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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain what needs to be done when setting up a new digital device and why these steps matter.

Key learning points

  1. Choosing a suitable digital device depends on balancing specific needs, budget and desired portability.
  2. The choices made during setup of a digital device affect how secure the device, and the information on it, will be.
  3. Accounts allow access to apps, settings and backups, and help users recover information if something goes wrong.

Keywords

  • Digital device - an object that uses computer technology to work; it stores or processes information

  • Setup - the process of getting a new device ready to use

  • Account - a personal login that lets you access apps, settings and saved information on a device or online service

Common misconception

Default security settings are fine.

You should take the time to review and customise security settings for your specific needs rather than relying on pre-configured ones. This incudes changing default passwords and usernames.

Teacher tip

For the discussion around choosing a digital device your students may come up with lots more reasons. Perhaps host a classroom discussion for this activity.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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 of these is a digital device?

a paper notebook
a bicycle
Correct answer: a tablet

Q2.
Which of these is something people commonly use digital devices for?

growing plants
Correct answer: writing and sending messages
washing clothes

Q3.
A is a type of digital device you can carry around and use to make calls and send messages.

Correct Answer: smartphone, mobile phone, smart phone

Q4.
Which device usually has the biggest screen and stays in one place?

Correct answer: desktop computer
tablet
laptop
smartphone

Q5.
What does a password help to do?

prevent a device from being stolen
Correct answer: protect information on a device
connect to wi-fi

Q6.
Wi-fi is used to connect a device to the ...

Correct Answer: internet, network

6 Questions

Q1.
A device is an object that uses computer technology to store or process information.

Correct Answer: digital

Q2.
Which factor is most important when choosing a digital device?

the most expensive option
the colour of the device
Correct answer: how well the device suits the task you need it for
the newest model available

Q3.
Sort these digital devices from least to most portable

1 - desktop computer
2 - laptop
3 - tablet
4 - smartphone

Q4.
Which device is the best choice for a gamer who wants high performance and does not need portability?

Correct answer: desktop computer
laptop
tablet
smartphone

Q5.
Why should you change default usernames and passwords when setting up a new device?

they slow the device down
Correct answer: they are widely known and easy to guess
they stop apps from working

Q6.
When setting up a new device, you will usually create an so you can access apps, settings and backups.

Correct Answer: account

To help you plan your 6 digital literacy lesson on: Setting up a new device, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...