Computers and information
Year 4 · Computing
Give clear instructions, solve problems and use technology safely.
Choose a game
Take your time, try a game and collect stars.
Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game
Is a microphone an input or an output device? A free KS2 computing game about keyboards, printers, sensors and screens, with a printable sheet.
Play Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game
Learning about computers and information
In this Year 4 computing collection, you can practise Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game. Choose a game above for a short activity, or explore the examples below before you play. The full guide for each game explains its controls, gives more examples and includes a free printable for practice away from the screen.
Talk it through
Ask your child to predict an outcome before testing it. When a prediction does not match the result, change one thing at a time. Safety games rehearse decisions, but children should still ask a trusted adult when something online worries them.
Ask: “What would happen if you changed one step?” Give your child time to explain. Return to an example after playing and ask whether they would approach it differently.
Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game
Computers work with information. Input is information sent into a computer, for example words typed on a keyboard, sound from a microphone or movement picked up by a sensor. The computer processes it, then sends information back out as output, for example text on a screen, sound from speakers, a page from a printer or movement from a motor.
Try an example: Is a microphone an input device or an output device?
A microphone picks up sound and sends it into the computer.
Show the answer
An input device.
What to look out for
Thinking speakers are input because you plug them in. Plugging in does not decide it. Ask which way the sound travels: from the computer to your ears, so it is output.
Read the full Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game guide
Practise away from the screen
- Go on a device hunt at home and sort what you find into input and output.
Curriculum connections
These games support selected practice connected to Information technology in the National Curriculum in England. The programme groups requirements by key stage; the year shown here is our suggested practice placement. A game covers selected examples, rather than assessing every requirement.
Questions families ask
Where should we start with computers and information?
Start with Input and output devices: a KS2 computing game. Look at the worked example together, then try a round. If the task feels unfamiliar, use the full game guide or its free printable before trying again.
Does this cover everything taught at this level?
No. This collection brings together the games currently available for this learning area. It supports selected skills and does not replace the full programme of study or practical teaching.