ComTech

Prepared by:

Fernando A. Alvis

BSEd-I-B

Table of Contents:

History

Advantages and Disadvantages of Technology in Education

HistoryThe first all-electronic computer was

built in 1943 and was run by vacuum tubes.By the late 1950's, semiconductors were inuse and by the 1960's, computers were foundat major universities. Home computersbecame common in the 1980's and 1990's,when laptops became popular amongstudents.

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Significance

Computer technology revolutionized thecalculation of formulas in mathematics andphysics as well as brought about the spacerace. Computer technology is now used intheoretical modeling and medical research.

Time Frame

While computer technology changes bythe minute, the past 50 years are consideredto be the modern age of computing. Thefirst mechanical calculator, the abacus, wasinvented around 3000 B.C.

Features

Computer technology allows forprocessing of information faster than thehuman brain can calculate. However, suchtechnology is prone to errors and is at themercy of mechanical components which canwear out and software which can becomecorrupted by computer viruses.

Considerations

Nearly everything in our modern worldis influenced by computer technology.Timing of traffic signals,telecommunications, and even time keepingare controlled by advanced computertechnology. In our everyday lives, a simpletrip to the grocery can result in multipleinterfaces with computer technology.

Benefits

The benefits of computer technologyinclude scientific discovery, advancedcommunications, and the speed ofprocessing information.

Different Kinds of Computer Viruses

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Resident Viruses

Resident viruses are the type of virusesthat hang out in the RAM (random accessmemory) and steal valuable space, reducingthe performance of your computer. This typeof virus has the ability to infect anyoperation conducted by the system,corrupting files and programs.

Direct Action VirusesDirect action viruses are more malicious

in that the intent is to infect a computer,replicate and then execute when activated.This type of virus activates when specificconditions are met and go to work infectingspecific file folders and systems, renderingthe PC useless in most cases. This type ofvirus is always located in the root directoryand goes to work when the computer isbooted.

Overwrite Viruses

Overwrite viruses do just what the nameimplies. The virus infects files, deleting oroverwriting specific information andrendering the file useless to the computer.Files can be "cleaned" by deleting them andreloading or re-creating them, but this iscostly and time consuming.

Boot Viruses

Boot viruses reside on the boot sector ora hard drive, where the files necessary forthe computer to boot and run reside. Bootviruses interrupt the computer's ability toboot, rendering the entire PC useless. Bootviruses are generally passed by the use offloppy disks.

Macro Viruses

Macro viruses hide in the macros ofcertain files. A list of instructions can beprogrammed into a macro virus andexecuted as one action, making themparticularly nasty viruses.

Directory Viruses

Directory viruses are the ones mostcommonly activated when a user opens anemail attachment with an .exe or .comextension. The virus has the unique abilityto relocate the virus files after activation,making cleaning impossible.

Polymorphic Viruses

Polymorphic viruses have the ability tochange their encryption every time they areactivated, making them invisible to virusscan software, giving them free reign toreplicate at will.

Companion Viruses

Companion viruses look much like residentviruses or direct action viruses. They are knownas companion viruses because once they getinto the system, they "accompany" the otherfiles that already exist. In other words, to carryout their infection routines, companion virusescan wait in memory until a program is run(resident viruses) or act immediately bymaking copies of themselves (direct actionviruses).

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Advantage: PotentialThe technology available today has

made a wealth of knowledge available tostudents, which offers great potential for thespeed and style of learning. Information ispresented in so many ways that any typelearner, whether gifted or disabled, can findand use the necessary material. This factrelates not only to the Internet, but to all themany technological improvements inlearning, from smart boards to handhelddictionaries.

Disadvantage: Loss of SkillsWith this increased access to knowledge

also comes a probable loss ofcommunication skills and interactiveabilities between students and teacher, andstudents to peers. These skills are not asnecessary in a classroom of computers,where individuality is a component oflearning and is encouraged. Aside fromlearning, conflict resolution andsocialization used to be two prominentreasons children came to school. Theemphasis now has shifted away from theseareas.

Advantage: Access to all

Education is no longer the elitistprivilege it once was. The information onthe Internet is there for all who have access,without discrimination. People of all socialstrata are able to use technologicaladvances, which is a fairly new academicdevelopment in America.

Disadvantage: Poor remain poorWhile general access is not denied, some

children may not be exposed to computers andother technology because of socio-economicstatus. A child may live in a home without acomputer, and chances are he will attend a poorschool district with limited numbers of computersavailable. A student may get to use a computer fora short time, or only as a once-a-week activityinstead of a regular class period. This puts thesechildren at a disadvantage in learningtechnological functions. Poor districts are alsomost likely not to be the recipients of othertechnological modes of learning.

Advantages vs. DisadvantagesThe computer age is here; this cannot be

debated. Is it better for children to haveaccess to computers with all their data at theloss of interpersonal skills? Is it acceptablethat a student can talk to someone halfwayaround the world via instant messaging butnot be able to get along with the studentsitting next to her in a classroom?Technology can enhance traditionalmethods of learning but cannot replace thehuman touch.

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