Lesson 1. How A Computer Works. What Is A Computer?

1. How A Computer
Works - OCL
Key Words
Lesson 1
What Is A Computer?
Computer, Algorithm, Input device, Output Device, Process,
Hardware

2. Lesson Objectives
• Understand what a computer is and how they can come in various forms.
• Understand how computers receive commands and data
• Understand what ‘processing’ means
• Understand how computers can output information

3. Starter Activity
‘What is a
computer?’
Have a think about this question,
If you want, write it down on a
whiteboard or make notes of
this lesson

4. So….
What is a Computer?

5. What is a Computer?
1) Generally considered a programmable machine
Or
1) An electronic device which takes in data, processes it and then outputs the result.
Input Process Output

6. Which of these is a computer?

7. Is this a computer?
Is this a programmable
machine?
Is this a device which
takes in data/commands,
then processes it and
outputs the result

8. How is a washing machine a computer?
Input
Button press inputting
settings/program
Process
Decisions made as to when
water added, spin is performed
or temperature changed
Output
Valves opened/closed
Heater turned on/off
Motors on/off

9. Is this a computer?
Is this a programmable
machine?
Is this a device which
takes in data/commands,
then processes it and
outputs the result
How is a toaster a computer. HINT: Input, Output, Process

10. Answer: Which of the 8 photos are computers?
Answer: ALL OF THEM!
They are ALL programmable machines, and
they all take in data then process it and output
a result

11. How is data put into a
computer (INPUT) and how
is it given back to the user
(OUTPUT)?

12. Input & Output Devices
Input devices of a PC Output devices of a PC
These all send information to the
computer
These all recieve information from
the computer.

13. What are the input and
output devices of a toaster?
Have a Guess
Have a Guess

14. Input & Output Devices
Input devices of a Toaster Output devices of a Toaster
These all send data/information to
the toaster’s computer
These all receive data/information
from the toaster’s computer

15. Online Coding Lessons - OCL
Everyone Can Code!