Input and Output Devices
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Subject: Information Technology (IT)
Class: Primary 3
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 13
Theme: Basic Computer Operations
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Watch on YouTubeSee Facebook postState the meaning of in put devices State the meaning of out put devices Identify in put and out put from keyboard, monitor, mouse and printer State the uses of keyboard and mouse, monitor and printer
This section provides detailed explanations of the core concepts for the teacher. 2.1 Introduction to Computers (Brief Recap) A computer is an electronic machine that takes in data, processes it, and gives out information. To do this, it needs ways to receive instructions and data, and ways to show us the results. 2.2 Input Devices Meaning of Input: Input is the process of putting data or instructions into a computer. It's like telling the computer what to do or giving it information to work with.
Analogy: When a student raises their hand to ask a question, they are "inputting" their intention to the teacher.
Meaning of Input Devices: Input devices are the hardware components used to send data, commands, or signals to a computer. They are the tools we use to communicate with the computer.
Keyboard: Explanation: The keyboard is the most common text-entry input device. It looks similar to a typewriter and consists of an array of buttons or keys.
Features: Alphabetic Keys: For typing letters (A-Z).
Numeric Keys: For typing numbers (0-9), usually found at the top and on a separate numeric keypad.
Function Keys: Keys labelled F1 to F12, used for special functions in different programs.
Special Character Keys: Keys for symbols like @, #, $, %, &, , etc.
Navigation Keys: Keys like arrow keys (up, down, left, right), Home, End, Page Up, Page Down for moving the cursor.
Control Keys: Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Enter, Backspace, Delete, Spacebar for specific actions.
Uses:
1. Typing letters, words, and numbers to write documents (e.g., stories, assignments).
2. Entering commands to tell the computer what to do (e.g., pressing Enter to accept an option).
3. Typing website addresses in a web browser.
4. Playing some computer games that require key presses.
5. Inputting data into forms, like registering for an online class or filling out a bank form. Nigerian Context
Example: A student typing their name and class for an assignment on a computer.
Mouse: Explanation: The mouse is a pointing device that controls a cursor (pointer) on the computer screen. It is used to select items, click buttons, and interact with graphical interfaces.
Features: Left Button: Primarily used for selecting items and opening files/programs (single-click or double-click).
Right Button: Used to open a context menu (a list of options specific to the item pointed at).
Scroll Wheel (or Scroll Button): Used to move up and down through documents or web pages quickly.
Optical Sensor (or Ball): On the underside, it detects movement across a surface.
Uses:
1. Pointing to and selecting objects on the screen (e.g., icons, menu items).
2. Clicking to open files, programs, or activate buttons.
3. Double-clicking to open documents or launch applications.
4. Dragging and dropping items (e.g., moving files to a folder).
5. Scrolling through long documents or web pages.
6. Playing many computer games (e.g., moving characters, aiming). Nigerian Context
Example: A teacher clicking on an educational video on YouTube or a student clicking on an icon to start a drawing program. 2.3 Output Devices Meaning of Output: Output is the information or results that a computer provides to the user after processing the input. It's the computer showing us what it has done.
Analogy: When the teacher answers the student's question, that is "output" from the teacher.
Meaning of Output Devices: Output devices are the hardware components that display or produce the processed information from the computer in a human-readable form (visual, auditory, or print). Monitor (or Screen/Visual Display Unit - VDU): Explanation: The monitor is the primary visual output device. It displays text, graphics, and video generated by the computer.
Features: Screen: The display area where images and text appear.
Power Button: To turn the monitor on or off.
Brightness/Contrast Controls: Buttons or menus to adjust the display quality.
Input Ports: To connect to the computer's graphics card. * Uses:
1. Displaying what is being typed on the keyboard.
2. Showing pictures and videos (e.g., educational content, movies).
3. Monitor (or Screen/Visual Display Unit - VDU): Explanation: The monitor is the primary visual output device. It displays text, graphics, and video generated by the computer.
Features: Screen: The display area where images and text appear.
Power Button: To turn the monitor on or off.
Brightness/Contrast Controls: Buttons or menus to adjust the display quality.
Input Ports: To connect to the computer's graphics card.
Uses:
1. Displaying what is being typed on the keyboard.
2. Showing pictures and videos (e.g., educational content, movies).
3. Displaying results of calculations or programs.
4. Allowing users to see and interact with software interfaces.
5. Viewing web pages or online learning materials. Nigerian Context
Example: Students watching a video about Nigerian history on a computer monitor in the school lab.
Printer: Explanation: A printer is an output device that produces hard copies (physical copies) of electronic documents or images on paper.
Features: Paper Tray: Where paper is loaded.
Print Head/Toner Cartridge: Mechanism that applies ink/toner to the paper.
Output Tray: Where printed papers are collected.
Control Panel/Buttons: For managing print jobs, checking status.
Connectivity Ports: USB or network port to connect to the computer.
Uses:
1. Printing school assignments, essays, and projects.
2. Printing photographs and images.
3. Printing official documents like letters, certificates, or forms.
4. Producing hard copies of reports or presentations.
5. Printing receipts or tickets (e.g., bus tickets, event tickets). Nigerian Context
Example: A teacher printing exam questions or a student printing a picture of the Nigerian coat of arms for a project. 2.4 Differentiating Input and Output It is important to emphasize that input devices allow us to put information into the computer, while output devices receive information from the computer.
Keyboard & Mouse: You use them to TELL the computer something. (Input) * Monitor & Printer: The computer uses them to SHOW or GIVE you something. (Output) 3.1 Teacher Activities: Introduction (5 minutes): Begin by asking students how they communicate with electronic devices like phones or tablets (e.g., "How do you tell a phone to play music?"). Introduce the terms "Input" and "Output" in simple language, relating them to everyday actions (e.g., "Giving instructions to someone is input, getting an answer back is output").
State the lesson topic: Input and Output Devices.
Explanation of Input (10 minutes): Define "Input" and "Input Device." Introduce the Keyboard. Display a real keyboard (if available) or a large, clear picture. Point out and name the different sections/types of keys (alphabetic, numeric, spacebar, arrow keys). Demonstrate or describe how the keyboard is used (e.g., typing letters, numbers). Introduce the Mouse. Display a real mouse or a clear picture. Point out the left button, right button, and scroll wheel. Demonstrate or describe how the mouse is used (e.g., clicking, moving the pointer).
Explanation of Output (10 minutes): Define "Output" and "Output Device." Introduce the Monitor. Display a real monitor (if available) or a clear picture. Explain its function as a display screen for visual information. Describe its uses (e.g., seeing what is typed, watching videos). Introduce the Printer. Display a real printer or a clear picture. Explain its function of producing paper copies. Describe its uses (e.g., printing assignments, pictures). Identification and Classification (10 minutes): Hold up pictures or actual devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer) one by one. Ask students to identify each device and classify it as either an "Input Device" or an "Output Device." Reinforce the reasons for classification (e.g., "Why is a keyboard an input device?").
Uses Review (5 minutes): Briefly review the uses of each device, prompting students for examples. 3.2 Student Activities: Participate in introductory discussions about communicating with devices. Listen attentively to explanations of input/output and device functions. Observe demonstrations of keyboard and mouse usage. Identify and name the parts of the keyboard (e.g., "This is the 'A' key," "This is the number '5'"). Identify the parts of the mouse (left button, right button, scroll wheel). Identify the presented devices (keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer) by name. Classify each device as either an "Input Device" or an "Output Device" when prompted. Mention one or two uses for each device as prompted by the teacher. Practice mimicking typing on an imaginary keyboard and moving an imaginary mouse.
Question 1: What is the main difference between an "input" and an "output" in the context of computers?
Solution: Input is putting information into the computer, while output is the computer giving information out to us.
Commentary: This question directly targets performance objectives 1 and 2, ensuring students understand the core concepts.
Question 2: Look at the list below. Write down if each device is an Input device or an Output device. a. Keyboard b. Monitor c. Mouse d.
Printer Solution: a. Keyboard - Input b. Monitor - Output c. Mouse - Input d. Printer - Output
Commentary: This assesses performance objective 3 by requiring students to classify the specific devices covered in the lesson.
Question 3: Mention two things you can do with a computer keyboard.
Solution: Type letters to write a story or assignment. Type numbers for calculations. Give commands to the computer. (Any two of the above or other valid uses discussed).
Commentary: This targets performance objective 4, focusing on the uses of the keyboard.
Question 4: When you use a computer to watch a cartoon, which output device allows you to see the cartoon?
Solution: The Monitor.
Commentary: This reinforces the specific use of the monitor as an output device in a relatable Nigerian context (watching cartoons).
Question 5: Imagine your teacher asked you to print your drawing of the Nigerian map. Which device would you use to get the drawing on paper?
Solution: The Printer.
Commentary: This question also targets performance objective 4, relating the use of the printer to a common school activity in Nigeria.
Cyber Cafes and Business Centres: In many Nigerian towns and cities, cyber cafes and business centres are common. Students can observe how people use keyboards to type documents (e.g., applying for jobs, writing school projects, filling out online government forms like NIMC registration) and then use printers to get hard copies of these documents. The monitor is crucial for seeing what is being typed before printing.
Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): ATMs are ubiquitous in Nigeria. When a person wants to withdraw money, they use the numeric keypad (a type of keyboard) to input their PIN and the amount. This is an input process. The ATM screen (monitor) displays instructions and transaction details, and then prints a receipt (printer) as output. This provides a tangible example of input and output devices working together.
School and Home Learning: In schools with computer labs or homes with computers, students use keyboards and mice to interact with educational software, type assignments, or browse learning websites. The monitor displays the content, and if they need a physical copy of notes or pictures, they use a printer. This integrates directly with their learning environment.