ICT Applied (WJEC)
This new qualification is divided into a total of 4 units, 2 AS units and 2 A2 units.
Entry Requirements
Students should have gained five GCSEs at grade C or above one of which should be ICT/Computing.
Course Content
Year 1 - AS (2 units)
Unit 1: eBusiness - Gaining Skills in eBusiness
Businesses have to change in order to remain competitive and many adopt developments in ICT to gain a competitive advantage. The ways in which we work and interact with others have changed: email; mobile communications; videoconferencing; home working and hot-desking are but a few of these changes.You will investigate all of the above including how different types of organisations collect and use information to carry out their functions in eBusiness environment.
Assessment: You will be assessed through an on-screen examination in two parts.
Part A is question based and part B is a combination of practical tasks using a variety of application software such as:
• Word processing software
• Database software
• Spreadsheet software
• Web authoring software
Unit 2: eSkills - Managing eBusiness Data
eBusinesses use ICT to plan, monitor and forecast their daily progress and require experts in the use of spreadsheets and databases to manage this process.You will create a spreadsheet and a database solution; you will also be asked to produce screen-based tutorials to illustrate how to use your solutions.You will produce a design for a database, specifying suitable fieldnames, data types, field sizes and key fields, suitable validation rules and input masks. You will also be asked to design forms that will provide an interface to aid user efficiency.
When producing a design for a spreadsheet, you will specify suitable titles, column and row headings and cell formats, specify suitable validation rules, use formulae and functions. You will design features that will facilitate accurate data entry such as list and combo boxes, input messages, user instructions, radio buttons and specify macros that will automate common tasks.
You will produce plans and data for summative testing of the database and spreadsheet solutions. Produce screen-based tutorials and provide a technical guide for the database and spreadsheet solutions.
Assessment: You will be assessed through an ePortfolio
Year 2 - A2 (2 units)
Unit 3:eWare - Hardware and Software
In this unit you will present a technical specification based on a given user requirement and budget to cover hardware and software costs.You will also be asked to configure the system to your client's requirements. You will install, configure and customise software and advise given users on relevant health and safety issues, describing ergonomic principles and standard ways of working safely.
You will also be asked to provide instructions for trouble shooting common problems. You will develop a technical specification based on given user requirements and budget to cover hardware and software. Data security and file management will also be covered.
The following will be covered when looking at hardware - looking at function of the processor, memory, distinguish between RAM and ROM, Secondary storage, peripheral devices used, interface cards. The following will be covered when looking at software - operating systems, security, and application software - functions of web browsers, purpose of specialist software.
Assessment - You will be assessed through an ePortfolio
Unit 4: eMobile - 21st Century Mobile Communications
In this unit you will investigate the world of new mobile technologies such as mobile telephones, PDA, MP3's ,Wi-Fi and Cellular networks and explore how the Internet has the facility to link computers worldwide.You will compare and contrast the main characteristics and features of desktop and laptop computers. Describe the messaging services and other additional functions, such as short range wireless connectivity, use of media cards, audio support, Internet connectivity through Wi-Fi or cellular data networks, built in GPS capabilities, digital cameras and integrated security features of a mobile
telephone.
You will look at main characteristics of a PDA and describe the basic functions such as personal information management, running applications software and synchronisation with PCs. Discussing pod cast technology, MP3 and MP4 devices.You will describe functions of WI-Fi networks and look at connectivity, hot-swapping of devices, FireWire connections. Wireless transmission of data, radio frequency, infrared and Bluetooth.
In this unit you will also describe the internet and compare technologies for providing high speed Internet access, looking at Internet security, comparing mobile Internet such as WAP, GPRS etc. and explain the use of a mobile browser. You will describe the features of an email and VoIP and IP telephones and will present a balanced view on current issues arising from the use of mobile devices and describe the benefits of mobile technology.
Assessment - You will be assessed through an ebook