LESSON 1 OF 3
Year 8 · Digital Technologies

Introduction to Networks

Networks connect computers and digital devices so they can communicate and share hardware (printers, scanners, internet connections), software (apps and web tools) and data (files, videos, music and messages). Attempt every question, then assess your results at the bottom of the page.

Before you start: typed answer boxes need a minimum amount of text before they count. Each box turns green once you have written enough. You cannot assess your results while any typed answers are too short, so add more detail if the Assess button stays locked.
1

Computers

A computer is an electronic device that can process information. We tend to call a whole desktop PC or Mac (including the screen, keyboard and mouse) a computer, but technically the computer is the part inside the box. These days computers are found everywhere: in your phone, in your watch, in your car, in smart speakers and doorbells, and even running your washing machine.

List the devices and machines in your home that probably contain a computer. Try to list at least four, separated by commas or on new lines.

Aim for four or more devices.
Ideas you might have listed: smart TV, smartphone, tablet, laptop, games console, washing machine, dishwasher, microwave, fridge, car, smart watch, router, smart speaker, robot vacuum, doorbell camera, printer.
2

Computer Systems

Most of the computers in your home are part of a system. A system has inputs, processors and outputs.

Input — a device that passes information to the computer, e.g. keyboard, touch screen, sensor.
Processor — circuits and microchips that process the information. For this task, think of it as the box where the processing happens.
Output — a device that reproduces or displays the results after processing, e.g. screen, printer.

Drag each part of a computer system into the correct column. Tap a chip, then tap a column, or drag and drop.

Parts to sort Keyboard Mouse Touch screen Motion sensor Games controller Desktop tower Console box Microchip Monitor Printer Speakers TV screen

Inputs

Processors

Outputs

3

Networks

Once your devices are part of a network they can share documents, images, music and other data, and use any printers or other hardware on the network. The diagram below shows how a home network might be set up.

Drag the correct word onto each numbered label.

1 3 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Tip: solid yellow lines are physical connections; blue arcs travel through the air.

Here is the same network set up in a real home. The numbers match the diagram above — use both to help you place the labels.

Photo of a real home network: wall socket (1), router (2), cables (3), desktop computer (4), printer (5), Wi-Fi radio waves (6), laptop (7), tablet (8), smart phone (9), games console (10) and smart speaker (11)
The same home network in real life — spot all eleven numbered parts.
Word bank Wall socket Router Wires Desktop computer Printer Radio waves Laptop Tablet Smart phone Games console Smart speaker
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2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
4

The Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is the global network of computers, smartphones, smart speakers, watches, cars, home appliances and other devices. Huge amounts of data are passed between the computers on the internet, and AI tools are now creating and processing more of that data than ever before.

Drag each number onto its matching description to get an idea of how big the internet really is.

Numbers 1969 6 billion 21+ billion $1 trillion 400 million
Smart devices (the Internet of Things) connected worldwide — from watches and doorbells to factory sensors.
US dollars — the value of the global Internet of Things market.
Terabytes of new data created around the world every single day.
The year in which distant computers were first networked.
Number of people worldwide who use the internet — nearly three quarters of everyone on Earth.

Note: numbers (roughly) correct as of early 2026. Some are growing quickly.

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