Computer Basics
One of the four characteristics of a computer.
What is input, output. processing, or storage?
A set of step-by-step instructions a computer follows.
What is a computer program?
Information about an individual, such as name, location, or birthday.
What is personal data?
Something that makes an online source reliable.
What are written by qualified authors, are current, and are fact-based.
Name one way technology helps society.
Computers help solve problems by processing and storing large amounts of data quickly. Many answers are acceptable.
Two of the four characteristics of a computer.
What are input, output. processing, or storage?
It's because computers struggle with vague instructions like “pick a shirt that matches.”
Why do computers need clear, specific instructions?
An example of information you should not share on social media.
What is home address or exact location, phone number or personal email, passwords or login information, Social Security number or ID numbers, bank or credit card information, birthdate (especially full date with year), school/work schedules or daily routines, private photos or messages you wouldn’t want shared publicly, or location in real time (e.g., “I’m home alone right now”)?
Why social media isn't always a good research source.
What is posts can be biased or inaccurate?
Name one way technology can create problems or risks.
What is loss of privacy or misuse of personal data?
Why a microwave can be considered to be a computer.
What is because it has input, output. processing, and storage?
It is what is wrong with the instruction: “Pick clothes that match.”
What is instructions must be clear, specific, and unambiguous for a computer to follow them?
What is one benefit of communicating through social media?
What is fast communication with many people at once; keeping in touch with extended family, old friends, or former classmates/co-workers; or promoting a business, product, or polirical cause?
Which is more reliable: a personal blog or a medical website? Why?
What is a medical website is more reliable because it is written by medical professionals and updated regularly?
How does computing impact privacy or equity?
Computing can impact privacy by collecting and storing large amounts of personal data, sometimes without users fully understanding how it is used. It can affect equity when access to technology is unequal, creating gaps in education, job opportunities, and resources between different communities.
Pressing “1:30” on a microwave keypad.
What is an example of input on a computer or smart device?
Rewrite this vague instruction so a robot could follow it: "Raise your hand."
What is "Raise your right (or left) hand"?
Explain one drawback of communicating through social media.
What is reduced privacy or the spread of misinformation?
Information is presented in a way that favors one viewpoint, opinion, or group rather than being neutral or balanced.
What is bias?
Explain how computers can both solve problems and create concerns.
Computers solve problems by processing data quickly, improving communication, and making tasks more efficient. However, they can also create concerns such as loss of privacy, data misuse, bias in algorithms, and overreliance on technology. This is why responsible and ethical use of computing is important.
How processing and storage work together in a computer system.
What is storage holds data and instructions, such as files, programs, or saved settings. Processing uses that stored information to perform tasks, make decisions, and produce results. For example, when you open an app, the computer retrieves the program from storage and then processes the instructions so the app can run correctly.
Name two qualities that artificial intelligence struggles with.
What are common sense (learned experience), morality (sense of right and wrong), feelings (like love), or empathy (being sensitive to peoples' feelings).
Describe a legal, ethical, or privacy concern related to data collection.
What is people’s personal information can be collected, stored, or shared without their full knowledge or consent?
Describe three criteria you should use to judge an online source.
What is currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, or purpose?
Why is it important to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly?
It’s important to use technology thoughtfully and responsibly because the choices we make with technology can affect privacy, safety, fairness, and society as a whole. When used responsibly, technology can solve problems, improve communication, increase access to information, and make life more efficient. However, careless or unethical use can lead to privacy violations, data misuse, misinformation, bias, and harm to individuals or communities.