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TEACHER/LECTURER NOTES

Aim

This unit is designed to develop knowledge and understanding of Computer networks, with particular reference to internetworks, and to provide an opportunity to apply this knowledge through the use of contemporary network Systems.

Status of this teaching and learning

These materials are for guidance only and are not mandatory. The mandatory content of the unit is detailed in the national unit specification Internetworking (H) pages 1 to 4.

Target audience

While entry is at the discretion of the centre, students would normally be expected to have attained one of the following (or possess equivalent experience): Computer Systems (H) unit, Computing course at Intermediate 2, gradel or 2 at Standard Grade in Computing Studies.

Pre-knowledge and skills

The student should have the skills reąuired to use a GUI environment to launch applications, load/save files, and perform generał housekeeping tasks on the Computer.

Progression

Within Computing, the unit provides the knowledge and skills reąuired to tackle the Advanced Higher unit Data Communications.

Resources

Centres offering this unit must have a Computer network. The network should allow student access using a user ID and password. To achieve the fuli benefit of this unit it is highly recommended that the student also has access to - the Internet, an intranet, WWW browser, e-mail, FTP.

Learning and teaching approaches

As networking is a relatively young subject, some initial definitions of terms is essential. These fundamental definitions which are used throughout this teaching and learning pack can be found in Appendix A.

Although at various stages throughout the unit the student may access the Internet, this is NOT a unit on learning to ‘use the Internet’ - rather it is a study of the technology (hardware, software and protocols) which enable such uses of Computer networks. The level of study must be appropriate to a student following a Higher course and the student is expected to develop a significant knowledge and understanding of the underlying theoretical concepts of networking.

This pack concentrates on what the student should know and understand. It is designed to indicate the level of treatment of the topics and should be used by centres as a basis for direct teaching, demonstration and exemplification. This pack is not a collection of information sheets and worksheets, although some are provided.

Practical activities will be indicated at the appropriate points in the unit. Centres are expected to tailor these activities, taking into account the level and type of resource available. Most modern

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Computing Support Materials: Computer Networking (H)