Computing at Avondale
National Curriculum
Understand that, to communicate, computers need to use a common language eg. for two computers to have a video chat, they must both use a 'video chat' language.
This is known as a protocol. Different protocols are designed with different purposes in mind eg. a protocol for multi payer gaming is designed for speed of communication, whereas a protocol designed for file sharing is designed for accurate communication. The illustrated example on Target Tracker may be helpful to illustrate this; different machines on a network are communicating in different ways.
Depending upon the purpose, different protocols may break up and send information different ways. These are known as packets of information. As packets of information are received, they are rebuilt by the receiving computer, recreating the information, be it a file, email or video message. Packets of information travel between devices over a computer network.
Pupils may demonstrate their understanding by annotating a diagram showing a basic network. Around the network different devices are shown to be running different applications eg email, video chat or a web browser. Different coloured lines between computers could denote different protocols being used to share packets of information. See TT diagram for an example of this.
WORKING TOWARDS - Pupils know that a network enables computers to share information. They recognise that applications must share information in a common way eg. emails can only be sent to an email application and videos can only be sent to video applications.
MET - Pupils understand that shared information is broken up into smaller chunks and rebuilt at the receiving computer. Pupils understand that applications must share information in a common way eg. emails can only be sent to an email application and videos can only be sent to video applications.
FURTHER PROGRESSION - Pupils understand that the smaller chunks of shared information are known as packets. They also understand applications that share information in a common way do so through the use of protocols.
Understand how a range of services on the Internet can be combined to complete a given task. (See TT exemplar video)
This may include integrating a range of services eg. maps, videos or hyperlinks within a webpage.
It may also include the use of a range of tools to complete a collaborative project eg. email and video chat for communication, combined with cloud storage for shared access to a document.
Pupils should have some understanding of these terms and techniques, but may be guided in setting them up.
WORKING TOWARDS - Pupils can identify some ways in which online communication could help them complete a task.
MET - Pupils know that a webpage may include a range of 'embedded' information and can, with support add this to their own sites. They can identify and use some online services that would enable them to collaborate with others on a given task.
FURTHER KNOWLEDGE - Pupils can add a range of 'embedded' information to their own sites. They can confidently use a range of online services that enable them to collaborate with others on a given task.