Teaching and Learning with Technology

Teaching and Learning with Technology Teaching and Learning with Technology Chapter 7 Networks andthe Internet Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Network • Collection of computers and peripherals connected together • Networked workstations connected to a server via hubs Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics A network • Has a server that is a more powerful computers configured to “serve” the workstations attached to it • Allows users on the network to communicate • Allows sharing of resources and data Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics • Every workstation is connected to its server • In a wired network, workstations are connected through a hub via cables. • In a wireless network, workstations are connected via infrared, microwave, or radio transmission Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Wired School Networks • Typically, networks in schools use a cable similar to telephone wire. • The wire is usually run through the ceiling • A single wire for each workstation is then dropped down inside the walls. Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Wireless School Networks • Transmit via infrared, radio wave, or microwave • Saves cost on retrofitting schools • May require line-of-sight transmission • Offer flexible networked instructional environment Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Types of Networks include: • Local Area Networks (LANs) • Serve a local area such as a single school • Wide Area Networks (WANs) • Serve a wider area such as a school district • WANs typically include multiple LANs Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Network Challenges • The protocol must be the same across networks • Bandwidth must have sufficient carrying capacity Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Network Challenges • Networks must provide sufficient security and privacy Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Network Advantages • Programs installed on the server can be used by all workstations • Programs on servers are easier to install and maintain • Require less hard drive space on individual workstations • May be more economically purchased with site licenses Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Data Sharing • Users typically allocated hard drive space on the server • Server drive space lets users log into any workstation at any location and still have access to their files • Data can be placed in public areas of the server Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Administrative Network Tools • Administrative groupware offers common administrative programs Academic Network Tools • Lets teachers monitor, control, and share images on all workstations Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Hardware Sharing • Allows sharing of printers, scanners, etc. among multiple workstations • Saves on cost of multiple peripherals • Allows monitoring of and access to costly peripherals Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Communications • Email, a software program, included in most networked environments Allyn and Bacon 2005

Networking Basics Communications • Allows users on a network to send and receive electronic messages • Email offers asynchronous communication between students, teachers, and parents Allyn and Bacon 2005

Telecommunications Telecommunications • Electronic communications between computers via phone lines Allyn and Bacon 2005

Telecommunications Telecommunications • Offers an alternative to a direct network connection • Modems needed to convert signals from digital to analog • Modems must be located on both the sending and receiving computer Allyn and Bacon 2005

Telecommunications Modems • Vary in terms of speed of transmission • May be internal or external relative to the computer • Require telecommunications software • Networks may include multiple modems to allows connections from home computers Allyn and Bacon 2005

Telecommunications Connecting to a Network • Once modems connect, a login and password are needed • Modems may not be as fast as a workstation since phone lines have small bandwidth • ISDN and DSL lines are higher bandwidth and makes access faster • Cable modems also offer a faster alternative to phone lines Allyn and Bacon 2005

The Internet • A collection of interconnected individual networks • Uses a common protocol, TCP/IP • Not owned or operated by any one entity • Regulated by the Internet Society Allyn and Bacon 2005

The Internet Internet Service Providers (ISPs) • Provide home users temporary connections to the Internet • The ISP’s network is connected to the Internet • Home users pay for a login to access the ISP network • Some ISPs offer services beyond just access such as shopping, news, email, etc Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Email • Email on the Internet works like network email • You can send and receive mail from beyond your own WAN • Email addresses differ from URLs • Use a combination of login name at network name, for example jsmith@bizness.com Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Conferences • Electronic bulletin boards or forums allow users to read messages from others • Can post messages for others to read • One-to-many communication • May be public or private • Discussions are usually threaded - A single line of conversation can be followed through all responses Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Mailing Lists (Listservs) • Electronic automated mailing lists that delivers messages to all subscribers • May have a moderator to manage and approve mail messages before sending to all subscribers • Conferences must be visited to use them while listserv messages appear in the subscriber’s email box Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Chats • Real-time conversations via the Internet • Communication may be via typing or voice • May include still or video images • Chat rooms (virtual chat space) may be public or private • Require prior appointments since chats are synchronous Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Telephony • Voice conversations via the Internet • Uses computer speaker and microphone as a telephone handset • Telephony software dials and sets up communication among users • Local calls to ISPs may enable long distance connections Allyn and Bacon 2005

Internet Communications Videoconferencing • Audio and video conversations via the Internet • Uses monitor-top video cameras along with computer speaker and microphone • Provides for real-time live video interaction among users • Classrooms around the world can be connected via compressed video. Allyn and Bacon 2005

Other Internet Services File Transfer Protocol (FTP) • Software that allows users to upload (send files to the Internet) and download (receive files from the Internet) • FTP Sites are virtual libraries of downloadable files • Files are usually compressed (zipped) for faster transmission • Compressed files must be unzipped before using Allyn and Bacon 2005

Other Internet Services Usenet • Newsgroups are conferences dedicated to particular topics • Usenet is the collection of on-going newsgroups • Newsreader programs are built into most Internet software Allyn and Bacon 2005

Teaching and the Internet • The world knowledge base is now available in any classroom that can connect to the Internet • The Internet makes global communication for learning possible • Students and teachers can participate in virtual learning communities across nations Allyn and Bacon 2005

Teaching and Learning with Technology