This content is located in CAPS under Network Technologies: Networks for Grade 11.

Exploring “Internet Services” offers a chance to engage students with concepts they encounter daily but might not fully understand. Instant messaging, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), and grid and cloud computing are vital for today’s connectivity. Here’s how teachers can make these abstract ideas relatable and practical in the classroom.

Begin by asking students how they use the internet daily—messages, videos, shared files, or even voice calls. This discussion can bridge into exploring these internet services conceptually and practically.

Instant Messaging

Introduce instant messaging by discussing platforms students use, such as WhatsApp or Telegram. Highlight key features like:

• Real-time communication: Text, emojis, and multimedia.
• Security: Encryption and privacy settings.

Activity Idea:
Ask students to role-play a customer service scenario where one acts as a customer, and the other is a representative. Use a simple free chat tool like Discord or Google Chat. Discuss how instant messaging impacts businesses globally.

File Transfer Protocol (FTP)

FTP is often invisible to most users but critical for moving files online. Simplify this by demonstrating with free tools like FileZilla or a cloud service’s file-sharing function.

Activity Idea:
Set up a mock scenario where students upload and download “files” to a shared folder. For example, simulate a design team sharing project files, highlighting the speed and efficiency of FTP versus email attachments.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

VoIP underpins platforms like Zoom and Skype. Discuss how this allows voice and video calls over the internet.

Activity Idea:
Set up a class VoIP call (e.g., using Skype or Google Meet) and compare the cost and setup versus traditional phone calls. Discuss bandwidth requirements and the role of latency in communication quality.

Grid Computing

Introduce grid computing as the power of multiple computers working together to solve problems, such as research simulations or rendering films.

Activity Idea:
Illustrate this by dividing the class into small groups (like a mini-grid). Assign each group part of a large “problem,” such as researching climate statistics or calculating a mathematical formula. Once all groups report back, discuss how breaking tasks into parts and processing them simultaneously mirrors grid computing.

Cloud Computing

Connect this to everyday tools like Google Drive or Dropbox. Discuss its benefits (storage, collaboration, remote access) and challenges (privacy, dependency on internet access).

Activity Idea:
Have students create a shared document in Google Docs. Ask them to brainstorm ideas together in real time, experiencing collaboration’s power. Alternatively, demonstrate how cloud storage saves local storage space while ensuring access from anywhere.

Accessible Implementation

In under-resourced environments:

• Use free or trial versions of software like Skype or Google Drive.
• Replace high-tech tools with collaborative physical activities, like using coloured paper to represent nodes in a network or cut-outs to visualise cloud storage.
• Encourage discussions about scenarios rather than relying solely on demonstrations.

By engaging with familiar tools and real-world examples, these internet services transform from abstract ideas into meaningful concepts. Students will leave the lesson understanding not just the “what” but the “why” and “how” behind these essential technologies.