Project – JSS3 Digital Technologies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A computer maintenance and troubleshooting project is a group task in which students clean a computer system, find a hidden fault and explain the repair to the class.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the project, students should be able to:

1. State the four group roles and the duty of each role.
2. Clean a monitor, a keyboard and the cables of a computer system safely.
3. Explain why a computer should be kept away from windows and rugs.
4. Use the four-step Tech Detective Method to find a simple fault.
5. Present the repair steps clearly to the class, with reasons.

What is the goal of the project?

The goal is to maintain a faulty computer system, find the fault and show the class how it was fixed.

• Task: each group is given a computer system that has “issues”.
• Work to do: maintain the system, find the fault and fix it.
• Presentation: the group shows the class what it found and how it fixed it.
• Link to earlier lessons: the project uses what you learnt about the parts inside a computer and about fixing faults.

What are the group roles?

There are four group roles: Lead Technician, Safety Officer, Reporter and Demonstrator.

Each member has one job, so the group works like a real IT firm.

• The Lead Technician: directs the repair and makes sure the work is safe.
• The Safety Officer: checks that the power is off and that tools are used correctly.
• The Reporter: records what was found and how it was fixed.
• The Demonstrator: explains the steps to the class during the presentation.

What is Phase 1, the Maintenance Drill?

The Maintenance Drill is the “Clean Sweep”, a set of tasks that keeps a computer from breaking down.

Maintenance done before a fault appears is called preventive maintenance.

What must the group demonstrate?

1. External cleaning: wipe the monitor and the body with a soft cloth so they do not scratch.
2. Keyboard care: remove crumbs and dust with a soft brush or air.
3. Cable management: arrange loose wires behind the desk so they do not trip anyone or tangle.
4. Environment check: explain why the computer should not be near a window or on a rug.

Why should a computer be kept away from windows and rugs?

• Near a window: sun heats the machine and rain can wet it and damage it.
• On a rug: a rug can build up static and trap heat.
• Good place: a firm, clean, dry desk away from direct sun and water.

Safety points for cleaning

• Power off first: switch off and unplug before cleaning.
• Soft cloth: use a soft cloth on the screen, never a rough cloth.
• Brush the vents: dust blocks airflow and the CPU gets too hot.

Teacher’s Tip: do not just do each task. Explain why you are doing it. For example: “We are brushing the vents so the CPU does not catch a fever!”

What is Phase 2, the Troubleshooting Hunt?

Troubleshooting is the step-by-step search for the cause of a fault and the action that removes it.

Your teacher will secretly “break” something simple on your system. Your group acts like detectives to find it.

What are the common simple faults?

What is the Tech Detective Method?

The Tech Detective Method is a four-step check that starts with the easiest causes.

1. Check the power: is the computer plugged in and switched on?
2. Check the connections: are all cables tight?
3. Listen: can you hear the fans spinning?
4. Look for lights: is the “On” light glowing?

• Easy things first: a loose cable is far more likely than a broken part.
• Open the case last: only open the computer after the simple checks and after unplugging the power.

How will the project be scored?

Your teacher scores safety, tool usage, logic and communication during your presentation.

Your group stands before the class. As well as fixing the computer, you are teaching others how to do it.

What is on the final project checklist?

The final checklist has five items that the group must tick before presenting.

• [ ] The computer is clean and dust-free.
• [ ] All cables are neatly arranged.
• [ ] The hidden fault was found and fixed.
• [ ] The system starts up properly to the Windows desktop.
• [ ] Every group member explained at least one part of the process.

What attitude should a good technician have?

A good technician keeps trying different solutions until one works.

• Patience: it is fine to not know the answer straight away.
• Persistence: try the next solution when one fails.
• Teamwork: use every role in the group and share ideas.

Evaluation

1. Name the four group roles and state one duty of each.
2. List the four things shown in the Maintenance Drill.
3. Why should a computer not be placed near a window or on a rug?
4. Write the four steps of the Tech Detective Method in order.
5. Why is unplugging the power the most important rule in the scoring?

Assignment

Write a short repair report, as the Reporter would, for a computer whose screen looks dead. State the checks you would make in order and the fix for each possible cause.