Designing a digital device
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design a digital device.
Key learning points
- Digital devices must have an input, process and output.
- Digital devices work by having an input, which is the control. It is how the device receives its information.
- The process is what the device does with the information.
- The output is what the device does after the input and process
Keywords
Digital device - an object that uses computer technology to work; it stores or processes information
Input - data that is sent to a program to be processed
Process - a program, or part of a program, which is running on a computer
Output - the result of data processed by a computer
Common misconception
A digital device has to have exactly one input and one output.
Digital devices can have more than one input and more than one output. They use different devices for different tasks at different times. For some tasks, input or output devices might not be required but they might be for different uses.
Teacher tip
When designing digital devices, it might help to have some physical devices for children to explore for inspiration. This can help to link cause and effect.
Equipment
It is useful for pupils to see a variety of computing devices that are around the school or every day life.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main role of an input device?
Q2.Which of these is an example of an output device?
Q3.What does a digital device use to work?
Q4.What does the term "process" refer to in a digital device?
Q5.Put these steps in order for how a digital device works:
Q6.Which of these are examples of digital devices?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the term for data that is sent to a program to be processed?
Q2.What is the term for the stage where input is converted into output in a digital device?
Q3.What is the term for the result of data processed by a computer?
Q4.Match these terms with their correct type:
input
output
input and output
process
Q5.A device has one input and three outputs. Is this possible?
Q6.What is the main purpose of designing a digital device?
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Designing a digital device, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Designing a digital device, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Computer networks unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.