SS 1 First Term

Lesson objectives

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

1. Name the five main output devices and state the role of each.
2. Distinguish soft copy and hard copy outputs.
3. Compare impact and non-impact printers.
4. Name three specialised output devices such as plotters and projectors.
5. Classify twenty items by input, output, both or none.

Key vocabulary

• Output device: a device that presents processed information to the user.
• Monitor: a screen displaying processed information.
• Printer: a device that produces printed material.
• Hard copy: material printed on paper.
• Soft copy: material shown on a screen or stored as a file.
• Impact printer: a printer that strikes the paper through a ribbon.
• Non-impact printer: a printer that prints without striking the paper.
• Plotter: a device that draws precise line art on paper.
• Projector: a device that enlarges a screen image onto a wall.

Common misconceptions

• "A touchscreen is only output." Touchscreens are both input and output.
• "All printers strike the paper." Inkjet and laser printers do not strike.
• "Hard copy and soft copy are interchangeable." Paper has different permanence than screen storage.

Teacher activities

1. Starter: hold up a keyboard and ask which one is not an output device.
2. Name the five main output devices and demonstrate each live.
3. Explain hard copy versus soft copy using monitor and printed copies.
4. Compare impact and non-impact printers with two physical samples.
5. Run a twenty-item output-input classification task with traps.
6. Close with the exit question comparing plotters and printers.

Student activities

1. State which starter device is not an output and give the reason.
2. State the role of each of the five main output devices.
3. Distinguish hard copy from soft copy and give one advantage each.
4. Compare impact and non-impact printers on two criteria each.
5. Classify twenty items by output role with reasons.
6. Answer the exit question in one sentence about plotters and printers.

Practical / learning evidence

A fifteen-device classification table with columns Device, Role, Soft or Hard, Where used and Reason. Hand in for marking.

Resources and preparation

Monitor, printer, projector and speaker demonstrations, plus dot-matrix and laser or inkjet printouts. Printed device cards and blank classification tables. Offline route: paper demo cards and tables. Supervise the printer so learners do not waste personal paper.

Assessment for learning

Inspect the classification for at least twelve correct output devices with reasons. Mark the impact versus non-impact comparison. Ask a learner to explain the touchscreen case. Watch for "touchscreen is only output" and correct it live.

Inclusion and homework

Provide picture cards with device names underneath and allow oral completion. Extend confident learners with twenty-one items and a specialised-output extension. Homework: name one soft copy device and one hard copy device at home.