Year 3 – Connecting computers Unit overview

Year 3 – Connecting computers

Unit introduction
Learners will develop their understanding of digital devices, with an initial focus on inputs, processes, and outputs. They will also compare digital and non-
digital devices. Next, learners will be introduced to computer networks, including devices that make up a network’s infrastructure, such as wireless access
points and switches. Finally, learners will discover the benefits of connecting devices in a network.

Software and Hardware requirements

Lesson 3 requires digital devices with a painting application. Lesson 6 includes a ‘network tour’, which involves learners identifying key parts of your school
network. You will therefore need access to your school’s server, switch, and wireless access points.

If you’ve adapted this unit to better suit your school, please share your adapted resources with fellow teachers in the STEM community. Alternatively, if this
unit isn’t quite right for your school, why not see if an adapted version which better suits has already been shared?

Overview of lessons
Lesson Brief overview Learning objectives

1 How does a digital This lesson introduces the concepts of input, process, and output and how to To explain how digital devices function
device work? protect devices using secure passwords. These concepts are fundamental to all ● I can explain that digital devices
digital devices. accept inputs
● I can explain that digital devices
produce outputs
● I can follow a process

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Year 3 – Connecting computers Unit overview

● I can explain what makes a secure

password

2 What parts make up a Learners will develop their knowledge of the relationship between inputs, To identify input and output devices
digital device? processes, and outputs and apply it to devices and parts of devices that they will be ● I can classify input and output
familiar with from their everyday surroundings. devices
● I can describe a simple process
● I can design a digital device

3 How do digital devices Learners will apply their learning from Lessons 1 and 2 by using programs in To recognise how digital devices can
help us? conjunction with inputs and outputs on a digital device. They will create two change the way that we work
pieces of work with the same focus, using digital devices to create one piece of ● I can explain how I use digital
work, and non-digital tools to create the other. Learners will then compare and devices for different activities
contrast the two approaches. ● I can recognise similarities
between using digital devices and
using non-digital tools
● I can suggest differences between
using digital devices and using
non-digital tools

4 How am I connected? Many digital devices are now connected to other digital devices, e.g. computers To explain how a computer network can be
through wires, tablets through Wi-Fi, and smartphones through mobile phone used to share information
networks. The benefit of connecting digital devices is that it allows information to ● I can recognise different
be shared between users and systems. connections
● I can explain how messages are
This lesson introduces the concept of connections and moving information passed through multiple
between connected devices. Learners will learn to explain how and why computers connections
are joined together to form networks. ● I can discuss why we need a
network switch

5 How are computers This lesson introduces key network components, including a server and wireless To explore how digital devices can be

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Year 3 – Connecting computers Unit overview

connected? access points. Learners will examine each device’s functionality and look at the connected
benefits of networking computers. ● I can recognise that a computer
network is made up of a number of
devices
● I can demonstrate how information
can be passed between devices
● I can explain the role of a switch,
server, and wireless access point in
a network

6 What does our school Learners will further develop their understanding of computer networks. They will To recognise the physical components of a
network look like? see examples of network infrastructure in a real-world setting and relate them to network
the activities in Lesson 5. ● I can identify how devices in a
network are connected together
● I can identify networked devices
around me
● I can identify the benefits of
computer networks

Subject knowledge and CPD opportunities

You will need an understanding of digital and non-digital devices. The key difference between them is that a digital device is capable of some processing, i.e.
it has functions beyond being either on or off. You will also need to be familiar with the concept of input, process, output (IPO), which underpins all digital
devices. You will need to understand that devices can have one input that leads to several outputs (e.g. starting a video, leads to outputs from the screen and
the speaker) and that many inputs can lead to one output (e.g. using a mouse and a keyboard to produce a document).

You will need a basic understanding of how information (data) flows around a computer network, and how this benefits us. You will also need to know that a
network switch manages the way in which data moves around a network. You will need to be familiar with the main parts of a school network, including the
server, wireless access points, network switch, router, and output devices such as a printer or copier.

Continual Professional Development

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Year 3 – Connecting computers Unit overview

Enhance your subject knowledge to teach this unit through the following free CPD:
 Getting started in Year 3 – short course
 Teaching computing systems and networks to 5- to 11-year-olds
 Introduction to primary computing remote or face to face

Teach primary computing certificate

To further enhance your subject knowledge, enrol on the teach primary computing certificate. This will support you to develop your knowledge and skills in
primary computing and gain the confidence to teach great lessons, all whilst earning a nationally recognised certificate!

Progression
This unit progresses learners’ knowledge and understanding of technology by focusing on digital and non-digital devices, from the following units;
Technology around me Year 1 and IT around us Year 2, and introducing the concept of computers connected together as a network. Following this unit,
learners will explore the internet as a network of networks.

Please see the learning graph for this unit for more information about progression.

Curriculum links
Computing
● use sequence, selection, and repetition in programs; work with variables and various forms of input and output
● understand computer networks including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web; and the opportunities
they offer for communication and collaboration
● select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs,
systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
● use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about
content and contact

Education for a Connected World links

Privacy and Security

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 I can describe simple strategies for creating and keeping passwords private.

Maths (Lesson 1)
● Number and place value: solve number problems and practical problems involving these ideas.

Art (Lesson 3)
● to improve their mastery of art and design techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with a range of materials [for example, pencil,
charcoal, paint, clay]

Assessment
Formative assessment
Assessment opportunities are detailed in each lesson plan. The learning objectives and success criteria are introduced in the slide decks at the beginning of
each lesson and then reviewed at the end. Learners are invited to assess how well they feel they have met the learning objective using thumbs up, thumbs
sideways, or thumbs down.

Summative assessment
Please see the summative assessment document of multiple-choice questions for this unit. This can be downloaded as a paper copy, with answers, or in a
digital format to be shared.

Resources are updated regularly — the latest version is available at: ncce.io/tcc.

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This resource is licensed under the Open Government Licence, version 3. For more information on this licence, see ncce.io/ogl.

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