Learning Objectives / Whāinga Ako

Supports CT Progress Outcome 1

• Define what "sequence" means in the context of instructions.

• Explain why the order of steps matters when giving instructions.

• Identify the correct sequence of steps for simple tasks.

• Demonstrate understanding of how to follow and give step-by-step instructions in the correct order.

Getting Started / Whakataki (Prior Learning Required)

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

• Decomposition (CL1-2): Do you know how to break down a big job into smaller, simpler parts?

Quick Check: Imagine trying to put on your shoes before your socks. Would that work? Why not? This shows why sequence is important!

What is Sequence?

Sequence means the order in which things happen or the order in which you do steps in a task. For digital devices, sequence is incredibly important because computers follow instructions exactly in the order they are given.

Think of it like a recipe: If you're baking a cake, you can't put the cake in the oven before you've mixed the ingredients! The steps have to be done in a certain order. That order is the sequence.

In Digital Technologies, when we break down a problem into smaller steps (using Decomposition), we then need to put those steps in the right sequence so that a computer (or even a human robot!) can follow them correctly.

How It Works / Me Pēhea te Mahi

Digital devices are very good at following instructions, but they don't "think" like humans do about what makes sense. They just do exactly what they're told, in the order they're told.

1. In a sequence, one instruction is done, then the next, then the next, like beads on a string.

   • Example:

     1. Open the door.

     2. Walk through the door.

     3. Close the door.

   • If you change the order, the result might be very different!

2. For a sequence to work, each step needs to be very clear so there's no confusion.

   • Example: "Put on your shoes" is clear. "Get ready" is not clear for a computer, because it doesn't know what "ready" means.

3. We follow sequences all the time without thinking about it:

   • Brushing your teeth (put toothpaste on brush, brush teeth, rinse).

   • Making a sandwich (get bread, spread butter, add filling, put slices together).

   • Playing a game (roll dice, move piece, draw card).

Understanding sequence is a core part of algorithmic thinking (CT PO1), which is about creating precise, step-by-step instructions.

Assessment / Te Aromatawai

Task: Choose a simple non-computerised task that you know well (e.g., making a sandwich, setting a table, or tidying a small area).

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. Breaks down the task into at least 5 precise, step-by-step instructions.

3. Explains why doing these steps in the correct order (sequence) is important for the task to be completed successfully.

4. Describes what might go wrong if one or two steps were done out of order.

Why this assessment helps: This assesses your ability to use decomposition skills to break down simple non-computerised tasks into precise, unambiguous, step-by-step instructions (CT PO1). It also demonstrates your understanding of why the order of steps matters.

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

Key Takeaways / Mātauranga

• Sequence is the order in which steps are done.

• Computers follow instructions in sequence exactly.

• Doing steps in the wrong order can lead to mistakes or tasks not being finished.

• Understanding sequence is key for giving clear instructions.

What's Next?

Now that you know how important order is, you're ready to learn about finding and fixing mistakes in instructions:

• Debugging (CL1-2): Discover how to find and fix mistakes in your instructions.

• Digital Devices (CL1-2): (Revisit this page if you need to review the basics of digital devices again before moving on).

• Input & Output (CL1-2): (Revisit this page if you need to review how devices take in and give out information).

• End-User (CL1-2): (Revisit this page if you need to review the importance of the people who use devices).

• Decomposition (CL1-2): (Revisit this page if you need to review breaking down big jobs).

Continue your journey by clicking on the links to these exciting topics within your current module!