Computing · Year 9

Active learning ideas

LANs and WANs

Understanding the differences between LANs and WANs is essential for grasping network fundamentals. Active learning strategies like group creation and simulation help students build concrete mental models, moving beyond abstract definitions to practical application.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS3: Computing - Computer Networks
• KS3: Computing - Communication and Collaboration

• 30–60 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 3 activities

Activity 01

• Jigsaw
• 45 min · Small Groups

Network Analogy Creation

In small groups, students brainstorm and present analogies for LANs and WANs using everyday scenarios like a school campus versus a global postal service. They should explain how their analogy reflects scope, ownership, and connectivity.

Differentiate between a LAN and a WAN, providing examples of each.

Facilitation Tip

During the 'Network Analogy Creation' activity, encourage groups to think about the scale, ownership, and speed implications of their chosen analogies.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 02

• Jigsaw
• 60 min · Individual

Virtual Network Design Challenge

Using online network simulation tools or even drawing diagrams, students design a simple network for a fictional small business, identifying it as a LAN. Then, they propose how this LAN could connect to a larger network, illustrating a WAN connection.

Compare the typical geographical scope and ownership of LANs versus WANs.

Facilitation Tip

In the 'Virtual Network Design Challenge', circulate to ensure students are considering the purpose of connections and the types of devices involved in their designs.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

Activity 03

• Jigsaw
• 30 min · Pairs

LAN vs. WAN Feature Sort

Provide cards with various network characteristics (e.g., 'connects few devices', 'high speed', 'owned by one organization', 'uses routers', 'global reach'). Students work in pairs to sort these characteristics into 'LAN' and 'WAN' categories, discussing their reasoning.

Predict the challenges involved in managing a WAN compared to a LAN.

Facilitation Tip

During the 'LAN vs. WAN Feature Sort', prompt students to justify their placements by referencing the specific characteristics on each card and how they align with LAN or WAN definitions.

• Understand
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Relationship Skills
• Self-Management

A few notes on teaching this unit

When teaching LANs and WANs, start with relatable analogies before introducing technical terms. Emphasize the practical differences in speed, cost, and control rather than just geographical scope. Avoid presenting them as simply 'big' versus 'small' networks, focusing instead on the underlying infrastructure and management.

Successful learners will be able to clearly articulate the defining characteristics of LANs and WANs and provide relevant examples. They will demonstrate this understanding by accurately sorting network features and designing logical network layouts.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the 'LAN vs. WAN Feature Sort', watch for students grouping all 'fast' or 'slow' characteristics together without considering the context of scope or ownership.

  Redirect students by asking them to explain why a particular characteristic, like 'high speed,' is more typical of a LAN than a WAN, prompting them to connect it to infrastructure and proximity.

• During the 'Virtual Network Design Challenge', students might draw a single, large network and label it 'internet' without showing the interconnection of multiple smaller networks.

  Guide students to revise their diagrams, emphasizing that the internet is a 'network of networks' by having them explicitly connect several distinct LAN designs to represent a WAN.

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Methods used in this brief

• Jigsaw