GCSE ICT revision - 5.2 Index Page

5.2 PRACTICAL SKILLS AND UNDERSTANDING RELATING TO THE USE OF ICT APPLICATIONS

Assessment of the more theoretical issues of 5.2 will be through examination. The main part of 5.2 will be assessed through coursework 1a and 1b. 

5.2.1 - Word processing, desk-top publishing and other presentation software

• Common features of a word processor and desk-top publisher
• Differences between a word processor and desk-top publisher
• Basic tasks and uses of word processors and desk-top publishers
• Use basic features of a variety of different types of software used for presenting information in textual, graphical or multimedia format

Candidates should be able to:

1. identify the common features found in word processors, desk-top publishers and other presentation software such as left/right/full justification, centring, indentation, emboldening, italics, underlining, copy, cut and paste, bullets, numbering, font selection, point size, font highlight and colour, borders, page and line breaks, columns, tabs, tables, spelling and grammar, word count, inserting pictures and drawing or other objects, grouping, ungrouping, layering, sound effects, animation etc;
2. identify basic tasks which can be carried out by word processors and desk-top publishers such as letter writing, memos, theses, reports, flyers, brochures, posters, business cards, interactive presentations, web pages etc;
3. use basic features of word processors, desktop publishers and other presentation software in order to create documents

5.2.2 - Graphics production and image manipulation

• Common features of graphics manipulation software
• Common features of scanning software
• Basic tasks and uses of graphics packages

Candidates should be able to:

1. identify common features of basic graphics packages, for example: fill, shade, layering, size, orientation, repeating pattern;
2. identify basic tasks which can be carried out using graphics manipulation packages including changing the look of scanned, drawn or photographed images;
3. identify the features of scanning software;
4. use the basic features of a single graphics package to create or modify an image.

5.2.3 - Spreadsheets, modelling and databases

• Collect/enter data
• Verification and validation - QUIZ
• Format data
• Write rules and formulas
• Sort and search data
• Create graphs and charts
• Features of spreadsheets and databases
• Typical tasks for spreadsheets and databases
• Use a spreadsheet for a typical modelling task
• Use a database for a typical data handling task

Candidates should be able to:

1. Design and use a data capture form;
2. understand the need for validation and verification;
3. apply the concepts of validation and verification in a practical context;
4. describe the basic features of spreadsheet software such as cells, rows, columns, replication, formatting, formulae, functions, automatic recalculation, sorting and graph creation;
5. describe the basic features of database software such as fields, records, files, validation, sorting, searching using the Boolean expressions NOT, AND & OR, creation of charts and graphs, different output formats;
6. describe how a data model may be used for answering ‘what-if’ questions and explain the benefit of being able to answer such questions using a data model;
7. identify typical tasks for which spreadsheet and other modelling software can be used;
8. identify typical tasks for which databases can be used;
9. use software to carry out a task which will allow modification of rules and testing of hypotheses;
10. use data handling software to manipulate and present data.

5.2.4 - Data logging and control software

• Data logging
• Program instructions
• Control of devices

Candidates should be able to:

1. identify different types of sensor and suitable uses;
2. identify the advantages and disadvantages of computerised data logging rather than logging data manually;
3. create instructions to respond to data from sensors;
4. write a sequence of instructions to control a screen image or external device such as lights, buzzers, sound or turtle, using repeated instructions, procedures and variables as appropriate;
5. identify typical applications involving the use of control and data logging software

5.2.5 - Systems tasks and software

• Interface software
• Electronic mail and Internet browsing
• Saving, copying and troubleshooting
• Other software tasks
• Designing, documenting and implementing IT solutions

Candidates should be able to:

1. describe the basic features of good interface software;
2. describe the basic features of an electronic mail package;
3. use electronic mail facilities, including attaching documents;
4. identify and use basic features of an Internet browser and a variety of CD-ROMs;
5. search for information using key words, including searching the Internet and CD-ROMs;
6. create, edit, save and copy files on a typical computer system;
7. carry out basic troubleshooting activities: e.g. solving why a print instruction produced no printout;
8. identify tasks that may be carried out using other software e.g. using a Computer Aided Design package for designing a house;
9. write a report detailing how a practical solution implemented on the computer relates to a defined task;
10. document a solution which has been implemented using an appropriate piece of software, for example describing the purpose of the system and how to use it;
11. produce annotated evidence that a system, which has been implemented, meets user requirements.