Computer and Human Differences
Computers and people are both able to perform tasks, but they are not the same. A computer is a machine created and used by people.
People can think, understand feelings, make choices and use their experiences. A computer follows instructions and works with the information it receives.
Learning Objectives
- Understand that computers and humans are different.
- Recognise simple abilities of people and computers.
- Understand that computers are tools made by people.
- Learn why people are responsible for using computers properly.
What People Can Do
People can think, learn from experiences, make decisions, solve problems and communicate with feelings and ideas.
People use their minds and experiences to make choices and solve problems.
What Computers Can Do
Computers can perform tasks quickly and accurately when they are given suitable instructions and information. They can calculate, store information, display results and perform many other tasks.
A computer follows instructions and works with the information provided to it.
Simple Differences
- People are living beings; computers are machines.
- People can have feelings; computers do not have human feelings.
- People can make choices; computers follow their instructions and programming.
- People can learn from life experiences; computers process the information provided to them.
- People create and use computers to perform useful tasks.
People Are Responsible for Computers
A computer is a tool. People decide how and why to use it. We should use computers carefully, follow rules and ask an adult for help when necessary.
People guide computers and use their results.
Common Mistakes
- Do not think that a computer is a human being.
- Do not assume that a computer has human feelings.
- Remember that computers work according to instructions and information.
- Remember that people are responsible for using computers properly.
Practice
1. Is a computer a living being or a machine?
2. Can people have feelings?
3. Who gives instructions to a computer?
4. Name one thing a computer can do.
5. Who is responsible for using a computer safely?
Try It Yourself
Think of one task that you can do and one task that a computer can help you do. Tell an adult how the two tasks are different.
Quick Revision
- A computer is a machine, while a person is a living being.
- People can think, feel and make choices.
- Computers work with instructions and information.
- People create and use computers.
- People are responsible for using computers safely and properly.
Next Step
You now know what a computer is, where computers are used, its basic parts and how computers differ from people. The next chapter will introduce the main computer parts in greater detail.