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Computing for Schools - Communication and Networks

Computing for Schools - Communication and Networks

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This collection has been developed for teachers of School children aged 5-16, based on the UK's National Curriculum for Computing. The collection initially provides an introduction to the Internet and the services it provides, with an emphasis on security awareness and personal safety considerations when online.

The content and organisation of topics is based on the CAS Computing Progression Pathways guide developed by Computing at School (CAS). This collection focuses on the Communications and Networks Theme.

Schools interested in using these materials as part of the National Curricula are free to do so. Additional teaching resources to support the delivery, manage classes and run quizzes are available for free to schools by registering to become a Cisco Academy.

Further work is underway to develop additional collections, with the next being the Hardware and Processing theme. It will develop an understanding of the purpose and operation of the hardware and software elements required to support a typical home network that connects to the Internet. Understanding of key concepts is reinforced with practical activities within a simulated network environment, and regular quizzes allow students to gauge their level of understanding as they progress through the collection modules.

Please send us corrections or comments about this course to ciscocourse@computingatschool.org.uk.

This collection consists of eight courses:

  1. The World Wide Web and Internet Safety

  2. Navigating and Searching the Web

  3. The Internet and the Web

  4. Using and Understanding Internet Services

  5. Introduction to Data Networks and IP Addresses

  6. Identifying Network Hardware and Protocols

  7. The Purpose of Network Hardware & Protocols

  8. The Operation of LAN & WAN hardware and Protocols


  • The World Wide Web and Internet safety

    The World Wide Web and Internet safety

    The World Wide Web is a fantastic resource, providing answers to any question imaginable.  Learn how search the web for useful information, whilst staying safe from online threats.

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    Course

    1 hr

  • Navigating and searching the web

    Navigating and searching the web

    An introduction to the operation of the WWW, and how to improve your web searches to find the exact information you require.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • The Internet and the web

    The Internet and the web

    The WWW is just one service provided by the Internet! Investigate the other services that are available, identify the various types of different networks that are available for accessing them. Internet safety is discussed, with an emphasis on becoming a responsible digital citizen, aware of acceptable and unacceptable online behavior.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • Using and understanding Internet services

    Using and understanding Internet services

    Investigate the requirement for client/server processes to support Internet services and understand basic aspects of their operation. Further develop your awareness of Internet safety by identifying the appropriate agency to contact if you encounter upsetting or illegal online content.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • Introduction to Data networks and IP addresses

    Introduction to Data networks and IP addresses

    An introduction to the requirement for IP addresses in order to deliver Internet services. Investigate the structure of the IPv4 address, and learn how to assign addresses to devices that are found in a home network. Follow the progress of a www transfer between a web browser and a web server, discovering why DNS helps make the WWW an easier place to visit.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • Identify network hardware and protocols

    Identify network hardware and protocols

    Introduction to the TCP/IP protocol suite, identifying the protocols used to support IP network communication, and briefly discussing their purpose.  Network hardware devices are introduced, and their relationship with TCP/IP protocols is discussed. The www transfer between web browser/server is revisited, introducing the basic concepts of network address translation (NAT) in small home networks. Internet security is further developed, with an emphasis on protecting network devices from external threats.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • The purpose of network hardware and protocols

    The purpose of network hardware and protocols

    A detailed investigation into the operation of the protocols within the TCP/IP protocol suites, discussing the services they provide for user applications. Network device operation is examined in more detail, with particular attention paid to how they interact with the TCP/IP protocols within the LAN. NAT is revisited in order to investigate its operation in larger networks, where multiple devices require its services.

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    Course

    2 hrs

  • The operation of LAN and WAN hardware and protocols

    The operation of LAN and WAN hardware and protocols

    Wide Area Networks (WANs) are introduced, and a variety of different WAN technology suitable for providing home Internet connectivity is discussed. The differences in operation of between LANs and WANs is discussed, and the use of TCP/IP in facilitating communication between LANs and WANs is investigated in detail.

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    Course

    2 hrs

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