Unit 15: Digital Networks

Let's refresh our knowledge base thus far. Humans create data (information) which is entered into a digital device (input). Most digital devices use a binary code to process data. In physical terms data is tiny, tiny, tiny little bits of electricity that the device recognizes as combinations of "0's" and "1"'s. Data can be managed in many ways. It can be:

Displayed or presented

• Visually on a screen (output device)
• Heard - audio with speaker. (output device.)
• Printed (output device)

Stored

• On a storage device. Hard disk, USB, DVD, External hard drive, or the Internet ("Cloud")
• Storage devices are generally input and output devices. Which one listed above is not input/output?

Networked (for sharing)

• LAN (Local Area Network) where devices are connected with a common controlling computer (Server). School is a good example.
• WAN (Wide Area Network) where multiple devices are connected covering a variety of different locations. A large company with many offices around the world is an example.
• INTERNET. Is a huge world wide network of computers that enable us to access data. Websites are an example.

Transmitted (moved) in different ways:

• Using cables to connect each device. Your classroom may use this.
• Wireless. Where each device sends an electronic signal carrying the data to a router device that controls the flow of data.
• Mobile. Often uses any combination of cables, wireless and the telephony system to get information to and from a satellite. A smartphone is a good example.

	Watch the video (top right) about the history of computing, what's inside a computer, and networks
	Learn about Networks and play a quiz (left)
	Discuss as a class some possible survey questions Your survey can collect data manually or use an online site like https://www.surveyhero.com/. If you are using Google classroom students could use Google forms. Watch the DigitalNinja video (right) to learn how to compose survey data in a Spread Sheet Application (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets): Open up a spreadsheet App/program Name your spreadsheet file as: MySurvey Column headings are: | Choices | Votes | Use a formula to auto sum add up all the votes Using the software generate a graph (pie or bar) Type or write a short paragraph that interprets what the data shows..
	As a class discuss: The types of networks families may have at home. The network set up of your school: Peripheral (output) devices available for students to use. Storage options. Networks (cable and wireless).