Same instructions, same result
Computer Science · Early Years · The School
People can be different
Ask a friend the same question two days running. You might get two different answers. Maybe they were tired one day. Maybe they were in a rush. People change, depending on how they feel. That is completely normal for a person. It happens to grown-ups too.
Machines are not like that
A computer, or a simple toy, does not have a mood. It does not get tired. Give it the exact same instruction, and it gives the exact same result, every single time. Today, tomorrow, or a whole year from now. Nothing changes at all, ever.
Testing it yourself
Press a toy's button today. Notice exactly what it does. Come back tomorrow. Press the very same button again. It does the exact same thing, all over again. Try it a third day if you like. Still the same. You can trust it completely.
MONDAY: press a talking toy's button. It says "hello!" Ask a friend to say hello too. They say "hello!" back, cheerfully. TUESDAY: press the toy's button again. It says "hello!" — the exact same word, in the exact same voice. Ask your friend the same thing. Maybe today they are tired, and just wave instead. The toy never changes. The person might. That difference is exactly what this lesson is about.