Computers in Everyday Life
Identifying computers in everyday life — not just laptops but phones, tablets, smart speakers, traffic lights, washing machines; what makes something a computer
Teaching approaches
Gakuva’s recommended starting approach is selected. You can still compare every option.
1 approach
A computer is a device that takes input, follows instructions, and produces output. Computers appear in more places than laptops and phones.
Take a 10-minute computer hunt around the home. Identify devices that process information and record each device’s input, action, and output.
Learning resources
Reviewed external links that reinforce this concept. They do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Kidbots
Supplemental discussion starter: programs run in everyday devices, not only laptops. After reading the intro, walk the home or classroom and list devices that follow instructions.
Proof: Save a parent-written list of at least four everyday devices the learner identified as computers or instruction-followers, with one reason each.
Explore the learning path
0 before · 3 after
Before
No prerequisite
This concept
Check understanding
- Point out at least five everyday objects that contain computers
- Explain what all computers have in common (they follow instructions and process information)
- Sort a set of objects into 'contains a computer' and 'does not contain a computer'
“Could your child look around your home and point out at least five things that have a computer inside them, including ones that don't look like traditional computers?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- Computing
- Domain
- Artificial Intelligence
- Age range
- Ages 5–7