Study guide: Devices Help Us Send and Receive
Design a pretend drawing station with a tablet, speaker and printer. Explain one input, two outputs and one safe shared-use rule.
Ideas to explain in your own words
- 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.
- An input gives information to a computing device. A key press, touch, mouse movement or microphone sound can be an input. An output is information the device sends out, such as a picture or sound. One device may both receive and send information, so name the action rather than the whole object.
- A computer can give information through pictures, sounds or printed pages. Different output tools serve different jobs. A speaker helps a person hear recorded words; a screen helps a person see a picture. A printer makes a paper copy. The right choice depends on what information the learner needs.
- Shared computing devices have many users. Careful handling protects both the equipment and the people using it. A trusted adult can help when something is loose, hot, wet or not working. Cleaning, plugging in or taking apart equipment may need adult help. A safe first choice is to stop and ask.
Useful vocabulary
- device
- A tool that can follow a computer program.
- input
- Information sent into a device.
- output
- Information a device sends out.
Watch your reasoning
- An object can be useful without being a computing device.
- A touchscreen can receive a touch and show an image; the action determines the role.
- A keyboard is an input tool; typing does not itself provide a printed page.
- Do not pull wires, open a device or touch a wet plug to solve a problem.
A worked review example
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. A device cable looks damaged. Choose the first action. The supported answer is Tell a trusted adult. Use gentle handling for ordinary use; pause and tell a trusted adult about damage or an unknown problem. Do not pull wires, open a device or touch a wet plug to solve a problem.
Make a practice plan
- Draw or tell one computing idea from each of the four lessons. Give one example of using each idea.
- Use the example to explain one mistake to avoid.
- Try the unit review before opening the explanations.
- Try the new task on paper or say your answer. Then compare your steps with the example answer.