Lesson Plan
Course Title: Principles of Information Technology
Session Title: Understanding Types & Uses of Software
Lesson Duration: Approximately 5 hours
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to differentiate between
application software and systems software and demonstrate usage of system management
tools.
Specific Objectives:
 Define operating systems software
 Identify fundamentals of operating systems software
 Define application software
 Identify components of operating systems software
 Identify open source and proprietary licenses
 Demonstrate proper use of system management tools
Preparation
TEKS Correlations:
(5) The student demonstrates knowledge of the different software associated with
information systems. The student is expected to:
(A) differentiate between systems and application software;
(B) identify and understand major operating system fundamentals and
components; (J) identify open source and proprietary licenses;
(K) demonstrate proper use of system management tools
Interdisciplinary Correlations:
[Across all disciplines]
Instructor/Trainer
Instructional Aids:
1. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Presentation
2. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Notes Organizer
3. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Activity #1 Instructions
4. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Activity #2 Instructions
5. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Activity #2 Example
6. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Test
7. Understanding Types & Uses of Software Test Key
Materials Needed:
- Copies of Notes Organizer, Instruction Sheets, and Test
Equipment Needed:
1. Computer and Projector for Presentation
2. Computers for individual student use with operating system and professional word
processing software
Learner
Place the students in pairs and have them decide in their own words the definition of
operator and applicator. Have them write the word with their definition on two separate
sheets of paper.
Have the students share their definitions with the class.
Note: the objective of this exercise is to introduce the difference in the actions of something
that operates and something that applies.
Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
SAY: Have you ever been working on an assignment on a computer and it keeps
freezing up?
SAY: Then you look at the person next to you with an identical computer and
they are not having any problems?
SAY: Have you wondered to yourself what you are doing differently? It probably
isn’t you; it is the settings on the computer. In this lesson you will learn about
the functions and tools of the computer.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Students define operating systems software
(slide #4)
Students identify operating
systems fundamentals (slides #56)
Students define application software
(slide 6)
Students identify components of
operating systems software (slide #9-10)
Students differentiate between open source
and proprietary software (slide #11)
Instructor Notes:
Instructor should use a
computer and projector to
display the presentation:
Understanding Types &
Uses of Software.
Handout the Understanding
Types & Uses of Software
Notes Organizer (1) per
student to aid them in note
taking during your
presentation.
Instructor should use projector and computer
to demonstrate various management tools
such as changing themes, screensaver, icons,
etc.
VI.
Students demonstrate proper use of
system management tools
Handout the Activity #1
Instruction sheet, 1
per student.
Activity #1: Also listed in guided practice below
Reinforcement activity in which students
demonstrate use of control panel
features
VII.
Students will complete the review
activity listed below in the Summary
section.
VIII.
Students will complete the test activity
listed below in the Evaluation section.
As students are working,
view their screens and
offer feedback on their
progress.
Place the students in pairs
or groups of three for this
activity.
Students will do this
individually.
Answer key provided
in lesson documents.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Activity #1:
Students will complete the instructions by using a computer’s system
management tools. As student’s work, the instructor will move around the room
and offer feedback of their progress.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
Activity #2:
Students will complete the instructions by using a computer’s system
management tools. When students are finished, the instructor will look at their
screens and check off the grading rubric provided.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
In pairs, have students ask questions of each other using the lesson note
organizers they filled out at the beginning of the lesson.
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Discussion comments during introduction activity
Observation of note-taking during presentation of lesson
Guided practice activity
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Activity #2: Using the control panel option to change system settings
TEST: Questions over File types, purposes and extensions (answer key provided)
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
Enrichment #1: Have students use the Internet to research the differences
between types or versions of operating systems and record their findings in a
slide presentation.
Icon
MI
Verbal/
Linguistic
Logical/
Mathematical
Visual/Spatial
Musical/
Rhythmic
Bodily/
Kinesthetic
Intrapersonal
Interpersonal
Naturalist
Existentialist
Teaching Strategies
Lecture, discussion, journal
writing, cooperative learning,
word origins
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
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
Personal Development
Strategies
Reading, highlighting, outlining,
teaching others, reciting information
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)
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
Notes Organizer
1. Define operating system software.
2. Name two common types of operating systems.
A.
used on
B.
used on
3. After being turned on, the computer performs a
often referred to as
-On Self
.
4. During the POST, you may hear a series of
. Depending on the
hardware manufacturer, you could hear any combination of long or short beeps
and each combination has its own
.
5. The OS is responsible for the look of the
6. The OS usually is loaded onto the
7. The OS allows the hardware pieces to
at power-up.
memory of the computer.
with each other.
8. Define Application software.
9. As the user is creating a document, the OS is what allows the key
to register as alphabet characters, numbers, or symbols on the
.
10. When you save the document, it is the OS that allows the document to be placed in
the
on the drive the user selects.
11. GUI stands for:
a. DOS stands for:
b. DOS is a
- based system of commands.
c. Elements of a GUI include such things as:
,scroll bars, icons, and ________________.
d. GUIs are easier to use, faster and accommodate better
of your applications.
_,
12. If you open the
operating system.
window you will see many available functions of the
13. Define proprietary software.
14. Give an example of proprietary software.
15. Define Open Source Software.
16. Give an example of Open Source Software.
Activity #1 Instructions
1. C lick on the Start button.
2. Choose the control panel option from the menu.
3. Double-click on the Device Manager icon.

Locate the keyboard and mouse devices. Click on each one to
examine the type of devices.
4. Navigate back to the control panel window.
5. Double-click on the printer icon.

Notice the number of printers available. Notice the icon
with the green checkmark, this is the default printer.

Change the default printer by right-clicking on a different printer
then choose the set as default printer option. Notice how the green
checkmark switched now to this printer.
6. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the
fonts icon.

Scroll through the list of available fonts.
7. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the Folder Options
icon.

This is where you can choose to open items in the same window
or in their own window.
8. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the Problem Reports
and Solutions icon.

If your computer experiences a problem it will create a report
and a possible solution for the problem. If there are any
reports listed, view them
9. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the Sound icon.

You can change the volume level for recording and playback in this
window.
10. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the
System icon.

You can locate the specifics of the computer system in
this window.
11. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the Sidebar Properties
icon.

Notice the various options available for the Sidebar. Click on
the customize option. Scroll through the information and add
another item to the sidebar.
12. Navigate back to the control panel window. Double-click the
Personalization icon.

Change the window color, Desktop Background picture,
screen saver, and mouse pointer options.
Activity #2 Instructions
1. Open your word processing application. Save this document to your student
folder as My Computer Info.
 Create a header with your name and page number.
2. Create a bulleted list:
 Keyboard, Mouse, Operating System, Manufacturer, Model,
Rating, Processor, RAM, System type, Product ID, Default printer,
Folder options, Problem reports, Sidebar, Appearance options
3. Using the control panel, locate the descriptive information for the:
 Keyboard, Mouse, Operating System, Manufacturer, Model,
Rating, Processor, RAM, System type, Product ID

On the document, after each of these items in the list, type in the
names of the types of devices for these.
4. Using the control panel option, make the following changes:
5. Change the default printer. Take a snapshot of the screen and paste it into
the word document beneath the text that identifies it. Resize picture if
needed.
NOTE: you may have to change the picture options to get the text to wrap
around the screen snapshots. To do this, click on the snapshot. Click on
the Picture Tools option located on the title bar. Click the Text Wrapping
button. Choose the square option.
6. Set the Folder Options to open in its own window and be a single-click
 Take a snapshot of the screen and paste it into the word document
beneath the text that identifies it. Resize picture if needed.
7. Locate the Problem Reports and Solutions icon.
 Snapshot this screen and paste it into the word document
beneath the text that identifies it. Resize picture if needed.
8. Locate the Sidebar Properties.
 Minimize all screens; take a snapshot of the desktop.
 Change the sidebar properties to remove an item and add a different
item.
 Minimize all screens and take a snapshot of the desktop. Paste it
into the word document beneath the text that identifies it. Resize
picture if needed.
9. Locate the Personalization icon.
 Change the desktop background picture options. Leave the word
document window open; resize to cover only half the screen,
snapshot the screen and paste it into the word document beneath
the text that identifies it. Resize picture if needed.
Understanding Types and Uses of Software Quiz
Instructions: Read each question below. Decide which option best answers the question
and write the letter that precedes that answer in the blank to the left of question.
1.
2.
The initials GUI stand for what?
A.
Graphics Under Intelligence
B.
Graphical User Interface
C.
Graphics Up to Intel
D.
Gas Under Intercom
Proprietary software is:
A.
Software that allows the user to modify the program code and may
distribute the modified version
B.
Will not allow the user to change the desktop appearance
C.
Is the equivalent of a help desk technician
D.
Software that is the property of the maker and can be used by the
purchaser and can’t be reproduced modified or sold by the purchaser
3.
A computer operating system is:
A.
The power supply
B.
System icon in the control panel window
C.
Program code that tells the computer hardware what to do
D.
Allows the user to open the software but not load it onto the computer
memory
4.
The appearance of the computer monitor screen can be changed using what?
A.
Personalization icon in the control panel window
B.
System icon in the control panel window
C.
The control panel icon in the system window
D.
The desktop icon in system window
5.
6.
Two common types of operating systems are:
A.
CDRW & CDR
B.
RAM & HDD
C.
Word Processing & Spreadsheets
D.
None of the above
Open Source Software is:
A.
Allows the user to open the software but not load it onto the computer
memory
B.
Will not allow the user to change the desktop appearance
C.
Software that allows the user to modify the program code and may
distribute the modified version
D.
Software that is the property of the maker and can be used by the
purchaser only with certain restrictions. Can’t be reproduced,
modified or resold by the purchaser
7.
8.
Application software is:
A.
Programs written to perform a specific function specified by the user
B.
Program written to make the hardware of a computer function
C.
Bits & Bytes
D.
All of the above
What do the initials POST stand for?
A.
Ping-Over System Technique
B.
Port Operation Stand-by
C.
Paste Over Simple Technique
D.
Power-On Self Test
9.
Elements of a GUI include:
A.
Processor, Hard drive, and RAM
B.
POST, Processor, and wizard
C.
Desktop, window, Processor and task bar
D.
Menus, buttons, and wizards
10. The operating system is usually loaded onto what?
A.
The DVD drive memory
B.
Floppy disc drive memory
C.
Hard-drive memory
D.
POST memory
ANSWER KEY
Instructions: Read each question below. Decide which option best answers the question and
write the letter that precedes that answer in the blank to the left of question.
1.
The initials GUI stand for what?
A.
Graphics Under Intelligence
B.
Graphical User Interface
C.
Graphics Up to Intel
D.
Gas Under Intercom
B
2.
Proprietary software is:
A.
Software that allows the user to modify the program code and may
distribute the modified version
B.
Will not allow the user to change the desktop appearance
C.
Is the equivalent of a help desk technician
D.
Software that is the property of the maker and can be used by the
purchaser and can’t be reproduced modified or sold by the purchaser
D
3.
A computer operating system is:
A.
The power supply
B.
System icon in the control panel window
C.
Program code that tells the computer hardware what to do
D.
Allows the user to open the software but not load it onto the computer
memory
C
4.
The appearance of the computer monitor screen can be changed using what?
A.
Personalization icon in the control panel window
B.
System icon in the control panel window
C.
The control panel icon in the system window
D.
The desktop icon in system window
A
5.
Two common types of operating systems are:
A.
CDRW & CDR
B.
RAM & HDD
C.
Word Processing & Spreadsheets
D.
None of the above
D
6.
Open Source Software is:
A.
Allows the user to open the software but not load it onto the computer
memory
B.
Will not allow the user to change the desktop appearance
C.
Software that allows the user to modify the program code and may
distribute the modified version
D.
Software that is the property of the maker and can be used by the
purchaser only with certain restrictions. Can’t be reproduced,
modified or resold by the purchaser
C
7.
Application software is:
A.
Programs written to perform a specific function specified by the user
B.
Program written to make the hardware of a computer function
C.
Bits & Bytes
D.
All of the above
A
8.
What do the initials POST stand for?
A.
Ping-Over System Technique
B.
Port Operation Stand-by
C.
Paste Over Simple Technique
D.
Power-On Self-Test
D
9.
Elements of a GUI include:
A.
Processor, Hard drive, and RAM
B.
POST, Processor, and wizard
C.
Desktop, window, Processor and task bar
D.
Menus, buttons, and wizards
D
10. The operating system is usually loaded onto what?
C
A.
The DVD drive memory
B.
Floppy disc drive memory
C.
Hard-drive memory
D.
POST memory