HISTORY OF COMPUTING

Introduction___Your Task___Process___Evaluation___Resources___Conclusion


By: Kyle Chambers

This is the ENIAC, one of your tasks.

Introduction

The following is a webquest on the history of computing. Many students do not know how long computers have really been around and what they were used for in the past. The only name many associate with computers is Bill Gates but we must remember that he only founded the personal computer. There are countless others. The military has used computers for far longer. Once completed, the students will more thoroughly understand how, why, and when computers came about. To make the learning experience more enjoyable, students will embark on an adventure through time and the evolution of the computer to what we understand it to be today. Students will also have to answer questions, link computers to their corresponding time frame, and be creative. This is a webquest like no other!
 

Your Task

You are a computer expert and have just found a way to travel through time. Your time machine may travel throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Government officials have contacted you in hopes that you can assist them in their problem. Your job is to collect specimens of various computers throughout history to aid the government in their completion of the greatest computer museum ever made. They need these parts to make their collection complete and are depending on you to fulfill their wishes and find out time frames for when these computers were produced. Once you have successfully finished your task, you should then be able to explain the significant differences between various computers and how they have come to be what they are today.

Process

- Find and match correct computer pieces from correct era using links provided below: (see Resources)
- Find a replacement tube for the ENIAC. What year did it first come out, and what exactly is an ENIAC?
- Find out when the UNIVAC was first introduced and what its advantages were over previous models.
- Find out who designed the first computer and when. (hint: initials are CB)
- Find out when the first video game was made. (The government has to have fun too!) Hint: It was called Spacewars.
- Find out when the programming language BASIC was created and why it is important.
- List three significant advances in computers that has changed its operability and dependence in the world.
- Why is Bill Gates so famous, and when did he first appear in the computer world?
- When finished, hand in answers to your teacher.

Evaluation

 

 
Category  0-3 4-6 7-10 Total
Was Quest Completed?  Had little or no understanding of computers Fulfilled task minimally Explained parts with correct time frame and had full knowledge of computers /10
Knowledge of Computer History  Shows little or no knowledge Some knowledge learned, but much is lacking Understands computer history and where computers came from /10
Punctuation, Spelling, Grammar  Many misspelled words, run on sentences, incomplete task A few misspelt words, grammar needs work Little or no errors, well prepared sentences, proofread /10

Printable version of the evaluation



Resources

Here are a few helpful sites to get started on. Remember, the whole internet is out there waiting for you.
1. Computer Timeline
2. Computer History Images
3. A Brief History of Computers and Networks
4. Classic Computing
5. Chronology of Personal Computers

List of webquest creator's reference list



Conclusion

Now that you have completed your quest going back in time and up through the ages, you should now be familiar with where computers have come from and what their roots are. No longer will you be stuck knowing only computers from the '90s. You will even understand computers easier now, and be able to interact with them, as well as know their inner workings. They are no longer the foreign creatures you once thought they were! Thank you, and please visit again in the future, when you might want to create a webquest of your very own, or add to the ever changing history of computers!