Computer Control Systems

Start with monitoring and control

Begin with the mind map Monitoring and measuring. It introduces monitoring over time and mentions sensors that measure physical variables such as temperature and pressure. Use it to identify what a monitoring system measures before moving on to computer control.

Next, open a Computer Control mind map. One describes the computer as the part that runs a control program and introduces sensors. Another looks at advantages, disadvantages and input sensors. Several maps share this title, so open them to compare their contents.

Explore sensors and control

The Computer Control Systems mind map describes sensors as inputs that turn real-world properties, such as temperature, into data a computer can process. Compare that explanation with the sensor examples in the Computer Control maps.

One of those maps also introduces the analogue-to-digital converter, or ADC. You could use the maps together to follow the ideas from a physical measurement to data for a computer, then return to any term you want to study again.

Check your understanding with flashcards

After studying a map, try a flashcard deck on monitoring and control systems. One asks about the difference between the systems, hardware and feedback. Another includes questions about sensors and actuators. Use the prompts to recall the ideas, then check the maps when you need a reminder.

There are no quizzes on this page, so the flashcards provide a way to practice recall alongside the maps. Teachers can also use the questions to prompt discussion with school students.

Place the topic in the unit

Computer Control Systems is a section of the Control Systems, Sensors and Robotics unit in Computing and ICT (programming, computer science, digital skills, educational technology). The page brings together maps and flashcards that connect computer control with monitoring and sensors. It also lists the flowchart Greenhouse.

Choose a map and a flashcard deck to use together as you study.