Lesson 1 of 6
Look at what it does, not what it looks like
One idea at a time. Try the example, then keep going.
Big ideas · 1 of 5
Big ideas
Do this: Read each idea. Think about what makes your Chromebook a computer.
A ComputerA machine that follows instructions to work with data.Exactly: A computer carries out programs. Its functions include input, processing, output, and storage.Mix-up alert: A keyboard or screen alone is not what makes something a computer.See this in Key words follows programs to work with data. A ProgramInstructions a computer can carry out.Exactly: A set of instructions that tells a computer how to work with data.See this in Key words is a set of instructions a computer can carry out. Computers can take in data, work with it, show results, and keep it for later.
A General-purpose computerOne computer that can run many different programs.Exactly: A computer that can run different programs for different tasks, such as a Chromebook used for writing and for calculating.Mix-up alert: An embedded computer is built into another device for a particular job.See this in Key words can run different programs for different tasks. Your Chromebook can help you write a report, calculate a total, or make a presentation.
An Embedded computerA computer built inside another device.Exactly: A computer built into another device to do a particular job, such as a programmed controller inside a microwave.Mix-up alert: A computer does not have to look like a laptop or have a keyboard.See this in Key words is built into another device to do a particular job. A programmed controller inside a microwave follows instructions to control its cooking cycle.
A paper notebook keeps your writing, but it does not electronically carry out a program. Keeping marks alone does not make it a computer.
A computer does not need to look like a laptop. A game console follows game instructions, responds to controls, and produces pictures and sound. A keyboard is not what makes it a computer.
Step-through
Do this: Step through the three groups. Say why each one belongs there.
Look for a program and the job it controls, not just a screen.
Whole picture, 3 steps
3 steps. Tap a number or Show me how it works.
Do this: Read the example. Explain why changing tasks does not need a different computer.
Mina writes a club announcement on her Chromebook. Then she uses a spreadsheet to add the club's supply costs. The physical computer stays the same. Different programs give it different instructions. This is a General-purpose computerOne computer that can run many different programs.Exactly: A computer that can run different programs for different tasks, such as a Chromebook used for writing and for calculating.Mix-up alert: An embedded computer is built into another device for a particular job.See this in Key words doing two school tasks. Mina's paper notebook can hold her plan, but it does not run those programs.
Do this: Name the clue that matters more than the computer's shape.
Do not say something is a computer just because it has a keyboard or screen. Look for program instructions working with data. An embedded computer can be hidden inside another device.
From other sites
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Code.org, about 5 minutes
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Code.org, about 5 minutes
Watch from 0:45 to 2:47
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Write it
Do this: Write two or three sentences, then compare the ideas.
Start here if it helps: A computer is a machine that...
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Flashcards
Do this: Say your answer before you flip. Use the hint if you get stuck.
Card 1 of 8
0 Know it0 Still learning
It needs instructions, not guesses.
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 does a computer follow to work with data?
Programs: instructions it can carry out.
What is a program?
A set of instructions a computer can carry out.
What does general-purpose mean?
The computer can run different programs for different tasks.
Why can one Chromebook help with both a report and a calculation?
It is general-purpose. It can run programs for both tasks.
Where would you find an embedded computer?
Inside another device, doing a particular job.
A programmed controller inside a microwave controls cooking. Which kind of computer is it?
An embedded computer. It is built into the microwave for a particular job.
Why is a paper notebook not a computer?
It can keep writing, but it does not electronically run a program.
Must a computer have a keyboard?
No. What matters is following programs to work with data, not having a keyboard.
True or false
Do this: Choose True or False. Read the explanation after each choice.
Flashcards
Do this: Say your answer before you flip each card.
Card 1 of 7
0 Know it0 Still learning
Look at its job, not its shape.
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 game console follows game instructions and responds to controls. Why does it count as a computer?
It follows a program to work with data, even without a keyboard.
Lena switches from writing a report to making a presentation on one Chromebook. What changes?
The program instructions for the task change. The general-purpose computer can stay the same.
Can a computer be hidden inside another device?
Yes. An embedded computer is built into another device for a particular job.
What job does the programmed controller in the microwave example control?
The cooking cycle.
A notebook keeps a club list. What computer action does the paper not perform?
It does not electronically carry out a program.
Besides taking in data, what can a computer do with it?
Work with it, show results, and keep it for later.
What should you look for before calling a device a computer?
Programs that it follows to work with data, not just a keyboard.
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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https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/what-makes-a-computer#classwork
Homework
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https://gradebridge-beryl.vercel.app/learn/csc/computer-hardware/what-makes-a-computer#homework
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