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A computer is a common digital system. A tablet device, laptop and smartphone are also digital systems. At the F-2 level, students develop understandings of digital systems (hardware and software) when they use some key functions to undertake authentic curriculum tasks. A modelled approach supports students to understand how to match familiar forms of software and hardware with their purpose. Students can use materials such as modelling clay or boxes to construct/ build their own digital systems such as a desktop computer, tablet device, laptop or smartphone.
Flow of Activities
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.
Software consists of the applications that make the computer work and tell it what to do.
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.
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.