1. Networking and Hardware
in Schools
How networks and hardware are used in classrooms
Kristy Wilhite
EDTECH 541

2. Introduction
Educators are accepting and using technology
into their classrooms. But what many of us
don't realize how we get this technology and
how it works. Also, many teachers are not
using the network and hardware to their full
advantage in the classroom.
This lesson will benefit any K-12 teacher
and/or administrator. It will discuss
vocabulary and how a network works, as
well as discuss how the network works.

3. Objectives
• Learners will gain an understanding of how
computer Networks work by looking at the
vocabulary.
• Learners will understand what hardwares
are available to them.
• Learners will demonstrate what they learned
about networks by developing their own
definition and picture of the new vocabulary.
• Learners will demonstrate understanding of
hardware by creating a visual representation
of the school districts network.

4. Standards
ISTE Nets for Teachers
1. Facilitate and Inspire Student
Learning and Creativity
Teachers use their knowledge of subject
matter, teaching and learning, and
technology to facilitate experiences
that advance student
learning, creativity, and innovation in
both face-to-face and virtual
environments.
2. Design and Develop Digital Age
Learning Experiences and
Assessments
Teachers design, develop, and evaluate
authentic learning experiences and
assessment incorporating
contemporary tools and resources to
maximize content learning in context
and to develop the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes
identified in the NETS·S.
ISTE Nets for Students
1. Creativity and Innovation
Students demonstrate creative
thinking, construct knowledge, and
develop innovation.
2. Communication and
Collaboration
Students use digital media and
environments to communicate and
work collaboratively, including
at a distance, to support individual
learning and contribute to the
learning of others.
6. Technology Operations and
Concepts
Students demonstrate a sound
understanding
of technology
concepts, systems, and operations.
(International Society for Technology in Education)

5. Relative Advantage
Challenge Technology Relative Advantage Expected Outcome
Educators lack
understanding
of how Networks
work
LAN
WAN
Internet
Intranet
With a better understanding
of how the network works,
teachers and administrators
can more efficiently integrate
technology into the
curriculum
Teachers and
Administrators will use
the network tools
available in their daily
lessons. They will also
allow students the use of
network tools
Educators are
having difficulty
integrating the
multiple
hardwares into
daily lessons
Computers
Printer
Scanner
Educators will be able to use
many more resources when
they have a full
understanding of the
hardware available to them.
Teachers will be able to
enrich their lessons by
the use of available
hardware.
Educators are
having difficulty
integrating
network and
hardware into
assignments for
students
Computers
Printer
Scanner
LAN
WAN
Internet
Intranet
When teachers model the
networks and hardware, the
more students will learn how
to use them. Also creating
assignments that allow
students to use the network
and hardwares.
Students will gain the
knowledge of the
networks and hardwares
are. Also they will learn
how to use them in
various ways.

6. Lesson Details
Timeline: about 2-2.5 hours
Materials: slideshow, computers hooked up to the
network, printer, scanner
Grouping Strategies: Educators will work in pairs
on the Vocabulary review. They will then work with
other same content teachers to create a network diagram
either by hand or using the computer. It should be a
visual representation of the network.

7. Learning Activities
1. The instructor will welcome everyone.
2. The instructor will discuss the Network vocabulary in
the next slide and show the picture in the following slide
for the visual learners.
3. The instructor will discuss the Hardware vocabulary.
4. The instructor will then have the learners divide into
pairs to work on developing their own definitions and
make/find pictures to match the definition.
5. The instructor will then have the learners create a
system diagram which visually shows a network.

8. Adaptations
• Copies of the slide show will be available for
those students who need a copy.
• Learners will receive an electronic and/or
paper copy of the Vocabulary. Learners can
complete the assignment by hand or
electronically.
• Computers will be available to help create
the diagrams

9. VocabularyLAN: (Local Area Network) "a network in which all clients share a common
infrastructure (wires) and are usually in the same building, or group of
buildings." (Consortium, 2005)
WAN: (Wide Area Network) "a networks that spans over a larger area."
(Consortium, 2005)
Internet: "a network made up of several interconnected networks" (Consortium,
2005)
Intranet: "large groups of networks that are connected with an organization."
(Consortium, 2005)
Router: "a device that connects a network to another network(s)." (Consortium,
2005)
Computer:"an electronic device that is designed to accept data, perform
prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the
results of these operations." (dictionary.com)
Printer: "an output device that produces a paper copy of alphabetical or graphic
data." (dictionary.com)
Scanner: makes a digital copy of a picture or document

10. Computer Networks
When a school district sets out to create a network, they will start
with a LAN at the individual schools that will be connected to
the WAN for the district. Each LAN will have a hub that will
connect to the routers. When the computers and printers are
hooked up to the LAN, teachers are capable to access
resources used district-wide using the Intranet. Once
computers are hooked up to the network, a printer that is
connected to the network can be installed, as well as any other
hardware the district allows.
So, to recap:
Locally, each school is connected to the LAN which is then
connected to the WAN. Once all connections are complete,
the computers can connect to the network and access in
school information via the Intranet or they can access the
Internet.

11. Example of a Network
(Two Router Home Network Diagram)

12. (The Travlin' Librarian)

13. Vocabulary
Word Definition Picture
LAN
WAN
Internet
Intranet
Ethernet
Router
Hub
NIC
Computer
Printer
Scanner
Document Camera
SmartBoard
SmartResponse
Take a few minutes and write out your understanding of how networks work, then draw a visual of the
school district's network.

14. References
Consortium, N. E. (2005). A Guide to Networking for K-12 Schools. Retrieved February 7,
2013, from A Guide to Networking for K-12 Schools:
http://www.netc.org/network_guide/index.html
Curt Franklin and Dave Coustan. (n.d.). How Operating Systems Work. Retrieved
February 7, 2013, from How Stuff Works:
http://computer.howstuffworks.com/operating-system.htm
dictionary.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2013, from dictionary.com:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/acceptable+use+policy
International Society for Technology in Education. (n.d.). Retrieved February 10, 2013,
from International Society for Technology in Education: https://www.iste.org/
The Travlin' Librarian. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2013, from The Travlin' Librarian:
http://travelinlibrarian.info/tag/diagram/