Data & Storage Progression
What can this look like in the classroom...
Embedded Files
This Months Newsletter
Which applications to use?
Which applications to use?
Learners in Wales have access to several data and storage options. Learners must understand how to manage their documents in the storage options available to them.
Where to start...
Where to start...
Learners can start to understand how documents are stored and accessed from nursery onwards. This can be done by the teacher explaining what happens to the digital work created in the classroom.
Learners need to understand both how data storage works and how to access their data.
NB. When using the term data, this relates to any digital documents/creations.
Cognitive Load Theory
Cognitive Load Theory
John Sweller suggests our working memory can only hold a set amount of information; for this reason, it is important to manage the skills/knowledge that learners are asked to apply.
Learners must use technology to enhance their learning experiences. Therefore, we should avoid overloading them with applying digital skills and having to recall the knowledge they are showcasing.
Digital skills and experiences should develop progressively over time. For this reason, schools must develop skills in steps which allow learners to consolidate and understand the skills they are learning.
Which devices are learners using?
Which devices are learners using?
The device being used will have an impact on how learners understand their data and storage. Schools also need to consider where their devices are stored. This could be to ensure they are secured at the end of the day, or which classes have access to the devices.
Devices can be managed to ensure that they have the required applications and updates from a central log in point.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
Positives- simple interface, learners can use fingers to control the applications they are using. Applications are designed to complete a specific task simply.
Considerations- when used by several learners, applications need to be logged in to and out of. If this is not done, learners will have access to the accounts of others. The cost of iPads can be considerably higher than that of other options. Schools should be aware of the life expectancy of the device so that they can plan for replacing their iPads when they no longer accept security updates.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Positives- simple for younger learners to access Hwb accounts, quick to log in and start up. When learners close the device, their accounts are locked. Access to all applications which are web-based. Once logged in, account passwords can be saved for future access. The battery life of these devices can allow for use throughout the school day. These devices can be one of the cheaper options for schools.
Considerations- access to the school's printers and server is not always available. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of saving their work in the cloud, but not in folders on the school's server. These devices do not allow users to download programmes, which can limit their use where the need for more complex programmes is needed. Schools should be aware of the 'end-of-life' of the device, the point at which they no longer allow security updates.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Laptops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. Laptops as devices have security updates through their operating systems, usually Windows, which are usually longer than a Chromebook or Windows device.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. The battery life of a Laptop may not last the school day and may need charging after only a few hours.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Desktops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. They may also have additional tools linked, such as overhead cameras. Desktops have security updates through their operating systems.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. A computer suite also restricts the user to where they can work, as they need to be at that base.
Progression Step 1 (Nur/Rec)
Progression Step 1 (Nur/Rec)
Learners need to be able to save and retrieve their digital work. This can be done by clicking icons within apps or using the camera roll. And have opportunities to identify the work that belongs to others.
How this could look in an app, for example...
In J2e, learners can add their name and a title to a piece of work before clicking the save icon (floppy disc).
They can also identify their work using the MyFiles section of the application. This could be work that has been created in their Hwb accounts or through their teacher's Hwb account.
In Seesaw, learners can choose their name when adding work to their portfolio and identify what they have created.
Tip. In Nursery/Reception classes, learners could work in the teacher's account. This would support learners' understanding that all the work is found in the MyFiles. This would also allow the class teacher to have all the digital work stored in one place.
In Progression Step 1, learners should be able to...
In Progression Step 1, learners should be able to...
save their digital work
add their name to their digital work
identify the work of others
Which devices are learners using?
Which devices are learners using?
The device being used will have an impact on how learners understand their data and storage. Schools also need to consider where their devices are stored. This could be to ensure they are secured at the end of the day, or which classes have access to the devices.
Devices can be managed to ensure that they have the required applications and updates from a central log in point.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
Positives- simple interface, learners can use fingers to control the applications they are using. Applications are designed to complete a specific task simply.
Considerations- when used by several learners, applications need to be logged in to and out of. If this is not done, learners will have access to the accounts of others. The cost of iPads can be considerably higher than that of other options. Schools should be aware of the life expectancy of the device so that they can plan for replacing their iPads when they no longer accept security updates.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Positives- simple for younger learners to access Hwb accounts, quick to log in and start up. When learners close the device, their accounts are locked. Access to all applications which are web-based. Once logged in, account passwords can be saved for future access. The battery life of these devices can allow for use throughout the school day. These devices can be one of the cheaper options for schools.
Considerations- access to the school's printers and server is not always available. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of saving their work in the cloud, but not in folders on the school's server. These devices do not allow users to download programmes, which can limit their use where the need for more complex programmes is needed. Schools should be aware of the 'end-of-life' of the device, the point at which they no longer allow security updates.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Laptops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. Laptops as devices have security updates through their operating systems, usually Windows, which are usually longer than a Chromebook or Windows device.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. The battery life of a Laptop may not last the school day and may need charging after only a few hours.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Desktops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. They may also have additional tools linked, such as overhead cameras. Desktops have security updates through their operating systems.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. A computer suite also restricts the user to where they can work, as they need to be at that base.
Progression Step 2 (Yr1-Yr3)
Progression Step 2 (Yr1-Yr3)
Learners start to work on collaborative pieces of work, which could be through shared documents in their Microsoft Teams or Google Classrooms.
Learners could work on word processing documents, they could contribute to a presentation, or add data to a spreadsheet.
At this point, learners need to start to understand how and where their work is saved.
If learners have started to name and save their work in Just2Easy, they will have an understanding of work being stored in MyFiles.
Using J2e, learners need to click on the disk icon and name their work; this is then saved in the MyFiles. In PS2, learners can create work in their J2e accounts and understand that this work is stored in their MyFiles.
Learners need to understand that work completed in Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom is stored in their OneDrive or Google Drive, respectively. They can find their work in their Teams or Classroom, but the documents are stored in their respective Drives.
When working in Adobe or Canva, the work created is stored in Adobe's Your stuff or Canva's Projects.
This does mean that when using several applications, the work of your learners can be stored across the range of applications they use.
When working in Microsoft, Google, Adobe or Canva, learners need to understand that their work is 'auto-saved', which removes the need to click a 'save' icon. However, this does mean that learners need to name their work effectively to find it in the future.
In Progression Step 2, learners should be able to...
In Progression Step 2, learners should be able to...
work on collaborative pieces of digital work
understand where their work is stored
name their pieces of work effectively to find them in the future.
Where is work stored...
J2e - MyFiles,
Microsoft Teams - OneDrive,
Google Classroom - Google Drive,
Adobe - Your stuff,
Canva - Projects
Minecraft - The account of the world's 'Host'
Which devices are learners using?
Which devices are learners using?
The device being used will have an impact on how learners understand their data and storage. Schools also need to consider where their devices are stored. This could be to ensure they are secured at the end of the day, or which classes have access to the devices.
Devices can be managed to ensure that they have the required applications and updates from a central log in point.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
Positives- simple interface, learners can use fingers to control the applications they are using. Applications are designed to complete a specific task simply.
Considerations- when used by several learners, applications need to be logged in to and out of. If this is not done, learners will have access to the accounts of others. The cost of iPads can be considerably higher than that of other options. Schools should be aware of the life expectancy of the device so that they can plan for replacing their iPads when they no longer accept security updates.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Positives- simple for younger learners to access Hwb accounts, quick to log in and start up. When learners close the device, their accounts are locked. Access to all applications which are web-based. Once logged in, account passwords can be saved for future access. The battery life of these devices can allow for use throughout the school day. These devices can be one of the cheaper options for schools.
Considerations- access to the school's printers and server is not always available. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of saving their work in the cloud, but not in folders on the school's server. These devices do not allow users to download programmes, which can limit their use where the need for more complex programmes is needed. Schools should be aware of the 'end-of-life' of the device, the point at which they no longer allow security updates.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Laptops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. Laptops as devices have security updates through their operating systems, usually Windows, which are usually longer than a Chromebook or Windows device.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. The battery life of a Laptop may not last the school day and may need charging after only a few hours.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Desktops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. They may also have additional tools linked, such as overhead cameras. Desktops have security updates through their operating systems.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. A computer suite also restricts the user to where they can work, as they need to be at that base.
Progression Step 3 (Yr4-Yr6)
Progression Step 3 (Yr4-Yr6)
Learners start to work collaboratively on pieces of work, which could be through shared documents in their Microsoft Teams or Google Classrooms.
Learners can work together on word processing documents, they could contribute to a shared presentation, or add data to a shared spreadsheet.
Learners need to understand that work completed in Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom is stored in their OneDrive or Google Drive, respectively. They can find their work in their Teams or Classroom, but the documents are stored in their respective Drives.
When working in Adobe or Canva, the work created is stored in Adobe's Your stuff or Canva's Projects.
Learners should begin to understand how to use hyperlinks; this can be to documents stored in the range of applications they are using, or to other documents they have in their folders.
Developing an understanding of where documents are stored is essential for them to be able to organise their files and folders. Learners should know how work is managed to know if they are working on a document they own or a document that has been shared with them.
Learners should also be able to change the sharing permissions on documents or folders. This will allow them to share work they have created with others, or if the school is using e-portfolios, they will be able to ensure the work is visible.
Finally, learners need to be able to upload files from a local drive to online storage. This could be downloading an image or video to their device and then adding it to their OneDrive or Google Drive.
Tip: Make use of Microsoft Teams or Google Classroom as digital books, which allows the class teacher to have all the work accessible in one place, but also allows the learner to understand how to share links to their work.
NB. Teachers must understand the differences in the way devices store information to support learners with these skills.
In Progression Step 3, learners should be able to...
In Progression Step 3, learners should be able to...
work collaboratively on pieces of digital work
use hyperlinks
know what a local, network, and online file is
manage their files and folders
change permissions
Where is work stored...
J2e - MyFiles,
Microsoft Teams - OneDrive,
Google Classroom - Google Drive,
Adobe - Your stuff,
Canva - Projects
Minecraft - The account of the world's 'Host'
Storage types...
Local - saved to the device,
Network - saved to a school server,
Online - saved to the cloud
Secondary School skills development
Secondary School skills development
The skills identified above should be developed by all feeder primary schools. Learners should have an understanding of how to make use of different storage types; however, they may not always have made practical use of the types of data storage.
Secondary school teachers need to be aware that many primary schools make use of Chromebooks, while secondary schools often use both Laptops or Desktops in computer suites.
Learners will need to learn how to log in to the device and then to their school/hwb account. They will also need to understand why they have to log out of their device to ensure their accounts are not left accessible.
Learners may also not have experienced using a server to store and access their documents. Primary schools commonly use their OneDrive or Google Drive, so they will need to be introduced to saving their documents on the server if that is how the school saves documents.
Which devices are learners using?
Which devices are learners using?
The device being used will have an impact on how learners understand their data and storage. Schools also need to consider where their devices are stored. This could be to ensure they are secured at the end of the day, or which classes have access to the devices.
Devices can be managed to ensure that they have the required applications and updates from a central log in point.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
iPads are often used with learners in the Early Years; they allow for simple interaction within applications. However, iPads are generally set up for individual use. This can create issues when they are being used as a device which allows shared use.
Positives- simple interface, learners can use fingers to control the applications they are using. Applications are designed to complete a specific task simply.
Considerations- when used by several learners, applications need to be logged in to and out of. If this is not done, learners will have access to the accounts of others. The cost of iPads can be considerably higher than that of other options. Schools should be aware of the life expectancy of the device so that they can plan for replacing their iPads when they no longer accept security updates.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Chromebooks/Windows are devices which allow the user access to the internet. This can allow learners to log in and access their HwbCymru accounts.
Positives- simple for younger learners to access Hwb accounts, quick to log in and start up. When learners close the device, their accounts are locked. Access to all applications which are web-based. Once logged in, account passwords can be saved for future access. The battery life of these devices can allow for use throughout the school day. These devices can be one of the cheaper options for schools.
Considerations- access to the school's printers and server is not always available. Learners will be able to develop an understanding of saving their work in the cloud, but not in folders on the school's server. These devices do not allow users to download programmes, which can limit their use where the need for more complex programmes is needed. Schools should be aware of the 'end-of-life' of the device, the point at which they no longer allow security updates.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Laptops are devices which allow the user to work on their digital work wherever they choose.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Laptops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. Laptops as devices have security updates through their operating systems, usually Windows, which are usually longer than a Chromebook or Windows device.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. The battery life of a Laptop may not last the school day and may need charging after only a few hours.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Desktops are devices which remain in one place, often within a computer suite.
Positives- they allow for learners to develop an understanding of saving work to both the cloud and to a server. Desktops allow additional programmes to be installed, allowing the user to use specific programmes inaccessible via the web. They may also have additional tools linked, such as overhead cameras. Desktops have security updates through their operating systems.
Considerations- learners will need to log out of their online accounts where whole class/year group login details are used; failure to do so can allow access to personal accounts and information. A computer suite also restricts the user to where they can work, as they need to be at that base.
Progression Step 4 (Yr7-Yr9)
Progression Step 4 (Yr7-Yr9)
Learners should be working collaboratively online and, where possible, using additional languages. They should also be sharing and presenting their work using their online technology.
This could be that learners are presenting using video calls where they have online interactions with the viewers, or it could be screen recordings of their work.
Working online allows learners to make use of the version history of online documents. This can be used to view edits or restore previous versions where necessary.
Learners should start to understand that files can be encrypted or have passwords added to enhance the security of their files and folders.
Learners should increase their understanding of file storage. They need to be aware that links to files can change if they are moved.
In Progression Step 4, learners should be able to...
In Progression Step 4, learners should be able to...
work collaboratively using additional languages
make use of a file's version history
understand what encryption is
manage hyperlinks, knowing they may change if the documents are moved
Storage types...
Local - saved to the device,
Network - saved to a school server,
Online - saved to the cloud
Progression Step 5 (Yr10-Yr11)
Progression Step 5 (Yr10-Yr11)
Learners can now analyse the platforms used for collaborative tasks and evaluate their appropriateness.
Learners are using technology to create content for a global audience appropriate to the task.
They can make informed choices about the file types they choose and understand some issues which may arise from that choice.
In Progression Step 5, learners should be able to...
In Progression Step 5, learners should be able to...
evaluate the appropriateness of the platform they are using
create content for a global audience
understand different file types
Text File types (examples)...
.txt - plain text
.doc - Microsoft Word document
.docx - Commonly used by MS Word
Image File types (examples)...
.jpg - most common image type
.png - allows for sharper images
.gif - animations of small images
Audio File types (examples)...
.wma - Windows media audio
.wav - commonly accessible audio
.mp3 - commonly used for sharing audio
Video File types (examples)...
.mp4 - files which have video and audio
.mpg - older video file type
.wmv - most common format
Other common File types (examples)...
.zip - compressed files
.html - language to create web pages
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