INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER REPAIR LESSON PLANS

OVERVIEW:

            This unit is designed to give students an understanding of the basic components, functions, and construction of personal computers.  They will learn correct terminology, important features, how information is input, stored, and accessed.  They will learn basic troubleshooting procedures using non-invasive techniques.  They will learn to disassemble, replace defective parts, and reassemble the central processing unit, as well as peripherals.  Through these lessons they will explore:

  •      Buying a PC
  •         Booting
  •         Formatting drives
  •         Preventative measures
  •         Internal connections
  •         External connections
  •         Peripheral Devices
  •         Maintenance
  •         Operating systems
  •         Software

Repair or Replacement of:

  • Memory
  • Motherboards
  • Hard drives
  • CD drives
  • Floppy drives
  • Power supplies
  • Cards
  • Jacks
  • Speakers
  • Fans
  • Monitors
  • Peripheral

The unit is designed to be used in a high school setting.  The lessons are modular and can be used individually or in any order preferred by the instructor. The lessons are hands on.  Access to computers that can be disassembled, hand tools, and electrical power is necessary.

Each lesson uses a format that provides the following sections:

STANDARDS:  

The California State Standards for 9th and 10th grade Computer Science are used.  Applicable standards are listed at the end of each lesson.

ASSESSMENTS:

Methods of assessment are also given in each lesson.  They include the use of two rubrics, which are included in the appendix.  One is a universal "Academic" rubric which can be adapted to any subject.  The other is a "Life Skills" rubric which is used to assess skills that are needed for independent living in the real world.  Students may be assessed both through performance or demonstration of tasks related to the outcomes.  They may also be assessed using worksheets provided with lessons or with teacher made tests.

OUTCOMES:          

·        Students will build a computer from parts

·        Students will demonstrate use of multiple operating systems

·        Troubleshoot computer hardware problems, discern possible solutions, and make necessary repairs.

·        Describe and define the major components of the personal computer 

CONDITIONS:

This unit should take place in a school based setting that is conducive to the disassembly of computers.  It will take approximately one semester to complete.  Most sessions will be hands on and will require some manual dexterity, although modifications can be made for the disabled.  Some sessions will require reading instructions and manuals that accompany computer parts.  There will be worksheets to complete.  The instructor may also want to create written tests, although most assessment and evaluation shall be through direct observation of student demonstrations of the above listed outcomes.

MODIFICATIONS/ACCOMMODATIONS:

Methods for adapting these lessons for use with special needs students in inclusive settings are provided with each lesson.  There are a few general modifications that you can apply to all lessons. Make the print size larger. Rewrite the material if it is too difficult, or paraphrase it to teach the most significant concept for your class and subject.  Provide additional visual resources such as pictures or graphic images.  Pair physically disabled students with those who are able to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.

MATERIALS:

All materials needed are listed for each lesson under the MATERIALS heading of the lesson plan.  It is expected that the instructor will obtain an adequate supply of computers and hand tools for the number of students in the class.

CONTINUE ON TO LESSON PLANS