key a memo to send to all employees announcing a meeting.

Manually check everyone’s schedule to see when they are at work and available for a meeting.

Identify a software that can be used to enter and maintain employees’ schedule.


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Case Study:Step 4: Select and implement a solution

After studying the possible solutions, it was decided that the company would purchase a specialized software to solve the problem of missed meetings.


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Using Technological Toolsto Solve Problems

Individuals and businesses face problems every day that can be solved by technology.

Many software programs can be used to solve problems.

Choose the best software application for the task you want to accomplish.

Sometimes software must be developed or at least modified to be effective for a specific task.

The Internet can be used to solve many problems.


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Typical Software Applications

Word processing Spreadsheet Database Presentation Graphics Multimedia

(animation, digital video, sound)

Telecommunications Web browsers and

Web design Personal information

management Specialized

programs for specific jobs


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Word Processing Software

Word-processing programs can be used to prepare newsletters, reports, and tables to organize and distribute important information.

The merge feature saves hours in preparing multiple documents.A document created

with word-processing software

Word Processing Software

Web pages can be designed using HTML code or word-processing software.

Many word-processing programs have advanced features that allow you to perform spreadsheet and database like functions.

Example of word-processing software:– Microsoft Word– WordPerfect– Lotus– WordPro


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Word-Processing Software

You can prepare an entire book complete with illustrations, tables, and index using word processing software.

You can create a Web page using word processing and then publish it to a Web friendly format automatically.


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WordPerfect


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Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheets are designed to store and manipulate numeric data.

Spreadsheet programs can be used to quickly create a budget or analyze sales.

EX: Microsoft Excel & Lotus 1-2-3

A spreadsheet preparedelectronically

Spreadsheet Software

A spreadsheet or worksheet is an organized table of financial or other numerical information, arranged in rows and columns.

The place where a row and column intersect is called a cell.

Spreadsheets are organized into workbooks ( a group of worksheets), and can include numerical values and textual data as well as formulas, functions, and variables.

The output of a worksheet can be configured into charts and graphs that illustrate the data.

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Database Software

Database software can organize, store, and retrieve large amounts of data and create queries to locate specific data.

A database document used to organize a list of customers

Database Software

A few database products are Microsoft Access, dBASE, and SQL.

Database is an organized collection of data. The information in a database is organized

into fields (a column of one type of information, such as names or telephone numbers), records (all the data in one row or entry), and tables ( a set of fields and entries).

30 Computer Literacy BASICS

Database Software

The data can be used to create reports and forms, and entries in a database table can be queried to find a specific information.

A relational database is a collection of database tables that are connected to each other. Changing the data in one will change related data in another table.

A non- relational database, one consisting of only a single database table, called flat file database.

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Database Software

Enterprise database are vast and complex relational database used in industry. Ex: airline reservation system.

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Presentation Software

Businesses and individuals use presentation software to create automated slide shows.

EX: Microsoft PowerPoint & Word Perfect Presentations.

Creating a slide with presentationsoftware

Presentation Software

Presentation software are a type of multimedia software, since they can include both images and sound.

The slides in a slide show are created using slide masters, which are templates you can use to produce a presentation with a unifying design.

The information in a slide show is presented in an active, exciting format to hold an audience’s attention.



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Graphics and Multimedia Software

Graphics software is used to create images electronically.

Different kinds of multimedia software can be used to manipulate digital photographs, video, and sound files.

You would use multimedia soft-ware to edit digital video on a computer monitor.


There are programs for creating and editing artwork including Microsoft Paint, Corel Draw, and Adobe Studio.

Applications such as Macromedia’s Flash can be used to produce detailed graphics or animation.



Graphics software offers electronic versions of an artist’s tools, such as pens and paint brushes, that allow you to draw lines, fill objects with colors, and move elements around in a composition.

You can use multimedia software to manipulate digital photographs 9Adobe Photoshop and Microsoft Picture it).

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Graphics and Multimedia File Format:– .bmp (bitmapped)– .tif or .tiff (tagged image file format)– .jpg or .jpeg (Joint Photographic Experts Group)– .gif (Graphic interchange format)– .fpx (FlashPiX)– .mov ( short for “movie”)– .QT ( Quick Time)– .wav ( short for wave)– .mp3 (Moving pictures Expert Group layer 3-audio)– .avi (audio video interleaved)– .mpg or mpeg (Moving Pictures Expert Group)– .rm or .ram ( real movie and real Audio)

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Telecommunications

Telecommunications refers to the electronic transfer of data.

Telecommunications software allows computers across the country to talk with each other.

This capability is used extensively in the fields of distance learning and teleconferencing.


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Use the Internet to Solve Problems

E-mail allows users around the world to communicate almost instantly.

Networking and electronic research tools allow users to collect and analyze data.

Search engines allow you to enter a keyword or phrase and will search millions of Web sites to find the information you are seeking. Ex: Excite, Hotbot, AskJeeves, and google.


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An Internet Search Engine


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Web Software

Browser software allows users to view Web pages and move from one Web site to another. Such as Netscape and Internet Explorer

Software is also available to simplify the process of creating Web sites. Such as Microsoft FrontPage or Macromedia Dreamweaver.


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Other Software Programs

Personal information management software (PIMS) is used to organize appointments, meetings, telephone and contact information, projects, and tasks to be completed.

Ex: Microsoft Scheduler, Microsoft outlook, & louts Organizer.

There are many software programs available to solve a problem in a particular area or field of interest including real estate, medical offices, construction, and so on.


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Integrated Application Software

An integrated software package or suite combines different productivity applications into one package.

Integrated software applications allow you to transfer data easily from one program to another.

Microsoft Office, AppleWorks, and the Corel Graphics suite are examples of integrated applications.


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Other Technologies Usedto Solve Problems

Entertainment: Computer games can teach problem-solving skills, and simulations allow you to experiment with real-life situations.

Electronic banking: It allows customers to bank whenever it is convenient for them.

Medical and health care: Computers and electronic devices are used extensively in hospitals to monitor patients’ health.


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Other Technologies Usedto Solve Problems (cont.)

Dangerous tasks: Computers and robots are increasingly being used for tasks that would be very risky for a human to attempt.

Repetitious tasks: Computers can do repetitive work accurately without getting tired or making mistakes.

Computers can perform tasks in environments too dangerous for humans.

Quick Quiz

What software is designed to store and manipulate numeric data?

A. word processingB. databaseC. presentationD. spreadsheet


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Discussion Questions

Is our society becoming too dependent on technology? Why or why not? Provide examples to support your position.

Compare and contrast how an individual, a company, and a national government might approach the problem-solving process to find the solution to a specific problem. How does the amount of resources available to find a solution impact the process?


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Discussion Questions

What do you think is the most useful software application available today? Explain your choice, and give examples of why it is so useful. Do you think the software will continue to work as it does today, or can you envision changes and improvements to make it even better?


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Summary

Technology has made a great impact on our lives.

The computer plays a major role in the technology boom.

Computer software controls the versatility of the computer.


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Summary (cont.)

Problem solving involves defining a problem and finding a solution.

The sequence of problem solving includes defining the problem, investigating and analyzing the problem, identifying possible solutions, selecting and implementing the best solution, and evaluating the chosen solution.


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Summary (cont.)

Typical software programs, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database management, presentations, graphics, multimedia, and telecommunications, are used to solve problems.

The Internet offers electronic communication, distance learning, teleconferencing, networking, and electronic research tools to solve problems.


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Summary (cont.)

Other technology, including devices with microprocessors, has affected our lives by providing solutions to problems and situations in the areas of entertainment, medicine, banking, and the performance of dangerous and repetitious tasks.

Key Terms

Database: A collection of related information organized for rapid search and retrieval.

Database software: Software that makes it possible to create and maintain large collections of data.

Distance learning: Schooling concept in which students in remote locations receive instruction via telecommunications technology.

Graphics software: Application used to create artwork with a computer.


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Key Terms

Multimedia software: Application used to create output that integrates several different types of media such as text, images, audio, video, and animation.

Personal information management software (PIMS): Software designed to organize and manage personal tasks, appointments, and contacts.

Presentation software: Software that is used to create and edit information to present in an electronic slide show format.

Problem solving: A systematic approach of going from an initial situation to a desired situation.


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Key Terms

Relational database: A collection of interconnected database tables that can be searched without knowing how the tables are organized.

Search engines: Tools that allow you to enter a keyword to find sites on the Internet that contain information you need.

Spreadsheet: An organized table of financial or other numerical information.

Spreadsheet software: Used to store, manipulate, and analyze numeric data.


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Key Terms

Technology: The application of scientific discoveries to the production of goods and services that improve the human environment.

Telecommunications: Electronic transfer of data. Teleconferencing: Telecommunications service in which

parties in remote locations can participate via telephone in a group meeting.

Word-processing software: Software you use to prepare text documents such as letters, reports, flyers, brochures, and books.


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computing fundamentals module lesson 19 — using technology to solve problems

Documents

computer software

objectivesdefine problem

actual problem

problem solvingproblem

appropriate software

technology tools

initial situation

technology boom