Computer Workstation Setup

Lesson Content

• Lesson Plan Template:

  CTE Lesson Plan

• CTE Course Info and Benchmark Notes

  
  

  Program Title (as applicable):

  Applied Cybersecurity

  Course Title:

  IT Fundamentals

  Course Number:

  9001310

  Career Cluster:

  Information Technology

  CIP Number:

  0511100315

  Course Type:

  Career Preparatory

  9.01 Identify the internal components of a computer (e.g., power supply, hard drive, motherboard, I/O cards/ports, cabling).

  9.02 Use common computer and programming terminology.

  13.10 Identify the appropriate use of email and demonstrate related email etiquette.

• Unit Outline

  
  

  This lesson is designed to be used with the case study, “Competent Computer Company” (CPALMS resource ID# 207933).

• Career Connection

  
  

  This lesson helps students identify the necessary components to set up a computer workstation while practicing professional use of oral and written communication.

• Learning Objectives

  
  

  Students will be able to:

  • Identify the external components of a computer (monitor, keyboard, speakers, printer, scanner, projector) including appropriate placement, power supply, I/O ports, and cabling.
  • Create a digital infographic using common computer terminology showing how to set up a computer workstation.
  • Demonstrate email etiquette by composing a professional email to a supervisor.

• Prior Knowledge

  
  

  Students should be familiar with:

  • Basic computer skills including tasks like powering off, navigating the operating system, using a mouse and keyboard, and launching software applications.
  • common peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, monitors, printers, and external storage devices.
  • Knowledge of how to connect to the internet and basic troubleshooting of network connectivity issues.
  • Understanding of ergonomic principles and why they are important to maintaining comfort and preventing strain injuries.

• Guiding Questions

  
  
  • What are the key components of a computer workstation, and why is each component important?
  • What is the significance of properly setting up a computer workstation in terms of productivity, comfort, and safety?
  • What are ways to effectively communicate through email?

• Procedure

  
  

  1. To introduce the lesson, display the attached computer images. Ask students to identify the different components and use available technology to label the components as students share responses.

  2. Model efficient and proper workstation setup by connecting all components and cables in an organized manner.

  • Address troubleshooting skills and common setup issues.

  3. Distribute the case study, “Competent Computer Company,” (See CPALMS resource ID# 207933). Students can read the case study with a partner.

  • Ask students to highlight or underline Kenzey’s observations during her training.
  • Have students answer the following questions on page 2 of the case study after they read:
  • • What are Nick and Kenzey’s responsibilities?
    • If you were an employee, how would you respond to Nick’s behavior?
    • How can computer technicians best communicate with customers?
    • If you were being trained by Nick, how would you respond to his behavior?
    • What are some improvements that can be made to the current process?

  4. Conduct a whole class debrief of the case study using the guiding questions:

  • What are the key components of a computer workstation, and why is each component important?
  • What is the significance of properly setting up a computer workstation in terms of productivity, comfort, and safety?
  • What are ways to effectively communicate with a supervisor through email?

  5. Share with students their task: Nick has asked Kenzey to create an infographic about setting up a computer workstation to share with staff and send it via email to Nick by the end of the week.

  • Students will pretend to be Kenzey as she learns about her new role as a computer technician.

  6. Introduce the concept of infographics and discuss their effectiveness in conveying information visually (see Teacher Notes).

  • Provide access to infographic creation tools or software.
  • Inform students that Nick has requested an infographic illustrating the steps to set up a computer workstation, including terminology and visuals of computer components.

  7. Discuss the structure of a well-composed email (salutation, body, closing) and the importance of effective communication in the workplace. Share examples of courteous and effective communication with a supervisor (see Teacher Notes).

  • Discuss proper tone, vocabulary use, technical speech, structure, etc.
  • Students may need non-examples of effective communication in the workplace such as emails that include emojis or text speak, or emails that are without a salutation or closing.

  8. Allow students time to work with their partner to create the infographic and write the email to Nick.

  • Circulate the room to track students’ progress and provide feedback.

  9. To close the lesson, have students upload their infographics and email to a learning management system or a shared drive for all students to view.

  • Allow students to comment on positive aspects of each other's infographics. Have students respond to at least 2 peers.

• Teacher Notes

  
  
  • Conduct a quick search of infographics to have samples to show students. A sample infographic on computer and internet trends is available at the United States Census Bureau at https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/2014/demo/computer-use-infographic.html.
  • Several websites offer examples of professional emails. A suggested resource is Indeed’s Career Guide at https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/email-etiquette-examples.
  • The teacher can assign a video as an alternative to the infographic.
  • The teacher can modify the provided rubric to meet their classroom needs.
  • Additional discussion questions:
    • What considerations should you keep in mind when positioning your monitor, keyboard, and mouse for optimal comfort and efficiency?
    • How do you choose an appropriate location for your computer workstation in a room?
    • What are the potential health risks associated with poor workstation ergonomics, and how can they be mitigated?
    • What features should you look for in a chair to ensure it provides proper support and comfort during long periods of computer use?
    • How do you select an appropriate desk or work surface that accommodates your computer and peripheral devices while promoting good posture?
    • How should you position your monitor to reduce eye strain and maintain an ergonomic viewing angle?

• Optional

  
  

  Summative Assessment:

  • Use the attached rubric to assess student’s infographics and check their understanding of appropriate setup of computer components.

  Accommodation Suggestions:

  • Provide picture cards for students to layout the steps of setting up a computer workstation
  • Use text-to-speech software to compose the emails