DGB 1: Storing, Managing and Editing Data

← Digital Literacy – Year 1

Digital information is stored as data. Files and folders make it possible to save, organise, find, copy, move, rename, change and delete this data in a structured way. Reliable file management is a basic skill for school and everyday digital work.

Curriculum reference

Area	Classification
Competence area	Information
Focus	Storing, managing, retrieving and changing information as data
Competence	Use basic file-management functions safely and organise data in a clear folder structure.

Learning objectives

Students can:

distinguish files from folders;
explain filenames, file extensions and storage locations;
create a clear folder structure;
save, open, rename, copy, move and delete files;
distinguish Save from Save As;
search for files and understand simple paths;
distinguish local storage, removable media and cloud storage;
restore suitable deleted files from the recycle bin;
use meaningful filenames, versions and simple backup strategies;
consider privacy and access rights when storing files.

Learning content

Data, files and folders

A file stores digital content such as text, an image, a presentation, a spreadsheet or audio. A folder is used to organise files and other folders. A clear structure makes information easier to find later.

Filenames and file extensions

A useful filename describes the content and, where necessary, the version. File extensions indicate common file types, for example `.pdf`, `.docx`, `.xlsx`, `.pptx`, `.jpg` or `.png`. Simply changing an extension does not normally convert the file into another format.

Save and Save As

Save normally updates the currently opened file at its existing storage location. Save As allows a new name, location or, in some programs, another format to be chosen.

Before saving, check: Which folder am I working in? What is the filename? Which format is required? This reduces duplicate and lost files.

Copy, move and rename

Copying creates an additional file while leaving the original in place. Moving changes the storage location. Renaming changes the filename but not the file's content. These operations should be distinguished carefully.

Delete and restore

Deleting a file often moves it to a recycle bin first. Depending on the system, it may be restored from there until the bin is emptied. A recycle bin is not a backup and permanently deleted data may not be recoverable.

Searching and paths

Files can be found by navigating through folders or by using search functions. A path describes where a file is located within a folder structure. Meaningful names and sensible folders make both navigation and searching easier.

Local storage, removable media and cloud storage

Files may be stored on a computer's internal drive, a USB storage device, a memory card, a network drive or a cloud service. Each storage location has different advantages and requirements. School rules and access permissions must be observed.

Backups and versions

Important work should not exist in only one place. A backup is an additional copy intended for recovery if the working copy is lost or damaged. Version names such as `presentation_v01` and `presentation_v02` can help preserve earlier stages when required.

Classroom activities

Create a folder structure

An unorganised collection of school files is to be arranged systematically.

Task: Create a structure using school year, subject and topic, then move prepared example files into the correct folders.

Expected outcome: A clear structure in which each file can be found without using the search function.

Carry out file operations safely

Task: Make a copy of an example file, rename it, move it to another folder, delete it and restore it from the recycle bin.

Expected outcome: Confident distinction between the different file operations.

Practise Save As

Task: Open a prepared document and save a new version under a different filename without overwriting the original.

Find a file

Task: Locate a specified file once by navigating the folder structure and once using the search function. Describe which clues helped you.

Plan a simple backup

Task: Decide which school files are important enough to back up and propose a sensible second storage location.

Self-check

I can distinguish files and folders.
I can use Save and Save As correctly.
I can copy, move, rename and delete files.
I can find files using folders, paths and search.
I understand why important data needs a backup.