Digital technologies levels 9 and 10

Lesson overview – Digital systems

This lesson is part of a Level 9 and 10 Digital technology unit on digital systems which is focused on digital networks. This lesson introduces students to the different types of networks available and the internet protocols (IPs) that support networks.

Victorian Curriculum – Digital technologies

Levels 9 and 10

Investigate the role of hardware and software in managing, controlling and securing the movement of and access to data in networked digital system (VCDTDS045).

Learning intention

We are learning about the advantages and disadvantages of different networks, and how internet protocols support networked systems.

Success criteria

I can identify the advantages and disadvantages of the various network types. I understand the need for internet protocols (IPs).

Extension idea
Extend the success criteria (outcome): I can evaluate various network types. I understand the need for internet protocols and I know the similarities and differences between a variety of protocols.

Lesson sequence

Define, investigate, and compare networks

Define, investigate and compare Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the various types of computer networks.

Extension idea
High-ability students could be provided a scenario and then evaluate which network would be most appropriate for the circumstances detailed. Students could present their findings in a creative way.

Relate an IP address to binary number system

Relate the IP address to the binary number system, for example, IP addresses are just 32-bit binary numbers. For example, the address 255.253.253.0 in binary is 11111111.11111101.11111101.00000000.

Explore: 'Why do we need an IP address?'

Extension ideas
High-ability students could be asked to come up with theoretical alternatives to IP addresses. Students with knowledge of editing and running Python programs and setting up a programming board such as Raspberry Pi could build a simple network and use it to communicate via a network chat program. Central to this task is assigning an IP address for the device.

Discuss different types of protocols

Discuss what students know about the different types of protocols. HTTP is one with which students may be most familiar. Ask students what HTTP stands for and where they have seen it.

Extension idea
High-ability students could research other types of protocols and compare these with HTTP. Students could also be asked to evaluate the pros and cons of each protocol.

Acknowledgement

This lesson plan is adapted from the Digital Technologies Hub 'Connected via a network' unit.