IT glossary and tech tools for kids.

wgu.edu/blog/it-glossary-tech-tools-kids2001.html

IT glossary: Tech terms, tools, and resources for kids.

To meet the expectations of a complex, dynamic, and ever-evolving world, it is important that students have the
opportunity to learn skills that help them gather and make sense of information. These skills will help them
solve problems, and evaluate evidence to make decisions or find solutions to challenges and are often developed
in science, technology, engineering, math, and computer science disciplines — also known as STEM.

STEM occupations have an above-average growth rate. Seven out of the ten largest STEM occupations found
were computer-related, employing nearly 750,000 applications software developers, the largest STEM
occupation. Learning how to create software starts with developing tech literacy, which can be done with hands-
on activities in early Stem Education. Students can then attend universities like WGU to get involved in specific
STEM programs like software development so they can truly be prepared for this exciting career field.

Developing tech and STEM skills amongst young learners is imperative for encouraging the development and
education students will need to compete in not just national, but global competitiveness in economic growth
and standards of living. Early exposure to subjects in STEM can help build strong foundations of understanding
and enjoyment that encourage kids to study information technology at the college level. This can become a
gateway to both academic success and even new, exciting careers in the future.

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Tech terms for kids.

Technology has changed the way that people live, communicate, learn, and play. Understanding the meaning of
the language and vocabulary words used to describe computers and the internet is important to developing a
foundational understanding and appreciation for interacting with technology.

Common computer use terms.

The following terms should provide a practical glossary than can be used to understand the basic functions of
computer use.

Basic functions.

Caret - A caret is the small blinking line that shows where the next number or letter you type will go.

Click - A click is when you press the mouse button (usually the left one), using the cursor. This is usually
used to interact with a program or document on a computer.

Cursor - The cursor is a pointer that shows your position on a computer screen, and is used to make a
selection. The cursor is usually moved by a mouse or touchpad and makes a selection by clicking a mouse
button.

Double-click - A double click is two clicks of a mouse button quickly, one after the other. A double click is
used to make a selection, or interact with a program or document on a computer.

Drag and Drop - Drag and drop is used to move an object you clicked on. To do this, hold the button
down when you click on something, and move it using the mouse, and release the button. The object will
move where you drag it, and stay where you drop it.

Input - Input is the definition of something going into the computer. This can include entering data from
a keyboard, or another computer, or device.

Left-/Right-Click - A mouse usually has at least two buttons. Pressing the left button is a left click. The
left click is usually the main mouse button used for common tasks. Pressing the right button is a right-
click. This button usually opens up a menu or other choices for operation.

Output - This may be anything that is generated by a computer, and is usually transferred from an output
device such as a display screen, speaker, or printer. This may include information, sounds, or photos.

Coding terms.

Bit - A bit is the smallest measure of data in a computer. A bit has a single binary value, meaning it has a
value of zero, or one.

Bug - A bug is a coding error in a computer program..

Code - Code is the instructions in a file or computer program written in a programming language. The
code is also called software.

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 Command - A command is given to a computer, by a user, that tells it to do something. This can be done
by clicking on a button, or by typing a command and pressing the ENTER key. Many commands together
can equal a code.

Debugging - The process of finding and fixing bugs in a computer program.

Function - A function is a specific section of a program that performs a task or routine.

If-Statement - An if-statement is a part of code or programming that will perform a function or display
information when the if-statement is proved true.

Program - A program is an application, or a piece of software. It is written in code, also known as

programming language.

Logging on/off.

Log-On/Log-Off - Logging on is signing into a system to be a user for a session. Logging off ends a user
session and will require a log on to run the program again.

Password - A password is a word, phrase, or string of characters that a user keeps secret and uses to log
into a program.

Username - A username is a name that was chosen for identification to log into a program.

On the desktop.

Desktop - The desktop is the working area of the computer screen. Icons and files may be placed here to
access programs.

Screensaver - A screen saver is an image, rotation of images, or animation that replaces the desktop or
display when after a period of no use or interaction.

Shortcut - A shortcut is a record of an address or file that makes quick access.

Taskbar - The taskbar is a bar at the edge of the display or desktop that allows quick access to favorited,
or running applications.

Wallpaper - Wallpaper is also known as the background on a desktop. It is usually a picture or digital
image that was chosen by the user.

Data and memory terms.

Data - Data is information that has been stored on a computer. This information can be in the form of
text documents, images, sound clips, software and programs, and more. People who study Data
management and data analytics learn to use raw data to find make conclusions about that information.

Kilobyte/Megabyte/Gigabyte - Computer data is measured in bytes. A kilobyte, or KB, is 1,024 bytes. A

megabyte, or MB, is 1,024 kilobytes. A gigabyte, or GB is 1,024 megabytes.

Memory - Memory is the physical device that stores information for operating systems, software and
programs, and hardware.

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 Operating System - An operating system is the program/software or set of programs or software that
supports a computer’s basic function and is used to operate the computer’s various parts.

Packets - A packet is a small amount of data that includes information on where it is coming from, where
it is going to, as well as the data, or content it is transferring. A packet is usually sent over a network, such
as the internet.

Software - Software is the instructions, program, or operating information that tells a computer what to
do, or how to perform a task.

The physical parts of a computer.

The following terms should provide a practical glossary than can be used to understand the physical parts that
make up a computer.

Computer components.

CD/Blu-Ray Drive - A CD/Blu-Ray Drive reads a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc, and allows access to the
information on the disc, on the computer.

Computer Case - A computer case, is the physical case that holds the components of a computer. This
usually excludes the display, keyboard, mouse, and sometimes speakers.

Hard Disk Drive - A hard disk drive, HDD, or hard drive, is used as a secondary storage device used to
permanently store data.

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 Laptop - A laptop is a portable computer, typically in the shape of a clamshell. Inside the clamshell, the
top half is the display, and the bottom half is a keyboard and trackpad.

Motherboard - A motherboard is essential to a computer system. It is a circuit board holds many of the
important parts of the computer hardware and allows communication between them.

Personal Computer (PC) - A personal computer is a multi-purpose computer that is designed and
intended for personal use.

Power Supply - The power supply adapts the AC power a computer takes in, into DC power the internal
components of a computer need.

Solid State Drive (SSD) - A solid-state drive, or SSD is a storage device that connects to a computer and
maintains data, even with power.

Sound Card - A sound card is usually built into the motherboard, but can be an additional expansion for
producing sound on a computer that can be heard through speakers or headphones.

Video Card - A video card is also known as a display or video adapter, graphics card, or video controller.
It is hardware that attaches to the motherboard to create the display picture.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) - A universal serial bus is what is called a plug and play interface, meaning it
allows it is a port that allows communication and interaction with other devices.

Input/output devices.

Keyboard - A computer keyboard is made up of buttons that reference letters, numbers, and symbols. It
is one of the primary input devices used to interact with a computer.

Monitor - A monitor is the video display terminal or output device, meaning the monitor is the screen of
your computer in which you view the desktop, applications, or computer programs.

Mouse - The mouse is a handheld device that is used to control the cursor to select text, icons, files, or
folders.

Printer - A printer is an external hardware output device that prints copies of documents from a computer
to a piece of paper.

Scanner - A scanner is an external hardware input device. A scanner takes an image, drawing, or body of
text on a hard copy, or piece of paper and copies it into a digital file that can be viewed on a computer.

Speakers - A computer speaker is a hardware device that allows a computer to generate sound.

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Internet terms to know.

The following terms should provide a practical glossary that can be used to understand different applications
and ways to use or work with the internet.

Basic internet terms.

Download - Downloading is the process of copying data from one source to another.

Email - Electronic mail, or email, is/are messages that may contain text, files, images, or attachments.
Emails are sent through a network, or over the internet from one person to another.

Internet - The internet, also known as the interconnected network, the net, or the web, is a global network
that provides information and communication.

Internet Service Provider (ISP) - An internet service provider (ISP), or network provider, is a company
that provides internet access to its customers.

Network - A network is the sharing of data through a collection of computers, servers, network devices, or
mainframes. A great example of a network is the internet, where devices and computers from millions of
people are connected.

Modem - A modem is a hardware device that connects a computer or router to a network.

Online - The term “online” refers to a user, computer, or device that is connected to the internet, or a
network.

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 Server - A server is a computer that provides data to other computers, typically over the internet or a
network.

Surfing - Surfing the internet means browsing a variety of web pages. It is usually done by moving from
one page of the internet to the next by clicking hyperlinks.

Upload - The term upload refers to data being sent from a computer or device to the internet.

Wi-Fi - The term Wi-Fi is short for wireless networking technology that provides high-speed internet and
network connections.

Navigating the web.

Bookmarks - A bookmark, sometimes called a “favorite,” saves a web page’s address.

Browser - Sometimes called a web or internet browser, a browser is a software program used to navigate
the world wide web.

Chat room - A chat room is a web page that is used for strangers to talk, usually about a specific topic.

Homepage - A homepage, also known as a landing page, welcome page, or front page is the main page of
a website.

Hyperlink - A hyperlink, also known as a web link, or simply a link, is an icon, graphic, photo, or text,
that links to another page or file.

File Sharing - File sharing is the ability of multiple users to access a file.

Instant Messaging - Instant messaging, also known as IM is a direct form of messaging between one
person to another over a network, or the internet.

Keyword - A keyword is a word or group of words that are used to help a person, and a search engine,
find a page or information.

Search Engine - A search engine is a program or software that is used to find information on a database,
or the world wide web.

Universal Resource Locator (URL) - A universal resource locator, or URL, is the address of a webpage or
file on the internet.

Website - A website, or site, is a group of web pages that are related to a homepage.

The World Wide Web - The world wide web, also known as the web, or www, is all of the pages and
websites you can see on your computer.

Internet safety terms.

Antivirus Software - Antivirus software, also known as an antivirus program, protects your computer or
network against computer viruses, or malware.

Cookie - A cookie is a small text file that is stored on your computer from a website. Websites use cookies
to track data and recognize preferences.

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Cyberbullying - Cyberbullying, or cyberstalking is a form of online harassment. This may include posting
hurtful or inappropriate things about another person, or sending unwanted emails or instant messages.

Cybercrime - Cybercrime is the stealing, corrupting, or viewing of other people’s personal or private
information or data.

Cybersecurity - Cybersecurity is the protective measures and practices designed to protect networks,
devices, programs, and data from attack by cybercriminals. Professionals who have studied cybersecurity
and information security help organizations keep sensitive data safe.

Digital Citizenship - Digital citizens are people who use the internet and other digital technology
responsibly in the online community.

Electronic Footprint - A digital footprint is the communications and actions of a person on the internet.

Firewall - A firewall is a software program or hardware device that filters data entering and leaving a
computer, device, or network. The filter attempts to block or restrict unauthorized access by programs or
cybercriminals.

Malware - Malware is malicious software that is designed to make unwanted changes to settings or
software, to cause errors in software or on devices, or to spy on personal information.

Phishing - Cybercriminals use phishing scams by creating false web pages or emails that are designed to
look trustworthy to get personal information from people.

Spam - Spam is an internet term used to describe junk email, bulk email, pop-ups, or communication
that is unasked for. Spam is typically seen as a potential scam.

Spyware - Spyware is a term that is used to describe software that is to secretly gather information about
a user’s activity.

Virus - A virus is malware. It is a computer program that is designed by a cybercriminal to steal

information, modify or damage data, or send or display false messages.

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Tools and resources for kids.

As the world continues to evolve more deeply into the daily use of technology and computers, it is important to
support the development of STEM programs and education to ensure students don’t get left in the gap of the
digital divide. Access to technology, and understanding tech concepts is important to educational success, and
can provide opportunities to seek out further computer science education and the development of a competent
and successful workforce and community. There are a variety of online or digital resources and tools —
sometimes offered for free — for parents, teachers, and students to gain a better understanding of tech concepts,
or to build computer skills.

Computer educational apps for kids.

The following applications teach computer and technology skills and education.

Codemoji - Codemoji offers a computer science curriculum for 1st-8th grade students to learn the basics
of web development and coding. There is a free trial period, and costs range for parents from $5-$7 a
month, and $30, or custom prices for classrooms and educators.

Kodable - Kodable is for K-5 students, and teaches kids coding at home or in a school setting. Kodable
offers a free seven-day trial, and a $6.99 monthly fee billed monthly, or an annual yearly fee that equates
to $4.99 a month.

Minecraft: Education Edition - Minecraft: Education Edition offers a variety of education and immersive
learning for STEM programs. There are free trial logins, and the education edition is available for $5 per
user per year.
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 PC Building Simulator - PC building Simulator teaches how to build and upgrade a PC, as well as how to
diagnose and repair one. Prices range from $4.99 to $16.66.

Typesy - Typesy teaches fast, correct, and efficient typing for ages seven and up, for home and school.
Typsy for individuals has a seven day free trial with $5 a month for up to 5 individual users.
Homeschooling accounts range in price from $67- $197 per year. School accounts range from $97 a year
per classroom and up, per size of the school.

Kids internet safety pages.

Online safety is an important topic to speak with kids and students about. There are also a variety of
applications and resources to encourage online safety for kids.

Common Sense Media - Common Sense Media offers reviews and age-appropriate ratings for movies and
TV shows, books, as well as games and apps. They also offer games and services for teaching digital
citizenship and online privacy.

Federal Trade Commission: Protecting Kids Online - The FTC offers resources communicating with kids
on a variety of subjects including cyberbullying, computer security, mobile phones, and other online
socializing behaviors.

Internet Safety 101- Internet Safety 101 is an online resource that offers education and empowerment for
parents and kids for cyber safety and preventing internet-enabled exploitation of children.

KidsHealth: Internet Safety - Kids Health offers resources for kids, teens, parents, and educators for
general safety and health information as well as health, safety, and boundaries for online environments.
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 Wired: The A-B-C’s of Keeping Your Kids Safe Online - This article offers advice to parents on keeping
kids safe online, teaching digital citizenship, and how to communicate with kids about digital issues.

STEM kids resources.

The following pages offer resources and online games and activities that advocate and empower STEM
education and learning.

Code.org - Code.org offers coding courses and projects at no cost for grades k-12 and beyond.

Computer Science Education Week: Hour of Code Activities - Computer Science Education Week offers a
variety of games at age-appropriate levels that teach coding, computer science, and STEM foundations.

Exploratorium - The Exploratorium offers a diversity of STEM blogs, videos, websites, and apps, as well
as the ability to search and browse by subject.

NASA Kids’ Club & Space Place - Nasa Kids’ Club offers games, photos, topics, articles, and activities for
kids to interact with science and space concepts.

National Geographic Kids - National Geographic Kids hosts games, videos, articles and photos, that
discuss the natural sciences, science experiments, animals and biology.

STEM Works Activities - STEM Works Activities approaches a variety of STEM subjects and provides
articles, activities, and discusses cool jobs associated with the variety of subjects they cover, as well as the
people who work them, to get kids inspired and engaged.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher or IT professional, it’s important to understand the computer terms and the
tools and resources available to help bring more people into the digital age. As technology continues to evolve,
there will be a greater need for more IT professionals who know how to utilize technology well. Teachers are
vital in helping prepare young students for these future careers.

IT professionals are also vital in helping educate youth about their work, and encouraging others to learn more
about this exciting field. As they work to further their education and skills, they are examples for others as well.

If you’re interested in furthering your education in the realm of IT, consider attending WGU.

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