Essential Language to Know *THIS PAGE NEEDS WORK*
When it comes to understanding and teaching digital language, it’s good to start with language that is used regularly.
Digital Language Dictionary
Digital language is always changing – visually, verbally and physically – to adapt to new technologies in the digital world. As you use these resources check to be sure that they are still up to date, and add to it as well!
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ICON – Activity: Downloadable handout of p.17 from Tech Talk Student Manual on CLN Template of Language Name Game
What is a computer?
A computer refers to a digital device that uses information or data to get tasks done. It can process data, store it and also get the data back again for the user.
ICON - *See it in action: Video - Computer basics: What is a computer? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu3R5it4cQs
ICON – Resources: Here is another video, from GCFGlobal along with more explanations.
/https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/computerbasics/what-is-a-computer/1/
What is Hardware?
Hardware refers to the physical objects connected to digital devices that you can touch. Some examples of hardware are the screen, buttons, and charging cord on a device.
ICON - *See it in action: Video - Basic Parts of a Computer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLgTnkw558w
ICON – Activity: Use offline resources and activities to teach about digital concepts. Try this: (C:\Users\supportpd\Community Learning Network\Projects & Resources - Documents\Projects\2024 Resource Development Projects\Teaching Digital Skills\BuildYour3DSmartphone_FacilitatorsGuide shared by Ryan Pike.pdf)
What is Software?
Software refers to the programs and applications that tell the hardware what to do, allowing your digital device to perform the tasks you want. While hardware is the things you can touch, software is like the “guts” the hardware is protecting…it’s the inside “stuff” that is crucial for getting things done.
Software is like the manager. If you had a staff member in your business who was in charge of all the workings going on, that person needs to stay updated with training. When you get information about needing to update your device, you might feel tempted to avoid it due to being worried about things changing. If updates are avoided, it’s like keeping your manager in a closet as they’re not getting the information they need to run your business effectively.
At some point, your device becomes too old to keep updating. If you compare this to a manager, imagine a manager who has stayed too long and is not willing to try and learn anything knew. They are ready and need to retire so that you can hire a new manager who has just stepped out of post- secondary training full of the newest information, passion for the job, and motivation to put their training into action! This is similar to old devices. They might be fine for a little while, but eventually it is time to retire them and get a newer version.
ICON - *See it in action: Video - Understanding Operating Systems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkGCLIQx1MI
What is the internet?
Going "online" or, in other words, onto the internet refers the "interconnected network" which is a system of web servers that connects computers worldwide. The "web" (which is also the "world-wide web", "www") is a collections of websites you can access through the Internet.
ICON - *See it in action: Video - From GCFGlobal Computer Basics: Connecting to the Internet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93-3zmVvCGU
ICON – Resources: Downloadable handout – pg. 26-27 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What is "The Cloud"?
The "cloud" refers to a digital storage system (Internet servers instead of your computer's hard drive) that can be accessed from anywhere there is an internet connection.
ICON – Resources: Downloadable handout – pg. 18 and pg. 27 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Apps?
The word "App", refers to "application." It's a piece of software for your digital device that may or may not use a connection to the internet. They can come in desktop, web, or mobile (phones, tablets, etc.) forms.
ICON - *See it in action: Video – From GCF Global called Computer Basics: Understanding Applications https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gMOYZoMtEs
ICON - *See it in action: Video – Social Media Apps How-To Videos https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/topics/socialmedia
ICON – Resources: Downloadable handout – pg. 19-20 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Settings?
Settings refer to an app that lets you customize your device. Things like notifications, privacy and security controls, screen brightness and appearance are all accessed by going into settings.
ICON – Resources: Downloadable handout – pg. 24-25 of the Tech Talk Student Manual
What are Passwords?
Passwords refer to characters, symbols, or numbers that are combined to create protection against others accessing your information. Creating strong passwords are important because they are your first line of defence in Internet safety.
ICON – Resources: Don't know how to create a strong password that you can remember? Here are some great tips and tricks! Downloadable handout – pg. 27-28 of the Tech Talk Student Manual