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Fundamentals of computer networks - remote

CP422 Live remote training course

Learn how computers of all shapes and sizes are connected physically, or wirelessly, and how this arrangement affects how data is shared.

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Computer networks Key stage 4 KS3 and GCSE subject knowledge certificate
Live remote training course 1 day

  • Live remote training 29 January 09:00—29 January 2025
  • Live remote training 3 March 18:00—10 March 2025
  • Live remote training 13 May 09:30—13 May 2025
  • Live remote training 10 June 09:30—10 June 2025
  • Live remote training 1 July 09:30—1 July 2025

Computer networks exist all around us. During the course, you will demystify the hardware and network topologies used for data transfer between computers and help you make topic learning relevant and engaging to students.

Learn how computers of all shapes and sizes are connected physically, or wirelessly, and how this arrangement affects how data is shared. Switches, routers and other network components will be fully explained, helping you understand how data is moved around in packets.

This course will deepen your knowledge, up to GCSE level which will help boost confidence when teaching key topics to students. 

Book now and you will be automatically registered for the scheduled sessions for the course. Remote CPD courses have live, Professional Development Leader-led sessions and are not available for instant access. Please refer to the schedule of dates published for each course instance.

Prior knowledge:

You’ll need to know some basic concepts and terminology to access this GCSE-level subject knowledge enhancement. If you are entirely new to computer science, we recommend first participating in our one-day course, An introduction to computer systems, networking and security in GCSE computer science.

Who is it for?

This course is for current or prospective teachers of computer science with some understanding of computer science principles.

Topics covered

01 | Reasons to network & hardware – step into networking and explore the reasons networks exist including the benefits of using networked computers. Explore the different hardware that is required when building a network including routers, switches and hubs.

02 | Network types - Consider the different types of network and their characteristics including personal, local and wide-area networks.

03 | Topologies - examine the different network topologies required at GCSE level including ring, bus, star and mesh networks.

04 | Topologies in action – explore network topologies in further detail, compare the characteristics including how data is transmitted and suggest topologies for given scenarios.

05 | Data transfer – explore how data is transmitted across a network in the form of packets, understand why files are broken down and the purpose of packet switching.

06 | Transmission and media – explore how data is transferred using wired and wireless networks including understanding the use of data frequencies and Wi-Fi channels. Consider the importance of encryption when using Wi-Fi and the factors that can limit a Wi-Fi.

How long is this course?

This course is approximately 5 hours in duration, split across multiple sessions.

This course is delivered as part of the National Centre for Computing Education.

How will you learn?

Scheduled live, interactive online sessions led by an experienced practitioner. Flexible Professional Development Leader-supported, participant-led sessions, involving deep exploration of the subject content.

Outcomes

You will:

  • Understand the main reasons why computers are connected to share data.
  • Know the layout and key hardware devices in networks for GCSE computer science.
  • Understand the different transmission methods used when networking, including the characteristics of different wired methods and Wi-Fi.

This course is part of the KS3 and GCSE Computer Science subject knowledge certificate

Key stage 3 and GCSE Computer Science certificate

Our certificate is designed to help you develop or refresh your computer science subject knowledge.

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This course is from the National Centre for Computing Education and is delivered by STEM Learning.

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