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Basic 4 · Computing · Generation of Computers

Input Devices and Their Uses

In this topic you will learn about the devices we use to enter data into a computer, such as the keyboard, mouse, scanner and microphone, and what each one is used for.

By the end of these notes you should be able to:

  • Explain what an input device is
  • Name at least six input devices
  • State the use of each input device
  • Identify the parts of a mouse

What you already know

  • The keyboard and mouse as main parts of a computer
  • Output devices

Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.

Strand
Introduction to Computing
Sub-strand
Generation of Computers
Indicator
B4.1.1.1.2 – Describe the types of input devices of a computer and their uses

Introduction

Before a computer can do any work, we must give it data. We type on the keyboard, click with the mouse or speak into a microphone. The devices we use to do this are called input devices.

1. What is an Input Device?

Input device: A hardware device used to enter (feed) data and instructions into the computer.

Remember: INPUT goes IN to the computer. OUTPUT comes OUT of the computer.

2. Types of Input Devices and Their Uses

Input devices and their uses
Input deviceUse
KeyboardTyping letters, numbers and symbols
MousePointing, clicking, selecting and dragging items on the screen
TouchpadUsed on laptops instead of a mouse; you move your finger on it
Touch screenGiving instructions by touching the screen, e.g. on phones and tablets
ScannerCopying pictures and documents from paper into the computer
MicrophoneEntering sound and voice into the computer
WebcamCapturing pictures and video for video calls
JoystickControlling movement in computer games
Light penDrawing or selecting items directly on the screen
Pointing stickA small button in the middle of some laptop keyboards, used to move the pointer
Labelled illustrations of a keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, webcam, joystick and light pen
Figure 1: Some input devices Draw and label any four input devices.Illustration: Sirbus

3. Parts of the Mouse

Most computer mice have three parts that we use:

  • Left button – used to select and open items. Pressing it once is called a click; pressing it twice quickly is called a double-click.
  • Right button – opens a short menu of options (right-click).
  • Scroll wheel – used to move up and down a page.
A computer mouse with the left button, right button and scroll wheel labelled
Figure 2: Parts of a mouse Draw the mouse and label its parts.Illustration: Sirbus

Tip: Hold the mouse gently with your palm resting on it. Use your index finger for the left button and your middle finger for the right button.

New words

Input device
A hardware device used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
Scanner
A device that copies pictures and documents from paper into the computer.
Webcam
A small camera used to capture pictures and video for the computer.
Joystick
A stick-shaped device used to control movement in games.
Click
Pressing and releasing the left mouse button once.
Double-click
Pressing the left mouse button twice quickly.

Summary

  • Input devices are used to enter data and instructions into the computer.
  • Examples: keyboard, mouse, touchpad, touch screen, scanner, microphone, webcam, joystick and light pen.
  • The mouse has a left button, a right button and a scroll wheel.
  • Input goes in; output comes out.

Class activity: Input Devices Ball Game

  1. Stand in a circle. Your teacher throws a ball to one learner.
  2. The learner who catches it names an input device and says its use.
  3. That learner throws the ball to another learner. Do not repeat a device already named.

You need: A soft ball, Desktop computer set, Detached keyboard and mouse

Exercises

Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.

  1. 1. Which of these is an input device?

    • A. Printer
    • B. Monitor
    • C. Keyboard
    • D. Speaker
    Show answer
    Answer: KeyboardThe keyboard is used to enter letters and numbers into the computer.

  2. 2. Which device is used to copy a picture from paper into the computer?

    • A. Scanner
    • B. Projector
    • C. Headphones
    • D. Printer
    Show answer
    Answer: ScannerA scanner copies documents and pictures into the computer.

  3. 3. Which input device is mostly used for playing computer games?

    • A. Light pen
    • B. Joystick
    • C. Microphone
    • D. Scanner
    Show answer
    Answer: JoystickA joystick controls movement in games.

  4. 4. A microphone is used to enter sound into the computer.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: TrueA microphone picks up voice and sound.

  5. 5. Pressing the left mouse button twice quickly is called a right-click.

    • A. True
    • B. False
    Show answer
    Answer: FalseIt is called a double-click.

  6. 6. The part of the mouse used to move up and down a page is the ______.

    Show answer
    Answer: scroll wheelRolling the scroll wheel moves the page up or down.

  7. 7. Name four input devices and state the use of each.

    Show answer
    Answer: Any four, e.g. keyboard – typing; mouse – pointing and clicking; webcam – capturing video; microphone – entering sound.Any correct device with its matching use is accepted.

  8. 8. Esi wants to talk to her uncle in London on a video call using a computer. Name two input devices she needs.

    Show answer
    Answer: A webcam and a microphone.The webcam captures her picture and the microphone captures her voice.

Homework

  1. List all the input devices you can find at home (on phones, TVs, computers). Write the use of each.