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      Digital devices for different activities

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how digital devices can be used for different activities.

      Key learning points

      1. Digital devices are suited for different purposes.
      2. There are similarities between digital devices and non-digital tools.

      Keywords

      • Digital device - an object that uses computer technology to work; it stores or processes information

      • Non-digital tool - an object that does not need computer technology to work

      Common misconception

      Digital devices are always better than non-digital tools.

      Some tasks like reading a book might still be enjoyable or practical without digital devices.

      Teacher tip

      Children may share what they use their digital devices for. Mentioning online safety reminders might be needed.

      Equipment

      It is useful for pupils to see a variety of computing devices that are around the school or every day life.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which of these is an input device?

      printer
      speaker
      Correct answer: keyboard
      monitor

      Q2.
      Which of these is an output device?

      mouse
      microphone
      keyboard
      Correct answer: printer

      Q3.
      What does a digital device do?

      Correct answer: stores or processes information
      creates physical objects
      sends signals through wires
      displays only images

      Q4.
      Which of these devices has both input and output?

      chair
      Correct answer: smartphone
      book
      lamp

      Q5.
      Put these steps in order:

      1 - Data is sent to the computer.
      2 - The computer processes the data.
      3 - The computer produces an output.
      4 - The user interacts with the output.

      Q6.
      Match the term to its definition:

      Correct Answer:input,data sent to a program

      data sent to a program

      Correct Answer:process,running a program on a computer

      running a program on a computer

      Correct Answer:output,result of processed data

      result of processed data

      Correct Answer:digital device,uses computer technology to work

      uses computer technology to work

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What makes digital devices different from non-digital tools?

      Correct answer: They store or process information.
      They are always better.
      They don’t need electricity.
      They are slower than non-digital tools.

      Q2.
      Which of these is an example of a non-digital tool?

      smartphone
      calculator
      Correct answer: paper
      laptop

      Q3.
      Are digital devices always better than non-digital tools?

      Yes, they are faster and more advanced.
      Correct answer: No, non-digital tools can be more practical for some tasks.
      Yes, they are always more reliable.
      No, non-digital tools are outdated and unnecessary.

      Q4.
      Match the term to its definition:

      Correct Answer:digital device,uses computer technology to work

      uses computer technology to work

      Correct Answer:non-digital tool,does not need computer technology to work

      does not need computer technology to work

      Correct Answer:input,data sent to a program

      data sent to a program

      Correct Answer:output,result of processed data

      result of processed data

      Q5.
      Match the digital activity to its non-digital equivalent:

      Correct Answer:listening to music on a phone,going to a concert

      going to a concert

      Correct Answer:reading an ebook,reading a physical book

      reading a physical book

      Correct Answer:typing on a laptop,writing with pen and paper

      writing with pen and paper

      Correct Answer:watching a movie online,going to the cinema

      going to the cinema

      Q6.
      What does a digital device do with information?

      deletes it
      sends it to a non-digital tool
      ignores it
      Correct answer: processes or stores it

      To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Digital devices for different activities, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...