Flow of Activities
Activity Common digital systems
What does a computer help me do?
Australian Curriculum Alignment
- Digital Systems (ACTDIK001)
What's this about?
A computer is a common digital system. A tablet device, laptop and smartphone are also digital systems.
The digital system uses hardware and software component to enable a user to complete specific tasks.
Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer that you can touch. A desktop computer includes the case (or tower), the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
The software refers to the applications that make the computer work and tell it what to do. These might include word processing and presentation software, a drawing program, photo editing, video playing and other applications.
Learning tasks
- Model the use of some common digital systems (hardware and software components) using a relevant class context so students experience their purpose.
- In each case, identify the type of digital system, be explicit about the software being used and ask what the software enables the user to do.
- Some examples may include:
- using a laptop with email application software to compose and send an email to a person; for example, inviting an expert to speak to the class or asking them a question to assist with the class inquiry
- when learning about algorithms, model how to use arrow commands on a Bee-Bot app used on an iPad to move the Bee-Bot in a sequence of steps
- Use video function on a tablet device/ smartphone to record the movement of the Bee-Bot.
- use a drawing package application such as Paint or app such as Draw and Tell to make a representation of a dog and cat for a graph about favourite pets.
- Match hardware and software with purpose (task).
- Summarise the modelling activity with pre-made cards that have an image of the hardware, an image of the software and a description of the (task) purpose; for example, send messages. Use the images and text to link the hardware, software and the (task) purpose.
Supporting Resources
What is a digital system and how do digital systems help us? (Years F-2)
Digital systems are all around us. Providing students with opportunities to understand what digital systems are and how people use them for different purposes is very important in the early years of schooling.
BBC Bitesize: Software
Hardware is the physical parts of the computer and software is the programs that run on a computer. Find out more using this brief tutorial.
Basic Parts of a Computer
This resource provides useful teacher background on Digital systems.
Lesson Ideas
Computer Memory Game
With this memory game you'll get to know the different components of a computer.
Digital systems cards
This resource comprises two sets of printable cards. They can be used for activities to support building knowledge and understanding of digital systems with a focus on the components of digital systems; in particular, hardware and peripheral devices.
What is a digital system and how do digital systems help us?
Digital systems are all around us. Providing students with opportunities to understand what digital systems are and how people use them for different purposes is very important in the early years of schooling.
Assessment
Suggested approaches may include
- Level of engagement in discussion about modelling the use of some types of software
Assessment Resources
Activity Familiar software
What is software and what Is its purpose?
Australian Curriculum Alignment
- Digital Systems (ACTDIK001)
What's this about?
Software consists of the applications that make the computer work and tell it what to do.
- Word processing software enables the user to type reports and stories and include images and tables.
- Email software enables a user to send and receive messages including attaching files.
- Graphics and drawing applications enable the user to create digital images that can be inserted into other applications.
- Digital games are a form of software that allow the user to interact with a virtual world.
- Photo editing software enables the user to add effects to their photos.
- Music software allows users to create and record music.
Learning tasks
- Discuss the different types of software familiar to students and software that is commonly used in class. Refer to the icons of each as a way of knowing which application they are using.
- Match familiar software with its purpose.
- Create and use icons of the software such as for MS Word or an app that students are familiar with; for example, the Bee-Bot app.
- Students can cut out the icons and paste them with the relevant ‘simplified’ purpose that may include:
- Send a message
- Write a story
- Move a character
- Draw a picture
- Present ideas.
- Other purposes can be added, depending on the software with which students are familiar.
- Discuss what digital systems the students use at home and their particular use. Extend the conversation into digital systems used in the community; some examples might include a touch screen in a large supermarket to find a location.
Assessment
Suggested approaches may include
- Software icons matched to a purpose
Activity Use familiar software
What software can I use?
Australian Curriculum Alignment
- Digital Systems (ACTDIK001)
What's this about?
At this level the expectation would be for students to have an opportunity to use a desktop computer as well as a tablet device.
In some cases, a tablet device may be more suitable particularly when an image or video needs to be captured and stored.
The software (in the form of mobile apps) on a tablet device are usually discoverable on the home screen identified by a distinctive icon.
On a desktop computer a short cut to relevant software programs may be provided on the home screen.
Learning tasks
- Provide students with an opportunity to carry out some key functions on digital systems (hardware and software components) to meet a purpose.
- Using a relevant curriculum context, identify a digital system such as a computer, laptop or tablet device that can be used to complete set tasks.
- Discuss the hardware used and the software required to undertake simple tasks.
- In the task, include requirements such as:
- Add text
- Draw a picture (digitally)
- Capture a photo and insert it into the project
- Record a video, save the file and upload.
- Potential curriculum contexts may include:
- About me
- Capture and share images of living things in the local environment
- Sort and record information and data in tables and on plans and labelled maps.
- My family
- Places I like to visit.
Assessment
Suggested approaches may include
- Completed task showing the use of a particular software application
Assessment Resources
Activity Make a model
How can I make a model of a digital system?
Australian Curriculum Alignment
- Digital Systems (ACTDIK001)
What's this about?
A computer is a common digital system. A tablet device, laptop and smartphone are also digital systems.
Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer that you can touch. In a desktop computer it includes the case (or tower), the monitor, keyboard and mouse. The software are the applications that make the computer work and tell it what to do. These might include word processing and presentation software, a drawing program and other applications.
Digital systems such as laptop, tablets and smartphones have their monitors and keyboard integrated into the one device. A touch screen is used instead of a mouse.
Learning tasks
- Ask students to make their own digital system. They can choose to make a desktop computer, tablet device, laptop or smartphone depending on the purpose.
- Provide a problem to solve to guide the activity; for example, make a model of a digital system that you can use to:
- take a selfie, add a caption and send to someone else
- play a video game using a game controller and listen to the sound effects without annoying others
- make voice calls, send emails and play mobile apps
- write a story and print it to share with a friend.
- Talk through the requirements and have students draw their design before making. Use this to clarify student thinking and consider how they will show how a device may be sued and the software that might be needed to be shown.
- Provide cardboard boxes of various sizes, coloured card and other recycled materials. Assist students to cut materials safely. Materials such as modelling clay or playdough could be used instead of cardboard.
- Ask how students to consider how they can display or show the different types of software that are available for use in their digital system.
- Look at the actual devices to see what is visible on home screens. How might they represent these in their model?
- Students use their model to identify the hardware and software and any peripheral devices they may add to their digital system to complete a specific task.
Supporting Resources
DIY chalk and cardboard computer
Ideas to help make a computer using cardboard.
Play Doh How to make a Play-Doh iPad tablet DIY RainbowLearning
Make a tablet device using playdough.
Lesson Ideas
My First Computer
My First Computer is an introduction to the amazing and complicated machine that is the computer.
Make a keyboard
In this exercise, students build their own computer keyboard. They also learn about alphabets, numbers, and symbols.
Assessment
Suggested approaches may include
- Presentation of model of a digital system for a particular purpose