Contains the full lesson along with a supporting toolkit, including teachers’ notes.
The world of information
These days we take information for granted. We can find out about almost anything that interests us by logging onto the internet. To do so we use our computer, phone or other device that is capable of handling digital technology. The advent of the printing press in the 15th century had a dramatic effect on our civilisation. It allowed information to be distributed to large numbers of people and also provided a means for that information to be stored. However, its impact was relatively small compared to that of digital technology.
In this lesson, we look at the meaning of the term ‘digital’ as used in the computer and information industries. We also discuss programming and clarify some of the terminology involved.
Is data the same as information?
The terms data and information are often used interchangeably in everyday speech. This is acceptable, but for engineers and scientists these terms can carry specific meanings. A simple way of looking at it is to view ‘data’ as measures, numbers or variables, while information is the process of making some useful sense of the data. For example, an Excel table of student scores presents data. This could then be analysed to produce useful information about a student’s progress. All the web sites, blogs or tweets you consult provide you with information, but they are stored in computer memories as data.
To read the full lesson, download the pdf above.
Science and Technology in Action (STA) is proudly supported and partnered by some of Ireland’s leading organisations and is produced in close cooperation with the support services of the Department of Education and Skills and the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA).
