Content to consider:

• how hardware components and software can be combined to form an automated technology system (self-service checkout, production line)
• the uses of devices that capture data for automated systems (barcode readers, magnetic strip readers, optical character readers (OCR), optical mark readers (OMR) and radio frequency identification systems (RFID))

Self Service Checkout Activity - Each student to take notes

Carry out a discussion on self service checkouts. In your discussion make sure that you include the following:

• Hardware components used (write these down in list format)
• Discuss how the components are used (take notes as you may be called to give information to the rest of the class)
• Consider how data is captured
• Discuss how captured data can be used

Extension Activity

If there are any devices you are unfamiliar with i.e. RFID carry out some independent research during study time.