Class 3JP blog

During our recent Computing lessons, Year 3 have been learning about how the internet is a boundless network of websites sharing all manner of information.  In our lessons we learnt how the internet has revolutionised information sharing, business and buying things.  Most pupils could list online stores that their families use such as Amazon, eBay and JustEat.

Pupils discussed how they use the internet at home to game, watch content and to help with their homework.  Some pupils found it tricky to understand that the internet hasn’t always existed and how information was shared before the internet was created.

Most children were able to explain that Google is a useful tool for searching the internet.  However, it was a revelation for many of them to learn how search engines crawl the internet, index pages and catalogue key words to enable them to return results in fractions of a second.  Whilst many children are familiar with Google, pupils learnt that other search engines, such as Kiddle, are more appropriate for children and young people because it filters out unsuitable content. 

This half term, we have begun learning about how anyone can create, upload or share content.  Although this democratises the online space, we have also learnt how misinformation can be spread easily if people are not careful, do not check where information comes from or how accurate it is before sharing it.

This is obviously a considerable topic which is unavoidable for children today.  It is always worthwhile to make time to check in with pupils about their internet use and discussing these issues at home. 

Useful Links:
How Google Works:
https://youtu.be/0eKVizvYSUQ
 
Kiddle:
https://www.kiddle.co/
 
Misinformation:
https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/fact-or-fake-can-you-tell-the-difference-online
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