References:

Reflection on my learning
experience in each module

Module 1 objectives
on T171 website

Module 2 objectives
on T171 website

Module 3 objectives
on T171 website

Where to find 
out more:

"Computer History" at
About.com

Microsoft

IBM

Apple

"The history of the
Internet" at About.com

CERN and the WWW

Web Design Sites:

Useable Web

Web Monkey

Reviews of the set books:

"Accidental Empires"
on amazon.com.

"Where Wizards Stay 
up Late" on amazon.com.

© Stephanie Bell
2000 - PI: T4666584

The objectives of this module were to teach us how to use a computer confidently and essential learning skills suitable for beginners of serious study.

Computing with confidence:

This has taught me how to use the basic functions of a computer. From opening and closing windows to managing files and folders. We listened to a series of audio tapes (via our computer) and a book: 'Working with Windows'. Both gave us step by step instructions on how to do various tasks.

Working with others as a group:

I was introduced to 'FirstClass', the communications software package which enables us to contribute to a vast amount of OU student discussion groups and work together with other students. We were taught essential 'netiquette' skills which can be useful in the workplace.

Using Software:

I now have the basic skills for using office applications such as word processors, spreadsheets and databases as well as a basic graphics program. We did practical exercises for this. I also learnt how to install, use and customize new software.

 

Learning skills:

This part of Module One taught me essential academic learning skills including study time management, reading written material and different ways of writing notes about it, summarising and writing essays.

Web skills:

I have been taught how to use the World Wide Web. I can now search for and find reliable information using search engines. I know how to use e-mail, it's address books and mailing lists with confidence.

We were also shown how to create and publish a webpage.

Module Two - "your computer: the story of the PC".

This Module's aims were to teach us the history of the personal computer industry, current issues and possible future developments. We used the book: "Accidental Empires" by Robert X Cringely. We also learnt about "the basic architecture of a computer". 

Hardware and software:

I now know the difference between hardware and software. I have learnt that hardware consists of practical components like the microprocessor unit and everything inside it. Items attached to this unit are called 'peripherals'. Examples of these are a monitor, printer, scanner, modem and keyboard.

Software is usually found on CD-ROMs or can be downloaded directly from the Internet. It can be an office application, a game, an operating system and many more programs. We were taught about binaries, bits and bytes and the basic architecture and power of a computer.

History of the PC Industry:

I have learnt about major contributors, from the mainframes to the desktop PCs of today.

I know what 'Moore's Law' means and what a 'Start-up' company is.  I have studied material about IBM (PC), Microsoft (Software) and Apple (GUI) and their major roles. Also, I know about Xerox Parc, who worked there and what technologies became of it.

I have made a concept map which outlines the history of the PC industry. I know about the cultural side of the PC industry and what the killer applications were.
We also learnt about 'clones' and reverse engineering.

Future developments:

I have studied information regarding expected developments of the personal computer.
These ideas included: Microsoft's future as the dominant company, smaller machines to access the Internet, (palmtops, mobile phones and even watches) and totally voice -recognisable computers.

Study Journal:

We created study journals using study guides supplied, into which we pasted relevant key points points from the T171 website material and I added notes into it.

Module Three - "The Net: where it came from, how it works".

The objections of this module were to teach us the history of the design and structure of a network and the people/ institutions involved; the technological side of the Internet and how it works and future prospects of the Internet. We read the set book: "Where wizards stay up late" by Katie Hafner and Matthew Lyon. It also aimed to teach us online skills that included searching for information/images on the WWW and creating a website.

The history of the Internet:

We have read about where the first inclinations of the web came from, Vannevar Bush's article: "As we may think". My summary of the paper is included on this site.
I have learnt how the Internet developed from the Arpanet to what it is today. I have learnt about the personalities, institutions and technologies who played a major role in the Internet's development. I know what packet-switching and time-sharing is. 
We read about the way browsers and the invention of the WWW had a positive affect on the popularity of Internet.

The World Wide Web:

I have learnt about how Tim Berners-Lee (at CERN) invented the WWW so that information could be kept track of and accessed easily. 

How the Internet works:

 I have a basic understanding of how the Net works and it's use of protocols like TCP/IP (Transmission-Control Protocol/Internet Protocol), FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). 

Online skills:

I have learnt how to search for reliable sources of information. I can create and publish  websites using a WYSIWYG (What you see is what you get) editor and I have a basic knowledge of HTML - the language used to code a webpage.