Input and output devices

Summary

An input device allows us to send data to a computer, like typing on a keyboard or touching a screen. Output devices communicate information to us, such as displaying messages or playing sound. The BBC micro:bit includes buttons, sensors, an LED display, and can send/receive data via radio. The latest version adds a microphone, touch sensor, and built-in speaker, allowing users to interact and create even more. This video explores how input and output devices work together, with examples like playing music on a phone and using a micro:bit's various features.

Takeaways

• ⌨️ An input device allows us to send data to a computer, like typing on a keyboard or touching a screen.
• 🔊 An output device enables a computer to communicate information to us, such as displaying on a screen or playing sound through speakers.
• 🎶 When you press play on your phone to listen to music, you're using an input device, and the sound comes out through an output device, like headphones.
• 📱 The BBC micro:bit has built-in input devices like buttons and sensors for light, temperature, acceleration, and magnetism.
• 💡 The main output device of the micro:bit is its LED display.
• 📡 The micro:bit can both send and receive information via radio, acting as both an input and output device.
• 🔌 You can add external input and output devices to the micro:bit using its pins, such as attaching headphones or speakers.
• 🎤 The latest version of the micro:bit includes new inputs like a microphone for sound sensing and a touch sensor on the gold logo.
• 🔈 There’s also a new built-in speaker in the updated micro:bit, allowing instant playback of sounds you create.
• 🤖 With these enhanced features, you can interact and create more complex programs using the micro:bit.

Q & A

What is an input device?

An input device is a piece of hardware that allows us to send data to a computer, such as a keyboard or a touchscreen.

Can you give examples of output devices?

Examples of output devices include a screen that displays a message, speakers or headphones that play sound, and a printer that prints documents.

How does pressing 'play' on a phone screen involve both input and output devices?

When you press 'play' on the touchscreen (input device), it sends a command to the phone, which then plays music through the headphones or speakers (output devices).

What input and output devices are built into the BBC micro:bit?

The BBC micro:bit has buttons, sensors for light, temperature, acceleration, and magnetism as input devices. The main output device is the LED display.

How does the BBC micro:bit use radio communication?

The BBC micro:bit can send and receive information via radio, making it both an input and an output device.

What can you add to the BBC micro:bit using its pins?

You can add additional input and output devices to the BBC micro:bit using its pins, such as attaching headphones or a speaker as an output device.

What new inputs are available in the latest version of the BBC micro:bit?

The latest version of the BBC micro:bit includes a microphone for sound sensing and a touch sensor on the gold micro:bit logo.

What is the additional output feature in the latest version of the BBC micro:bit?

The latest version of the BBC micro:bit has a built-in speaker that allows you to instantly play the sounds you create.

How does the micro:bit enhance interaction and creativity?

With built-in sensors, a microphone, a touch sensor, and the ability to add external devices, the micro:bit enables more interaction and creativity by allowing users to program and react to various inputs.

What is an example of how the micro:bit functions as both an input and an output device?

The micro:bit’s radio feature lets it send and receive data, meaning it acts as both an input and output device, like when sending signals between multiple micro:bits.