Interacting with the Binary Language

Have you ever been curious enough on how computers communicate? Well, this is your great opportunity to understand their queer language.

So, here is your mission: You and two of your own trusted agents are going to enter inside Doctor Whos teletransporter and together you will be embarked on a mysterious place called IBCity. Your role has to act like spies to understand the mysterious codes that Mr. CPU, who is the boss, uses with his subordinate Chipees and to find where is their hiding place to store their data....

Are you ready to get in Doctor Whos machine!   Hold on tight...  5, 4, 3, 2,  1 and here you go!!!

Once you embark on IBCity you are going to:

1) Search for sites to learn how computers represent data, in the way they can only understand;

2) You will create a PowerPoint project that explains how the binary number system really works;

3) You will create a table using MS Publisher that briefly explains all about the different methods used on data storage starting from the past to the present day;

4) You will write a paper using a word processor to describe what is the difference between data and information and hence how computers can process data; and

5) You will solve a mysterious binary number riddle into the language we can understand. 

Agents search for sites to learn how computers represent data, in the way they can only understand.

There are some sites listed for each activity, but sites could be used in more than one activity, and there are many other sites you can use if you want to search on your own.

Students per group: 3

Each student will perform a task on hisher own, except for task 4 which this has to be done collaboratively. 

Step 1

You will create a PowerPoint project that explains how the binary number system really works. 


Sites to visit:

http:www.wikihow.comConvertfromBinarytoDecimal
http:www.wikihow.comConvertfromDecimaltoBinary

You are also provided with 2 videos that will instruct you how to convert binary numbers into decimal and vice versa. 

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4BstqvgBow]

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfKe8PPI2zs]

Step 2

You will create a timeline in Microsoft Publisher that briefly explains all about the different methods used on data storage starting from the past to the present day.. Include pictures of computers and dates, in order. 

Use the banner template in Publisher.


Be sure the pictures are clear. Resize the pictures to make them small on the timeline so that you can fit at least 15 pictures. Put the date the object was invented above the object and the name of the object below it followed with a brief description. 

http:royal.pingdom.com?p274
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiBluray_Disc
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiHard_drive
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiUSB_flash_drive
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiZip_drive
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiJaz_drive

Step 3

 You will write a paper using a word processor to describe what is the difference between data and information and hence how computers can input data, process, output the result and storing it for furture use.

Your paper needs a title, your name, and at least 250 words. You can use WordCount to see how many words you have. Be sure you cover all topics above.

Use Arial 12 pt. font.
Spell check and grammar check your document before you print. 


Data and information sites:

http:www.webopedia.comTERMDdata.html
http:wiki.answers.comQWhat_is_data&alreadyAsked1
http:www.jmcsweeney.co.ukcomputingm150differences.php
http:wiki.answers.comQWhat_is_the_difference_between_data_and_information_in_computer_terms 

Input, process output and storage sites:

http:wiki.answers.comQWhat_is_Input&alreadyAsked1
http:www.iwebtool.comwhat_is_process.html
http:wiki.answers.comQWhat_is_an_output_device&alreadyAsked1&rtitleWhat_is_output
http:www.teachict.comas_a2topicsinput%20processing%20outputinput_process_outputindex.htm
http:www.webopedia.comTERMsstorage.html

Step 4

 You will solve a mysterious binary number riddle into the language we can understand. (Whole group should participate for this task)

You are provided with 2 videos that will instruct you how to convert binary numbers into decimal and vice versa. Now, when you get familiar to the binary system you will convert a set of numbers (attached at the bottom of this web page), find which ASCII letter each fit and you will get the mysterious code. Give the mysterious code to your tutor and dont let the other groups know it! (Tip: the student who has done task one may instruct the others how this has to be done by showing the group hisher own PowerPoint presentation)


[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfKe8PPI2zs]]

[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4BstqvgBow]

http:didgood.comprogramingdatatheoryascii128255.gif
http:en.wikipedia.orgwikiASCII

Evaluation Rubric

You have explored the way how computers communicate and how data within computers is managed from the point when it enters the computer system until the ultimate result is acquired.

Wow... Well Done Agents! Now you have learnt a new language and solve the mystery of the binary language. Always watch out whos going to be behind you as you have become a very important person you know the secret code of the binary riddle!!!

The resources and web links included on this webquest are external websites and I would like to thank them for creating such useful WebPages. 

Peta-Gay Neat

Dip. Ed.

[img_assist|nid=21009|title=thumbs up|desc=|link=none|align=left|width=312|height=234]

Focus:
This exercise is ideal for students who have opted for the computer studies subject. Mainly, this exercise has been designed to capture the students interest to learn by themselves through exploration how to binary numbers effectively work. 

ObjectivesGoals:
Ideally I would recommend starting this project after you have introduced analogue and digital computers and starting the explanation of Analog to Digital Conversion and Digital to Analog Conversion. In this way the students will have created enough curiosity as to embark with more enthusiasm to the given tasks.

Resources: 
Prerequisite Skills: Confidence level with the use of Internet and some basic mathematical computations knowledge.

Time Required:
2 double practical sessions and 1 session for presentation day.
Although students will be working in groups, it is advisable to allocate a computer for each student as tasks 1 to 3 need to be done separately and only task 4 should be done collaboratively.

Although a number of sites have been suggested in this WebQuest, it does not mean they are the only ones, so it is highly recommended to urge the students to actively explore for other websites that might enhance their knowledge. This will encourage students to be active participants and not use what they were just given and thats that.

Personal Comments: 
As a teacher I have learnt that when the students learn from their peers and by themselves, they will understand and appreciate the topic much better than when they listen to their teacher. Here the my role will change into a facilitator to direct the students in their WebQuest.