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Year 3

Connecting digital devices

I can explain how a computer network can be used to share information.

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New
New
Year 3

Connecting digital devices

I can explain how a computer network can be used to share information.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Messages are passed through multiple connections.
  2. A network switch is a device that enables multiple devices on a network to connect through one central point.

Keywords

  • Connection - a link between two or more people or things

  • Network - a group of interconnected digital devices

  • Network switch - a device that manages the flow of data within a computer network

Common misconception

All devices on a network are connected directly to each other.

Devices are connected through a central switch. The switch makes sure messages go to the right device, without needing every device to connect to every other one.


To help you plan your year 3 computing lesson on: Connecting digital devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

It would be helpful to show children where a network switch is in school, if possible.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following is an example of a digital device?
hammer
paintbrush
Correct answer: laptop
notebook
Q2.
How are digital devices similar to non-digital tools?
They always need electricity.
Correct answer: They can both be used for specific purposes.
They both process information.
They are both made of metal.
Q3.
What does a digital device do?
Correct answer: stores or processes information using computer technology
works without electricity
is always used for writing
doesn’t need any technology to function
Q4.
Which of these devices is most suited for creating a document?
digital camera
smartphone
television
Correct answer: laptop
Q5.
Why might someone use a non-digital tool instead of a digital device?
It’s always faster.
Correct answer: It doesn’t require electricity.
It’s more expensive.
It’s always more accurate.
Q6.
Which of these is a feature of digital devices?
Correct answer: They can process information.
They are always portable.
They don’t use electricity.
They are made of wood.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the role of a network switch?
to connect devices to the internet
to store information for the network
to create new connections between devices
Correct answer: to send information to the correct computer on the network
Q2.
How does information travel across a network?
in one large piece
through a single route
Correct answer: through multiple connections and routes
by being copied to every device
Q3.
Which of these is an example of a connection?
Correct answer: a printer linked to a computer
a switch managing information
a computer storing files
a monitor displaying an image
Q4.
What is a group of interconnected digital devices called?
Correct Answer: network, a network
Q5.
Match the term with its definition:
Correct Answer:connection,a link between two or more people or things

a link between two or more people or things

Correct Answer:network,a group of interconnected digital devices

a group of interconnected digital devices

Correct Answer:network switch,a device which directs information to the correct computer

a device which directs information to the correct computer

Correct Answer:information,data that is shared between devices

data that is shared between devices

Q6.
Why might information take different routes across a network?
to avoid being copied
to save storage space
Correct answer: to ensure it reaches the correct computer
to make it easier to reassemble