SS 1 First Term

Lesson objectives

By the end of the week, learners should be able to:

1. Name the five main input devices and state the role of each.
2. Distinguish mechanical from non-mechanical devices.
3. Explain why a scanner is input and a printer is not input.
4. Compare touchscreens, microphones and webcams on input method.
5. Identify at least fifteen input devices and classify them correctly.

Key vocabulary

• Input device: a device that sends data into the computer.
• Keyboard: a panel of keys that enters characters and commands.
• Mouse: a pointing device that selects screen items.
• Scanner: a device that converts images into digital data.
• Microphone: an audio input capturing sound.
• Touchscreen: a screen that accepts touch as input.
• Webcam: a camera that captures video frames as input.
• Mechanical device: an input whose action involves striking or moving physical parts.
• Non-mechanical device: an input driven by electronics instead of strikes.

Common misconceptions

• "A printer is an input device." A printer receives data and produces output; entering data requires an input device.
• "Touchscreens count as both." They accept touch input and display output simultaneously.
• "Every input device feels the same." Mechanical and non-mechanical devices behave differently.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: ask a pair to name every device you touched to send a message on a phone.
2. Name the five main input devices and demonstrate each with a live example.
3. Explain mechanical versus non-mechanical by showing a keyboard and a touchscreen.
4. Compare touchscreens, microphones and webcams using input methods.
5. Run a fifteen-device classification task and require reasons.
6. Close with the exit question about the printer role.

Student activities

1. Name every input device touched on the starter and identify them.
2. State the role of each of the five main input devices in one sentence.
3. Distinguish a mechanical device from a non-mechanical device with examples.
4. Compare touchscreens, microphones and webcams on input method.
5. Classify fifteen devices as input devices and write a reason for each.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about the printer role.

Practical / learning evidence

A fifteen-device classification table with columns Device, Input/Output/Both, Reason and Where used. Hand in for marking.

Resources and preparation

Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam and touchscreens where available. Printed device cards for sorting. Offline route: picture cards and paper tables. Supervise the scanner and printer so learners do not scan personal documents.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the classification table for at least twelve correct input devices with reasons. Mark the mechanical versus non-mechanical distinction. Ask a learner to explain why the scanner is input rather than output. Watch for "printer is input" and correct it live.

Inclusion and homework

Provide picture cards with device names underneath and allow oral completion. Allow learners to sort cards physically into envelopes. Extend confident learners with eighteen devices and a second input category. Homework: find two input devices at home or school and state the data they provide.