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Saving, sharing and staying organised

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain the benefits of online storage and recognise the need for file organisation.

Key learning points

  1. Files can be saved and stored online using cloud-based storage.
  2. Organising files into clearly named folders makes work easier to find and manage.
  3. Shared folders allow groups to access the same files from different devices.
  4. Permissions control who can view or edit shared files.

Keywords

  • File - a collection of data stored digitally, identified by a name

  • Online storage - saving files on a server on the internet

  • Folder - a collection of files, or additional folders called subfolders, identified by a name

  • Version control - allows you to see when a document was last updated or edited

Common misconception

Cloud storage removes the need for clear folder structures and file names.

Sensible folder structures and file names are still important when saving documents to the cloud, particularly if these documents need to be shared with others.

Teacher tip

If pupils do not have access to cloud-based applications that have suggestion mode and version control you could replace this section of the lesson with adding digital comments in a file.

Equipment

It would be beneficial for pupils to have access to cloud-based applications and storage for this lesson, although it is not essential.

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.
What is a file?

Correct answer: A document, picture, or video saved on a computer
A part inside the computer that makes it turn on
A collection of documents saved on a computer

Q2.
What is a folder used for?

To delete files you don’t want
Correct answer: To keep files organised in one place
To send files to other people
To reduce the size of files

Q3.
sources of information are sources that you can rely on for correct information.

Correct Answer: Trustworthy

Q4.
What is the best way to check if information you find online is reliable?

Believe the first website you read
Trust it if it appears at the top of the search results
Correct answer: Check who wrote it, when it was updated, and compare it with other websites

Q5.
The Designs and Patents Act 1988 is a law that protects work from being used without permission.

Correct Answer: Copyright

Q6.
Match the creative commons licence to how it must be used

Correct Answer:CC BY (Attribution),Can use the work in any way, but MUST give credit to the creator

Can use the work in any way, but MUST give credit to the creator

Correct Answer:CC BY-SA (Attribution-ShareAlike),Can use/adapt in any way, but MUST share the work under same licence

Can use/adapt in any way, but MUST share the work under same licence

Correct Answer:CC BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial),Can use the work, but NOT for commercial purposes

Can use the work, but NOT for commercial purposes

6 Questions

Q1.
What is online storage?

Saving files on one computer only
Correct answer: Saving files on a server on the internet
Saving files on a USB stick

Q2.
Online storage lets you open your files from any device as long as you have an internet ...

Correct Answer: connection, access

Q3.
Which of these is a benefit of online storage?

Files can only be used on one computer
Files are lost if your device breaks
Correct answer: Files can be shared easily with others
Storage is always free

Q4.
Which of the following are valid and sensible file names for a text document about local history?

Local/History*Draft ?
Correct answer: Local_history_draft
Correct answer: LocalHistoryDraft
Untitled

Q5.
Match the term to the correct description.

Correct Answer:Cloud storage,Saving files on the internet

Saving files on the internet

Correct Answer:Collaboration,Working together with other people

Working together with other people

Correct Answer:Version control,Keeps track of changes and lets you go back to earlier versions

Keeps track of changes and lets you go back to earlier versions

Correct Answer:Suggesting mode,Propose changes without changing the document straight away

Propose changes without changing the document straight away

Q6.
Why is it important to organise files into folders?

Correct answer: So you can find your work quickly and not lose it
So only one person can use them
So the storage space required is smaller

To help you plan your 7 digital literacy lesson on: Saving, sharing and staying organised, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...