Technical ed from the inside out

***image1***Students in the Computer Applications class at Kaiserslautern Middle School recently went through a series of lessons to develop their own virtual computer.

First the eighth-grade students did research on the 12 or more essential parts of a computer. Then they “shopped” for hardware on the Internet from a variety of sources. Students were told they could spend $800 to $1,500 to purchase their supplies. They placed the full item name, its function, where it could be purchased, and a picture of it on a spreadsheet. Later the students developed charts using this data.

“I never realized there were so many parts in a computer or that they were so intertwined,” said A.J. Jansen.

As a culminating activity, the students disassembled computers that were to be recycled through the Defense Reutilization Management Office. They examined each part they had “ordered,” and were able to see how parts were organized, working together to form a computer.

“It was fun taking the computers apart. That was my first time learning the different computer parts,” said Jackie Luckado.

Many students felt that this lesson allowed them to apply information effectively, become a skilled user of technology, and have the opportunity to be a true problem solver.

“So now when I want to put a video card in I know how to, thanks to Mr. Anderson,” said Jordan Simmons.

“I thought it was awesome; it was the first time I ever did something like that,” said Larissa Crawford.

“I had more fun with a computer than ever,” said Michael Davalos.
The students did eventually get the computers ready for donation to DRMO.