Year 6 – Communication and collaboration
Unit introduction
In this unit learners explore how data is transferred over the internet. Learners initially focus on addressing, before they move on to the makeup and structure of data packets. Learners then look at how the internet facilitates online communication and collaboration; they complete shared projects online and evaluate different methods of communication. Finally, they learn how to communicate responsibly by considering what should and should not be shared on the internet and how to report concerns about inappropriate content online.
Note: Some of the content in this unit was previously included in the Year 5 – ‘Computer systems and networks’ unit, so some learners may have already completed similar activities. Where this is the case, the context for the activity has been changed.
Overview of lessons
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Lesson |
Brief overview |
Learning objectives |
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L1 Internet addresses |
Learners explore what is necessary for effective communication and the importance of agreed protocols. They apply this understanding to IP addresses and the rules (protocols) that computers have for communicating with one another. Learners also use a Domain Name Server (DNS) to translate web addresses into IP addresses. |
To explain the importance of internet addresses ● I can recognise that data is transferred using agreed methods ● I can explain that internet devices have addresses ● I can describe how computers use addresses to access websites
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L2 Data packets |
Learners are introduced to the concept of packets. They complete an activity based on transferring an image across the internet, to see that as well as messages (text), other types of data (images, video, and audio) are also transferred over the internet. They gain an understanding of the key parts of a packet: the header and the data payload. |
To recognise how data is transferred across the internet ● I can identify and explain the main parts of a data packet ● I can explain that data is transferred over networks in packets ● I can explain that all data transferred over the internet is in packets |
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L3 Working together |
Learners consider how people can work together when they are not in the same location. They discuss ways of working and complete a collaborative online project. The online activity assumes that learners can make simple slides, including text and images. If your learners are unsure how to do this, you may wish to spend some time on the Year 3 – ‘Desktop publishing’ unit before this lesson.
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To explain how sharing information online can help people to work together ● I can recognise how to access shared files stored online ● I can send information over the internet in different ways ● I can explain that the internet allows different media to be shared |
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L4 Shared working |
Learners are introduced to another approach to online working: reusing and modifying work done by someone else. (Note: Using someone else’s work needs to be within the bounds of copyright and with the relevant permissions.) This lesson involves the Scratch programming tool, which allows learners to use other people’s work. |
To evaluate different ways of working together online ● I can identify different ways of working together online ● I can recognise that working together on the internet can be public or private ● I can explain how the internet enables effective collaboration |
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L5 How we communicate |
Learners deepen their understanding of the term ‘communication’. They explore different methods of communication, before they consider internet-based communication in more detail. Finally, learners evaluate which methods of communication suit particular purposes. |
To recognise how we communicate using technology ● I can explain the different ways in which people communicate ● I can identify that there are a variety of ways to communicate over the internet ● I can choose methods of communication to suit particular purposes |
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L6 Communicating responsibly |
Learners use information provided in the lesson and their own prior knowledge to categorise different forms of internet communication. They then choose which method(s) they would use for the scenarios discussed in the previous lesson. Through these activities, learners explore issues around privacy, information security and how to report concerns about inappropriate content online.
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To evaluate different methods of online communication ● I can compare different methods of communicating on the internet ● I can decide when I should and should not share information online ● I can explain that communication on the internet may not be private ● I can explain how to report inappropriate content online |
Progression
This unit progresses learners’ knowledge and understanding of computing systems and online collaborative working.
Please see the learning graph for this unit for more information about progression.
Curriculum links
- Understand computer networks, including the internet; how they can provide multiple services, such as the World Wide Web, and the opportunities they offer for communication and collaboration
- Select, use and combine a variety of software (including internet services) on a range of digital devices to design and create a range of programs, systems and content that accomplish given goals, including collecting, analysing, evaluating and presenting data and information
- Use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly; recognise acceptable/unacceptable behaviour; identify a range of ways to report concerns about content and contact
Education for a Connected World links
- I can describe and assess the benefits and the potential risks of sharing information online.
- I can assess and justify when it is acceptable to use the work of others
- I can give examples of content that is permitted to be reused
Assessment
Formative Assessment:
Assessment opportunities and ‘I can’ statements are detailed in each lesson plan. Teachers should use these to decide how a pupil is progressing through the Bloom’s Taxonomy statements that the school uses to determine a pupil’s stage of learning defined as developing, secure or greater depth. These statements can be found at: https://www.countessanneprimary.org.uk/Curriculum/Assessment/
titled of ‘Concept descriptions for assessment of the foundation subjects’.
Subject knowledge
In this unit, you will need to have an understanding of the way data is sent over the internet. Some key terms you will need to be familiar with are Internet Protocol (IP) addresses; Domain Name Server (DNS); and data packets, including the main parts of a packet (header and data payload). The terms are discussed in more detail within the lesson plans.
Part of this unit focuses on collaboration over the internet. These activities assume the use of Google Slides, a free web-based app, which is part of Google Workspace for Education. You will need a school Google account to access this. If your school doesn’t have Google Workspace, you can sign up for a free account. Alternative collaborative presentation tools are available, such as Microsoft PowerPoint used with Office 365. However, if you wish to use different software, the lesson slides will need to be adapted to suit any changes.
We recommend the use of teacher accounts in Scratch for certain activities within this unit. For guidance on setting up teacher accounts, please visit the Scratch website. (https://scratch.mit.edu/educators/faq). It is possible for learners to make changes without ‘remixing’ the activities, however these changes will not be saved.
Enhance your subject knowledge to teach this unit through the following free CPD:
- Getting started in Year 6 – short course
- Teaching computing systems and networks to 5- to 11-year-olds
- Introduction to primary computing remote or face to face
To further enhance your subject knowledge, enrol on the primary certificate. This will support you to develop your knowledge and skills in primary computing and gain the confidence to teach great lessons, all whilst earning a nationally recognised certificate!
Resources are updated regularly — the latest version is available at: ncce.io/tcc.
This resource is licensed under the Open Government Licence, version 3. For more information on this licence, see ncce.io/ogl.
