Chapter 2 - Data Manipulation

Outcomes

  • Recognize that (and explain how) binary notation and the logical operations of AND, OR, XOR, and NOT serve as the basic building blocks of computers.

  • Apply understanding of a CPU's instruction set and the instruction cycle to various scenarios, e.g.,
    • Read a set of instructions and understand the results.
    • Respond to potential student questions about computer operation.
    • Decide which elements of computer operation are useful for student understanding and which can remain at the level of magic.

  • Identify hardware components of a computer and describe their relationship and interaction. (The idea is to be able to respond reasonably to student questions such as "What is a ________ in a computer and what does it do?)

  • Explain the process whereby a computer's CPU can be connected to or communicate with a variety of external (peripheral) devices and indicating any limits on the type or number of such devices.

  • Analyze (identify salient aspects of) broader concepts/issues with respect to computer architecture in our society, e.g.,
    • Development of substantially more power computer systems such as quantum computing and brain-inspired computers. What might be their impact? What role should the government plan in guiding or controlling their development and use?
    • General knowledge. Students study reading, writing, mathematics, and (to a lesser extent) science. Should computer science be included as a basic of education? If so, should that study include the inner workings of computers?
    • Should we be worried that some computer manufacturer might build a chip that could spy on the user of any device using the chip?

 

Activities

Reading Guide

In order to guide your reading we have designated each section into one of three categories:

  • Essential - You should thoroughly read this material and be prepared to answer questions about this material on assessments.
  • Important - You should thoroughly read this material and be prepared to participate in in-class discussions/activities about this material.
  • Useful - We feel that this material is worth knowing and may supplement other material in the chapter. However, we do not plan on assessing or discussing (unless you ask questions).
Section Essential Important Useful
2.1 Computer Architecture X    
2.2 Machine Language X    
2.3 Program Execution X    
2.4 Arithmetic/Logic Instructions   X  
2.5 Communicating with Other Devices      
     The Role of Controllers X    
     The Rest of the Section   X  
2.6 Programming Data Manipulation     X
2.7 Other Architectures   X  

 

Video Resources

 

Activities

In order to explore computer architecture you should experiment with Vole as discussed in your book. Dr. Diesburg has preparred an informational video to show you how to use Vole.

 

Study Guide

The competency demo for this chapter will consist of several questions from the following study guide. As you study this chapter we suggest you work through the materials in this study guide and ask questions if you need clarifications.

 

PDF of Appendix C that you will be availabe for use during the Competency Demo

 

Study Questions

After you complete the readings for this unit/chapter you should arrange to meet with your groupmates and work on the following activities.

 

Based on these questions we will prepare additional materials to help clarify issues.