Data capture involves gathering information and converting it into a digital format that can be stored on a computer system. There are both manual methods like forms and questionnaires that require data to be manually entered, as well as automatic methods using sensors and scanners to directly input data. The document provides guidance on best practices for designing effective data capture forms to optimize information collection and digital conversion.

1. Data Capture
YEAR 7 ICT

2. Learning outcomes
• To know how data capture turns
INFORMATION into DATA
• To understand the difference between
MANUAL and AUTOMATIC data capture
methods
• To explain how to create a well designed DATA
CAPTURE FORM

3. Data Capture
“DATA CAPTURE is gathering information to put on a
computer system”
Starter: In pairs, think of 3 companies that might use data
capture. Think about why they would want to gather the
information.
For example, a library may have a form for new members
to fill in to register.
Discuss your answers with the class

4. Data Capture
You have to record the information in You have to actually enter the data
a suitable form. onto the computer.
Data capture turns information into data… so
how do we get the information on to the
computer?

5. Manual methods
Forms Questionnaires
Manual methods include forms and questionnaires. Someone writes out
information in a set way (e.g. on a form). It’s then input into the computer
exactly the way it was written on the form.

6. Manual methods
 Questionnaires usually need someone to
key in the results by hand.
 With data capture forms, you just enter How do you get to school?
information in code format. The  A. Walk
information is automatically read using a  B. Car
 C. Bus
scanner –type thing. E.g. multiple choice  D. Train/Tube
answer sheets or some school registers.
 Turnaround documents (e.g. electricity
meter reading forms) use a semi-automatic
system. The computer prints a personalised
form with a space to record the meter
reading. The customer writes the reading
by hand, then the electricity company add
the new data to the customer’s record on
the computer.

7. Automatic methods
• Automatic data capture means collecting data from sensors, bar code
readers and scanners. E.g. when the assistant scans shopping at the
supermarket .
• How many other places can you think of that use barcode scanners?
• Smartphones can also capture data by scanning. Watch this news report to
find out how.

8. TASK
Complete Questions 1 and 2 from this task sheet

9. Advantages of each method
Manual data capture Automatic data capture
Sometimes necessary – information such Faster and more accurate than manual
as personal details can only be obtained systems.
using a manual data capture form.
Cheaper – less hardware and software Humans don’t have to be present – so it’s
needed so the system will be less useful in dangerous or inaccessible places
expensive. (e.g. nuclear reactors)

10. TASK
Now complete Questions 3 and 4 from your task
sheet

11. Data capture form design - Rules
1. Keep the layout simple and leave enough
space to write the answers. Don’t put the
answer boxes too close together.
2. Write down instructions on how to fill out
the form.
3. Make it look interesting.
4. Only ask for necessary information.
5. Check the form for accuracy and
completeness before it is printed.
6. Test it! Try it out on a small sample of
people.

12. TASK
Now complete Questions 5 - 8 from your task
sheet

13. Plenary
In pairs think of three keywords associated
with today’s lesson. You partner will have to try
and guess what these are!

14. Homework
Click here for today’s homework.