Key vocabulary to introduce at Year 1 and Year 2

 

Algorithm – an unambiguous procedure or precise step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective. A set of instructions for achieving a goal or solving a problem.

Data – a structured set of numbers, representing digitised text, images, sound or video, which can be processed or transmitted by a computer.

Debug – to detect and correct the errors in a computer program.

Online - using a digital device to visit a website or app that makes use of the internet.

Repeat (Also referred to as a ‘Loop’ or ‘Iteration’ in upper KS2 & KS3) – a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.

Search – to identify data that satisfies one or more conditions, such as web pages containing supplied keywords, or files on a computer with certain properties.

Selection – ‘when things happen’ - A programming construct in which the instructions that are executed are determined by whether a particular condition is met. A question is asked, and depending on the answer, the program chooses between two or more possible courses of action.

Sequence – to place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.

Computer networks – the computers and connecting hardware (wifi access points, cables, fibres, switches and routers) that make it possible to transfer data using an agreed method (‘protocol’).

Execute – to follow a series of instructions. The computer or robot follows the instructions in order to complete the program.

Format (text) - Text formatting refers to the attributes of text other than the actual text itself. For example: bold, italics, underlining, colour, and size, are all formatting attributes of text.

Input – data provided to a computer system, such as via a keyboard, mouse, microphone, camera or physical sensors. Information which is received by the computer from a keyboard, mouse or sensor e.g. pressing the left mouse button or space bar creates an input.

Loop  - a programming construct in which one or more instructions are repeated, perhaps a certain number of times, until a condition is satisfied or until the program is stopped.

Multimedia - Content that uses a combination of different content forms such as text, audio, images, animations, video and interactive content.

Output – the information produced by a computer system for its user, typically on a screen, through speakers or on a printer, but possibly though the control of motors in physical systems. Also an action performed by the computer e.g. switching on a light, moving a turtle or sprite across the screen.

Software – computer programs, including both application software (such as office programs, web browsers, media editors and games) and the computer operating system. The term also applies to ‘apps’ running on mobile devices and to web-based services.

World Wide Web – a service provided by computers connected to the internet (web servers), in which pages of hypertext (web pages) are transmitted to users; the pages typically include links to other web pages and may be generated by programs automatically.

Web browser - A web browser, or simply "browser," is an application used to access and view websites. Common web browsers include Microsoft Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.

 

Students should also be familiar with:

EYFS vocabulary

Algorithm - A precise, step-by-step guide to solve a problem or achieve a particular objective.

Camera - A piece of technology used to capture photographs or video. It could be a standalone device or embedded in a device such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone.

Computer - Any device that takes input, processes it, then produces output.

Control – using computers to move or otherwise change ‘physical’ systems. The computer can be hidden inside the system or connected to it.

Information – the meaning or interpretation given to a set of data by its users, or which results from data being processed.

Instructions - A guide how to do something. Instructions can be put into a sequence to create an algorithm

Internet – the global collection of computer networks and their connections, all using shared protocols (TCP/IP) to communicate.

Keyboard - An input device for a keyboard made up of many keys including the letters of the alphabet, numbers and a range of special characters.

Printer - An output device that transfers a document or image from the screen of a device to paper by printing it with ink.

Program - (verb)  To give a series of instructions to a machine so that it will perform a task automatically.

QR code - A QR code (short for "quick response" code) is a  type of barcode that contains a matrix of dots. It  can be scanned using a QR scanner or a  smartphone with built-in camera.

Robot - A machine that is programmable to carry out a series of actions automatically. Robots usually have the ability to sense, think and act with the help of sensors and a computer in, or attached to it.

Sequence - To place programming instructions in order, with each executed one after the other.

Tablet - A type of computer that is very slim and primarily operated by a touchscreen. Tablets usually have motion sensors and a camera built into them and run software called apps (applications).

Technology - machinery and equipment developed from the application of scientific knowledge.