buyer beware

Q1 Compare Products

19. Buyer Beware

Introduction

Buying and selling on the Internet have changed the way we live. We can now perform a web search to locate, compare, and buy goods and services.

In this Quest, you are going to compare the pros and cons of different products.

During this Quest, you are going to compare the specifications of three different devices, compare product features, and select the best choice for your classroom based on features and cost.  


I Can Statements

  • be a responsible online consumer
  • compare the pros and cons of various online products

Key Vocabulary

Memory: This is measured in Bytes (eg. Gigabytes) of information able to be stored on a computer. Example: 1 Gigabyte of storage can hold approximately 200 songs.

Processor: A part of a computer, such as the central processing unit, that performs calculations or other manipulations of data.

Resolution: The number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed on a device and determines how sharp the image is on the screen.

Screen Size: This is usually described by the length of its diagonal, which is the distance between opposite corners, usually in inches.

Specifications: A detailed description of the features, operating system, amount of memory, processor speed, etc.

Play the Vocabulary Game below to practice the Key Vocabulary


You can change the Quiz mode to Match, Test, Learn, Flash Cards, Spell using the selection list at the bottom right of the activity that says "Choose a Study Mode." Direct Link.

Steps


1. Your class is receiving a grant of $6,000. You have been asked to evaluate and recommend a tablet device to purchase. Compare Samsung, Apple, Amazon devices by visiting Amazon.

2. Open, Copy and Save this Tablet Product Specifications Chart. The chart includes the basic information and has a blank column for a device your school might already be using or is considering for purchase or that you think would be a great choice.

3. Discuss the importance of the different features of each device in a small group or as a class and identify pros and cons. 

  • Memory, storage, resolution & screen size, processor, price.
  • Keyboard or mouse pen
  • Consider whether other features are important for your class work:

    cameras, the ability to attach a monitor or projector to it, keyboard or touchscreen, USB port for external devices...

4. Calculate how many of each device can be purchased with the grant funds.

5. Select one device (or the one your school is already using or considering) and make a recommendation to the rest of the class with at least three reasons why you selected it. Document this on your copy of the Tablet product chart in the table provided at the bottom of it.

6. Save and share your Tablet product chart and final recommendation with your teacher.


To Complete this Quest

When you are done with this Quest, review the I Can Statements and share or save the data chart in your File Space and with your teacher.


Check off this Quest on the 21t4s roadmap 

 I have completed this Quest and I am ready to tackle Quest 2

Bonus activities:

1. Your small groups can present and defend your recommended device to the rest of the class for a final class vote for a single device recommendation.

2. Invite your school or district technology director to present your recommendation and ask how the school/district makes a decision.

3. An anonymous donor has offered to match the grant. Will this make a difference to your recommendation?

4. Search Amazon for the device chosen and read the user reviews. Does this change your recommendation?

MITECS  Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and

ISTE Standards for Students

2. Digital Citizen
a. Cultivate and manage their digital identity and reputation and are aware of the permanence of their actions in the digital world
b. Engage in positive, safe, legal and ethical behavior when using technology

3. Knowledge Constructor
c. Curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts or solving authentic problems

5. Computational Thinker
b. Collect data or identify relevant data sets