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Computers & Digital Literacy · Grade 6

Computing Devices and User Needs

Learners describe any computing device, from a laptop to a thermostat, with the input-processing-output-storage model, compare device types by their tradeoffs, and turn a person's needs into checkable requirements. They meet the accessibility features built into most devices and finish by choosing and justifying a device for a new user in an unfamiliar setting.

  • 4 lessons
  • About 90 minutes
  • Devices and user needs check: 9 questions
  • Ways to answer: fill in the blanks, choose an answer, highlight a text, match pairs, type a number and put in order
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What learners will discover

  • Describe a computing device with the input, processing, output and storage model, including parts that do two jobs (a touchscreen) and sensors as inputs.
  • Compare desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and embedded devices by their tradeoffs in portability, battery, screen, processing power and cost.
  • Turn a user's needs into checkable requirements, separate must-haves from nice-to-haves, and use them to choose and justify a device.
  • Explain how built-in accessibility features (screen reader, captions, magnification, voice input, switch access) support people with different needs and situations.

Lessons

  1. Input, processing, output and storage 7 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  2. Device types and tradeoffs 6 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  3. From user needs to requirements 7 steps4 practiceabout 24 min
  4. Accessibility features are requirements too 7 steps4 practiceabout 22 min
  5. Devices and user needs check 9 questions at the end

Keep exploring

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Guide for grown-ups