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Computer Applications | High School

5 Best Computer Applications Lesson Plans for High School

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November 22nd, 2022 | 6 min. read

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High school computer teachers face a unique challenge. You have hundreds of students to teach, so planning lessons takes hours of personal time every week.

Creating computer applications lessons that are current, engaging, and will prepare your students isn’t easy! Unfortunately, it can be overwhelming to find computer applications lesson plans that are engaging and relevant to high schoolers.

So where do you start?

In this article, we’ll share where you can find great computer applications lesson plans to teach 5 topics to high school students:

• Digital Literacy
• Microsoft Office
• Google Applications
• Internet Research
• Computer Science

We’ll start with the basics — digital literacy.

1. Digital Literacy Resources for High School Computer Classes

Digital literacy (sometimes called computer literacy) encompasses a number of skills related to using technology effectively and appropriately, making it critical for your students to understand.

When teaching digital literacy in high school be sure to include these six topics:

• Information literacy
• Ethical use of digital resources
• Understanding digital footprints
• Protecting yourself online
• Handling digital communication
• Cyberbullying

All of this knowledge provides an important base that students build upon throughout the rest of your course and later in their education!

For digital literacy lesson plans and activities, check out these five steps to teaching digital literacy in the classroom .

2. Microsoft Office Lesson Plans for High School

Teaching Microsoft Office in high school is a must. While some students may be familiar with these programs, it’s critical to familiarize your students so everyone is on the same page.

Also, high school students can go more in-depth with the advanced features of each application, compared to middle school students.

You can find a ton of resources out there to build lesson plans, but there are almost too many for one person to read.

Instead, decide which Microsoft applications you will cover and go from there. Also, consider if your students will take Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams. If so, include some exam prep lessons in your course.

To find lesson plan ideas that will work for your classroom, check out these Microsoft Office lesson plans that your students will love .

3. Google Apps Lesson Ideas for High School

Along with Microsoft Office, Google Apps are important for high school students to learn.

Your course standards may already include Google Apps, but if not, you should still consider including some lessons on Docs, Sheets, and Slides in your course.

It comes down to the fact that many employers are now using Google instead of Microsoft. That means your students should be prepared to use either application suite in their careers.

One way to teach Google Apps is to mirror your Microsoft Office lessons. Another option is to focus specifically on how the two suites differ, such as with the collaborative features in Google Docs.

Either way, you’ll need some lesson plans and activities!

To start, check out the Google Apps lesson plans every teacher should own .

4. Lessons to Teach Internet Research Skills in High School

Your students need internet research skills to use throughout the rest of their lives.

With the constant changes in how search engines work and the number of websites out there, these lessons are crucial.

Having good online research skills can help students prevent costly mistakes, such as citing false information in a final project or believing fake news.

There aren’t many resources about web research that are appropriate for high schoolers, but luckily Google has a series of lessons that could be just what you need.

There are three levels of expertise for each topic area, ensuring you can provide lessons based on your students’ levels of knowledge.

Additionally, some lessons have teacher presentations and Google includes a full lesson plan map for quick reference.

Check out the lessons from Google here: Search Literacy Lesson Plans .

5. Computer Science Lesson Plans for High School

Programming may be daunting to teach , but these skills are essential in today’s workforce. Knowing how to write code can set your students up for incredible careers in the future!

Luckily, there are a ton of resources out there to teach these skills. However, like Microsoft lessons, there are so many out there that it’s a challenge to comb through them all.

Fortunately, Common Sense Education has some great computer science activities and lessons for high school students.

Some of the tools come with lesson plans and teacher resources. Others are less structured, intended as an extra supplement to your lessons.

Check out Common Sense Education’s list of the best coding tools for high school students .

Start Teaching Computer Applications in High School Today!

Choosing the most appropriate computer applications lesson plans for your students can be the difference between your learners falling behind or being ready to begin exciting careers.

Any of the lessons in this article can help you get your students on the way to success with computer skills. But many teachers have found success when using a comprehensive CTE curriculum throughout their high school computer classes.

If you're looking for a cohesive learning experience for your high school students, consider iCEV. iCEV provides a high school computer curriculum with pre-built lessons, interactive activities, and automatically graded assessments designed to save you hours in the classroom.

Check out the iCEV computer curriculum to see if it's the right fit for your classroom:

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Computer Basics

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Introduction

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Hardware Basics

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• 4 Buttons and Ports on a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn the various ports and buttons on a computer.
• 5 Inside a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn what's inside a computer.
• 6 Laptop Computers arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn more about laptop computers and how they differ from traditional desktop computers.
• 7 Mobile Devices arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how mobile devices work.

Software Basics

• 8 Understanding Operating Systems arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get a better understanding of operating systems and how they function.
• 9 Understanding Applications arrow_forward_ios ✓ Better understand applications and how they work.

Using a Computer

• 10 Setting Up a Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn know how to set up a computer.
• 11 Getting Started with Your First Computer arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get started with your first computer.
• 12 Getting to Know the OS arrow_forward_ios ✓ Get to know your computer's operating system.

Using the Internet

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• 14 Getting Started with the Internet arrow_forward_ios ✓ Learn how to get started with and navigate the Internet.
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• Introduction to Computer
• Computer Science

What is a Computer?

A computer is an electronic machine that processes raw data and outputs information. An electronic device that takes data as input and transforms it using a set of special instructions known as Programs to produce the desired output. A computer has an internal memory that stores data and instructions that are temporarily awaiting processing, as well as the intermediate result (information) before it is communicated to the recipients via the Output devices

What Does the Computer Require in Order to be Operational?

A Computer requires hardware devices and an operating system in order to be operational.

1. Hardware Devices

Monitor: It is a big television-like screen. It is an output device where you see what is happening on the computer.

Keyboard: It is an input device. It is a way of giving commands to a computer with the help of keys over it.

Central Processing Unit (CPU): It is a processing unit.It is considered the brain of the computer as it can’t perform any activity without CPU.

Mouse: It is an input device. This is the alternate method for cooperating with your PC. Most mice have two buttons — a right and a left button — and a looking over wheel.

Hardware Devices

2. Operating System (OS)

Operating System

PCs without an OS are precisely similar to TVs without a signal. They will turn on, yet you will be checking a clear screen out without any desire to collaborate with it. The most famous working framework is "Microsoft Windows," and it is used by most PC.

The OS acts as the sensory system of the PC, interfacing the computer processor to all the PC programs. The OS permits you to run other programs, work on projects, and do essentially all the other things that PCs are prepared to do.

There are a wide range of renditions of Microsoft Windows, and a new adaptation is delivered every several years.

How to Operate a Computer

There are three states in which a computer is at any given time.

OFF : This is precisely the exact thing it seems like: The PC is off, and no parts are running or working. The screen is dark (no pictures), there is no "humming" sound from the central processor, and the PC is inert to mouse developments or pressing keys on the keyboard. 

ON : When a PC is on, you ought to see pictures on the screen, conceivably hear a "buzzing" commotion coming from the central processor and the pointer on the screen ought to answer when you move the mouse.

Rest Mode : Most PCs have a mode called "Rest," in which the PC is on, yet has expected an energy-productive, insignificant power mode. To "wake" the PC, basically move the mouse around or press the spacebar on the console, and it will "awaken" and return to the identical spot that it was at the point at which it fell asleep.

Signing on Screen

When you turn the PC on, the PC will go through a progression of mechanized undertakings before it is prepared for you to associate with it; this cycle is called "startup." This cycle will endure somewhere in the range of one and two minutes. Assuming the PC is not working accurately, you might see a blunder message during startup.

After you sign on, the PC will show what is known as your work area inside a couple of moments to a couple of moments. Here you will see a computerized portrayal of something almost identical to real-life office space, complete with a work area, documents and record organizers, and a recycling bin.

Features of Computer

Below mentioned are some of the features of a computer..

When executing mathematical computations, a computer works significantly faster and more accurately than a human.

Speed of Computer

Calculations made by computers are always accurate. Data inaccuracy or consistency might lead to errors.

A computer contains internal storage for data called main memory. Data is also stored on removable media like CDs, pen drives, and other types of secondary storage.

Computer Memory

Reliability

When given the same set of data repeatedly, a computer will consistently provide the same output, demonstrating its dependability.

The computer completes every task automatically, that is, without human interaction.

Computer Automation

Drawbacks of Computer

Although using a computer has numerous benefits, there are also risks and drawbacks. If used improperly, computers can cause a number of health problems.

The computer is emotionless.

It can't function alone. It requires somebody to work on it and give it instructions.

The computer must be supplied with each command.

No choice can be made by a computer on its own.

What is a Machine?

A machine is a tool that facilitates our job.

It helps us save time and effort.

Humans are not as productive as machines .

Machine Examples Include the Following:

For enjoyment, people use televisions.

To iron the clothes, use an iron box.

An automobile is used for transportation.

Calling is done on a mobile device.

Mobile Device

Points to Remember 

Computer is an electronic machine.

The main components required for a computer are mouse, monitor and  keyboard.

The CPU is also known as the “Brain” of the computer.

OS stands for operating system.

The first screen you see when it starts is called the desktop.

Learning by Doing

Choose the correct answer:.

1. Which part of the computer contains the computer's brains?

B. Keyboard

D. All of above

Write True or False

1. Windows, Linux, and Android are examples of Operating devices(True/False)

2. Keyboard is an Input device. (True/False)

Sample Questions

1. Choose the correct statement

A. Computer is an electronic machine

B. It performs arithmetic operation

C. Both A) and B)

2.  What is an OS? 

Ans: OS stands for operating system.The OS permits you to run other programs, work on projects, and do essentially all the other things that PCs are prepared to do.

3. List various primary parts of the computer.

1. A Motherboard

2. A CPU i.e. Central Processing Unit’

3. RAM i.e. Random Access Memory

5. Hard drives

6. Computer Mouse

The monitor, CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer, sound system, RAM, hard drive, and many other components make up the computer system's hardware. There are various operating systems in computers such as Microsoft Windows, Linux and so on.

FAQs on Introduction to Computer

1. Which OS does Apple use?

An Apple Computer is called a Macintosh (Mac). Its Operating System is OS X while other PCs use windows.

2. Do computers require the Internet to operate?

A computer does not need to access the Internet in order to run properly. The Internet is a way of connecting to other computer users. You can interface with the web utilizing a telephone line, a link association, or by utilizing a remote interfacing gadget (wi-fi). For most home PC clients, this is a paid help, however you can use the Web for free in a few public areas, similar to the library or a café. A PC will actually want to carry out most normal roles (play music, type records, alter pictures) and run programs without a Web association. Notwithstanding, to see a page or send an email, you will require a Web association. 

3. What “My Computer is Possessed!” means?

“My Computer is Possessed!” It is a common misconception that computers have “a mind of their own.” In spite of the fact that PCs can play out specific assignments significantly more effectively and quicker than people (like counting, performing numerical computations, and so on), they are, eventually, machines and can't have an independent mind. Any reasonable person would agree that the PC can do nothing that you don't advise it to do.

Faculty Resources

Assignments.

The assignments for Computer Apps for Managers build on one another and culminate in the submission of a finished project. For convenience, the assignments have been preloaded into the assignment tool in your learning management system (Blackboard, Canvas, etc.), where they can be used as is, modified, combined with your own assignments, or removed altogether. You can also preview them below:

Assignment Rubric

Below is a suggested rubric for grading assignments.

Discussions

The following discussion assignments have been preloaded into the discussion-board tool in your learning management system. They can also be used as is, modified, or removed. You can preview them below:

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Computers and the Internet

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• Introducing How Computers Work

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Types of Computers

Pre-Requisite: Basics of Computer

A computer is an electronic device that has storage, computations, input (data), output (data) and networking capabilities. With the growing AI , computers also have learning capabilities from the data provided. The input and output data can be in different forms like text, images, audio and video. A computer processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output. Computers are of various types and they can be categorized in two ways on the basis of size and on the basis of data handling capabilities.

Types of Computer

There are two bases on which we can define the types of computers. We will discuss the type of computers on the basis of size and data handling capabilities. We will discuss each type of computer in detail. Let’s see first what are the types of computers.

• Super Computer

Mainframe computer

• Mini Computer

Workstation Computer

Personal computer (pc), server computer, analog computer, digital computer, hybrid computer.

• Tablets and Smartphone

Now, we are going to discuss each of them in detail.

Supercomputer

When we talk about speed, then the first name that comes to mind when thinking of computers is supercomputers. They are the biggest and fastest computers (in terms of speed of processing data). Supercomputers are designed such that they can process a huge amount of data, like processing trillions of instructions or data just in a second. This is because of the thousands of interconnected processors in supercomputers. It is basically used in scientific and engineering applications such as weather forecasting, scientific simulations, and nuclear energy research. It was first developed by Roger Cray in 1976.

Super Computers

Characteristics of Supercomputers

• Supercomputers are the computers that are the fastest and they are also very expensive.
• It can calculate up to ten trillion individual calculations per second, this is also the reason which makes it even faster.
• It is used in the stock market or big organizations for managing the online currency world such as Bitcoin etc.
• It is used in scientific research areas for analyzing data obtained from exploring the solar system, satellites, etc.

Mainframe computers are designed in such a way that they can support hundreds or thousands of users at the same time. It also supports multiple programs simultaneously. So, they can execute different processes simultaneously. All these features make the mainframe computer ideal for big organizations like banking, telecom sectors, etc., which process a high volume of data in general.

Characteristics of Mainframe Computers

• It is also an expensive or costly computer.
• It has high storage capacity and great performance.
• It can process a huge amount of data (like data involved in the banking sector) very quickly.
• It runs smoothly for a long time and has a long life.

Minicomputer

Minicomputer is a medium size multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or more processors, and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time. Minicomputer is similar to Microcontroller. Minicomputers are used in places like institutes or departments for different work like billing, accounting, inventory management, etc. It is smaller than a mainframe computer but larger in comparison to the microcomputer.

Characteristics of Minicomputer

• Its weight is low.
• Because of its low weight, it is easy to carry anywhere.
• less expensive than a mainframe computer.
• It is fast.

A workstation computer is designed for technical or scientific applications. It consists of a fast microprocessor, with a large amount of RAM and a high-speed graphic adapter. It is a single-user computer. It is generally used to perform a specific task with great accuracy.

Characteristics of Workstation Computer

• It is expensive or high in cost.
• They are exclusively made for complex work purposes.
• It provides large storage capacity, better graphics, and a more powerful CPU when compared to a PC.
• It is also used to handle animation, data analysis, CAD, audio and video creation, and editing.

Personal Computers is also known as a microcomputer. It is basically a general-purpose computer designed for individual use. It consists of a microprocessor as a central processing unit(CPU), memory, input unit, and output unit. This kind of computer is suitable for personal work such as making an assignment, watching a movie, or at the office for office work, etc. For example, Laptops and desktop computers.

Personal Computer

Characteristics of Personal Computer (PC)

• In this limited number of software can be used.
• It is the smallest in size.
• It is designed for personal use.
• It is easy to use.

Server Computers are computers that are combined data and programs. Electronic data and applications are stored and shared in the server computer. The working of a server computer is that it does not solve a bigger problem like a supercomputer but it solves many smaller similar ones. Examples of server computer are like Wikipedia, as when users put a request for any page, it finds what the user is looking for and sends it to the user.

Analog Computers are particularly designed to process analog data. Continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values are called analog data. So, an analog computer is used where we don’t need exact values or need approximate values such as speed, temperature, pressure, etc. It can directly accept the data from the measuring device without first converting it into numbers and codes. It measures the continuous changes in physical quantity. It gives output as a reading on a dial or scale. For example speedometer, mercury thermometer, etc.

Digital computers are designed in such a way that they can easily perform calculations and logical operations at high speed. It takes raw data as input and processes it with programs stored in its memory to produce the final output. It only understands the binary input 0 and 1, so the raw input data is converted to 0 and 1 by the computer and then it is processed by the computer to produce the result or final output. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones are digital computers.

As the name suggests hybrid, which means made by combining two different things. Similarly, the hybrid computer is a combination of both analog and digital computers. Hybrid computers are fast like analog computers and have memory and accuracy like digital computers. So, it has the ability to process both continuous and discrete data. For working when it accepts analog signals as input then it converts them into digital form before processing the input data. So, it is widely used in specialized applications where both analog and digital data are required to be processed. A processor which is used in petrol pumps that converts the measurements of fuel flow into quantity and price is an example of a hybrid computer. 

Tablet and Smartphones

Tablets and Smartphones are the types of computers that are pocket friendly and easy to carry is these are handy. This is one of the best use of modern technology. These devices have better hardware capabilities, extensive operating systems, and better multimedia functionality. smartphones and tablets contain a number of sensors and are also able to provide wireless communication protocols.

We generally classify computers on the basis of size, functionality, and data handling capabilities. For more, you can refer to Classification of Computers .

1. Which computer can deal with analog data?

(A) Analogue Computer

(B) Digital Computer

(C) both a and b

(D) None of the above

The correct option is A, i.e., Analogue computer Analogue computer is particularly designed to process analogue data. A  continuous data that changes continuously and cannot have discrete values is called Analogue data.

2. __________ is also known as a Microcomputer.

(A) Supercomputer

(B) Minicomputer

(C) Workstation

(D) Personal computer

The correct option is D, i.e., Personal computer.

3. Which type of computer has two or more processors and supports 4 to 200 users at one time?

(A) Minicomputer 

(B) Personal computer

(C) Analogue computer

(D) All of the above

The correct option is A, i.e., Minicomputer  Minicomputer is a medium sized multiprocessing computer. In this type of computer, there are two or more processors and it supports 4 to 200 users at one time.

4. All modern computers, like laptops, desktops including smartphones, are ______________computers.

(A) Hybrid 

(B) Analogue

(C) Digital

(D) Supercomputer

The correct option is C, i.e., digital.

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