Outputs

What are outputs?

Output is data or information communicated from a computer system to the outside world via various devices which include:

monitor screens
LAN connections
memory sticks
CD or DVD drives
printers
speakers
projectors

Assorted images of output devices with their connection types on a computer system.

Some output devices are built in; others are plugged in or wirelessly connected. Much ‘real world’ information is analogue in its nature. However, computer systems work with digital data, so it’s necessary that this be converted to analogue format as it’s outputted.

Motors, buzzers and lights are other examples of output devices, such as those featured in programmable toys like the Bee-Bot, Roamer®, Big Track, Finch and mOway. Some of these toys are programmed using built-in keys, whilst others are programmed remotely using programming-languages; perhaps Scratch or something product-specific.

A photo of pupils using a Bee-Bot in the classroom.

The motor in programmable toys such as the Bee-Bot is an output device.

Why are outputs important?

Many programs control physical systems such as ATM cashpoints, printers, washing machines, manufacturing robots, fairground rides and components within cars and aircraft. This is achieved by outputting, from a computer system, instructions which operate motors, alarms, lights and other physical devices. Were it not for output devices, computers would be unable to have any control over systems in our physical environment. We’d be unable to access any data being processed or stored within a computer system. This would not only mean we couldn’t view or print files or listen to audio recordings contained within it; we’d be prevented from being able to use the computer at all, since we wouldn’t be able to navigate around its operating system or application software.

Augmented reality is an exciting, developing technology whereby a computer system overlays information onto a direct view of the world around us. This is achieved in several ways, all of which use various output devices. A screen might display both the output of a camera and the information to be overlaid. 3D printers are an innovative form of output device which allow the creation of three-dimensional models, building up layers of plastic. They enable the rapid prototyping of products and are becoming widely used in a range of manufacturing industries. Computer-aided design (CAD) software running on a computer system provides the user with an environment in which they can design the models to be printed.

A photo of a 3D printer.

A 3D printer used for prototyping.

What do outputs look like in the Primary curriculum?

Pupils will use a range of output devices, for example monitors, speakers, printers and external storage devices. However, there is an important distinction between pupils using output devices and working with them. Using an output device might include listening to a podcast they have recorded, whereas working with an output device might include using a motor within a sound monitor to wave a flag when the level of noise in a classroom gets too great. Another example could be writing the code for a lighthouse simulation which illuminates when it gets dark. Outputs can change in response to input devices acting as sensors within the program – for example, the jaws of a toy crocodile can be activated when a distance sensor detects movement close by.

3 - 5 years

Early Years pupils use a range of audio and visual output devices such as speakers, headphones. monitors, projectors and printers. They observe the movement created by activated motors in remote-controlled and programmable toys. They start to learn about the role of output devices in control systems, like those controlling automatic doors and hand-driers.

5 - 7 years

In England, there’s no requirement in the computing curriculum for Key Stage 1 pupils to work with outputs in their programming. However, they continue to develop their experience of using a range of output devices and seeing similarities across them. They’ll make links between
inputs and outputs. When using programmable toys, such as the Bee-Bot, Roamer®, Big Track or Pro-Bot, pupils will use logical reasoning as they observe the effects of the commands they’ve entered. They may recognise that some output devices are also input devices, such as touchscreens and memory sticks. They’ll become familiar with how to move digital content to different computer systems via memory sticks, and how to output their work to printers too. They’ll increase their awareness of control systems and their relevance in our lives – for example, those controlling the movement of a till conveyor belt and the activation of a car’s seatbelt alarm.

Assorted photos of programmable floor turtles.

7 - 11 years

As well as pupils continuing to develop their familiarity with the use of outputs, they’re now required to work with them, writing programs which activate a range of devices. For control programs, they could create a sound monitor which incorporates onscreen messages or a physical flag waved by a motor, either of which would be triggered when a noise threshold is exceeded.

Photos showing a variety of output devices.

Find out more about outputs / Downloads

BBC Bitesize webpage on output and input devices (opens in a new window)

Lesson ideas from Redfern Electronics (opens in a new window)

Activities that are great to get you started:

These activities develop pupils' understanding of outputs.

Investigating Outputs

Age:7-11 years
Concepts / Approaches: Computer Systems, Outputs, Programming, Tinkering
Curriculum Links: D&T

Pupils learn about output devices and create a program to control a LEGO Education WeDo motor using Scratch.

The Investigating Outputs has been rated 4 stars

Classroom Sound Monitor

Age:7-11 years
Concepts / Approaches: Creating, Programming, Outputs, Inputs, Control
Curriculum Links: Science, D&T

Pupils create sound monitors, which are examples of control programs – they take information from an input sensor (a microphone), and use this information to alter the output of the program (displaying a warning message if pupils are too noisy).