For example, a computer stores the word dog as three numbers: 01100100 (d), 01101111 (o), and 01100111 (g).Ĭomputers can understand only these patterns of 0s and 1s. Computers use strings of 0s and 1s to stand for letters, sounds, and all of the other data they handle. A transistor that is “off” represents the other. A transistor that is “on” represents one of the numbers. Computers use only these two numbers because transistors, like light switches, have only two states-they are either on or off. They control how the electric currents flow.Ĭomputers use these electric currents to represent the numbers 0 and 1. The microprocessor contains thousands or millions of tiny electronic parts called transistors. All computer data is carried in tiny flows of electricity called electric currents. This means that they work with electricity. Application software gives the computer instructions for doing specific tasks, such as word processing or playing games. The operating system controls how the different parts of hardware work together. They send data through the air using a small antenna.Ĭomputer software is divided into two basic types-the operating system and application software. Some computers use wireless communication devices. Modems are communication devices that can send data through telephone wires or television cables. They let people send data from one computer to another and connect to the Internet. Output devices include the monitor (or screen), printer, and speakers.Ĭommunication, or network, devices connect computers to each other. Output devices let the user see or hear the results produced by the computer. Input devices include the keyboard and the mouse. Input devices let the user enter data or commands into the computer. Input and output devices are other types of hardware. Some storage devices put data on disks that can be easily moved from one computer to another. The hard drive stores data on a metal disk inside the computer. Most computers have a storage device called a hard drive. The programs and data are kept permanently on hardware called storage devices. The memory is hardware that holds programs and data while the microprocessor uses it. The microprocessor handles all the information that goes into and comes out of the computer. The microprocessor is the computer’s “brain.” It is also called the CPU, or central processing unit. Software is the programs, or instructions, that tell the hardware what to do.Īll computers have the same basic hardware. Hardware is the computer’s physical parts. He wanted to create a website with untimed, multisensory interactive games that allow children to see, hear, and touch as they learn.A computer system requires both hardware and software. As a child, Stephen had difficulty learning to read due to dyslexia. The program, provided by the Starfall Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was conceived by Dr. Membership also supports the production of new books, songs, educational games, and movies.
Our low-cost membership program expands the free content to include animated songs, mathematics, and reading activities spanning K-3. It is widely used in schools that serve children with special needs and learning difficulties. Starfall is an educational alternative to other entertainment choices for children and is especially effective for special education, homeschooling, and English language development (ELD, ELL, ESL). The program emphasizes exploration, play, and positive reinforcement-encouraging children to become confident and intrinsically motivated. Starfall activities are research-based and align with Individual and Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics. Starfall’s emphasis on phonemic awareness, systematic sequential phonics, and common sight words in conjunction with audiovisual interactivity has proven effective in teaching emergent readers.
Since then it has expanded to include language arts and mathematics for preschool, kindergarten, first grade, second grade, and third grade. ® opened in September 2002 as a free public service to teach children to read. By using this site, you agree to our use of cookies and updated Privacy Policy OK At Starfall, children have fun while they learn. Starfall has no advertising, does not collect personal information from children, does not sell any information, and uses cookies only for internal website management.