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Input & Output
Input & Output
Nau mai, haere mai ki te whārangi "Input & Output"! This page will explore how we send information to digital devices and how they give information back to us. It's all about communication!
Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako
Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako
Supports DDDO Progress Outcome 1; CT Progress Outcome 1
Supports DDDO Progress Outcome 1; CT Progress Outcome 1
Define what "input" means when talking about digital devices.
Define what "output" means when talking about digital devices.
Identify examples of how you give "input" to devices and how they give "output" back.
Explain the very basic idea of how information goes "in" and "out" of a digital device.
Demonstrate understanding of identifying inputs and outputs of a system.
Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Learning Required)
Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Learning Required)
To get the most out of learning about Input & Output, it's essential to have a clear understanding of:
Digital Devices (CL1-2): Do you know what a digital device is and can you name some common ones?
Quick Check: Think about a remote control for a TV. When you press a button, is that information going IN or OUT of the remote? What about when the TV screen changes?
What are Input and Output?
What are Input and Output?
Every digital device needs to get information (or instructions) to do its job. It also needs a way to show us the results or do something. This is what we call Input (tāuru) and Output (putanga).
Input: This is any information or instruction that you send into a digital device. Think of it like feeding information in.
Example: Tapping on a tablet screen, talking into a microphone, pressing a button.
Output: This is any information or action that a digital device sends out to you. Think of it as information coming out.
Example: A picture appearing on a screen, music playing from a speaker, a light turning on.
Together, input and output are how digital devices have a "conversation" with us and do their jobs.
How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi
How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi
Digital devices are always taking in information, doing something with it, and then giving information back. This is a simple cycle:
Input: You (or a sensor) send information in.
Imagine: You say "Play music" to a smart speaker.
Process: The digital device "thinks" about what you told it.
Imagine: The smart speaker understands your words.
Output: The device gives information out or does something.
Imagine: The smart speaker starts playing music!
This cycle happens all the time, very quickly, as you use digital devices.
Examples of Input and Output you might use:
When you play a game on a tablet:
Input: Your finger taps the screen, or you swipe.
Output: The character moves on the screen, or you hear sounds.
When you use a calculator:
Input: You press the numbers.
Output: The answer appears on the screen.
When you take a photo with a digital camera:
Input: You press the button.
Output: The picture shows up on the screen.
Activities / Ngā Mahi
Activities / Ngā Mahi
Activity 1: Device Conversation:
Task: Choose three different digital devices you use or see regularly (e.g., a TV remote, a computer mouse, a traffic light).
Activity: For each device, identify:
At least one way you (or something else) give it input.
At least one way it gives output back.
Why this activity helps: This helps you identify the inputs and outputs of a system (DDDO PO1).
Evidence: Create a Google Doc or Google Slide with a list of your three devices, their inputs, and their outputs.
Activity 2: Human Robot with I/O:
Task: This is an unplugged activity! With a partner (or imagine one), one person is the "Robot" and the other gives instructions.
Activity:
Instruction Giver (Input): Think of a simple task (e.g., "draw a happy face," "walk to the door"). Write down clear, step-by-step instructions (an algorithm) for the "Robot."
Robot (Process & Output): The "Robot" tries to follow your instructions exactly.
Afterward, discuss: What were the "inputs" given to the robot? What were the "outputs" (what the robot did or showed)?
Why this activity helps: This helps you give and follow simple algorithms, and identify inputs and outputs in a non-computerised context (CT PO1, DDDO PO1).
Evidence: In a Google Doc, write the instructions you gave the "Robot." Then, write 1-2 sentences explaining what the "inputs" and "outputs" were in your activity.
Assessment / Te Aromatawai
Assessment / Te Aromatawai
This section is your opportunity to demonstrate your overall understanding of Input & Output (CL1-2), as required by the Progress Outcomes.
Task: Choose one common digital device that you use or see often (e.g., a tablet, a computer, or a smart speaker).
Activity: Create a short presentation (e.g., 2-3 slides in Google Slides) or a simple report (e.g., 1 page in Google Docs) that:
Clearly names your chosen digital device.
Identifies and describes at least two different ways it takes input.
Identifies and describes at least two different ways it provides output.
Explains how these inputs and outputs help a human use the device to achieve its purpose.
Why this assessment helps: This assesses your ability to identify inputs and outputs of a system (DDDO PO1). It also demonstrates your foundational understanding of how digital devices work through interaction.
Evidence: Submit your Google Doc report or Google Slide presentation to Google Classroom as instructed by your kaiako.
Key Takeaways / Mātauranga
Key Takeaways / Mātauranga
Input is information that goes into a digital device.
Output is information that comes out of a digital device.
Digital devices work by taking Input, doing something with it (Process), and then giving Output.
We use different parts of devices to give input and receive output.
What's Next?
What's Next?
Now that you understand how digital devices communicate, you're ready to explore who is using them and how we solve problems:
End-User (CL1-2): Learn about the people who use digital devices and why they are important.
Decomposition (CL1-2): Start breaking down bigger problems into smaller, easier steps.
Digital Devices (CL1-2): (Revisit this page if you need to review the basics of digital devices again before moving on).
Continue your journey by clicking on the links to these exciting topics within your current module!
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