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Module

Computer Anatomy and Troubleshooting

Computing Systems - Computer Care

Treating computers like we would our own bodies, let’s diagnose and “cure” our computer issues.

Introduction

This three lesson module has two major goals. In the first lesson students will learn about the various hardware and software components of a computer and how they work together. The latter parts of the module will introduce the concept of troubleshooting: how to work through problems. This means to try different things, to know when a problem can be solved on one’s own, and to know when to ask for help. 

Tying these educational  goals together with culture, we make metaphoric parallels between computers and the human body. We encourage students to make connections between how their body functions, breathes, sees, and hears, to the way computers use fans, cameras, and microphones. 

Computers, just like humans, get “sick”. When computers are not working properly, how can we “cure” them? What do we do when we have a sore throat? What does our Mom do and how is that different from another student’s family? Keep these metaphors in mind when teaching these lessons and bring out the local culture and uniqueness of the students problem solving skills.

Student Objectives

  • Explain what a system is and describe examples of systems 
  • Distinguish the difference between hardware and software
  • Identify external and internal components of a computer
  • Define and demonstrate the process of troubleshooting
  • Draw comparisons between troubleshooting technology and everyday problem solving scenarios
  • Distinguish problems that can be solved on their own and problems that require help from peers or adults
  • Demonstrate various troubleshooting techniques through creative outlets
  • Identify different sources of computer problems and demonstrate critical thinking to resolve these problem

 

CSTA K-12 CS Standards

Standard Description
1B-CS-01 Describe how internal and external parts of computing devices function to form a system.
1B-CS-02 Model how computer hardware and software work together as a system to accomplish tasks.
1B-CS-03 Determine potential solutions to solve simple hardware and software problems using common troubleshooting strategies.

Nā Hopena Aʻo (Hā)

Standard Description
Belonging “I stand firm in my space with a strong foundation of relationships. A sense of Belonging is demonstrated through an understanding of lineage and place and a connection to past, present, and future. I am able to interact respectfully for the betterment of self and others.”

  • Access to computing devices and knowledge of computing varies from person to person. Students will explore these inequities while learning how to support one another when using technology.
Responsibility “I willingly carry my responsibility for self, family, community and the larger society. A sense of Responsibility is demonstrated by a commitment and concern for others. I am mindful of the values, needs and welfare of others.”

  • Students will engage in responsible practices by carefully handling the physical and electronic aspects of computing devices.
  • Students will also engage in responsible practices by being held accountable for participating in class discussions, activities, and projects throughout this lesson.
Excellence “I believe I can succeed in school and life and am inspired to care about the quality of my work. A sense of Excellence is demonstrated by a love of learning and the pursuit of skills, knowledge and behaviors to reach my potential. I am able to take intellectual risks and strive beyond what is expected.”

  • Students will recognize that the lessons of these modules may extend outside of the computer science classroom by correlating the similarities of a computer to the physical and mental attributes of human-beings.
    • Computers systems function similarly to human functions.
    • Troubleshooting computer problems can be equated to the care we give ourselves and others when we experience symptoms of being sick.
  • Students will also be held accountable for turning in quality work that is applicable to other subjects and the integrity of our actions outside of the computer science classroom.
Aloha “I show care and respect for myself, families, and communities. A sense of Aloha is demonstrated through empathy and appreciation for the symbiotic relationship between all. I am able to build trust and lead for the good of the whole.”

  • In correlation to the sense of belonging outcomes, students will share their aloha to one another by providing a safe space for all to learn about the complex subject of computing systems and troubleshooting.
    • Recognizing the inequities of our society will help to promote empathy towards one another and identity areas of how to better support each other.
  • Students may also take this lesson back into their homes by sharing their computer knowledge with their families who may also need assistance with computing.
    • Younger generations are noticeably more accustomed to using computing devices and often help their elders with various computer inquiries.
Total Well-being “I learn about and practice a healthy lifestyle. A sense of Total Well-being is demonstrated by making choices that improve the mind, body, heart and spirit. I am able to meet the demands of school and life while contributing to the wellbeing of family, ‘āina, community and world.”

  • While computer science mainly focuses on the inanimate devices of computing, this lesson draws comparisons to our human bodily functions and the illnesses that may occur throughout our lifetime.
    • Drawing upon these similarities that our students may already know may strengthen their comprehension of computing systems and troubleshooting.
  • This lesson may also extend back to students’ homes as they share their family practices for knowing what to do when we are sick.
Hawai‘i “I am enriched by the uniqueness of this prized place. A sense of Hawai‘i is demonstrated through an appreciation for its rich history, diversity and indigenous language and culture. I am able to navigate effectively across cultures and communities and be a steward of the homeland.”

  • Hawai’i has a long history and reputation of having many different people who have immigrated to these islands over the past 200 years. It is through our diverse island culture that we recognize the different cultural practices that have either remained as traditional practices of a specific culture or have been integrated and mixed with others.
    • In this lesson, students will learn that there will not always be a right or wrong answer to every problem that occurs in life. By observing different perspectives, many of our problems can be solved in various ways.

Funding Note

nsf logo

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation’s
Division of Research on Learning (Grant #2122874).

This module was created and evaluated by Kaimana Namihira, Christopher Pike, and Sawyer Novak.
Please contact aCRC808@hawaii.edu or visit https://coe.hawaii.edu/acrc/ for any inquiries.