Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 18/01/2026
Subject: Information Technology IT
Lesson Topic: Describe data transmission methods (fibre optic, wireless)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the principles of fibre‑optic and wireless data transmission.
  • Compare key characteristics (bandwidth, attenuation, latency, security, cost) of the two methods.
  • Apply the Shannon‑Hartley theorem to estimate channel capacity for both media.
  • Evaluate factors influencing the choice between fibre‑optic and wireless solutions in real‑world scenarios.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides with fibre‑optic and wireless diagrams
  • Sample fibre‑optic cable image or cross‑section
  • Wireless router/access point for live demo
  • Handout summarising the comparison table
  • Worksheets with Shannon‑Hartley calculation exercises
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: “How many of you have used Wi‑Fi today?” Connect this to prior learning about digital signals and introduce today’s focus on how data travels via fibre‑optic cables and wireless links. Explain that by the end of the lesson students will be able to describe each method, compare their performance, and calculate theoretical capacity.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5') – Short quiz on digital vs. analog signals displayed on the board.
  2. Mini‑lecture (15') – Explain fibre‑optic principles, show cross‑section diagram, discuss bandwidth and attenuation.
  3. Demonstration (10') – Video of light pulses in fibre and live Wi‑Fi signal‑strength demo using a router.
  4. Interactive comparison activity (15') – Groups complete a comparison table (bandwidth, latency, cost, security) using the handout.
  5. Shannon‑Hartley calculation (10') – Guided practice solving capacity problems for a fibre link and a Wi‑Fi link.
  6. Check for understanding (5') – Exit‑ticket question: “Which transmission method would you choose for a campus backbone and why?”
Conclusion:
Summarise the main advantages of fibre‑optic and wireless transmission and revisit the key comparison points. Collect exit tickets where each student states which method suits a given scenario and why. Assign homework to research a recent real‑world deployment of either technology and prepare a brief summary for the next class.