Advanced Tech WebQuest #1:

Introduction:

In this WebQuest, each small collaborative group will construct and convey to your classmates a detailed understanding of one of the key functions of computer operating systems:

The Challenge:

You are a high-powered computer salesperson confronted with the most difficult customer of your career. This person wants to buy a powerful computer but is not very knowledgeable and hates Bill Gates. The only thing blocking your sale at this point is the only thing this customer knows about computers: that Bill Gates is Microsoft and Microsoft makes operating systems. The customer is refusing to pay for an operating system, insisting that the computer doesn't really need one and operating systems are just a ploy to make more money for Bill Gates.

Your task is to convince the customer that the computer really does need an operating system - but it doesn't have to be Microsoft.

Back to Top

Expectations

1. Prepare an effective 10-15 minute presentation explaining in depth what this role of the OS does, how it does it, and why it needs doing. Suggested tools
2. Develop and publish a website to support and supplement the presentation and to serve as a learning resource for other students. Suggested tools
3. Create and publish on the Intranet an online interactive practice quiz to help the class review the material you present. Suggested tools
4. Develop the OS Unit Test section that will assess the class's understanding of your topic. Suggested tools
5. Install an operating system on a system in 143-145 that needs one.

 

Back to Top

Process: What to Do

1. Develop an equitable and effective division of labor within the group.
2. Research individual areas as decided within the group in depth, using both online and offline resources
3. Develop individually assigned aspects of the project.
4. Have Practice Quiz uploaded to the server for class use after your presentation.
5. Write unit test section - turn in, with answers
6. Present to the class according to the Presentation Schedule below.
7. As directed, install an appropriate operating system on a sick PC.
8. Turn in individual and group evaluations.

 

Back to Top

Resources:

1. http://baltimorecitycollege.org/advtech/atunit1res.htm
2. http://baltimorecitycollege.org/ib/glossary.htm
3. Classroom library including (but not limited to) Beekman, Computer Confluence; text & CD; Unix Unbounded; Norton, Inside the PC; Computer Technology; text & CD; Introduction to Information Technology, text & CD;
4. Media Center and classroom library periodicals including (but not limited to) Wired, E-Week, Information Week, B2B. Network, PC Magazine

 

Back to Process
Back to Top

Evaluation / Assessment:

1. Presentation and Materials - Project Matrix
2. Individual Evaluation of Group including Self-Evaluation -
   due on day of presentation, after presentation - see schedule below (T/Q)
3. OS Unit Test - 9/22/03 (T)
4. Accountability - effectiveness as measured by relevant section of Unit Test (C)
5. Metacognitive - due 9/29/03 (T)

Conclusion: Metacognitive #1 - Due Friday 9/27/02

Using your Learning Log and your notes, compose and word-process a 700-1000 word essay in which you

• describe the process of your individual work in completing this WebQuest,
• describe your and your group's successes and challenges in this process,
• evaluate the end product and your individual contributions to the end product, and
• suggest beneficial changes to this WebQuest.

Congratulations! You made the sale!