Introduction to Computer Networking and
Network Devices (Lesson 1 of 4) Introduction
In this lesson, learners will be introduced to computer networks and learn a little about the history
of computer networking and all of the devices and connections that make the system work. They will
learn about the different parts of computer hardware involved in creating computer networks, and
then identify some of the advantages and disadvantages of using computer networks in the modern
world.
Learning objectives
●
●
●
Define what networks are
Describe the hardware components required to build networks of devices
Analyse the benefits and problems associated with networks
Key vocabulary
Networking hardware, network interface card (NIC), wireless access point (WAP), switch, router,
modem, wireless network interface card
Preparation
Subject knowledge:
You should familiarise yourself with the ‘How to Design a Network: Basics & Examples’
(https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-design-a-network-basics-examples.html) before the
lesson so that you are confident in assisting learners when they construct their own networks.
You will need:
● Slides (ncce.io/netw-1-s)
● Activities:
○ Card sort: printout (ncce.io/netw-1-a2-w) — cut out and prepared
○ Paper network: worked example (ncce.io/netw-1-a3-s)
○ Benefits and disadvantages: worksheet (ncce.io/netw-1-a4-w) and solutions
(ncce.io/netw-1-a4-s) — print 1 worksheet for every 3 to 5 learners
○ Recap: worksheet (ncce.io/netw-1-aP-w) and solutions (ncce.io/netw-1-aP-s)
● Lengths of string
● Homework: worksheet (ncce.io/netw-1-w)
Assessment opportunities
You can assess learners’ understanding through the ‘Benefits and disadvantages’ activity and the
‘Recap’ activity.
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Outline plan
Please note that the slide deck labels the activities in the top right-hand corner to help you navigate
the lesson.
*Timings are rough guides
Starter
activity
(Slides 3–4)
5 mins
Activity 1
(Slide 5)
10 mins
Introduction to the definition of a computer network
Ask the class how they would define a ‘computer network’ (slide 2). Then, talk
through the definition on slide 3. Ask learners to name some of the different
networks that they know of already. Highlight to learners that modern computing
systems rely on networks, and that we make use of them everyday.
What's in Your Wallet - Network Edition
Have two students quickly move around the room to obtain mobile wireless devices
and tag devices like desktops, touchscreens, printers, and other items that can't be
picked up.
Once one student touches the Internet device, the other student (or other team of
students) can't double back and touch the same device.
After the contest is done and you have tallied up who the winners are based on
points, encourage the other students who didn't compete but were observers to
point out other devices the two competitors may have overlooked to add to the
master list.
The objective of this exercise to demonstrate that almost every aspect of our lives are
connected to a network.
Activity 2
(Slides 6–9)
10 mins
Introduction to the names of networking hardware
Hand out the materials for the ‘Card sort’ activity and ask learners to match the
devices to the names, on their own or in pairs. If you have physical examples of the
hardware, show these to learners; otherwise, use the pictures in the printout.
Once learners have performed the card sort, talk through the correct names for each
device and explain their function in a network (slides 7–9).
Activity 3
(Pdf
Document)
15 mins
Networking 101 Lecture
Presentation
This presentation will explore the importance of computer networks and connectivity
amongst all its devices. You can share the presentation via email or distance learning
online platform.
Explain to the students that the Internet has been one of the world’s biggest
advancements in recent history, connecting the world. Cyber security and your ability
Page 2
to ensure that the information people receive is accurate and reliable is the primary
reason encryption is used.
The Networking 101 Worksheet will be distributed with the presentation so that the
students can follow along.
Activity 4
10 mins
Name That
Device PPT
Name that Device Check Understanding
The teacher will instruct the class to look at the projection screen as the students will
participate in a game called "Name that Device." This will test the students' ability to
identify various devices on the network based on a photograph presented on the
screen from the Name That Device PPT.
Students will be provided with a multiple-choice answer sheet "Name That Device
Worksheet Doc" to make selections from.
Once the presentation is complete the instructor will go back through the
presentation to reveal the answers. (Answer Key) Name That Device Worksheet for
the instructor is also included.
Activity 5
10 mins
The How to Build a Network Demo / Modeling
Use How to Build a Network PPT and optional video for students to gain a better
understanding of how to build a network for the Connect The Nodes assignment.
Place these resources on the student share drive after the demo/modeling for the
students to reference during the following independent practice.
Activity 6
10 mins
The How to Build a Network Demo / Modeling
Students will be given an incomplete diagram of a network Network Topology
Diagram (Editable Doc) and they must properly connect all of the devices (nodes) for
the network to resume function. This activity can be performed on any word
document application (MS Word or Google Doc), if the students have picture editing
program like MS Paint or an online app they would like to use would be fine (docs are
preferred).
Once editable template has been provided and the students have completed the
task, they can turn in the document as a PDF format. (Remind the students to still
save the file in an editable format on Word or Docs just in case they have to go back
and make changes).
A Completed Network Topology Diagram has been provided for the instructor to help
guide the students on how to complete the diagram. The students can also use
previous PPT presentations to look at how the network topology is constructed.
Activity 7
(Slide 11)
10 mins
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Benefits and disadvantages of networked computer systems
Hand out one ‘Benefits and disadvantages’ worksheet per group. Ask each group to
nominate a scribe and presenter, and complete the table of benefits and
disadvantages of networked computer systems. Tell learners to search the internet to
find as many answers as possible.
Ask each group’s presenter to explain their choices to the rest of the class.
Correct any misconceptions and suggest points that have been missed. Use the
solutions to help with this.
Plenary
(Slide 12)
5 mins
Homework
(Slide 13)
Recap and review
Collect in the materials from the ‘Card sort’ activity. In closing, ask learners to
complete the ‘Recap’ worksheet, answering the questions on their own. Use the
solutions to check learners’ understanding.
What are networks?
Hand out the homework worksheet. In preparation for the next lesson, ask learners
to spend some time listing as many different networked computer systems as they
come across.
Remind them that a computer system is not just a laptop or a PC on a desk;
computers exist in many different scenarios.
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