Select a topic across a two year cycle

Recommended any combination of three topics per year.
Choose a combination of units that suits your students and context.

Cycle one (Year 1)

Jan Jun Dec

Cycle two (Year 2)

Jan Jun Dec

Using digital systems safely

Overview

This unit introduces students to common digital systems and builds an understanding of the role hardware and software play in transmitting data. Students are guided to use applications as they use digital systems for a purpose. They also learn about how to practice being safe users of digital systems.

By the end of Year 2, with assistance, students access and use digital systems for a purpose. They use the basic features of common digital tools to create, locate and share content, and to collaborate, following agreed behaviours. Students recognise that digital tools may store their personal data online.

  • describe examples of hardware and software used in digital systems
  • use some common digital systems  for a particular purpose 
  • identify ways to stay safe when using digital systems.

 

Watch this video for a quick overview of the unit and how to use its resources with your students.

Achievement standard

By the end of Year 2, with assistance, students access and use digital systems for a purpose. They use the basic features of common digital tools to create, locate and share content, and to collaborate, following agreed behaviours. Students recognise that digital tools may store their personal data online.

Assessment tasks

Use the work sample and associated task, WS01 – Organising ideas: My school, to assess students’ understanding and knowledge about digital systems.

Rubric: Common digital systems

1 (limited) 2 (basic) 3 (proficient) 4 (advanced)
Knowledge of common digital systems has a limited understanding of common digital systems shows understanding of common digital systems and describes one digital system and its purpose shows understanding of common digital systems and their purpose, and can identify features and some hardware and software shows understanding of common digital systems and identifies their features, purpose and the role of hardware and software
Demonstrates use of common digital systems has limited capacity to demonstrate the use of a common digital system demonstrates the use of a common digital system and can partly describe its purpose demonstrates the use of at least one common digital system and can clearly describe its purpose selects a digital system for a given purpose, demonstrates its use and justifies their choice
Creates a model of common digital systems the model has minimal resemblance to a common digital system the model has recognisable features of a common digital system the model has clearly recognisable features of a common digital system the model has clearly recognisable features of a common digital system and the student explains the different parts

Rubric: Personal information

1 (limited) 2 (basic) 3 (proficient) 4 (advanced)
Knowledge of personal information has a limited understanding of personal information shows understanding of personal information and gives some examples of data that is personal shows understanding of personal information, gives some examples of data that is personal and explains why it is important to protect this information and keep it safe shows understanding of personal information, gives examples of data that is personal and explains why it is important to protect this information and keep it safe. They identify where personal data could be made visible when using digital systems.
Uses digital systems, keeping their personal information safe uses digital systems but needs to be reminded to keep their personal information safe uses digital systems and describes some ways to keep their personal information safe uses digital systems and describes ways to keep their personal information safe uses digital systems safely and describes relevant strategies – including the importance of a trusted adult – to keep their personal information safe when asked to give their personal information

Unit sequence

This topic offers 3 sequential units

Common digital systems we use

What is this about?

A computer is a common digital system. Tablets, laptops and smartphones are also digital systems.

The digital system uses a hardware and software component to enable a user to complete specific tasks.

Hardware refers to the physical parts of the computer, which you can touch. A desktop computer includes the case (or tower), monitor, keyboard and mouse. The software refers to the applications that make the computer work and tell it what to do. These might include word processing and presentation software, a drawing program, photo editing, video playing and other applications.

Content description

Identify and explore digital systems and their components for a purpose AC9TDI2K01

This sequence enables students to:

  • identify some common digital systems
  • describe a common digital system and its particular purpose
  • describe examples of hardware and software.

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to extend and integrate learning

Further reading and professional learning

Using digital systems for a purpose

What is this about?

A computer is a common digital system. Tablets, laptops and smartphones are also digital systems. At this level, students develop their understanding of digital systems (hardware and software) when they use some key functions to undertake authentic learning tasks. A modelled approach supports students to understand how to match familiar forms of software and hardware with their purpose. This might include typing a short story using word processing, retelling a story in a sequence using presentation software, creating an avatar using a drawing program, taking photographs and using photo editing software, or recording a video of them explaining their learning using a tablet with a camera.

Content descriptions

Identify and explore digital systems and their components for a purpose AC9TDI2K01

Discuss how existing digital systems satisfy identified needs for known users AC9TDI2P03

This sequence enables students to:

  • identify some common digital systems
  • describe a common digital system and its particular purpose
  • describe examples of hardware and software
  • recognise data represented as images of common digital systems.

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to extend and integrate learning

Safe use of digital systems

What is this about?

It is important when accessing and sharing information online that students are aware of potential dangers and that they behave in a responsible manner. As an extension of classroom rules, discuss rules for online safety and acceptable online behaviour. There are many situations, connected to the internet, in which people are asked for their personal information. Personal information can be used to identify a particular person and care must be taken when providing this information. It is potentially dangerous for strangers to have your personal information. Young children must check with a trusted adult before sharing any personal information online.

Content descriptions

Access their school account with a recorded username and password AC9TDI2P06

Discuss that some websites and apps store their personal data online AC9TDI2P07

This sequence enables students to:

  • identify some common digital systems
  • describe a common digital system and its particular purpose
  • identify ways to stay safe when using digital systems
  • describe their personal information (data that is personal and owned by them)
  • identify who they would ask for help with being safe online.

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to extend and integrate learning

Further reading and professional learning