** COMPUTERS IN AGRICULTURE ** Agriculture Marketing/Distribution and Retail Services Computers in Agriculture (5-10 days) This course is an introduction to microcomputers in agriculture. Topics include the selection and purchase of computer hardware and software and microcomputers' use in agriculture. Objectives To acquaint students with employment information and career opportunities in the computerized agriculture industry To introduce students to the basic components of computer systems To develop student understanding of the ways in which computers currently are being used in agriculture To provide students with practice in using computers for a broad range of agricultural tasks To provide students with a basis for evaluating computers and software for specific applications Competencies At the conclusion of this unit, students will be able to explain current employment information such as job descriptions, job availability, personal and educational requirements, working conditions, opportunity for advancement, and other factors relative to potential employment in agricultural computing and to relate it to their personal needs and aspirations; explain computer hardware parts; explain different types of computer software; explain the factors involved when buying a computer; and demonstrate computer software usage in agricultural applications. Subject Matter (Basic skills integration areas are shown in brackets following title.) Careers - Current and future employment needs - Job descriptions - Training requirements - Working conditions - Opportunities for advancement - Other factors Describe what a computer is [Careers] Explain uses for a computer [Careers] Discuss computer operations [Mathematics, Science] Hardware [Careers] - Central processing unit - Input devices Keyboard Mouse Joystick Voice input device Light pen Compact disk memory - Output devices Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) 1.television set 2.monochrome monitor 3.color monitor Printer models 1.width 2.speed 3. cost 4.print quality dot matrix daisy wheel laser Special graphics boards Printer buffers Digitizer - Output and input devices Floppy disk drive Hard disk drive Modem Electronic circuit card or boards - Other hardware Surge protectors Cables Switching devices Software [Career, Science] - Database management - Electronic spreadsheets - Word processing - Other general-purpose programs - Preprogrammed software - Disk operating system (DOS) - Language translator - Utility programs Hardware and software considerations [Careers, Mathematics, Science] - Compatibility - Input devices - Memory requirements - Storage devices - Output devices - Special hardware - Language translator - Operating system - Suitability - Documentation - Adequate testing - User support - Hardware arrangement and appearance - New or used hardware Computer purchase factors [Science] - Knowledge of computers - Expectations of computers - Software needs - Software compatability - Future computer needs - Hardware and software maintenance - Software and hardware selection Motivational Activities Visit a computer store to examine hardware options, an agricultural operation that uses a computer, and a school computer laboratory. Demonstrate computer software programs. Learning Activities Become familiar with DOS. Write a letter using a word-processing program. Develop a program on an electronic spreadsheet. Develop a filing system using a database program. Take part in selecting computer hardware and software for classroom use. Instructional Materials Textbooks and References Agriculture Computer - Guide and Directory. Danville, IL: Interstate, 1984. Available from National Farm Book Company. Agriculture Computer Programming by Richard A. Levins and Charles W. Walden. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall, 1984. Available from National Farm Book Company. All About On-Farm Computing. Edited by Dave Skoloda and Russ Bennett. Milwaukee, WI: AgriData Resources, 1983. Computer Concepts for Agribusiness by Michael W. Woolverton. New York: AVI Publishing, 1985. Computers on the Farm: Farm Uses for Computers - How to Select Software, Hardware, On-Line Information Sources in Agriculture. New York: Gordon Press, 1986. Developing Computer Skills: Operating Principles and Software Applications for Apple IIe, IIc and IIGS by Eric C. Egerston. Danville, IL: Interstate, n.d. The Farm Computer by Fred E. Sistler. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1984. Available from National Farm Book Company. Microcomputer Applications for Students of Agriculture by William Camp et al. Danville, IL: Interstate, 1987. Microcomputing in Agriculture by James Legacy et al. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing, 1984. Bulletins and Pamphlets The following is available from the American Association for Vocational Instructional Materials. Understanding Microcomputers. 801 (Manual), 801TK (Teacher's key). 1987. The following are available from the Cooperative Extension Service. A Computer for Your Farm. NCR247. Computers of the Farm. AF2277. Using Microcomputers on the Farm. A3220. The following is available from Vocational Agriculture Services. Introduction to Computers in Agriculture. U6023. 1981. Selecting Agricultural Computer Software. U6025. 1982. Periodicals Agricultural Computing Computers and Electronics in Agriculture Farm Smart: The Journal of Computerized Farm Management PC Magazine Computer Software The following is available from ACS Software Publishing. Instructional Unit - Computer Applications in Agriculture. ACS 288. Apple. The following is available from Hobar Publications. Easy Inventory. Apple, IBM, TRS. The following is available from Mid States Agri-Technology Associates, Ltd. Introduction to Computers in Agriculture. Apple, IBM. The following is available from Ag Ed Network, AgriData Resources, Inc. Computers for Crop Management. HS214. Computers for Crop Production. HS212. Computers for Dairy Management. HS216. Computers for Farm Accounting. HS59. Computers for Livestock Records. HS210. Computers for Use in Management. HS60. Computers for Use on the Farm. HS58. Computers to Keep Crop Records. HS213. Computers to Keep Dairy Records. HS215. Laboratory Resources Computers Monitors Keyboards Printer Computer disks Computer paper Films, Videotapes, and Slides The following is available from the Bureau of Audio Visual Instruction. Computers in Society. 10018 (16mm film, color, 17 minutes). Encyclopedia Britannica Educational Corporation, 1984. The following is available from the Ideal Pictures Film Library. The New Hired Hand. (16mm film, color, 27 minutes.) Allis Chalmers, 1973. The following is available from the International Business Machines Corporation. About Computers. (16mm film, ten minutes.) 1979. About Information. (16mm film, ten minutes.) Equipment and Facilities Computers Printers Software for database, word processing, and electronic spreadsheet