Input and Output Devices

1. Computer hardware and software make input and output devices operable.

1.1. Types of hardware that serve input devices include keyboards, mouses, touchpads and touch screens.

1.2. Software products enable a computer and the hardware peripherals of input devices to communicate and operate properly.

1.3. Hardware also serves as output devices in the form of monitors, whiteboards, and printers.

2. Today's smartboards are output devices that allow instructors to create dynamic, engaging content in real time to present to students. A smartboards is hardware that can utilize software that both instructors can use for interactive activities such as class surveys. These surveys, as input devices, can be used to facilitate learners discussions.

2.1. Smartboards benefit students by giving them a way to interact with instructors and other students to gain and share information.

2.2. Major challenges to utilizing smartboards include the cost of both the hardware and software, and the learning curve to use them that requires time, training, and commitment to use properly.

3. Classroom technology can be classified into devices that enable the input of data and those that move the data outward to make it accessible to learners.