Technology input and output devices

1. Another input device is a pointing device; this is referred to as the mouse most often. However pointing devices may include any input device that enables students to point to and select the commands or icons they want to utilize. The selection icon or pointer can be customized to various shapes instead of an arrow to assist tracking the icon on the screen. (Lever-Duffy 92) Each type of pointing device has a different shape or make up, and all will control the movement of the arrow to allow commands to be issued and to allow students to drag and drop items to move or copy them. Teachers need to be aware of the capabilities of pointing devices and to configure their buttons, icon, and speed for students. (Lever-Duffy 92-93)

2. Different types of keyboards and pointing devices, especially assistive input devices, can be utilized to meet the diverse needs of learners, especially learners with special needs. These devices all focus on entering data, and can be adapted for speed and display to meet student’s needs. Some simple adjustments to a mouse’s speed and appearance can simplify input for students. Keyboards also come in various shapes and sizes. Lever-Duffy (2014) state “Some are shaped differently to better position arms and wrists to avoid strain; other shapes can serve as adaptive devices for students with special needs. To support portability, some keyboards designed to expand the input capabilities of mobile devices can even be folded or rolled up (92).”

3. The input devices are an important part of computer operations. Teachers must be able to identify the various input devices in the classroom and alternate devices that may be available at the school. The input devices utilized in a classroom may need to be adapted to meet the students needs. The teachers computer literacy related to these devices will ensure that classroom computers assist rather than arrest learning activities (Lever-Duffy 93).

4. Input devices are devices that allow users to enter data and commands. The most common input devices on a computer are the keyboard and pointing devices, such as mouse, joystick, touch pad, and a stylus. (Lever-Duffy 92 Input devices are devices that allow users to enter data and commands. The most common input devices on a computer are the keyboard and pointing devices, such as mouse, joystick, touch pad, and a stylus. (Lever-Duffy 92)

5. Lever-Duffy, Judy, Jean McDonald. Teaching and Learning with Technology, VitalSource for Ashford University, 5th Edition. Pearson Learning Solutions, 2014-02-01. VitalBook file.

6. Printers offer teachers many options for various tasks in a classroom. Many ink jet printers will print on various surfaces such as specialty papers and other media. Utilizing a printer and specialty media, teachers are able to print T-shirt transfers, custom stickers, CD labels, magnets, glossy digital photos, postcards, sticky notes, and many more things. (Lever-Duffy 97)

7. Another output device is the printer. There are various types of printers they all have advantages and disadvantages. Most printers have various resolution modes, such as draft, normal, and high quality. Users should choose high quality for copier masters. The speed of printing is measured as pages per minute (ppm) this is how quickly a printer completes a print job. With multiple computers networked to only one or two printers, this function will be vital in a classroom. As students send their print task to a printer the task is kept in a print queue, a list of print tasks the printer will produce in the order it received them. Slow printers will build up a queue of tasks and will cause idle time for students as they wait for their document. This could be a problem for classroom discipline. There are various types of printers ink jet or laser and some also have all in one features which are copy, scan, fax as well as print. (Lever-Duffy 96)

8. Lever- Duffy state “The monitor displays information on the screen in soft copy (electronic form), and the printer displays that information in hard copy (printed form) (94). “ Teachers must understand the monitors’ basics, the settings can be adjusted to assist students utilize them, and the resolution issues encountered when using classroom software are useful skills for technology-using teachers and students. Students that are sight impaired will benefit by monitor settings that will enlarge screen images or change contrast. (Lever-Duffy 94) To adjust classroom monitors, users must begin by being acquainted with their abilities. (Lever-Duffy 95)

9. Output devices are hardware components that move information out of the computer to make it accessible to the user. The two main output devices for classroom use are the monitor and the printer(Lever-Duffy 94).