Teach kids computing: Computing systems and networks

Whether on their own, connected to a local network, or plugged into the internet, computers are central to many usual tasks and routines. It's important for young people to develop their knowledge of how these devices work so that they can appreciate the impact of computers and networks on the world around them.

In this 3-week course, you'll explore how to build young learners' knowledge in an age-appropriate manner. You'll start by thinking about how you can help your learners recognise information technology and how computers process an input to give an output.

In the second week of the course, you'll learn about the key pieces of technology that allow us to connect computers to networks and the advantages that networks can bring. You'll also consider how you can make the concept of a computer network relevant to young learners.

By the end of week 2, you'll be able to explain to your learners why the internet and the World Wide Web are not the same thing, as well as help them identify a range of services that run over the internet.

In the third week, you'll investigate other computer systems that consist of many devices working together.

Young people also need to understand how to act on the internet — both for their own safety and to contribute to a pleasant online environment. You'll think about the skills and attitudes that young people need and how you can help them develop these not only while teaching about computer networks but also more generally across the curriculum.

This course will cover:

• Why we teach computing systems and networks
• Information technology and its impact
• The input–process–output (IPO) model of computer systems
• How computer networks function
• Communication and collaboration on the internet
• Big IT systems
• Digital citizenship