Input+Devices

James Farr

**What is an input device?** -A piece of computer hardware used to give data and provide information to a processing system. -Recognizes users commands and sends them to the computer for processing. -Converts People readable data into machine readable data -Without any input devices, a computer would only be a display or output and not allow users to interact with it, much like an older TV or computer monitor. Although a TV remote is an interactive tool, it is a very basic, primitive form, and I would consider older TVs a good example of a display only or output devices.

**Types of input devices-** __KEYBOARDS-__ The main types of keyboards include: the classic spring based button form. A virtual keyboard- which is a touch screen key board found on cell phones, Tablets, and other forms of technology. In addition, a projected keyboard- which can be projected and touched on any surface. __POINTING DEVICES-__ A tool that allows users to input movement and direction, which is recognized by the computer. For example point, click, drag- commands such as those are controlled by pointing devices. The main example of pointing devices include a mouse, joystick, trackball, pointing stick. Touch screen products also incorporate pointing device technology. __COMPOSITE DEVICES-__ A composite device is basically pointing device combined with buttons that can perform certain technical commands. So technically a mouse is a composite device, along with most joysticks and game controllers. A great example of a composite device is the WII remote. __IMAGING AND VIDEO DEVICES__ These devices are used to transfer this type of media from reality onto the computer. The main examples of imagine and video devices include- digital camera, webcams, different types of scanners, document cameras and barcode readers. __AUDIO INPUT DEVICES-__ Used to either capture or create sounds- Main example is a microphone. Also, voice recognition and MIDI devices- musical instrument digital interface.

**SMART Table- what it is** -a multi-touch, multiuser, interactive table -input device that complements with MAC, Windows, and other smart technologies -Incorporates a variety of lessons, activities, and games -table uses dragging and gesture recognition for navigation **Pros of a SMART Table-** -Promotes Collaboration -Mobile and durable -comes with a variety of applications and customizable lesson activities can be downloaded -Creates eagerness and excitement towards activities -capability to view most medias -Teacher capabilities / control **Cons of SMART Table-** **-**Expensive -Designed for younger students -Could create unhealthy competition

**SMART Airliner- what is it-** -Wireless input device that allows you to control your computer applications from anywhere in the room. -Projects onto SMART Board or any computer projected image. - i nput device that complements with MAC, Windows, and other smart technologies. -stylist allows user to use as a curser, pen tool, and eraser. **Pros of a SMART Airliner-** -Portable -Interaction -Student Involvement **Cons of SMART Airliner-** -Not designed for primary education level -No Screen

**Link with more information on a SMART Airliner-** []

**Link with more information on a SMART Table-** http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Complementary+hardware+products/SMART+Table