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      Digital artefact types and uses

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe what a digital artefact is and how different types are used in industry.

      Key learning points

      1. A digital artefact is anything that has been created and is stored digitally.
      2. A physical artefact is something you can touch, see and use in the real world.
      3. A physical artefact can be created when a digital artefact is printed and used.

      Keywords

      • Digital artefact - an object or piece of information that is created, stored and manipulated in a digital format

      • Physical artefact - something you can touch, see and use in the real world

      Common misconception

      A poster that is created using software is digital even when printed out.

      The source of the design is digital if it was created using software. However, once that digital design is printed onto a physical medium like paper, the resulting poster itself becomes a physical artefact.

      Teacher tip

      Having examples of physical and digital artefacts that learners will have seen in school or their local community can aid understanding.

      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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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Which software is best for creating graphs and analysing numbers?

      video editor
      sound editor
      Correct answer: spreadsheet
      drawing tool

      Q2.
      Which tool would you use to edit a photograph?

      database
      Correct answer: drawing tool
      sound editor
      spreadsheet

      Q3.
      What is the main purpose of a database?

      Correct answer: to store and organise information
      to create animations
      to record sound
      to edit videos

      Q4.
      Arrange these steps for editing a video:

      1 - import video clips
      2 - arrange clips on a timeline
      3 - add effects and transitions
      4 - export the final video

      Q5.
      Put these actions in order for creating a spreadsheet chart:

      1 - enter data
      2 - select data
      3 - choose chart type
      4 - create chart

      Q6.
      Name the device that can create physical objects from digital designs by building them layer by layer.

      Correct Answer: 3D printer

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What do we call an object that is created, stored and edited using a computer?

      Correct Answer: digital artefact, digital, a digital artefact, a digital artifact, digital artifact

      Q2.
      What is a digital artefact?

      a sculpture in a museum
      a handwritten letter
      a painted canvas
      Correct answer: an object stored and manipulated in a digital format

      Q3.
      What is the term for an object you can physically touch, like a printed poster?

      Correct Answer: physical artefact, physical, physical artifact, physical artefacts, physical artifacts

      Q4.
      Which of these is a physical artefact?

      an email
      a computer file
      Correct answer: a printed photograph
      a digital drawing

      Q5.
      What is one advantage of digital artefacts over physical artefacts?

      Correct answer: can be easily copied and shared
      are always unique
      cannot be changed
      last forever

      Q6.
      Arrange these steps for turning a digital drawing into a poster:

      1 - create the drawing on a computer
      2 - save the file
      3 - print the drawing
      4 - display the poster

      To help you plan your 11 computing lesson on: Digital artefact types and uses, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...