← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Choosing a suitable input device for a context

The input device that best captures the data needed and suits the user's situation. Justify it with 'because'. E.g. a microphone because it captures sound.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 3.2 Input and Output Devices — Module 17

Understanding Choosing a suitable input device for a context in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The answer names the device that fits the data type (sound) and uses 'because' to justify the choice. Products carry a barcode, so a barcode scanner reads the code fast with few errors. A camera takes photos and is not designed to read codes at a till. The data needed is 3D shape. A 2D scanner only captures a flat image of a paper document or photo. A keyboard is the standard device for entering text. A microphone captures sound and speech recognition can make mistakes. A touch screen lets visitors select items directly. A barcode scanner needs a barcode to scan, which does not suit choosing pictures.

Common mistakes: A speaker is an output device. To capture sound the student must choose an input device, so the line should be device ← "microphone". Pseudocode assigns a value with the ← arrow, not =. The line should be need ← "code".

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Learning

Duo

A call centre needs to record what customers say during phone calls. Which input device is most suitable?

Keyboard, because it captures soundMicrophone, because it captures sound

Matches

To record a speech, use a keyboard.

↓

A keyboard captures typed text, not sound. A microphone is needed because the data is sound.

Applying

Meanings

Term

suitable input device

Meaning

The input device that best captures the data needed and suits the user's situation. Justify it with 'because'. E.g. a microphone because it captures sound.

Practice

Context: a supermarket till

Testing

Gaps

Input device:

Check Answer

Spots

2IF data = "sound" THEN

3 device ← "speaker"

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Quick Questions

1. A call centre needs to record what customers say during phone calls. Which input device is most suitable?

A. Keyboard, because it captures sound

B. Microphone, because it captures sound ✓

The data needed is sound, so a microphone is the device that captures it. A keyboard only captures typed text.

2. A supermarket wants staff to quickly identify each product at the till. Which input device is most suitable?

A. Barcode scanner, because it reads the product code quickly and accurately ✓

B. Digital camera, because it reads the product code quickly and accurately

Products carry a barcode, so a barcode scanner reads the code fast with few errors. A camera takes photos and is not designed to read codes at a till.

3. An architect wants to turn a real model of a house into a digital file that shows its height, width and depth. Which is better?

A. 3D scanner, because it captures the shape of a 3D object ✓

B. 2D scanner, because it captures the shape of a 3D object

The data needed is 3D shape. A 2D scanner only captures a flat image of a paper document or photo.

4. A student needs to type a long essay for coursework. Which choice is better justified?

A. Microphone, because it enters text more accurately than a keyboard

B. Keyboard, because it enters text quickly and accurately ✓

A keyboard is the standard device for entering text. A microphone captures sound and speech recognition can make mistakes.

5. A user who cannot use their hands wants to write emails. Which input device suits their situation best?

A. Microphone, because they can speak and the words can be converted to text ✓

B. Keyboard, because they can speak and the words can be converted to text

You must consider the user's needs. A microphone with speech recognition removes the need to use hands, but a keyboard needs hands.

Match the Pairs

Barcode scanner for a supermarket checkout → Captures a product code quickly and accurately, so there is no need to type it in

3D scanner for copying a statue → Captures the shape and size of a real object so a model can be made of it

The data needed is sound, so choose a device that captures sound and say why → Microphone, because it captures sound for a voice recording

The user needs to select items on a small screen with their fingers, so choose a direct-input device and justify it → Touch screen, because the user can tap items directly without a mouse

To record a speech, use a keyboard. → A keyboard captures typed text, not sound. A microphone is needed because the data is sound.

A digital camera is the best input device for a shop till. → This gives no reason and uses the wrong device. A barcode scanner is better because it quickly reads product codes.

Key Term

suitable input device

The input device that best captures the data needed and suits the user's situation. Justify it with 'because'. E.g. a microphone because it captures sound.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Data needed: sound Input device: microphone

Hint: Type the input device that captures sound.

2. Use a keyboard because it enters text

Hint: Type the word that starts the justification of the choice.

3. Data needed: the shape of a solid object Input device: 3D scanner

Hint: Type the device that captures the shape of a real object.

4. Use a camera because it captures images

Hint: Type the type of data a camera captures.

5. Shop till needs speed: use a barcode scanner

Hint: Type the kind of code on products that a scanner reads quickly at a till.

Spot the Error

Question 1

A data ← "sound"

B IF data = "sound" THEN

C device ← "speaker"

D ENDIF

E OUTPUT device

Line C — A speaker is an output device. To capture sound the student must choose an input device, so the line should be device ← "microphone".

Question 2

A need = "code"

B device ← "barcode scanner"

C why ← "because it reads code"

D OUTPUT device, why

Line A — Pseudocode assigns a value with the ← arrow, not =. The line should be need ← "code".

Question 3

A task ← "draw"

B IF task = "draw" THEN

C device ← "barcode scanner"

D ENDIF

Line C — Drawing needs the position of a pen to be captured, so a barcode scanner is unsuitable. A graphics tablet is the better choice: device ← "graphics tablet".

Question 4

A data ← "image"

B device ← "keyboard"

C OUTPUT "Use a " & device

Line B — A keyboard captures typed text, not images. To capture an image the device should be a digital camera.

Question 5

A need ← "3D shape"

B device ← "2D scanner"

C OUTPUT device

Line B — A 2D scanner only captures flat images. To capture the shape of a solid object you need a 3D scanner.

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