Lesson 2 of 6
Follow the action: in, work, out, keep
One idea at a time. Try the example, then keep going.
Big ideas · 1 of 5
Big ideas
Do this: Read each job. Say what action would count as an example.
InputData or commands coming IN.Exactly: The function that brings data or commands into a computer system, such as detecting a tap.Mix-up alert: A touchscreen detecting a tap is input. The same screen showing a menu is output.See this in Key words brings data or commands into a computer system. Typing a number or tapping a control gives the system something to work with.
ProcessingDoing the WORK with data.Exactly: Applying instructions to data, such as calculating a total or comparing values.Mix-up alert: Calculating a total is processing. Displaying it is output.See this in Key words follows instructions to work with data. Adding numbers or comparing two values is processing. Just showing the answer is a different job.
OutputSending a result OUT so someone can use it.Exactly: The function that communicates a result, such as displaying text, playing sound, or printing a page.Mix-up alert: Seeing output on a screen does not prove a file was saved.See this in Key words communicates a result. Showing text, playing a sound, or printing a page are ways to send results out.
StorageKEEPING data or programs for later.Exactly: The function of retaining data or programs for later use, such as keeping a saved file.Mix-up alert: Showing a result is output. Keeping it for later is storage.See this in Key words keeps data or programs for later use. Saving a file is storage. Seeing a result on screen is not proof that a file has been saved.
These are four roles, not four steps that every program does once in order. A program can take input and show output many times before saving. One device can have more than one role.
Step-through
Do this: Step through the picture. Name the job before reading each explanation.
A Chromebook helps plan supplies for a club. This example uses all four jobs, but they need not happen just once.
Whole picture, 4 steps
4 steps. Tap a number or Show me how it works.
Do this: Read the story. Match each bold action to its job word.
Owen plans pencils for two club tables. He types 7 and 5 into a spreadsheet on his Chromebook: input. The spreadsheet adds them to get 12: processing. The screen shows 12: output. The file is saved for the next meeting: storage. Adding and showing are separate actions, even when they happen quickly.
Do this: Explain the difference between detecting a tap and showing a menu.
A touchscreen is not only an input device or only an output device. Detecting your tap is input. Showing a menu is output. Classify the action in the question instead of giving the device just one label.
From other sites
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Write it
Do this: Describe each job in your own words, then compare.
Start here if it helps: Typing the numbers is input because...
Your answer is not saved anywhere. It disappears when you leave the page.
Flashcards
Do this: Say the job and a reason before you flip each card.
Card 1 of 9
0 Know it0 Still learning
Think IN.
On the card: Enter or Space flips. Left and Right move. After revealing, 1 marks Still learning and 2 marks Know it. Tab reaches every control.
What is input?
Data or commands coming into a computer system.
What is processing?
Following instructions to work with data, such as adding or comparing values.
What is output?
Communicating a result, such as showing text or playing a sound.
What is storage?
Keeping data or programs for later use.
A program checks whether a club total is greater than 20. Which job is that?
Processing. The program compares values.
A computer plays a sound to announce a result. Which job is that?
Output. The sound communicates a result.
A touchscreen detects your tap on a choice. Which job is that action?
Input. Your command goes into the system.
A total appears on screen. Does that alone prove the file was saved?
No. Displaying is output. Saving for later is storage, a separate action.
Must every program do the four jobs exactly once in order?
No. The jobs describe roles. A program may repeat input and output before saving.
Match
Do this: Tap an action, then its job. Use what is happening, not the device name.
Connect the ideas
0 / 4 connectedChoose a term, then its meaning. Or drag its grip. Use Tab and Enter or Space; Escape clears.
Flashcards
Do this: Say your answer before you flip each card.
Card 1 of 6
0 Know it0 Still learning
The result comes out.
On the card: Enter or Space flips. Left and Right move. After revealing, 1 marks Still learning and 2 marks Know it. Tab reaches every control.
A Chromebook sends a club poster to be printed. Which job is printing the page?
Output. The printed page communicates a result.
A touchscreen shows a menu. Which job is this action?
Output. It shows a result rather than detecting a tap.
Can a command, rather than a number, be input?
Yes. Input brings data or commands into the computer.
Why does keeping a program for later count as storage?
Storage keeps data or programs for later use.
An app accepts input and shows results several times before saving. Does that fit the four jobs?
Yes. These are roles that can repeat, not a fixed one-time recipe.
How are adding two numbers and showing their total different?
Adding is processing. Showing the result is output.
Match
Do this: Match each example to the job it shows.
Connect the ideas
0 / 4 connectedChoose a term, then its meaning. Or drag its grip. Use Tab and Enter or Space; Escape clears.
True or false
Do this: Choose True or False and read each explanation.
Self-test
Do this: Answer each question and read the explanation before moving on.
8 questions. One at a time.
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Match
Do this: Choose a word, then choose its meaning.
Connect the ideas
0 / 4 connectedChoose a term, then its meaning. Or drag its grip. Use Tab and Enter or Space; Escape clears.
Classwork
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Homework · 10 points
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Classwork
Worth 10 points.
https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/four-jobs-of-a-computer#classwork
Homework
Worth 10 points.
https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/four-jobs-of-a-computer#homework
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