DGB 2: Digital Devices on a Network

← Digital Literacy – Year 2

Digital devices exchange data through cables, Wi-Fi/WLAN, Bluetooth, cloud services and file shares. Practical competence involves more than making a connection: students also need to understand storage location, permissions, file format, security and systematic troubleshooting.

Curriculum reference

Area	Classification
Competence area	Action
Perspectives	Technical and interaction perspectives (T, I)
Focus	Digital devices on networks and data exchange
Competence	Connect devices to networks using suitable methods, exchange files between media and systematically solve common connection, sharing and compatibility problems.

Learning objectives

Students can:

distinguish LAN/Ethernet, Wi-Fi/WLAN and Bluetooth by range and typical purpose;
distinguish a local network, internet access and a direct device connection;
connect a device to a network in a provided school environment;
understand network name and password as different pieces of information;
exchange files through network shares, cloud storage, USB or suitable direct transfer;
distinguish local storage from cloud-based storage;
choose read and edit permissions deliberately when sharing;
check file format and compatibility before transfer;
distinguish upload, download, copying and synchronisation in common situations;
use public or unknown networks more cautiously;
investigate typical network problems using an ordered checking path;
organise shared files to avoid unnecessary copies and version conflicts.

Learning content

Connection types

LAN/Ethernet connects devices by cable and is often stable and fast. Wi-Fi/WLAN connects devices wirelessly to a local network. Bluetooth is mainly used for short direct connections between devices and accessories. The best option depends on range, mobility, data volume and available infrastructure.

Local network and internet access

A device can be connected to a local network even when the internet is unavailable. The local network allows access to local devices and services; internet access adds routes to external networks. A direct Bluetooth connection is different again because it may not involve the local network at all.

Joining a network

Connecting usually requires choosing the correct network and authenticating where necessary. The network name identifies the network; the password or another method verifies access. Students should avoid sharing access credentials unnecessarily.

Exchanging files

Files can be moved with USB media, network shares, cloud storage or direct transfer. Each method has advantages and constraints involving speed, access, privacy and convenience. ‘Cloud’ means that data is stored on remote systems reached through a network.

Permissions and shared work

Sharing should grant only the permissions needed. Read access allows viewing, while edit access permits changes. Collaborative work is easier when everyone knows which copy is current and when a shared version or version history is used instead of many uncontrolled copies.

Formats and compatibility

A file can be transferred successfully but still fail to open if the recipient lacks compatible software. Choosing suitable formats and, where appropriate, exporting to common formats helps avoid problems.

Systematic troubleshooting

A useful sequence is: check physical/wireless connection → check the selected network → check authentication → test local access → test internet access if needed → check permissions → check the service or destination → check file format. Changing one thing at a time makes the cause easier to identify.

Using unknown networks safely

Public or unknown networks should be treated more cautiously. Avoid unnecessary sharing, check that the intended network is selected and prefer protected services such as HTTPS. Network access does not by itself make every connected service trustworthy.

Classroom activities

Compare connection types

Choose LAN, Wi-Fi/WLAN or Bluetooth for several scenarios and justify by range, mobility and data volume.

Expected outcome: Appropriate connection choices.

Connect a device to a network

Follow a provided school procedure to select the correct network and verify connectivity.

Expected outcome: A working authorised connection.

Exchange files between devices

Transfer a prepared file using two approved methods and compare the process.

Expected outcome: A practical transfer comparison.

Use storage locations and permissions consciously

Decide whether examples belong in local storage, shared network storage or cloud storage and choose read/edit access.

Expected outcome: Reasoned storage and permission choices.

Check file formats and compatibility

Predict which files will open in given software and choose an exchange format where needed.

Expected outcome: Compatibility awareness.

Troubleshoot common network problems

Use prepared scenarios such as wrong network, disabled Wi-Fi, missing permission or incompatible format and follow an ordered checklist.

Expected outcome: A documented troubleshooting path.

Collaborate on shared files

Work on one shared document and use naming or version-history rules to prevent conflicting copies.

Expected outcome: Controlled collaboration.

Evaluate safe network use

Compare a trusted school network with an unknown public network and identify suitable precautions.

Expected outcome: Risk-aware network behaviour.

Choose exchange methods for everyday situations

Select USB, local share, cloud or direct transfer for different school tasks and justify.

Expected outcome: A practical decision matrix.

Create a network-use checklist

Summarise the steps for connection, file exchange, permissions and troubleshooting.

Expected outcome: A reusable reference.

Self-check

I can distinguish LAN/Ethernet, Wi-Fi/WLAN and Bluetooth.
I can distinguish local-network access from internet access.
I can choose suitable methods for exchanging files.
I can assign sharing permissions deliberately.
I check file formats and compatibility.
I can troubleshoot common connection problems systematically.
I use unknown networks more cautiously.