INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER APPLICATION

A programmable usually electronic device that can store,

retrieve, and process data. ----- Merrian Webster
An electronic machine that can store and deal with large
amounts of information. ----- Collins Dictionary
A computer is an electronic device that process data, following
instructions to perform tasks and generate output consisting of
hardware and software working together.

Figure.1:- Basic Computer Functions

HARDWARE:- It refers to the external and internal devices and

equipment that enable you to perform major functions such as
input, output, storage, communication, processing and more.
SOFTWARE:- Software is a set of instructions data or programs
used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPUTER:-
• Speed:- Computers can perform million of calculations per
second.
• Accuracy:- Computers provide precise and accurate
information.
• Dilligence:- Computers can work continuously without
tiring.
• Memory:- Computers can store large amounts of data,
including images, videos, text and audio.
• Verstality:- Computers can perform a wide range of tasks.
• Logic:- Computers use logical instruction to perform
action.

INPUT DEVICE:- An input device is a piece of hardware used to

provide data and commands to a computer, enabling users to
interact with and control the system. Each input device has a
specific function:-
• Keyboard:- used for typing
• Mouse:- used for pointing, clicking on screen.
• Microphone:- used for capture audio input etc.

PROCESSING:- It is the process of interpreting and executing

instructions by a computer central processing unit (CPU).
ALU:- Arithmetic Logic Unit performs arithmetic functions like
addition, subtraction, multiplication and division as well as
logical operations like greater than , smaller than, equal to, etc.
CU:-It controls the step by step processing of all operations in
the computer, related to input, processing and output.
MEMORY:- The process of saving data and instructions is called
‘storage’. Data is store in the storage for faster access and
processing by the CPU.
There are two types of memory:-
• Primary memory
• Secondary memory
PRIMARY MEMORY:- primary memory also known as ‘internal
memory’ or ‘main memory’ is the memory that holds program
instructions, input data and intermediate results while
processing. The features of primary memory are:-
• Faster access time.
• Less storage capacity.
• High cost

The primary memory consists of RAM and ROM:-

• RAM:- Random Access Memory is very fast and the data
can be accessed very quickly. RAM is read and write
memory.
• ROM:- Read Only Memory is the type of primary memory
from which data can only read. ROM is non-volatile.

SECONDRY MEMORY:- Secondary memory also known as

‘back-up memory’ is permanent storage and is external to the
computer. The features of secondary memory are:-
• Non-volatile memory
• Slower access time
• Lower cost
• Possible to store large amounts of data, including audio
visuals, software, etc.
The secondary memory consists of:-
 • HDD:- Hard Disk is electro-mechanical, non-volatile disk
used to store data and program files. It is magnetic device
that uses magnetic fields to magnetise tiny section of
metal spinning disk.
• SSD:- Solid State Drives is non-volatile and can be written
and overwritten like RAM. Its major benefit is that it has
no moving parts and hence produces less heat as
compared to older magnetic storage devices.
• OPTICAL DRIVES:- In optical storage devices, the read and
write of information uses light. Optical drives are not very
costly, light weight and easy to transport.
e.g. CD DRIVE, DVD DRIVE, HD DVD, etc.
* CD drive:- Its stands for Compact Disc.
* DVD drive:- Its stands for ‘Digital Versatile Disc’, and can
store up to 4.7 GB data.
*HD DVD:- Its stands for ‘High Density DVD’ and can store
data up to 15 GB.

OUTPUT:- The output devices are used to display the results

after processing is completed on the input data. Input/output
devices are thus simply required to communicate with the
computer. Some common output devices are as follow:-
• Monitor:- It is the computer screen and is designed to
display the symbolic and graphical information.
 • Printer:- It is the output device used to print digital
information on to paper.
• Sound Card and Speakers:- Speaker is an output device to
produce the audio.
SOFTWARE:- It is non-tangible component of the computer. It is
the set of programs that makes instructions for hardware to
follow. Software is classified into two categories:-
• System Software:- The system software allows the user,
hardware and the applications to interact and function.
Thus, system software controls the working of the
computer system. Types of system software are:-
operating system, device drivers, firmware, utilities, etc.
• Application Software:- Application Software are set of
programs to carry out a specific application. Types of
application software:- word processing software, spread
sheet software, database software, presentation software,
etc.
USE OF COMPUTER IN TEACHING, LEARNING, RESEARCH AND
NURSING PRACTICE:-
Research:- Computers used to be very useful tool for
conducting medical research work. Nurses can keep themselves
updated by surfing online databases, websites and applications
for relevant information.
Nursing practice:-
• Diagnosis:- With the advent of computers, record keeping
has become a digital exercise. Nurses can use these
electronic records anywhere and anytime for diagnosis.
• Telemedicine:- Nurses can establish communication using
application with patients where it is difficult to schedule
physical visits.
• Inventory Management:- Nurses uses computers to keep
a record of medicines in the stock. This helps maintain
accurate stocks.
Teaching/ Learning:-
• Computer Aided Teaching:- It is the use of computers to
teach students. It uses technology for the formation,
exploration, modification and enrichment of teaching.
Features of CAT can be listed as below:-
*CAT makes classes engaging and effective
*CAT helps min developing a broad perspective and gain
better understanding of fundamental
*It helps overcome misguided judgements
*CAT also involves online courses and supplemental
course materials.

• Types of Computer Aided Teaching:- There are several

modes of Computer Aided Teaching:-
 ▪ Tutorial Mode:- This type of CAT includes using course
material for information or imparting knowledge as well
as taking feedback upon successfully covering each
module.
▪ Drill and practice session:- This involves using an
application to evaluate students using questions. The
responses are analysed and then teaching is imparted.
▪ Simulation:-This involves making a computerized
imitation of a real-life process. They are generally used
to learn through experience where real-life system is
unviable.
▪ Modeling:- This involves creating a theoretical model
related to a phenomenon.
▪ Data analysis:- This involves working with experimental
data and analyzing it statically for interpretation and
graphical visualization.
Computer Assisted Translation:- Computers can help in
translation from one language to another in order to facilitate
students to learn and understand in their native languages. This
helps improve self-learning among the students.
Teaching through Presentation:- Teaching via presentations is
the most common way integrating CAT with conventional
classroom learning. Presentation can be made using Microsoft
PowerPoint, that has options for including text and media as
well as animations and transition effects to make an effective
deck.
Online/e-learning:- Computer aided online learning can either
be concurrent learning or non-concurrent learning. Concurrent
learning means engaging the students via a teleconferencing
app and interacting with them. This could include instructor-led
classes and virtual classroom discussion panels. Non-concurrent
learning includes the use of online course material.
Computer assisted testing:- It refers to using computers to test
and evaluate students learning with the help of computers. The
students are given questions and their responses are evaluated
using a particular application. It also helps nto generate
statistics report, such as performance of the class.
Features of Computer Aided Testing are:-
❖ Increase in accuracy and decreases in chances of bias while
evaluating
❖ Lesser evaluation time as compared to manually checking the
answer sheets.
❖ Reduction in paperwork
❖ Easy retrieval of questions
Benefits of computer aided teaching and testing:-
➢ Visual leaning:- the use of media enhances learning
experience as it involves videos, images, shapes and other
data that can retained longer by the students.
➢ Measures progress:- online courses of their own particular
interest can be taken up by students from a wide array of
options.
➢ Simple structures:- Generally big concepts are broken
down into small modules in CAT.
➢ Engaging:-CAT keeps student engaged as it breaks the
monotony by increasing effectiveness of teaching
methodologies.
➢ Communicating with international colleagues:- CAT can be
carried out virtually by anyone from anywhere in the
world.
➢ Time saving:- CAT can produce accurate results by
evaluating the students responses in lesser time as
compared to manual evaluation.
➢ Unbiased:- since tests are evaluated based on a criterion,
the results are unbiased.

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