Lesson Plan
Course Title: Computer Technician
Session Title: Technicians’ Tools
Lesson Duration: 180- 240 minutes
Lesson length is subjective and will vary from instructor to instructor
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to identify the computer
technicians’ basic tools required to perform computer maintenance or upgrading. The student
will also be able to describe the function of each of the tools contained in the technicians’ tool
kit.
Specific Objectives:
• Identify the computer technicians’ basic tools used to maintain and upgrade personal
computers (PC’s)
• Students, working in teams, will be able to extract various hardware components and
properly re-assemble them
• Discuss the computer technicians basic tools used to maintain and upgrade personal
computers (PC’s)
• Use the computer technicians’ basic tools and look inside a PC to identify specific
hardware parts
• Students will create a schematic type diagram showing the connection relationships
between the identified computer parts
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
This lesson, as published, correlates to the following TEKS. Any changes/alterations to the
activities may result in the elimination of any or all of the TEKS listed.
130.275 (c)(1)(F)
The student demonstrates the necessary skill for career development, employability, and
successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:
• demonstrate leadership skills and function effectively as a team member.
130.275 (c) (1)(G)
The student demonstrates the necessary skill for career development, employability, and
successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:
• identify and implement proper safety procedures.
130.275 (c) (4)(A)
The student applies communication, mathematics, English, and science knowledge and
skills to research and develop projects. The student is expected to:
• demonstrate proper use of written, verbal, and visual communication techniques
consistent with information technology industry standards.
IT: Computer Technician: Technician’s Tools Plan
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130.275 (c) (5)(D)
The student knows the concepts and skills that form the basis of computer technologies.
The student is expected to:
• identify proper troubleshooting techniques.
130.275 (c) (5)(G)
The student knows the concepts and skills that form the basis of computer technologies.
The student is expected to:
• describe the function of central processing units, storage units, storage devices,
peripheral devices, and microprocessor units.
130.275 (c) (6)(A)
The student knows the proper function and application of the tools, equipment,
technologies, and material used in computer technologies. The student is expected to:
• demonstrate safe use of equipment in computer technologies such as hand and
power tools.
130.275 (c) (6)(B)
• employ available reference tools, materials, and Internet sources to access
information as needed.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
1. JES and Co., A+ Certification: An Introduction to Computer Hardware, Lesson 5:
Technicians Tools
2. IDG Books Worldwide Inc., A+ Certification For Dummies, Chapter 3: Using the Right
Tools.
Instructional Aids:
1. Presentation: Computer Technician Tools
2. Tool’s Exam
3. Tool’s Exam - KEY
4. Computer Parts Lab Activity
5. Classroom Lab Report Activity
6. Tech Tools Word Game
7. Tech Tools Word Game - KEY
Materials Needed:
1. Standard computer technician’ tool kit
2. Copies of Exam (One for each student)
Equipment Needed:
1. Projection system to display presentation (PC/Monitor, PC/Projector, etc.)
2. Various working/nonworking PC’s with complete set of basic hardware (i.e. hard drive,
CPU, Power Supply, etc.)
Learner
1. Students should read appropriate curriculum material for using the right tools (depending
on the test/curriculum being used for this course). This lesson can be taught with only
IT: Computer Technician: Technician’s Tools Plan
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the presentation and standard computer technician tool kit, but it is recommended that
the students actually work in computers.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
Using the proper tools to work on computers saves you time and frustration. A good
computer technician should maintain a simple but functional toolkit that can be
carried easily.
In addition to the simple computer technicians’ took kit that is carried with the
technician, a secondary, more extensive set should be maintained in a fixed location
where you regularly maintain and repair old and new computers. Why do you think
the extensive sets of tools are not regularly carried to the work site?
1. The basic took kit contains most of the tools required to upgrade or fix most
simple computer problems.
2. Prevents expensive tools from being lost or stolen when you leave your shop.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
II.
Instructor Notes:
Introduce computer technicians’ tools to
students utilizing a slide presentation
a. Introduce students to the standard
tools in the toolkit that you should not
leave behind
b. Introduce students to specialized
computer technician tools and
supplies.
c. Introduce students to some of the
software tools used by the computer
technician.
d. Introduce students to measurement
tools (multimeter), used by the
computer technician
Students identify computer technician tools
using worksheets.
a. Students complete word game
exercise for technician tools.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Teacher shows and demonstrates each tool in the standard tool kit.
2. Have students, rotating from student to student, pick up a tool and discuss its
function.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
IT: Computer Technician: Technician’s Tools Plan
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1. Students working in small teams (2-4) will extract, identify and re-install
components from a teacher created list.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
1. Ask students summary questions:
a. What are the common screwdrivers bits (ends) used by the computer
technician?
[Slotted (standard), Phillips, Torx]
b. What tool dies the computer technician use for retrieving parts dropped
inside the computer?
[Parts retriever grabber]
c. What tool does the computer technician use to prevent the discharge into
the delicate computer circuits of the static electricity generated by his/her
movements?
[Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) wrist strap]
2. Show [an additional time] the tools contained in the standard tool kit.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Teacher will monitor student progress during independent practice and
provide independent re-teach/redirection as needed.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
1.
Administer an objective multiple choice test.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
1. Students should create a schematic diagram showing connected relationships
between computer hardware
2. Students should create a “Lab Report” which summarizes the entire
experience.
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Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Personal Development
Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
Problem solving, number
games, critical thinking,
classifying and organizing,
Socratic questioning
Mind-mapping, reflective
time, graphic organizers,
color-coding systems,
drawings, designs, video,
DVD, charts, maps
Use music, compose songs
or raps, use musical
language or metaphors
Organizing material logically, explaining
things sequentially, finding patterns,
developing systems, outlining, charting,
graphing, analyzing information
Developing graphic organizers, mindmapping, charting, graphing, organizing
with color, mental imagery (drawing in
the mind’s eye)
Use manipulatives, hand
signals, pantomime, real life
situations, puzzles and board
games, activities, roleplaying, action problems
Reflective teaching,
interviews, reflective listening,
KWL charts
Cooperative learning, roleplaying, group brainstorming,
cross-cultural interactions
Natural objects as
manipulatives and as
background for learning
Socratic questions, real life
situations, global
problems/questions
Creating rhythms out of words, creating
rhythms with instruments, playing an
instrument, putting words to existing
songs
Moving while learning, pacing while
reciting, acting out scripts of material,
designing games, moving fingers under
words while reading
Reflecting on personal meaning of
information, studying in quiet settings,
imagining experiments, visualizing
information, journaling
Studying in a group, discussing
information, using flash cards with
other, teaching others
Connecting with nature, forming study
groups with like minded people
Considering personal relationship to
larger context
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Computer Parts Lab
Directions:
Students will work in groups investigating the inside of a typical computer. The
case should be opened to reveal the inner components. The following list has been
developed to guide the student to understanding how the components fit together in a
system.
List of Components:
• Hard Drive
• CD ROM
• RAM
• CMOS Battery
• Video, Sound or NIC
• Motherboard
• CPU
• Fan(s)
• Heat Sink
• Power Supply
• All Internal Cables
Assignment:
Students will develop their own diagram showing the basic relationships between
all of the listed parts. This is NOT an artist drawing, but a diagram. The student is not
to draw the components as they actually see them, but, in their drawing, show what is
connected to what. The drawing does not have to be to scale. In fact, it probably
should not be to any particular scale. The student might wish to show some relative
size of the components, but it is not required. All students in a group must complete
their own diagram sketch. There should be no two exactly alike, each student will show
their own interpretation of how the required parts connect. The group can agree on
general ideas of how something connects to another, but how that is shown in the
diagram is up to the individual student. Students may use color, but it is not required.
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Classroom Lab Report
Instructions:
Students should fill out the lab report in its entirety. All blanks should have an
answer. If an individual question does not apply to the lab being taken, then a “N/A”
should be written into that space. Be sure to fill out the header portion of the form for
name, course, date, and title of lab.
Lab Name _________________________
Partners in Lab:
Initial Lab Instructions:
Procedures followed during lab:
Conclusions based on the lab:
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Student Name ________________________________ Date ____________________
Technicians’ Tools Exam
DIRECTIONS: Circle the letter that corresponds to the best answer for each of the questions
below.
Question 1: Which of the following screwdrivers is considered a specialized tool?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Flathead
Phillips
Offset
Torx
Question 2: An IC is best removed using which of the following tools?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Needle-nose pliers
Phillips screwdriver
IC chip tool
Offset screwdriver
Question 3: Which of the following is a screwdriver that is made especially for screws with an
internal, faceted, star-like hole?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Flathead
Phillips
Offset
Torx
Question 4: If you use a screwdriver set with interchangeable tips, be sure that the tips are
_____________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Insulated
Magnetic
Carbon steel
Nonmagnetic
Question 5: Which of the following is an ingenious device to help retrieve small parts and
screws dropped into a computer case?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Chip puller
Part retriever
Offset screwdriver
Needle-nosed pliers
Question 6: What tool does a technician use to test I/O ports such as serial and parallel ports?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Loopback plugs
Multimeter
Volt-ohmmeter
None of the above
IT: Computer Technician: Technician’s Tools Plan
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Question 7: What device will prevent the discharge into delicate computer circuits of the static
electricity generated by your movements?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Part retriever
ESD wrist strap
Chip puller
Soft lint-free cloth
Question 8: Which of the following technician tools can be left in the shop while on a service
call?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Soldering iron
Diagonal cutters (dikes)
Parts retriever
Screwdrivers
Question 9: When servicing a PC, on which of the following do you attach the grounding wrist
strap to prevent ESD?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To the static ground mat
To the chassis inside the case
To the chassis, but only if a ground mat is not available
To the static shielding bag that came with the computer
Question 10: Which of the following supply items is used for cleaning fans, grill work, inside the
case, keyboards, and other parts of the PC?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Compressed air
Soft lint-free cloth
Pure grain alcohol
You cannot clean these parts without damaging the computer electronics
Question 11: Which of the following is one of the most effective diagnostics tools available and
runs every time you boot the system?
A.
B.
C.
D.
MSD.EXE
BIOS POST
SYSEDIT.EXE
SCANDISK.EXE
Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a typical screw used in a PC?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Hex head
Phillips
torx
lag
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Question 13: A Multimeter will measure which of the following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Voltage (volts)
Current (amps)
Resistance (ohms)
All of the above
Question 14: Which of the following is a Windows 9x software tool used to view and edit .INI
files, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and CONFIG.SYS?
A.
B.
C.
D.
SYSEDIT.EXE
REGEDIT.EXE
SYSVIEW.EXE
FILE MANAGER
Question 15: Which of the following is a software tool that is used to find and repair hard-disk
problems?
A.
B.
C.
D.
DEFRAG.EXE
MSD.EXE
SCANDISK.EXE
MEM.EXE
Question 16: Which of the following is a type of software that is used to remove orphaned or
unwanted files?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Antivirus
Uninstaller
Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
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TECHNICIAN’S TOOLS EXAM - KEY
DIRECTIONS: Circle the letter that corresponds to the best answer for each of the
questions below.
Question 1: Which of the following screwdrivers is considered a specialized tool?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Flathead
Phillips
Offset
Torx
Question 2: An IC is best removed using which of the following tools?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Needle-nose pliers
Phillips screwdriver
IC chip tool
Offset screwdriver
Question 3: Which of the following is a screwdriver that is made especially for screws with an
internal, faceted, star-like hole?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Flathead
Phillips
Offset
Torx
Question 4: If you use a screwdriver set with interchangeable tips, be sure that the tips are
_____________.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Insulated
Magnetic
Carbon steel
Nonmagnetic
Question 5: Which of the following is an ingenious device to help retrieve small parts and
screws dropped into a computer case?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Chip puller
Part retriever
Offset screwdriver
Needle-nosed pliers
Question 6: What tool does a technician use to test I/O ports such as serial and parallel ports?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Loopback plugs
Multimeter
Volt-ohmmeter
None of the above
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Question 7: What device will prevent the discharge into delicate computer circuits of the static
electricity generated by your movements?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Part retriever
ESD wrist strap
Chip puller
Soft lint-free cloth
Question 8: Which of the following technician tools can be left in the shop while on a service
call?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Soldering iron
Diagonal cutters (dikes)
Parts retriever
Screwdrivers
Question 9: When servicing a PC, on which of the following do you attach the grounding wrist
strap to prevent ESD?
A.
B.
C.
D.
To the static ground mat
To the chassis inside the case
To the chassis, but only if a ground mat is not available
To the static shielding bag that came with the computer
Question 10: Which of the following supply items is used for cleaning fans, grill work, inside the
case, keyboards, and other parts of the PC?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Compressed air
Soft lint-free cloth
Pure grain alcohol
You cannot clean these parts without damaging the computer electronics
Question 11: Which of the following is one of the most effective diagnostics tools available and
runs every time you boot the system?
A.
B.
C.
D.
MSD.EXE
BIOS POST
SYSEDIT.EXE
SCANDISK.EXE
Question 12: Which of the following is NOT a typical screw used in a PC?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Hex head
Phillips
Torx
Lag
IT: Computer Technician: Technician’s Tools Plan
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12
Question 13: A Multimeter will measure which of the following?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Voltage (volts)
Current (amps)
Resistance (ohms)
All of the above
Question 14: Which of the following is a Windows 9x software tool used to view and edit .INI
files, AUTOEXEC.BAT, and CONFIG.SYS?
A.
B.
C.
D.
SYSEDIT.EXE
REGEDIT.EXE
SYSVIEW.EXE
FILE MANAGER
Question 15: Which of the following is a software tool that is used to find and repair hard-disk
problems?
A.
B.
C.
D.
DEFRAG.EXE
MSD.EXE
SCANDISK.EXE
MEM.EXE
Question 16: Which of the following is a type of software that is used to remove orphaned or
unwanted files?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Antivirus
Uninstaller
Diagnostics
Troubleshooting
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Student Name:
Date:
Word Game
DIRECTIONS: Find and circle the words from the Technicians’ Tools Lesson
hidden in the puzzle below. The words may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal,
backward, or forward.
SCREWDRIVER
NUT DRIVER
CHIP PULLER
OFFSET SCREWDRIVER
TWEEZERS
HEX HEAD
FLATHEAD
PHILLIPS
TORX
MULTIMETER
CONTINUITY
VOLTAGE
WIRE STRIPPERS
LOOPBACK PLUG
VOLTMETER
OHMMETER
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Word Game Key
DIRECTIONS: Find and circle the words from the Technicians’ Tools Lesson hidden in
the puzzle below. The words may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, backward, or
forward.
SCREWDRIVER
NUT DRIVER
CHIP PULLER
OFFSET SCREWDRIVER
TWEEZERS
HEX HEAD
FLATHEAD
PHILLIPS
TORX
MULTIMETER
CONTINUITY
VOLTAGE
WIRE STRIPPERS
LOOPBACK PLUG
VOLTMETER
OHMMETER
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