Notice a Computing Device
Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape.
About 12 minutes, plus any extended practice
Supplied materials
- Paper and pencil; answers may also be spoken or typed.
- All cases, labels, numbers and rules are supplied on this page. No real account, private information or purchase is needed.
Learn the idea
A computing device follows instructions to work with information. A tablet can show a drawing, a laptop can play recorded sound, and a digital camera can store a picture. A plain pencil is useful but does not run a computer program. A device is a tool; a person chooses its purpose.
Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape. An object can be useful without being a computing device.
Use this supplied case: A tablet runs a drawing app. What kind of tool is it? Use the details in this example. An adult may read the words aloud. Point, draw or say your answer.
- Follow the worked example one step at a time. Say or draw what happens.
- Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape.
- Say which detail makes the example answer fit. Pick another answer and say why it does not fit.
- Try the question and practice questions. Read the rule again if your answer does not match the explanation.
See the method in action
A tablet runs a drawing app. What kind of tool is it? The supported answer is Computing device. Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape. An object can be useful without being a computing device. The supplied facts, rather than an assumed real-world detail, determine this paper case. Compare the recorded action or value with the stated rule before choosing an answer.
Check your reasoning
Your answer is temporary and is not saved to an account. Download your current answer before leaving or reloading. Written work on paper or in another app stays in your own file.
Helpful tips
- Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape.
- An object can be useful without being a computing device.
See the answer and explanation
Writing tool
The supplied case states: A pencil makes a mark by hand. What kind of tool is it? Under the stated distinction, this identifies Writing tool. A computing device follows instructions to work with information. A tablet can show a drawing, a laptop can play recorded sound, and a digital camera can store a picture. A plain pencil is useful but does not run a computer program. A device is a tool; a person chooses its purpose. Look for a device described as following a program, rather than deciding from its size or shape.
Take it further
An adult describes a toy robot that follows a program and a plain wooden block. Expected: the described programmed robot is a computing device; the block is not.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. The answer download includes your current choice and any checked feedback. It does not include choices from the separate More practice section. Download that section separately.
More practice: try new cases
Choose an answer for each problem. Explain your method on paper, then use the feedback to decide what to revisit.
Your choices are temporary. Feedback appears after you check all the answers.
Nothing here is saved to an account or sent to a teacher. Keep your own notes or download them before leaving. The score describes these questions; it does not certify subject mastery.
Check the subject sources
These LifeStarter passages, scenarios and exercises are authored for this Academy with AI assistance and review. External resources keep their publishers’ terms. A grade label suggests a starting level; it does not establish alignment with your school’s complete requirements.