Computing – Networks

This afternoon, the children took part in their very first computing lesson. This lesson however didn’t involve using the computers. Instead, we focused on learning about how a network…works!

We started off by discussing what the internet allows us to do and the children had some great answers: play games, communicate, watch videos, see pictures, learn new information.

The children were then put into either the school, office, home, hospital or shop network. We looked at how a network allows a group of computers to use the internet and if we wanted to communicate in our network, we would need help from the switch. The children were then tasked with sending a paper email to the switch who would then direct it to the correct person in the network. All very simple so far. However, the game then took a sudden surprise…

We introduced routers who were responsible for sending messages from the switch to a different network. It was funny seeing the three selected routers try to deliver the messages around the classroom. It certainly made us appreciate the technology we have at our fingertips!

Finally, we concluded with some online safety tips and reiterated the importance of telling a trusted adult if we are ever sent something suspicious or strange.

Well done, Year 4. A lively yet informative way to learn about networks.

Mr. Prior