Complete Ascentis Other Vocational Qualification Digital Skills & IT specification revision resources. Tailored syllabus coverage with topic breakdowns, quizzes, and practice questions.
Specification Topics
- Using Devices and Handling Information
- Using the Internet
- Audio and video software
- Digital Technology Fundamentals
- Developing Online Digital Skills
- IT Security for Users
- IT Communication Fundamentals
- Audio Software
- Desktop Publishing Software
- Multimedia Software
- Computerised Accounting Software
- Using Collaborative Technologies
- Transacting Digitally
- ICT System Operation
- Creating and Editing
- Computer Basics
- Using Mobile IT Devices
- Database Software
- Project Management Software
- Internet Safety for IT users
- Working with ICT hardware and equipment
- Bespoke Software
- Communicating
- Digital Media
- Improving Productivity Using IT
- IT User Fundamentals
- Using Email
- Imaging Software
- Using a computer keyboard
- Presentation Software
- Digital Music
- Transacting
- Specialist Software
- Video Software
- Set Up an IT System
- Personal Information Management Software
- Data Management Software
- Being Safe and Responsible Online
- Digital Photography
- Word Processing Software
- IT Software Fundamentals
- Website Software
- Interpersonal and written communication
- Online Basics
- Design Software
- Drawing and Planning Software
- Health and Safety in ICT
- Social Networking
- Develop own effectiveness and professionalism
- Spreadsheet Software
- Optimise IT System Performance
Top Exam Board Tips
- In practical assessments, narrate your actions clearly, explaining why you chose a particular source or folder structure; this demonstrates evaluative thinking to assessors.
- When troubleshooting, always follow a logical sequence (e.g., check basic hardware, then software, then network) and document steps to show methodical problem-solving.
- For portfolio-based tasks, include annotated screenshots showcasing both your final output and the process, such as search refinement or file management decisions.
- Before submitting, verify that stored files are accessible from different locations/devices and that naming conventions clearly reflect content versions to meet workplace standards.
- When demonstrating navigation, use a variety of methods (history, bookmarks, typing URL) to show competency.
- For the search task, document your search terms and explain why you chose certain sources over others to evidence evaluation skills.
- When communicating online, show both formal and informal contexts, and always proofread for spelling and grammar.
- For safety, provide screenshots of privacy settings adjusted, firewall status, and anti-virus checks as portfolio evidence.
- Reference specific legislation like GDPR when discussing data protection in online communication to demonstrate professional awareness.
- Plan your shots and audio capture beforehand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Relying solely on the first search result without evaluating source credibility or potential bias, leading to outdated or inaccurate information.
- Saving all files to the default location without creating meaningful folders, making retrieval difficult and increasing the risk of data loss.
- Failing to recognise phishing attempts or unsafe downloads when managing information, compromising security.
- Assuming a device fault exists without performing basic checks like verifying power connections or toggling airplane mode, wasting time on unnecessary escalation.
- Attempting complex tasks without building foundational skills first, leading to frustration and incomplete work.
- Assuming all search engine results are equally authoritative without verifying sources or cross-referencing.
- Confusing the web browser with a search engine and using only the search box for navigation instead of address bar.
- Neglecting to log out of accounts on shared devices or public networks, leaving personal data vulnerable.
Key Terminology & Definitions
- 1. Use a digital device2. Find and evaluate information3. Manage and store information4. Identify and solve technical problems5. Develop digital skills
- Connect to the Internet, Use browser software to navigate webpages effectively, Use browser tools to search for information from the Internet, Use browser software to communicate information online, Understand the need for safety and security practices when working online
- AVSE:1 Use audio and/or video hardware and software to capture sequences, AVSE:2 Use audio and /or video software tools to edit sequences, AVSE:3 Play and present audio and/or video sequences
- 1. Setup computing and mobile devices to meet needs2. Understand the use of computing and mobile devices3. Use browser tools to navigate website and download apps4. Maintain the performance of computing and mobile devices
- 1. Use ICT systems and devices to meet needs2. Understand how computing devices connect to the internet3. Use browser tools to navigate websites4. Use browser tools to search for information5. Retrieve and submit information online6. Understand the need to work online safely and securely7. Understand the need to manage online activities safely and securely8. Store, organise and retrieve information9. Use digital communications10. Maintain the performance of computing devices
- Select, use and develop appropriate procedures to monitor and minimise security risk to IT systems and data
- Select and use a variety of sources of information to meet needs, Access, search for, select and use Internet-based information and evaluate its fitness for purpose, Select and use IT to communicate and exchange information safely, responsibly and effectively
- Use audio hardware and software to capture sequences, Use audio software tools and techniques to combine and edit sequences, Play and present audio sequences
- Select and use appropriate designs and page layouts for publications, Input and combine text and other information within publications, Use desktop publishing software techniques to edit and format publications
- Plan the content and organisation of multimedia products to meet needs, Obtain, input and combine content to build multimedia outcomes, Use multimedia software tools to edit and format multimedia content to meet requirements, Play and present multimedia outcomes
- Access, enter and edit accounting information, Use tools and techniques to process business transactions, Produce accounting documents and summary reports to meet requirements
- Stay safe and secure when using collaborative technology, Set up and access IT tools and devices for collaborative working, Prepare collaborative technologies for use, Contribute to tasks using collaborative technologies
- 1. Interact with online marketplace services2. Interact with online transactional services3. Understand how to manage and organise own finances online4. Understand the nee for safety and security practices when online
- Know the relevant parts of the operating system, Operate specified parts of the system
- 1. Create and edit documents2. Create and edit digital media3. Process numerical data