Connecting digital devices
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how a computer network can be used to share information.
Key learning points
- Messages are passed through multiple connections.
- 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 computing 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.
Teacher tip
It would be helpful to show children where a network switch is in school, if possible. This would help to connect the lesson vocabulary to real-world objects.
Equipment
It is useful for pupils to see a variety of computing devices that are around the school or every day life.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is an example of a digital device?
Q2.How are digital devices similar to non-digital tools?
Q3.What does a digital device do?
Q4.Which of these devices is most suited for creating a document?
Q5.Why might someone use a non-digital tool instead of a digital device?
Q6.Which of these is a feature of digital devices?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the role of a network switch?
Q2.How does information travel across a network?
Q3.Which of these is an example of a connection?
Q4.What is a group of interconnected digital devices called?
Q5.Match the term with its definition:
a link between two or more people or things
a group of interconnected digital devices
a device which directs information to the correct computer
data that is shared between devices
Q6.Why might information take different routes across a network?
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Connecting digital devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 computing lesson on: Connecting digital devices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Computer networks unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.