Computers need digital information to make them work.
This means that any information being put into the computer has to be
converted into binary code.
Binary code is the digital code computers use to send, receive and store
information. It is made up of a series of 1s and 0s.
Images, text and sound put into the computer are all converted into this
binary code.
The computer converts the information back again before it sends it out
of the computer.
But, how does the information get into and out of the computer?

Input
Input devices allow information to be put into the computer.
Some input devices allow you to input text; some allow you to input
images or sound.

Can you think of any input devices?
Click a box to see what input device is hiding inside.

Microphone
A microphone is an input device. It allows you to input sound. You can
record your own voice speaking or singing, or record music.
Why might you want to add speech or music into a computer?

Keyboard
A computer keyboard is an input device. It allows you to input text.
What computer programs do you use where you need to type text
into the computer?

Digital Camera
A digital camera is an input device. It allows you to input images into a
computer. These images might be still images or videos.
Why is it useful to be able to add images into a computer?

Controller
A controller is an input device. It allows you to select the information you
want to add to the computer. Controllers can be used for many things
around your home.
Why is it useful to be able to add images into a computer?

Output
Output devices allow information to be sent out of the computer.
Output devices might produce text, images or sounds. Some new output
devices can even produce objects!

Can you think of any output devices?
Click a box to see what output device is hiding inside.

Speaker
A speaker is an output device. It produces sound.
What devices in your home or school make use of speakers?

Printer
A printer is an output device. It can produce text and images. You might
have used a printer to print a photograph, a story or a poem.
Investigate a printer to see how it works.

3D Printer
This 3D printer is an output device. It can actually make three-dimensional
objects. Detailed programming is required for a 3D printer.
What would you make on a 3D printer?

Input and Output
A computer sits between an input device and an output device. The
computer allows the input device to pass messages and instructions to the
output device.
Input Computer Output

After all that input you should know all about this topic! Can
you output the information to someone else?