IPO Model

The IPO Model

The basis on which all computing devices work.

What does IPO stand for?

• Input - The computer needs to be fed the data and instructions it needs to work on.

• Processing - The computer does the work it is instructed to do.

• Output - The computer produces output to show the results of the work it has done.

Where is the IPO model used?

The IPO model is a tool.

You use it as a way to analyse the way something works so that you understand it better.

The great thing about the IPO model for IT is that it describes how something works using the same three steps that are essential to computerise a task.

The IPO model, Programming and analysis

Programming means that you….(the programmer) have to write out instructions for the computer to follow to get a job done.

To be able to do this you have to analyse and plan how to get the job done.

The word ANALYSE is often intimidating. When told to analyse something most people don't know where to start. Analysis is not that difficult when you have some tools to help you - and the IPO model is just such a tool. Breaking something down into its Input, Processing and Output is analysing it.

Using the IPO Model

Planning a program means that you have to figure out:

What Input the program needs - and how to get this input.

What Processing needs to be done (e.g. what calculations and manipulations must happen).

What Output the computer must produce to show that it has done the job - and how this output must look / where it must appear.

Try it out:

There are a few questions here where you need to identify the input, output or processing in a scenario.

Try to get all of them right....

Multiple Choice

You are hungry and decide to use the microwave to prepare some leftovers for a quick meal.

What is the INPUT in this scenario?

• Cold food

• Hot food

• Emitting high frequency microwaves

• None of the above

Multiple Choice

You have a gas heater that your family uses in winter to heat the TV room.

What is the Processing in this scenario?

• Gas

• Heat

• Fire

• None of the above

Multiple Select

Bowling in cricket. The ball heading towards the batsman is the OUTPUT.

What is the PROCESSING?

• Runup

• Arm swing

• Hand release

• Ball

• Wickets

Multiple Select

The IPO model:

(select all the correct options)

• is applicable to computers only

• can be applied to analyse the way anything works

• is an essential tool for programmers to use

• is not applicable to practical work - it is theory only

IPO and the path ahead

You will need the IPO model as a tool for every program you write in my classroom - from now to Grade 12.

It is ESSENTIAL you understand how it works!