Ict 4IT1 — specification explorer

1. Types of digital devices

• 1.1.1Be aware that mainframe computers are used for complex processing tasks and microprocessors are embedded in products such as washing machines. Understand that laptop and desktop computers are types of personal computers. Some laptops are used as desktop replacements.4IT1/01
• 1.1.3Know about types of mobile phones; smartphones and specialist phones and how they connect to the network (SIM).4IT1/01
• 1.1.4Know about tablet devices.4IT1/01
• 1.1.5

  Be able to describe the purpose and use of other digital devices such as:

  • cameras and camcorders
  • games consoles
  • home entertainment systems
  • media players.
  4IT1/01
• 1.1.6Know about navigation aids and how they are used.4IT1/01
• 1.1.7Understand the terms ‘multifunctional’ (e.g. mobile phones that include a camera, have limited game playing functionality and GPS) and ‘convergence’ (e.g. functionality of smartphones and tablet devices becomes more similar) in the context of digital devices.4IT1/01

1. Features of digital

• 1.2.1Understand features of digital devices: portability, performance, storage, user interface, connectivity, media support, energy consumption, expansion capability, security features.4IT1/01
• 1.2.2Be able to discuss the features of identified digital devices.4IT1/01

1. Software

• 1.3.1Be able to identify the purpose of systems software and applications software. Know about operating systems and system software tools such as utilities.4IT1/01
• 1.3.3

  Know about the role/function of the operating system, including basic knowledge of:

  • single user and network
  • memory management
  • resource management
  • security
  • print spooling.
  4IT1/01
• 1.3.4Know about software applications (apps), including office-productivity tools, web authoring, image and sound editing, presentation software, control software, project management software.4IT1/01
• 1.3.5Know about software licensing types (free/open source and proprietary software).4IT1/01
• 1.3.6Understand that the purpose of communication software is to provide remote access to systems and to exchange files and messages in text, images, audio and/or video formats between different computers or users.4IT1/01
• 1.3.7Know why software is updated, how it is done and possible risks to data/systems.4IT1/01

1. Types of peripheral

• 1.4.1Know about types of output peripheral such as monitor (screen size, resolution), printer (laser, inkjet, 3D), plotter, data projector, speaker, control device and when they would be used.4IT1/01
• 1.4.2Know about types of input peripheral such as keyboard, mouse, tracker ball, joystick, graphics tablet, scanner, digital camera, webcam, microphone, touch screen, OMR reader, OCR reader, bar code scanner, biometric scanner, magnetic stripe reader, chip and pin, sensor and when they would be used.4IT1/01

1. Types of peripheral

• 1.5.1Be able to differentiate between storage devices and the media used to store data.4IT1/01
• 1.5.2Know the characteristics of hard disk drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), optical disk drives.4IT1/01
• 1.5.3Know that storage devices can be internal or external.4IT1/01
• 1.5.4Know about types of storage media such as hard disks, optical disks (CD, DVD, Blu-ray), flash memory devices, magnetic tape4IT1/01
• 1.5.5Know that storage media can be recordable / write once (R) and rewritable (R/W)4IT1/01
• 1.5.6Understand the terms describing the capacity of storage such as bit, byte and multiples of these (kibibytes, mebibytes, gibibytes, tebibytes) (using 1KiB = 1024 bytes).4IT1/01

1. Memory

• 1.6.1Know that RAM stands for Random Access Memory and that ROM stands for Read Only Memory.4IT1/01
• 1.6.2Be able to describe the characteristics of RAM and ROM, the differences between them and the impact on the user of the size of ROM/RAM.4IT1/01
• 1.6.3Be able to describe the characteristics and uses of flash memory.4IT1/01

1. Processors

• 1.7.1Understand the function of the processing unit (CPU).4IT1/01
• 1.7.2Know how the speed of a processor is measured.4IT1/01

1. ICT systems to meet

• 1.8.1Be able to identify digital devices and associated peripheral devices that meets particular needs, including accessibility.4IT1/01
• 1.8.2Be able to identify appropriate software that meets specified needs.4IT1/01
• 1.8.3Understand that settings of ICT systems can be configured to meet the accessibility needs of individuals.4IT1/01
• 1.8.4Be able to justify choices made in identifying and configuring hardware and software.4IT1/01

1. Types of digital

• 2.1.1Know the range of ways that digital devices communicate: satellite, broadcast (TV, radio), wired (cable), wireless.4IT1/01
• 2.1.2Know that digital devices can communicate device to device and by using networks: local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), personal area network (PAN), tethering.4IT1/01
• 2.1.3Know the types of wireless communication: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3G, 4G, infra-red (IR), near-field communication (NFC).4IT1/01
• 2.1.4Know the differences between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and when each is best used.4IT1/01

1. Factors influencing the

• 2.2.1Understand factors influencing the speed and volume of data transfer. Understand the benefits and drawbacks of wired versus wireless communication in local networks.4IT1/01
• 2.2.3Understand the significance of bandwidth and latency, and their impact on the ‘user experience’.4IT1/01
• 2.2.4Understand the features of broadband, mobile broadband and cellular networks.4IT1/01

1. Requirements for

• 2.3.1Know about network operating systems and how devices are identified on a network: device name, internet protocol (IP) and Media Access Control (MAC).4IT1/01
• 2.3.2Understand the function of components of wired and wireless systems: cable, wireless access point, router, gateway, booster, server.4IT1/01
• 2.3.3

  Know the role of these for connecting to and using the internet:

  • web browser
  • ISP
  • search engine
  • filter software.
  4IT1/01

1. Benefits of using a

• 2.4.1Know about peer-to-peer and client-server networks.4IT1/01
• 2.4.2Know about the role of servers in a client- server network.4IT1/01
• 2.4.3

  Understand the benefits of using local area network:

  • shared peripherals
  • shared data
  • flexible access
  • media streaming
  • communication
  • shared access to the internet.
  4IT1/01
• 2.4.4

  Understand the benefits of using a client- server network:

  • control of user access rights
  • centralised administration
  • centralised backup
  • shared software
  • shared storage and file access
  • roaming profiles (hot-desk).
  4IT1/01

1. Securing data on a

• 2.5.1Know about and understand the use of log-ins and passwords, firewalls, WEP/WPA, encryption, VPN, file access rights, transaction logs and backups.4IT1/01
• 2.5.2Be able to select suitable methods of securing data for a particular context.4IT1/01

1. Potential risks to data

• 3.1.1

  Be aware of risks to data and information: pharming.:

  • unauthorised access
  • deliberate damage by malware
  • accidental deletion
  • theft of personal data: phishing,
  4IT1/01
• 3.1.2

  Know about methods available to secure data and personal information online: tests, security questions anti-spyware following web links:

  • firewalls
  • encryption
  • passwords, PIN, biometrics, CAPTCHA
  • anti-malware, anti-virus, anti-adware,
  • access rights, file permissions
  • secure websites
  • not opening email attachments or
  • backup procedures.
  4IT1/01
• 3.1.3Know about online payment systems, third party payment systems, bank cards, contactless payment using NFC and how payments are protected.4IT1/01

1. Impact of the internet on

• 3.2.1Know about the impact on employment, such as new job opportunities as the nature of a job changes, new skills requirements, potential job loss.4IT1/01
• 3.2.2Understand the impact on working practices, including collaborative working and flexible or mobile working.4IT1/01
• 3.2.3Know about better access to information and services, new ways of learning, and the wider range of entertainment and leisure opportunities.4IT1/01
• 3.2.4

  Know about social impacts such as:

  • reduced social interaction
  • increases in cyberbullying
  • reduced physical activity.
  4IT1/01
• 3.2.5Understand how to stay safe online.4IT1/01

1. Online working from

• 3.3.1Understand how the availability of digital devices and the internet enables individuals to work from home.4IT1/01
• 3.3.2Know the benefits and drawbacks of working from home for individuals and organisations.4IT1/01

1. Impact of the internet on

• 3.4.1Understand positive impacts: improved communication, access to global markets and workforce, changes in the way information is managed and used.4IT1/01
• 3.4.2Understand negative impacts: security issues, risk of hacking, greater competition.4IT1/01

1. Impact of the internet on

• 3.5.1Understand the impact on society of the ability of individuals to have less-restricted access to networks at any time.4IT1/01
• 3.5.2Know about the gap between information rich and information poor.4IT1/01
• 3.5.3Understand the causes and implications of unequal access to ICT (locally, globally).4IT1/01
• 3.5.4Know about the impact on individuals and communities of limited or no access to digital technologies.4IT1/01
• 3.5.5Understand the impact of changes in ways of socialising.4IT1/01

1. Types of online

• 3.6.1

  Understand key features of online communities: websites, forums sites, blogs, websites:

  • social networking
  • online gaming
  • online work spaces
  • virtual learning environments (VLE)
  • user-generated reference sites: wikis,
  • user-generated content: video sharing
  • social bookmarking.
  4IT1/01

1. Use of online

• 3.7.1Know the functions and target audience of different forms of online communities.4IT1/01
• 3.7.2Understand the ways in which online communities are used to communicate and collaborate on a global scale.4IT1/01
• 3.7.3Be aware of the purpose of responsible use and acceptable behaviour policies.4IT1/01
• 3.7.4Understand how to stay safe online: cyber bullying, anonymity of others (misrepresentation), disclosure of personal information/location.4IT1/01

1. Implications of the use

• 3.8.1Know about data protection, the legal requirements of those storing data about individuals and an individual’s legal rights.4IT1/01
• 3.8.2Understand how copyright legislation affects the use of digital information and media.4IT1/01
• 3.8.3Understand that individuals’ movements and communications can be monitored.4IT1/01
• 3.8.4Be aware of safe and responsible practice when using ICT.4IT1/01
• 3.8.5Understand sustainability issues and ways of mitigating the environmental impact of digital devices.4IT1/01
• 3.8.6Understand the health and safety issues that arise from individuals’ use of ICT and know how they can be minimised.4IT1/01

1. Availability of

• 3.9.1Understand that information can be gathered from a wide range of sources. Be able to select and use appropriate sources of information.4IT1/01
• 3.9.3Know how to use search engines effectively.4IT1/01
• 3.9.4Be able to evaluate the fitness for purpose of available information in terms of accuracy, age, relevance, reliability, bias.4IT1/01
• 3.9.5Understand issues related to copyright: permission to use, acknowledgement of source.4IT1/01
• 3.9.6Understand issues related to plagiarism: copy and paste, rewriting, paraphrasing.4IT1/01

1. Types of services

• 4.1.1

  Understand what online services are offered by: secure payment, product catalogue entertainment online support, online training courses, remote access streaming, downloads.:

  • shopping sites – basket, checkout,
  • booking systems for travel, leisure and
  • banks
  • education and training providers – VLE,
  • gaming sites
  • news and other information providers
  • auction sites
  • entertainment providers – on demand,
  4IT1/01

1. Impact of online services

• 4.2.1Understand the impact on an individual’s lifestyle and behaviour of the availability of goods and services online.4IT1/01
• 4.2.2Understand the impact of the internet on the ways that organisations do business.4IT1/01
• 4.2.3Understand how transactional data is collected and used: what is collected, cookies, transaction tracking.4IT1/01
• 4.2.4Know about targeted marketing and personalisation techniques.4IT1/01
• 4.2.5Understand the features and characteristics of online services and local services.4IT1/01

1. Online software

• 4.3.1Understand the impact of cloud-based services: hosted applications, storage.4IT1/01
• 4.3.2Understand the features and characteristics of hosted applications software and locally installed software.4IT1/01
• 4.3.3Understand the features and characteristics of online data storage and local storage.4IT1/01

1. Software applications

• 5.1.1

  Use the following software effectively:

  • word processing
  • database management
  • spreadsheet
  • web authoring
  • presentation (multimedia)
  • graphics.
  4IT1/02
• 5.1.2Select appropriate software applications to meet needs.4IT1/02

1. Data and information

• 5.2.1Understand the difference between data and information4IT1/02
• 5.2.2

  Use:

  • text
  • numbers
  • images
  • animation.
  4IT1/02
• 5.2.3Enter, organise, develop, refine and format information, applying editing techniques to meet needs.4IT1/02
• 5.2.4Bring together and organise different types of information to achieve a purpose.4IT1/02

1. Using software

• 5.3.1Produce information that is fit for purpose and audience, using accepted layouts and house styles.4IT1/02
• 5.3.2Use styles appropriately, including serif and sans serif fonts, colour choice.4IT1/02
• 5.3.3Work accurately and proofread, using software facilities where appropriate for the task.4IT1/02

1. Reviewing outcomes

• 5.4.1Review the outcomes of the use of software applications by comparing the digital product with the original requirements.4IT1/02
• 5.4.2Identify strengths and weaknesses in a digital product and suggest possible improvements.4IT1/02
• 5.4.3Make modifications to improve the outcomes.4IT1/02
• 5.4.4Evaluate the selection, use and effectiveness of ICT tools and facilities used.4IT1/02

1. Word processing

• 6.1.1Enter or edit text that is appropriate for a given context using accurate spelling, punctuation and grammar.4IT1/02
• 6.1.2Enter, edit and format text using: bullets, numbering, sub-numbering, alignment, tabs, line spacing, colour, font size and style, text wrap, text boxes.4IT1/02
• 6.1.3Use columns and/or tables: horizontal and vertical text alignment, merge and split cells, gridlines, borders, shading.4IT1/02
• 6.1.4Use page layout: headings, sub-headings, lists, templates, header, footer, portrait, landscape, page breaks, page numbering.4IT1/02
• 6.1.5Integrate in a single document: charts, tables, images, callouts/autoshapes, text from different files, text boxes, grouping, layering (in front of/behind), values from spreadsheets.4IT1/02
• 6.1.6Produce documents in these document types: letter, report, newsletter, poster, leaflet, information sheet (fact sheet), memo.4IT1/02
• 6.1.7Use standard conventions: salutation, complimentary close, date, subject, logo.4IT1/02
• 6.1.8Use mail merge: mail merge from word processed, spreadsheet and database documents.4IT1/02

1. Database management

• 6.2.1Identify data types: alphanumeric/text, numeric/number, date, currency, logical/Boolean.4IT1/02
• 6.2.2Explain the structure of a given database, including: record, field, table, primary key/field, foreign key/field, relationships between tables.4IT1/02
• 6.2.3Explain the need for validation and identify validation checks such as range check, presence check, type check, length check.4IT1/02
• 6.2.4Sort using a single field, multiple fields, ascending/descending order.4IT1/02
• 6.2.5Input information to given tables or forms applying format consistently.4IT1/02
• 6.2.6Use search/query using single criterion, multiple criteria, search within results, relational operators, logical operators.4IT1/02
• 6.2.7Produce outputs: reports, mail merge documents, specified fields, design view (table structure, searches/queries, forms, relationships), data view (table, search/query results, forms).4IT1/02

1. Spreadsheet

• 6.3.1Know data types, number, text.4IT1/02
• 6.3.2Format a worksheet: currency, percentage, decimal places, date, time, text wrap, row height, column width, gridlines, merge/split cells, cell borders, cell shading, hiding rows and columns.4IT1/02
• 6.3.3Use formulae: arithmetic operators (plus, minus, multiply, divide), percentage, single operators, multiple operators, absolute and relative cell referencing, named cells/ranges. Replicate effectively.4IT1/02
• 6.3.4Use functions: SUM, AVERAGE, IF, VLOOKUP /LOOKUP, MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, COUNT (COUNTA, COUNTIF), LENGTH, PRODUCT.4IT1/02
• 6.3.5Use other features: multiple worksheets, sorting, filtering.4IT1/02
• 6.3.6Add graphs and charts: pie chart, line chart, bar/column chart, scattergram.4IT1/02
• 6.3.7Select an appropriate graph/chart and format it effectively adding title, axis labels, legends, axis, scale, trend line as appropriate.4IT1/02
• 6.3.8Print selected columns/rows from a worksheet formula view or data view in landscape or portrait format, adding headers and footers, row and column headers.4IT1/02

1. Web authoring

• 6.4.1Use a template: tables/frames, standard page features, banners, menu/navigation.4IT1/02
• 6.4.2Insert text, images, buttons, animation.4IT1/02
• 6.4.3Format a web page: headings, subheadings, body text, alignment.4IT1/02
• 6.4.4Use HTML code: insert hyperlinks, insert images, font enhancements.4IT1/02

1. Presentation

• 6.5.1Create a template/master slide: placeholders, footer, slide number, background, font enhancements (bold, italic, underline).4IT1/02
• 6.5.2Create slides: insert text, images, action buttons, hyperlinks; add animation, transition effects.4IT1/02
• 6.5.3Print: handouts (two to a page, three to a page), notes pages, full page, headers and footers.4IT1/02

1. Graphics

• 6.6.1Explain features of image types: bitmap, vector.4IT1/02
• 6.6.2Create images: combining basic shapes and text, rectangles (including square), circles (including ovals), lines, triangles, arrows, text boxes.4IT1/02
• 6.6.3Edit images: image editing, cropping, adding captions/text, editing/deletion of unwanted aspects.4IT1/02

1. File management

• 6.7.1Save work regularly and keep information secure.4IT1/02
• 6.7.2Use sensible filenames and formats.4IT1/02
• 6.7.3Create and manage files and folder structures.4IT1/02