← ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

Networked devices at school

A school network joins computers, tablets, printers, a server and a router so they can share files, printers and the internet and work together.

Part of: ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6 — Networks and Sharing Data — Module 17

Understanding Networked devices at school in ACARA Digital Technologies Years 5–6

What it does: One shared printer on the network can be used by many devices, because the network connects them all. Tablets join the school network over Wi-Fi, so they can reach the server, printers and the internet without a cable. The network links both computers to the server where the file is stored. A device must be connected, by cable or Wi-Fi, to be part of the network. Being in the room is not enough. A school network is the connection that lets all the devices in a school share things and work as a team.

Common mistakes: The router does not store files. The school server stores student files, so line 3 should say 'server stores student files'. A router cannot print. The report must be sent to the library printer so it can print the page.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

Free printable worksheet with full answer key — or add this module to a class and your students practise it interactively.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 27–43) and word search (Modules 5–43).

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Learning
Duo
Which sentence best describes a school network?
It is one computer that does all the work for the schoolIt joins computers, tablets, printers and a server so they can work together
Matches
A printer in the library works alone, so it is not part of the school network
↓
A networked printer is joined to the school network. That is how many devices can send work to it, so it does not work alone.
Applying
Meanings
Term
school network
Meaning
A school network joins computers, tablets, printers, a server and a router so they can share files, printers and the internet and work together.
Practice
school_network ← [computer, tablet]
Testing
Gaps
The school stores student files.
Check Answer
Spots
2file goes across the network
3router stores student files

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Quick Questions

1. Which sentence best describes a school network?
A. It joins computers, tablets, printers and a server so they can work together ✓
B. It is one computer that does all the work for the school
A school network connects many devices so they can share things and work together.
2. Where might student files be stored on a school network?
A. Inside the library printer
B. On the school server ✓
The server stores files so students can open them from different devices on the network.
3. Mia saves her story on a classroom computer. Later she opens it on a library computer. What makes this possible?
A. Both computers are on the school network with the server ✓
B. The two computers are plugged into the same power point
The network links both computers to the server where the file is stored.
4. Which device lets many students print from their own computers or tablets to the library printer?
A. A printer joined to the school network ✓
B. A printer that is not connected to anything
A networked printer can be shared by many devices, so everyone can send work to it.
5. How do Wi-Fi tablets in a classroom join the school network?
A. They can only join if a cable is plugged into each one
B. They connect wirelessly, without a cable ✓
Wi-Fi is wireless transmission, so tablets can join the network without cables.

Match the Pairs

school network → Joins classroom computers, tablets, printers, a server and a router so they can work together
school server → A computer that stores student files so they can be opened from any classroom computer on the network
The library printer is joined to the school network, so students in many rooms can send work to it → send_to_printer("library")
Wi-Fi tablets in the classroom connect to the school network without cables, using the router → tablet.connect("school_wifi")
A printer in the library works alone, so it is not part of the school network → A networked printer is joined to the school network. That is how many devices can send work to it, so it does not work alone.
Student files are saved only on the tablet, so the school server is not needed → The school server stores student files on the network, so they can be opened from different devices, not just one tablet.

Key Term

school network
A school network joins computers, tablets, printers, a server and a router so they can share files, printers and the internet and work together.

Fill in the Blanks

1. The school server stores student files.
Hint: Type the name of the computer that stores files for the whole school.
2. The library printer is shared on the network.
Hint: Type the shared device that prints pages for many students.
3. Classroom tablets join the network by Wi-Fi.
Hint: Type the wireless way tablets connect without cables.
4. The router links the school network to the internet.
Hint: Type the device that connects the school network to the internet.
5. A school network joins devices so they work together.
Hint: Type the word for a group of connected devices that share things.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A student saves a file
B file goes across the network
C router stores student files
Line C — The router does not store files. The school server stores student files, so line 3 should say 'server stores student files'.
Question 2
A send report to library router
B library printer prints it
C student collects the page
Line A — A router cannot print. The report must be sent to the library printer so it can print the page.
Question 3
A tablet = classroom device
B tablet joins home Wi-Fi
C tablet opens shared files
Line B — To use the school network, a classroom tablet must join the school Wi-Fi, not a home Wi-Fi network.
Question 4
A student logs in to computer
B computer asks server for files
C printer sends files back
Line C — The computer asked the server for its files, so the server sends them back. A printer does not store student files.
Question 5
A computers = 20, tablets = 15
B devices = computers - tablets
C print devices
Line B — To find the total number of devices on the network you add computers and tablets with +. Subtracting gives the wrong answer.

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