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 5)

Jan Jun Dec

Cycle two (Year 6)

Jan Jun Dec

Overview

This unit explores the internal components of a digital device and their function. It explores computers connected via networks and how to use safe behaviours in a digital world.

Students securely access and use multiple digital systems and describe their components and how they interact to process and transmit data.

They identify their digital footprint and recognise its permanence.

  • name devices on a computer network
  • describe how devices in a network are connected
  • identify networked devices at school or home
  • describe the benefits of computer networks
  • describe ways they use safe practices when accessing apps and websites.

 

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

Achievement standards

Digital Technologies: Years 5-6

By the end of Year 6, students securely access and use multiple digital systems and describe their components and how they interact to process and transmit data. They identify their digital footprint and recognise its permanence.

Assessment tasks

  • Informal teacher assessment of pupils during main task and plenary. Focus on understanding the different network devices and their roles.
  • Formal assessment of pupils’ sketch maps indicating devices identified and details of their role within the network.

Using Digital systems: School network, students create a concept map or mind map that demonstrates what they know about digital systems, how different components are connected and the role they play, using the school network as an example.

This annotated work sample, School networks, demonstrates a satisfactory response to explaining how a school network operates.

Unit sequence

This topic offers 3 sequential units

Inside a computer

What is this about?

Digital devices, such as computers, need both physical parts (hardware) and instructions (software) to work. They require power, user input and an operating system to perform tasks. The operating system connects the software and hardware. The main parts that process and store data in a digital device are the Central Processing Unit (CPU) and memory storage. Learning about hardware and software helps students understand how technology works, enabling them to navigate and use it effectively.

Content description

Investigate the main internal components of common digital systems and their function AC9TDI6K01

 

This sequence enables students to:

  • recognise that a digital device is made up of several parts
  • identify hardware and software components of digital devices
  • describe the role of hardware and software components of digital devices.

Supplementary information

In the previous year band, students learned about peripherals and developed their knowledge of the relationship between inputs, processes and outputs of a digital device.

An important part of digital literacy is to learn how to use different software applications, navigate operating systems, manage files and folders, and perform basic computer tasks.

 

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to extend and integrate learning

Further reading and professional learning

Connected via a network

What is this about?

Many digital devices are connected to other digital devices, such as computers via cables, tablets and laptops via wi-fi, and smartphones via mobile phone networks. Connecting digital devices allows information to be shared between users and systems. A network can be small, connecting devices within a limited area like a home or office, or as vast as the internet, which connects millions of devices worldwide. A network is made up of components including network cables, hubs, servers and routers, each carrying out key functions.

By learning about networks, students gain a fundamental understanding of how data moves between devices, systems and users. They see the significance of global connectivity and how it has transformed the way people shop, stream content, interact, work and learn.

Content description

Examine how digital systems form networks to transmit data AC9TDI6K02

This sequence enables students to:

  • identify and describe familiar networks around them
  • describe how devices in a network are connected to transmit data
  • identify the benefits of computer networks
  • discuss why a network needs protecting
  • understand that the internet is a network of networks.

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to apply and extend learning

Using digital systems safely and securely

What is it about?

Students engage in online information sharing through the development of digital solutions and ensure safe interaction by adhering to suitable digital system protocols and agreed-on behaviours. They receive ongoing guidance from trusted adults to become aware of potential risks when working both independently and in collaboration. Additionally, students delve into the ways online applications and networked systems handle their data and explore methods to control their online presence.

Content descriptions

Explain how digital systems represent all data using numbers AC9TDI6K03

Access multiple personal accounts using unique passphrases and explain the risks of password re-use AC9TDI6P09

This sequence enables students to:

  • identify strategies to protect content and personal information when accessing online websites by setting appropriate access controls
  • explain what information can be safely shared online and describe protocols of sharing information online
  • explain how to use passphrases safely and securely
  • describe ways to be a responsible user in an online environment
  • describe ways to protect your personal information and how it may be at risk.

Resources to include

Resources to introduce

Resources to develop and consolidate learning

Resources to apply and extend learning

Further reading and professional learning