First Draft
Module:
Digital technology environment and systems
Unit title:
LANs, WANs and data communication
Year 12, Version 1
Introduction
This unit of work has been built around students creating and presenting a computer presentation on “Data
Communication, LANs and WANs” with a focus on teaching similar age students.
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Students begin by developing their problem solving and research skills.
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Students investigate principles of good presentations.
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Students explore and develop presentation techniques following guidelines that ensure an effective
presentation.

Students develop planning skills, knowledge in Microsoft PowerPoint and the application of effective
presentation techniques.
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Students build knowledge of data communication, and the major features of LANs and WANs.
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Students begin by investigating the structure and features of the school’s computer network through a
group interview with computer technical staff and a guided tour.

Students are guided through the learning and research to build their knowledge of Computer Networks.
DTG
NZ Curriculum
Key Indicators
 Use digital resources to effectively find, analyse,
and use information (inquiry process)
 Select and apply appropriate planning tools
 Recognise the importance of safe working
practices
 Recognise the appropriate/ethical use of digital
technologies
 Develop an appropriate file management structure
 Develop appropriate communication skills (such as
note-taking, ‘netiquette’, survey/key questions,
and interview techniques
 Self-direct problem-solving for
software/application issues
 Apply effective aesthetics to ensure high quality
outcome/s
 Effectively market and/or present outcomes to an
audience
Curriculum focus
Technology: Technological Knowledge
 Understand operational parameters and their role in
the design, development, and maintenance of
technological systems.
 Evaluate this outcome’s fitness for purpose against
the brief
Areas of Knowledge
 Advanced use of software application/s to meet
project needs
 Enterprising and innovative presentation of
information
 Safe working practices and relevant codes of
practice and conduct
Unit: Networks and Presentations
Key Competencies and Values
Managing self
 Use digital resources to effectively find, analyse, and
use information (inquiry process)
 Use safe working practices
 Use self-directed problem-solving for
software/application issues
Using language, symbols and text
 Use software to design, create, and export language
symbols and texts
 Communicate effectively using a variety of digital
technology forms and mediums
 Manipulate text of all kinds – written, spoken, visual,
formal/informal
 Interpret and transform data
 Access and process information to inform an outcome
page 1
First Draft
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Network topologies and models
LAN and WAN technologies
Data compression and encryption
TCP/ICP packet switching
Project management skills
Thinking
 Use an inquiry process to problem-solve real-life
problems
 Use creativity and innovation to create appropriate
outcomes
Assessment opportunities
Following students developing planning skills, knowledge in Microsoft PowerPoint and the application of effective
presentation techniques, a formative assessment of a completed presentation on a topic of student choice. The
assessment criteria was based on the presentation of content, organisation of slides and slide transitions to
ensure effective communication and maintain audience attention.
A summative assessment based on level 3 Unit Standards 2797 “Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of
computer networks” and 5940 “Produce a presentation using a desktop presentation computer application”.
It is expected that on successful completion of the level 3 Unit Standard 2797 the equivalent level 2 Unit Standard
5938 is gained as recognised prior learning. It is expected that on successful completion of the level 3 Unit
Standard 5940 the equivalent level 2 Unit Standard 5946 is gained as recognised prior learning.
Student prior knowledge
Basic Application and Data Management skills
Basic Internet usage and search methods
Basic File Management skills
Resources required
http://www.howstuffworks.com
Resources used
Problem Solving using technological process
Research Wise Resources – Bibliography, Keeping Track, Plagiarism, Methods of research, Types of notes
ClickView – Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint
Orb Resources – Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft PowerPoint Tips and Techniques
Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation Guidelines
Planning guidelines
Education Resource Services 2797v5 Student Workbook
Computer Technician Interview
ClickView – Networks , including worksheet
Local Area Network background information
Unit: Networks and Presentations
page 2
First Draft
Special notes
Summative assessment is an open book assessment, to be completed under supervision by the teacher. It is
compulsory that students have completed the workbook and their own research prior to starting the assessment
and must bring it to class. The total time limit for this assessment is 8 hours of class time, and any amount of time
outside of class hours while at school under supervision by the teacher. The presentation is NOT to be taken away
from the computer lab and must be created in class under supervision. The plan and concept design are the only
parts of the assessment that can be created at home. All work submitted must be students own work and written
in their own words. All research material used in the preparation and creation of the presentation must be
handed in with the assessment. Students deliver their presentation (one of the three sections – Data
Communications, LANs, WANs) to the students in the class after the teacher has marked the assessment and the
student has amended any errors within a resit context.
Learning experiences
Resources/special notes
Problem Solving and Research Skills
Students develop skills and understanding in problem solving and decision
making through a general knowledge quiz and then class discussion and
brainstorm on different factors that can influence our problem solving and
decision making ability. Identify and develop student knowledge of “What is
Research ”; Referencing and Bibliographies; Keeping Track of where
information was collect from; Plagiarism; Types of Notes. Students develop
knowledge of the different sources of research primary (observation,
surveying, experimentation)and secondary (libraries, internet, Govt Depts,
local and regional councils, the media, trade and Prof associations, marketing
research, community services-statistical, historical, newspaper/journals,
official records, personal documentation, company/organisational records).
Looking at the benefits and drawbacks of different methods of conduction
surveys.
 Problem Solving in Technological
Process
 Research Wise Resources –
Bibliography, Keeping Track,
Plagiarism, Methods of research,
Types of notes
Time available 4 hours + own time for research
Computer Presentation Skills
Students investigate the principles of good presentations. Students are
introduced to Microsoft PowerPoint and guided through using the features to
create a presentation. Students explore and develop presentation techniques
following guidelines that ensure an effective presentation. Students develop
knowledge in planning skills; presentation purpose; target audience; concept
designs; Ethical issues in collecting and presenting information; evaluation
and proofing. Students refine knowledge to effectively - use the features of
Microsoft PowerPoint, the application of presentation techniques and
ordering information while creating a presentation on a self selected topic.
Time available 4 hours + own time for planning, practice and research
Data Communication, LANs and WANs
Students’ research 5 New Zealand Telecommunication providers and their
services; The Elements of Data Communication. Students investigate the
structure and features of the school’s computer network through a group
interview with computer technical staff and a guided tour. Students are
introduced to Computer Networking via a ClickView movie, worksheet and
class discussion. Students investigate Data Communication and the major
features of LANs and WANs guided by the student workbook, research,
teacher input and class discussion.
Time available 6 hours + own time for completing student workbook and research
Unit: Networks and Presentations
page 3
 ClickView – Introduction to
MSPowerPoint
 Orb Resources – MSPowerPoint
 MSPowerPoint Tips and
Techniques
 MSPowerPoint Presentation
Guidelines
 Planning guidelines
 NOTE: students could use
alternative presentation software
(other than Powerpoint)
 Education Resource Services
2797v5 Student Workbook
 Computer Technician Interview
 ClickView – Networks , including
worksheet
 Local Area Network background
information