Y4- DIGITAL DEVICES

How they work

Lesson Focus

I can explain what technology is.
To recognise how digital devices can change the way that we work.
Learners recognise how digital devices can change the way that we work.
Understand that digital devices accept inputs.
Understand that digital devices produce outputs.
I can follow a process.
I can classify input and output devices.
I can describe a simple process (algorithm).
I can design a digital device and connect input / output devices.
I can describe the process between input and output.
To explain how a computer network can be used to share information
I can recognise different connections
I can explain how messages are passed through multiple connections.
I can discuss why we need a network switch.
To explore how digital devices can be connected.
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.
To recognise the physical components of a network.
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.

Digital Skills & Computing Focus

Log into a computer and Google Account.
Access Google Classroom and open assignment.
Use the tab and fullscreen features built into Chrome OS to allow full screen viewing and easy movement between open tabs.
Open multiple windows and access work.
Able to identify the set assignment and follow instructions.
Open web links.
Research different aspects of the project and contribute to the class discussion.
Complete drag “n” drop activities.
Able to copy & paste content without formatting.
Use Google Keep for note taking.
Log into Scratch online.
Create simple program to demonstrate IPO (input, processing, output).
Design a home network system.
Design a simple business networking including the following:
- A network switch (POE)
- File Server.
- Computers.
- Printing devices.
- Firewall and internet connection.

Key vocabulary

Digital device, input, process, output, Program, digital, non-digital, Connection, network, network switch, Server, wireless access point, cables, network sockets, School Network, Home Network Wireless devices, ethernet.

Year 4 have been learning all about digital devices and how they work. We split our lessons into a number of bite size segments and started off by taking a look at technology, but not just based around computers.

Children compare digital and non-digital devices and understood that technology is anything we make that helps us not just electronic devices such as computers and smart phones.

Learners will develop their understanding of digital devices, with an initial focus on inputs, processes, and outputs. We also look at home networks and what does the school network look like.

Children looked at a live network and the many flashing light on the network switch in the coms cabinets. They also spotted wireless access point around the school.

📸photographic summary 📸

🪑Technology & digital Technology📡

Y4 Digital Tec Web

We started off looking at technology making sure children was aware that this just did not mean computers and mobile phones.

Children shared their knowledge and understanding by sorting different types of technology and asking why they has been sorted in a particular way.

We started to talk about digital technology and why this was different. Children identified everyday items that may contain digital devices not just tablets and smartphones. Learners thought about the many smart devices they may have at home that would be classed as a digital device.

⚙️Input / Process / Output⚙️

IPO - web

All digital devices work on the INPUT, PROCESS , OUTPUT model. Children spent some time learning about INPUT devices and what they can be used for. They then thought about a verity of OUTPUT devices and realised that some things they see in everyday life runs from this principal.

Children spent time sorting INPUT and OUTPUT devices and then turned their attention to the PROCESS which is managed by software and an algorithm. We look at some very common electronic devices (not just computers) and worked out what the INPUT would be, what the PROCESS is and what the OUTPUT would be.

💽What's on the inside?🖥

It is important that children can see the different parts that make up a computer and understand that the small computing devices that run, for example, an Air Fryer, are different then the laptop or desktop computer they may use at home or in school.

We looked at the different parts that make a computer work, and how technology has been miniaturised to fit inside a mobile phone or smart watch. Children looked at micro controllers that are used in many everyday devices such as washing machines.

They also kept in mind, that they all still use the INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT model.

🚦Build your own digital device🤖

Buld your own device Web

Using the INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT model children started to think about and design their own digital devices. Learners had complete control over what there design would do, but it had to have at least one input and one output, it also had to be practical and useful.

Children had a choice of micro controllers they could use and a list of devices. They had to choose the INPUT device carefully and this may consist of more then one device. The OUTPUT could also consist of multiple devices and they had to describe what their invitation was going to be used for and give it a name.

Child came up with some interested idea, but it was clear they had an understanding of the INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT model and the different between the different devices.

🖧Lets get talking - Networking🕸️

Learners now have a good understand on how digital device work. They know they all work on the INPUT, PROCESS, OUTPUT model, they have a microprocessor along with memory and storage. Children have also had the opportunity to physically see and hold single board computers, micro-controllers, motherboards, processors and all hardware that makes up a computer system.

The question we ask next is how do these devices talk to each other and pass data backwards and forwards. It's time to look at networking.

Networking plays an important role in all modern computer systems and learners started off by passing information between each other in a random way, this was chaotic, so we introduced the concept of the network switch.

We went on to look at the school network and learners created a simple schematic, but this included all the items you would find on the school network such as a file server, firewall and wireless access points. Children then went on to design a home network.

🖊️Our Worksheets🖊️

Digital Devices - Worksheet for web

Page updated

Report abuse