What is a network? Fun video, computing sheet.

Networks. Have fun singing along as TBot explores computing and networks, (available in up to 4K).

No matter how you pronounce data or whether you spell Internet with a capital I, you can start lessons with our network song and video.
Don’t dive into teaching and learning about the www and the Internet until your pupils know about networks.

Networks, no matter which type, are all about connecting. Once this groundwork is mastered, you can build on that knowledge to find out about all the different ways we connect. Is it true that some don’t know about the undersea cabling that apparently carries over 95% of all international Internet traffic these day? The incredible journey of our data around the globe is fascinating. But where to start? Networks, of course!

The Internet, that global network of networks, can be confused with the World Wide Web. The Internet is the part that does the connecting and the data travels on it, like a road network where the delivery vans travel on the road to bring items to your home. Of course, unlike a road, you cannot always see the Internet and its network connections.

The video is packed with real world imagery, visual depictions generated by DALL-E AI and animated humorous moments.
Can you spot the cat and the dog? How do they use a network?
Remember you can pause or replay our entertaining video if anyone needs more time to take it all in.

Our worksheet serves as a starter on networks and could involve work in pairs or groups and should involve group discussion. Computer networks vary hugely and there is not one answer to how they are set up and the order things connect, but realising that there are many components and what they are, is a start.

National Curriculum Computing Program of Study
KS2: Pupils should be taught to 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.
KS1: recognise common uses of information technology beyond school.

PUPIL OBJECTIVES/LEARNING OUTCOME:
Pupils will be able to understand a network is something that connects.
Pupils will be able to understand the Internet is a global network of networks.
Pupils will use vocabulary connected with computer networks and devices.