Finding out just how it all works

Students in Mr. Swann's first period Computing in the Modern World class recently began a unit that gets to the heart of the modern computer. Most people today know how to turn a computer on, surf the Internet, and use basic software programs. The new state curriculum for computers challenges students to take it one step further.

One of the new Georgia Performance Standards for computing requires students to demonstrate a knowledge of the internal workings of a computer. Mr. Swann and his students recently began taking the covers off the computer and exploring the inside.

Students have moved beyond Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. They are now discovering what exactly makes a computer work. Students are identifying items such as power supplies, motherboards, data cables, processing chips, RAM chips, and expansion slots. One of the required tasks is to be able to assemble the components of a computer and to be able to connect all the required cables.

"Many of the students show a good deal of interest in what actually makes a computer work", said Swann. "I was really surprised by how much some all ready knew. There are a few that may be on the way to a high paying career in computer technology."