Learner: Grades 4, 5, 6
Task 2: Identify Computer
Summary:
Identify computers from a teacher perspective.
Detailed Explanation:
Write the words input, processing, memory, output on the board
Computers and humans have four basic functions: input, processing, memory, output. A computer is a machine that takes information in, processes it, they save it so it can be used again at a later date, and works with information in much the same say as humans do.
Computer INPUT
Ask the class:
What is input? [Ans: Entering information (e.g., data) into the computer. ]
How do you get information into the computer? [Ans: keyboard, mouse, joystick. ]
Computer OUTPUT
Ask the class:
What is output? [Ans: Information in a form that humans can understand. ]
How do we get the information out of the computer? [ Ans: printing, computer screen. ]
Show flash animation of typewriter input/output
Ask class to identify input and output as it relates to the typewriter. [Ans: Pressing a typewriter key causes the arm associated with the key to strike the paper. This produces an image of the key on the paper. ]
Show flash animation of process
Ask the class:
What is computer processing? [Ans: Doing something with the data. Computers require a set of instructions called software programs (e.g., word processor, graphic software, spreadsheet, games) in order to do something with the data (e.g., write a letter or draw a picture that can be printed). ]
What is computer memory? [Ans. Areas within the computer where data and programs are stored. ]
Ask class if humans are the same as computers (Human = Computer), with input, processing, memory, and output. [Listen to answers and tell class that this question will be asked again later. ]
Show stove input/output flash animation
Human INPUT
Ask the class:
Is our definition of computer input the same for humans? [Ans: It is very similar, except that the information goes into the human brain instead of the computer.]
How do we get information into humans? [Ans: The five senses (e.g., seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, tasting). ]
Human OUTPUT
Ask the class:
Is our definition of computer output the same for humans? [Ans: Yes, human output must be understandable to other humans. ]
What form does human output take? [Ans: speaking, writing, gestures. ]
Ask the class:
What is human processing? [Ans: Doing something with the information we take in. We think about what we read and hear, and we may respond (output). ] With human processing, we may want to accomplish something just as using the computer to write a letter accomplishes something. In our processing you may want to decide how to scare your mother with an elephant.
Show how to scare your mother flash animation.
Tell class the story presented in the animation
do you have an elephant
if yes
--then take it home and scare your mother
if no
--go to zoo
--is there an elephant there
if yes
--borrow it and take it home to scare your mother
if no
--go to Africa on safari
Ask the class:
What is human memory? [
Ans. If you listen to someone talk, understanding what they are saying goes into temporary memory. In order to store the information for later you need to write it down or record it. ]
Show human animation singing
