Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako

Supports CT Progress Outcome 1

• Define what "debugging" means.

• Explain why finding and fixing mistakes is important.

• Identify simple errors in step-by-step instructions.

• Correct simple errors in step-by-step instructions.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to identify and correct errors in simple non-computerised tasks.

Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Learning Required)

To get the most out of learning about Debugging, it's essential to have a clear understanding of:

• Sequence (CL1-2): Do you understand that steps need to be in the correct order for a task to work?

Quick Check: Imagine you're trying to build a tower with blocks, but it keeps falling over. What would you do to figure out why it's falling and make it stand up straight? That's a bit like debugging!

What is Debugging?

Debugging is the process of finding mistakes (called "bugs") in instructions, algorithms, or computer programs, and then fixing them.

Think of it like a detective:

• The bug is the mystery (the mistake).

• Debugging is being the detective who finds the clues to figure out what went wrong.

• Once you find the bug, you fix it so the instructions work correctly.

Even the smartest people and the best computer programs have bugs! Learning how to debug is a core skill in Digital Technologies because it helps us make sure our instructions and programs do exactly what we want them to do.

How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi

Debugging is all about being careful, patient, and logical. Here's how we debug, even without a computer:

1. First, know what the instructions are supposed to achieve.

   • Example: The goal is to make a peanut butter sandwich.

2. Carefully follow each instruction in the sequence, one by one.

   • Example: "Get bread." (Okay, done.) "Spread peanut butter." (Wait, I haven't opened the jar or got a knife!)

3. When something doesn't work as expected, or you get stuck, that's where the bug is!

   • Example: The instruction "Spread peanut butter" caused a problem because the jar was closed. This is the bug!

4. Ask "Why did this happen?" What instruction was missing or in the wrong place?

   • Example: The instruction to "open the peanut butter jar" was missing.

5. Change the instructions so they work.

   • Example: Add "Open the peanut butter jar" before "Spread peanut butter."

This process of finding and fixing bugs helps us create clear, unambiguous, step-by-step instructions (CT PO1).

Assessment / Te Aromatawai

Task: Choose a simple everyday task that involves a few steps (e.g., making a sandwich, packing a backpack, or watering a plant).

Activity: Create a short report (e.g., 1 page in Google Docs) or a simple presentation (e.g., 2-3 slides in Google Slides) that:

1. Clearly names the task.

2. Writes down a set of step-by-step instructions for this task, but intentionally includes one small mistake (a "bug"). This bug could be a missing step, a step in the wrong order, or a step that is unclear.

3. Clearly identifies the bug you put in and explains why it is a bug (what problem it would cause if someone followed the instructions).

4. Shows how to correct the bug to make the instructions work perfectly.

Why this assessment helps: This assesses your ability to identify errors in simple non-computerised tasks and correct them, demonstrating simple debugging skills (CT PO1).

Evidence: Submit your Google Doc report or Google Slide presentation to Google Classroom as instructed by your kaiako.

Key Takeaways / Mātauranga

• Debugging is finding and fixing mistakes ("bugs") in instructions or programs.

• It's like being a detective to solve a problem.

• You need to follow instructions carefully, spot the problem, figure out why, and then fix it.

• Debugging helps make sure instructions work exactly as planned.

What's Next?

Now that you know how to find and fix mistakes, you've completed all the core concepts in this module! You're ready to move on to the next level of Digital Technologies learning.