Theoretical Foundations

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Teaching and Learning with Technology
Teaching and Learning with Technology
Chapter 7
Networks andthe Internet
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Networking Basics

• Network
• Collection of computers and peripherals connected
  together
• Networked workstations connected to a server via
  hubs

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Networking Basics

• A network
• Has a server that is a more powerful computers
  configured to serve the workstations attached
  to it
• Allows users on the network to communicate
• Allows sharing of resources and data

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Networking Basics

• Every workstation is connected to its server
• In a wired network, workstations are connected
  through a hub via cables.
• In a wireless network, workstations are connected
  via infrared, microwave, or radio transmission

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Networking Basics

• Wired School Networks
• Typically, networks in schools use a cable
  similar to telephone wire.
• The wire is usually run through the ceiling
• A single wire for each workstation is then
  dropped down inside the walls.

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Networking Basics

• Wireless School Networks
• Transmit via infrared, radio wave, or microwave
• Saves cost on retrofitting schools
• May require line-of-sight transmission
• Offer flexible networked instructional
  environment

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Networking Basics

• Types of Networks include
• Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Serve a local area such as a single school
• Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• Serve a wider area such as a school district
• WANs typically include multiple LANs

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Networking Basics

• Network Challenges
• The protocol must be the same across networks
• Bandwidth must have sufficient carrying capacity

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Networking Basics

• Network Challenges
• Networks must provide sufficient security and
  privacy

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Networking Basics

• Network Advantages
• Programs installed on the server can be used by
  all workstations
• Programs on servers are easier to install and
  maintain
• Require less hard drive space on individual
  workstations
• May be more economically purchased with site
  licenses

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Networking Basics

• Data Sharing
• Users typically allocated hard drive space on the
  server
• Server drive space lets users log into any
  workstation at any location and still have access
  to their files
• Data can be placed in public areas of the server

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Networking Basics

• Administrative Network Tools
• Administrative groupware offers common
  administrative programs
• Academic Network Tools
• Lets teachers monitor, control, and share images
  on all workstations

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Networking Basics

• Hardware Sharing
• Allows sharing of printers, scanners, etc. among
  multiple workstations
• Saves on cost of multiple peripherals
• Allows monitoring of and access to costly
  peripherals

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Networking Basics

• Communications
• Email, a software program, included in most
  networked environments

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Networking Basics

• Communications
• Allows users on a network to send and receive
  electronic messages
• Email offers asynchronous communication between
  students, teachers, and parents

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Telecommunications

• Telecommunications
• Electronic communications between computers via
  phone lines

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Telecommunications

• Telecommunications
• Offers an alternative to a direct network
  connection
• Modems needed to convert signals from digital to
  analog
• Modems must be located on both the sending and
  receiving computer

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Telecommunications

• Modems
• Vary in terms of speed of transmission
• May be internal or external relative to the
  computer
• Require telecommunications software
• Networks may include multiple modems to allows
  connections from home computers

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Telecommunications

• Connecting to a Network
• Once modems connect, a login and password are
  needed
• Modems may not be as fast as a workstation since
  phone lines have small bandwidth
• ISDN and DSL lines are higher bandwidth and makes
  access faster
• Cable modems also offer a faster alternative to
  phone lines

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The Internet

• A collection of interconnected individual
  networks
• Uses a common protocol, TCP/IP
• Not owned or operated by any one entity
• Regulated by the Internet Society

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The Internet

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
• Provide home users temporary connections to the
  Internet
• The ISPs network is connected to the Internet
• Home users pay for a login to access the ISP
  network
• Some ISPs offer services beyond just access such
  as shopping, news, email, etc

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Internet Communications

• Email
• Email on the Internet works like network email
• You can send and receive mail from beyond your
  own WAN
• Email addresses differ from URLs
• Use a combination of login name at network name,
  for example jsmith_at_bizness.com

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Internet Communications

• Conferences
• Electronic bulletin boards or forums allow users
  to read messages from others
• Can post messages for others to read
• One-to-many communication
• May be public or private
• Discussions are usually threaded - A single line
  of conversation can be followed through all
  responses

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Internet Communications

• Mailing Lists (Listservs)
• Electronic automated mailing lists that delivers
  messages to all subscribers
• May have a moderator to manage and approve mail
  messages before sending to all subscribers
• Conferences must be visited to use them while
  listserv messages appear in the subscribers
  email box

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Internet Communications

• Chats
• Real-time conversations via the Internet
• Communication may be via typing or voice
• May include still or video images
• Chat rooms (virtual chat space) may be public or
  private
• Require prior appointments since chats are
  synchronous

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Internet Communications

• Telephony
• Voice conversations via the Internet
• Uses computer speaker and microphone as a
  telephone handset
• Telephony software dials and sets up
  communication among users
• Local calls to ISPs may enable long distance
  connections

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Internet Communications

• Videoconferencing
• Audio and video conversations via the Internet
• Uses monitor-top video cameras along with
  computer speaker and microphone
• Provides for real-time live video interaction
  among users
• Classrooms around the world can be connected via
  compressed video.

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Other Internet Services

• File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
• Software that allows users to upload (send files
  to the Internet) and download (receive files from
  the Internet)
• FTP Sites are virtual libraries of downloadable
  files
• Files are usually compressed (zipped) for faster
  transmission
• Compressed files must be unzipped before using

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Other Internet Services

• Usenet
• Newsgroups are conferences dedicated to
  particular topics
• Usenet is the collection of on-going newsgroups
• Newsreader programs are built into most Internet
  software

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Teaching and the Internet

• The world knowledge base is now available in any
  classroom that can connect to the Internet
• The Internet makes global communication for
  learning possible
• Students and teachers can participate in virtual
  learning communities across nations