Lesson Plan
Course Title: Telecommunications and Networking
Session Title: Modems
Lesson Duration: 180 minutes
Performance Objective:
Upon completion of this assignment, the student will be able to further understand the
importance of a modem, how a modem works, and how to install a modem.
Specific Objectives:
 Describe the function of the modem
 Identify considerations when choosing a modem
 Identify different types of modems
 Describe how a modem works
 List the steps to install or replace a modem.
 Identify test and troubleshooting techniques for a modem
 Install or replace an external modem
 Install or replace an internal modem
 Research emerging technologies concerning modems
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.
130.274(c)(1)
The student demonstrates the necessary skills for career development, employability, and
successful completion of course outcomes. The student is expected to:
(A) identify and demonstrate positive work behaviors that enhance employability and job
advancement such as regular attendance, promptness, attention to proper attire,
maintenance of a clean and safe work environment, appropriate voice, and pride in
work;
(B) identify and demonstrate positive personal qualities such as flexibility, openmindedness, initiative, listening attentively to speakers, and willingness to learn new
knowledge and skills;
(C) employ effective reading and writing skills;
(D) solve problems and think critically;
(G) identify and implement proper safety procedures;
IT: Telecommunications & Networking: Modems Plan
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130.274(c)(4)
The student acquires an understanding of telecommunications and data network services. The
student is expected to:
(M) identify the potential benefits and problems for the future of telecommunications and
data networking.
130.274(c)(5)
The student analyzes various types of configurations and upgrading. The student is expected to:
(A) identify the attributes, purposes, and functions of the various components of
telecommunications and data networks;
(B) distinguish between different types of cables used in the telecommunications and data
networking;
(D) describe telecommunications and data networking media and connectors;
130.274(c)(6)
The student recognizes and recommends the various types of network components to address
industry needs. The student is expected to:
(A) analyze various types and components of networks;
(B) analyze the characteristics of networks used to select the optimum configuration for an
industry solution
(C) recommend telecommunications and data network solutions based on scenario-driven
problems such as budget restrictions and knowledge of relative costs of the
technologies.
130.274(c)(7)
The student develops a network design plan. The student is expected to:
(D) identify common peripheral ports and common network components;
(E) specify the tools that are commonly used to resolve network equipment problems;
(H) distinguish between common types of telecommunications and data network cabling;
(I) identify the factors that might affect performance in a network environment such as logic
or frequency spectrum interference
(J) identify new and emerging technologies that may affect the field of telecommunications
and data networking services.
130.274(c)(8)
The student implements a data network plan. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate in an installation scenario awareness of compatibility and cabling issues;
(C) connect various types of data connectors and cabling used in computer networking and
data communications;
(D) employ a systematic approach to identify the extent of a network problem, distinguish
between operator or system error, and select the appropriate steps to correct the error;
IT: Telecommunications & Networking: Modems Plan
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(E) determine the cause of a problem and select the appropriate corrective action for the
network problem; and
130.274(c)(10)
The student knows the function and application of the tools, equipment, technologies, and
materials used in telecommunications services. The student is expected to:
(A) demonstrate safe use of equipment commonly employed in telecommunications services
such as hand and power tools
(B) demonstrate proper handling and disposal of environmentally hazardous materials used
in telecommunications services.
Instructor/Trainer
References:
Peter Norton’s Introduction to Computers 4th Edition, Lesson 2: Standard Methods of Input
PC Upgrade and Repair Simplified 2nd Edition
How Computers Work; Ron White
Instructional Aids:
1. Modems Presentation
2. Modems Presentation - Handouts
3. Modems Presentation – Notes Pages
4. Modems Presentation Outline Organizer
5. Modems Exam
6. Modems Exam Key
7. Modems – Lab Assignment
8. Modems – Lab Assignment Rubric
Materials Needed:
1. Copies of the Modem Presentation Organizer (1) for each student
2. Copies of the Lab Assignment (1) for each student
Equipment Needed:
1. Projection system to play presentation
2. Personal Computer with access to the Internet
3. Computers that the student can take apart and work with
4. External and Internal modems for installation
Learner
Students should read appropriate curriculum material on modems, depending on the text/
curriculum being used for this course. This lesson can be taught with only the presentation, and
the equipment outlined above.
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Introduction
MI
Introduction (LSI Quadrant I):
▪ ASK: Does anyone have a computer at home with internet access?
(Computers now have internal modems that will allow you to exchange
information using the internet)
▪ SAY: A modem is a device that lets computers exchange information through
telephone lines.
Outline
MI
Outline (LSI Quadrant II):
Instructor Notes:
Lesson Introduction and Overview (Slides 1-3)
I.
Students describe the function of the
modem (Slide 4)
Note: Instructors can use
the slides, handouts, and
note pages in conjunction
with the following outline.
II.
Students identify considerations when
choosing a modem (Slides 5-6)
III.
Students identify different types of
modems (Slides 7-9)
IV.
Students describe how a modem works
(Slides 10-11)
V.
Students list the steps to install or replace
a modem (Slides 12-16)
VI.
Students identify test and troubleshooting
techniques for a modem (Slides 17-19)
VII.
Students install or replace an external
modem and test/troubleshoot problems
a. Students should use their notes from
the presentation to help them follow
the correct steps for modem
installation and testing.
VIII.
Students install or replace an internal
modem and test/troubleshoot problems
b. Students should use their notes from
the presentation to help them follow
the correct steps for modem
installation and testing.
IX.
Students research emerging technologies
concerning modems
c. Students perform Internet research to
Note: Instructor should hand
out (1) per student the
Modems Organizer
document.
Instructor should present
using computer and
projector. Students should fill
in the blank areas of the
organizer during instructor
presentation.
Note: Instructor should hand
out (1) per student the
Modems Lab Assignment
sheet and review the
instructions with the students.
Instructor should
demonstrate in a lab setting
how to properly install an
external and an internal
modem. Instructor should
also demonstrate software if
possible.
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answer questions on the Lab
Assignment sheet.
Application
MI
Guided Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. The teacher demonstrates each lab principle.
2. The teacher maintains direct supervision in the lab providing guidance when
warranted.
MI
Independent Practice (LSI Quadrant III):
1. Students work individually on lab assignments; demonstrating their skills in
identifying and discussing the various lab requirements and results.
Summary
MI
Review (LSI Quadrants I and IV):
Checking for understanding (Q&A Session) – (Slide 20)
Q: Why is a modem important in communications?
A: The modem allows you to exchange information through telephone lines.
Q: What should you look for when choosing a modem?
A: Fax and voice capabilities, speed, communications program, and upgrade
capabilities.
Q: What are some different types of modems?
A: internal modems, external modems, cable modems
Evaluation
MI
Informal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III):
Monitor student progress during independent practice and provide independent reteach/redirection as needed.
MI
Formal Assessment (LSI Quadrant III, IV):
Use the Modems Exam and Exam Key.
Extension
MI
Extension/Enrichment (LSI Quadrant IV):
▪ Students who have mastered the lab assignments, can peer-tutor students
(one-on-one) that are having difficulty with performing the lab.
▪ Students demonstrating mastery of the lab assignments may also be called
upon to apply learning by assisting the Campus Technologist in maintaining,
repairing, or upgrading campus equipment.
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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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Modem Presentation Outline Organizer
Objectives
 Describe the function of the modem
 Identify considerations when choosing a modem.
 Identify different types of modems.
 Describe how a modem works.
 List the steps to install or replace a modem.
 Identify test and troubleshooting techniques for a modem.
I. Function of a Modem
A.
A modem is a device that lets computers ________________
________________ through _________________ _____________ .
B.
Modem stands for ________________/ ____________________ .
II. Choosing a Modem
When choosing a modem the following features should be explored before
buying:
1.
______________________________ - Most modems have
the capability to send and receive _______ .
2.
_____________ - this will indicate the amount of
________________ the modem can send and _______________ .
3.
__________________ Program – this is software that
manages the __________ of information between two
_______________ .
4.
_______________ - Check to see if you can __________
your current modem. This could be a _______________ you install
or a __________ you add to the modem.
III. Different Types of Modems
A. External modems: have LEDs _______________ _________________
__________________ that can be useful in seeing whether the modem is
__________________ or receiving data.
B. Internal modems: do not have ______________ . These are an
___________________ card that plugs into an expansion slot inside the
computer.
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C. K56 Modem: will pull more data _____________ from the Internet. This
modem sends data at normal analog rates but gets information back
nearly _______________ as fast.
D. Cable modem: a device that lets computers access the
________________ using ___________________ cable. These are not
really modems because they work with ________________________
signals rather than _______________ signals.
E. DSL: stands for ___________________ ________________ and
__________
F. ISDN stands for _________________ _______________
_____________ ____________
G. Both these modems send digital signals over ________________ lines.
They offer extremely fast _________________________ connections.
IV. How a Modem works
A. Communications software sends a voltage along __________ of the serial
port of which the modem is connected telling it that the PC is
________________. At the same time the PC detects a __________ from
the modem on _________ telling it the modem is ready to ____________
data or instructions.
B. A command is sent to the modem over __________ , the Transmit Data
line and it tells your modem to go __________ -to open a connection with
the __________ _________. The modem acknowledges the command by
replying to the PC on __________, the Receive Data line.
C. When the modem on the other end of the ____________
_________________ – the remote modem- answers the call, your local
modem sends out a _____________ tone to let the remote modem know
that it’s being called by another modem. The remote modem responds
with a ___________________ - ______________ tone.
D. When your communications are _____________________, your modem
sends your PC a _________________ ________________ (CD) on
____________. The signal tells the communications software that the
modem is receiving a _______________ signal, which is a ____________
tone of a certain frequency that later will be ___________________ to
transmit data.
E. The two modems _________________ information about how they’ll
____________ data to each other, a process called a ______________. If
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the local and remote systems do not use the same _________________
during the handshake, either they’ll wind up sending characters that make
___________________ or they'll refuse to ____________________ at all.
F. When the communication software wants to send data, it first sends data
to _________ which will ask the modem whether it is _________ to
receive data from your PC. If your PC is busy doing something else, it will
send a ____________ to the modem telling it to ________ sending data
until the PC ___________________ its other work.
G. At the other end of the phone line, the remote modem ______________
incoming data as a series of ____________ with different frequencies. It
________________________ these tones back into _______________
signals and sends them to the __________________ computer.
H. When you tell your communications software to ______ a communications
session, the software sends a _______________ to the modem that
causes it to ___________ the phone connection.
V. Steps to install external modem
1
2
3
4
5
VI. Steps to install an internal modem
1
2
3
4
5
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VII.
Test and Troubleshoot
A. Use a program such as ____________ _____________ which is included
with _____________ to test the modem. Try to make a phone call. You
will hear the modem making a __________ noise if it is communicating
properly with the computer.
B. If your modem is having problems making a connection it may be features
on your __________ __________ such as call waiting or
_______________ .
C. Voice mail changes the _______ of the telephone line to indicate a
message is waiting. This may prevent the modem from
__________________ a connection.
D. The call waiting feature generates a beep that indicates an
______________________ call and the beep may cause some modems
to _____________ the connection. These features should be
__________________ before using your modem.
E. If the modem is operating slowly, the problem may be with the
__________________ of the telephone line. If so, contact your local
telephone company.
Additional Notes:
IT: Telecommunications & Networking: Modems Plan
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Modems Lab Assignment
Student Name:
Part One
1. Using the steps written on your Modems Organizer, install an external modem on
a PC.
2. Test and troubleshoot any problems with the modem.
3. Document any issues:
4. Using the steps written on your Modems Organizer, install an internal modem on a
PC.
5. Test and troubleshoot any problems with the modem.
6. Document any issues:
Part Two
7. Using the Internet, research the different manufacturers of modems in the
industry. Write a couple of paragraphs explaining what brand of modem you
would purchase and why. What features about the modem interest you?
8. There are other types of high speed connections in use now, DSL, satellite, and
wireless cable modems. Research the benefits of the three and if you were going
to buy one, which would you buy. What type of connection do you have at home,
if you own a computer? What type of connection does your school use? Explain.
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Modems Lab Assignment Scoring Rubric
Total possible points is 70
9-10 Points
6-8 Points
4-5 Points
0-3 Points
INSTALLED
WITHOUT
ASSISTANCE
INSTALLED WITH
VERBAL
ASSISTANCE
TESTED AND
ATTEMPTED
TROUBLESHOOT
INSTALLED WITH
VERBAL
ASSISTANCE
TESTED AND
ATTEMPTED
TROUBLESHOOT
INSTALLED WITH
PHYSICAL
ASSISTANCE
TESTED BUT DID
NOT ATTEMPT
TROUBLESHOOT
INSTALLED WITH
PHYSICAL
ASSISTANCE
TESTED BUT DID
NOT ATTEMPT
TROUBLESHOOT
SUPERIOR
SUITABLE
MEDIOCRE
INADEQUATE
SUPERIOR
SUITABLE
MEDIOCRE
INADEQUATE
SUPERIOR
SUITABLE
MEDIOCRE
INADEQUATE
Awarded
TECHNICAL







INTERNAL
MODEM HAS
BEEN INSTALLED
INTERNAL
MODEM HAS
BEEN TESTED
EXTERNAL
MODEM HAS
BEEN INSTALLED
EXTERNAL
MODEM HAS
BEEN TESTED
WORK AREA
CLEAN
FOLLOWS
SAFETY
GUIDELINES
ANSWERS
RELECT DEPTH
OF RESEARCH
FUNCTIONS
PROPERLY
INSTALLED
WITHOUT
ASSISTANCE
FUNCTIONS
PROPERLY
WAS NOT
INSTALLED
NO TEST OR
TROUBLESHOOT
PERFORMED
WAS NOT
INSTALLED
NO TEST OR
TROUBLESHOOT
PERFORMED
Grade (total
points awarded)
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Name ________________________
Date _________________________
Modems Exam
Directions: Multiple Choice – For each of the statements below, select the one best answer
from the options listed:
1. Modem stands for
a. Modifier/Demodifier
b. Function/Nonfunctional
c. Mode numeric
d. Modulator/DEModulator
2. When choosing a modem the following things should be explored except
a. Color
b. Fax capabilities
c. Speed
d. Upgrade
3. Which of the following is NOT a type of modem?
a. Internal modem
b. K56 modem
c. Systematic modem
d. External modem
4. Cable modems work with what kind of signal?
a. analog
b. digital
c. phone
d. None of the above
5. The first step when connecting an external modem is
a. Connecting the telephone line
b. Connecting the cable line
c. Turning on the computer
d. Turning off the computer
6. An internal modem is an _________ ________ inside the computer.
a. Expansion card
b. Expansion slot
c. Wiring cable
d. None of the above
7. A modem can be tested to make sure it is communicating with the computer by using
which type of software.
a. Presentation software
b. Photo editing software
c. Writer Plus
d. Modem testing software
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8. Which feature can interrupt your modem by changing the tone of the telephone line?
a. Call waiting
b. Voicemail
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
9. Which feature can disconnect your modem with a beep on the phone line?
a. Call waiting
b. Voicemail
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
10. If your modem is operating slowly you may need to contact
a. your local police
b. your local fire department
c. your local phone company
d. none of the above
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Name ________________________
Date _________________________
Modems Exam KEY
Directions: Multiple Choice – For each of the statements below, select the one best answer
from the options listed:
1. Modem stands for
a. Modifier/Demodifier
b. Function/Nonfunctional
c. Mode numeric
d. Modulator/DEModulator
2. When choosing a modem the following things should be explored except
a. Color
b. Fax capabilities
c. Speed
d. Upgrade
3. Which of the following is NOT a type of modem?
a. Internal modem
b. K56 modem
c. Systematic modem
d. External modem
4. Cable modems work with what kind of signal?
a. analog
b. digital
c. phone
d. None of the above
5. The first step when connecting an external modem is
a. Connecting the telephone line
b. Connecting the cable line
c. Turning on the computer
d. Turning off the computer
6. An internal modem is an _________ ________ inside the computer.
a. Expansion card
b. Expansion slot
c. Wiring cable
d. None of the above
7. A modem can be tested to make sure it is communicating with the computer by using
which type of software.
a. Presentation software
b. Photo editing software
c. Writer Plus
d. Modem testing software
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8. Which feature can interrupt your modem by changing the tone of the telephone line?
a. Call waiting
b. Voicemail
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
9. Which feature can disconnect your modem with a beep on the phone line?
a. Call waiting
b. Voicemail
c. Both of the above
d. Neither of the above
10. If your modem is operating slowly you may need to contact
a. your local police
b. your local fire department
c. your local phone company
d. none of the above
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