What are your thoughts on categorizing the Abacus as a computer based upon the 4 pillars that make a computer a computer? We are on the fence because a human still has calculate the results.
Ms Taylor,
I agree with Frank below - there are a number of items which have components of the Input-Processing-Storage-Output model, but a computer needs to have all. I really enjoy this lesson so early in the curriculum because its a really interesting class discussion which gives me an opportunity to see how my students think!
Brad
Thanks! The only reason this is even an issue is because historically the abacus is considered the first computer.