How long does it take to complete the Entry 3 Digital Skills award?

The award typically takes around 60-90 guided learning hours to complete, depending on the pace of study. This can be spread over a term or a semester, and many centres offer flexible part-time options.

Do I need any previous qualifications to take this course?

No formal qualifications are required, but you should have basic reading, writing, and maths skills at Entry 2 level or above. The course is designed for beginners, so no prior digital skills are necessary.

What topics are covered in the assessment?

The assessment covers using devices (e.g., turning on/off, using a mouse), creating and editing documents (e.g., typing, formatting), online safety (e.g., passwords, recognising scams), and digital communication (e.g., sending emails). Tasks are practical and based on real-life scenarios.

How is the qualification assessed?

Assessment is through a portfolio of evidence, which includes completed tasks and worksheets. There is no formal exam. Your tutor will observe you performing tasks and review your work to ensure you meet the learning outcomes.

Can I use this qualification to get a job?

Yes, this qualification demonstrates to employers that you have basic digital skills, which are essential in most workplaces. It can also help you progress to higher-level IT qualifications, such as the Ascentis Level 1 Award in Digital Skills.

Audio and video software

Q: What is the Ascentis Entry Level Award in Digital Skills (Entry 3)?

It is a beginner-level qualification that teaches fundamental digital skills, such as using a computer, creating documents, staying safe online, and communicating via email. It is designed for students with little or no experience in digital technology and is recognised by employers and educational institutions.

ASCENTIS

vocational

This unit covers using audio/video hardware and software to capture sequences, editing sequences with software tools, and playing/presenting the final sequences.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

Ascentis Entry Level Award in Digital Skills (Entry 3)

Topic Overview

The Ascentis Entry Level Award in Digital Skills (Entry 3) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to essential digital competencies. This award covers key areas such as using devices, creating and editing documents, staying safe online, and communicating digitally. It is ideal for learners who are new to digital technology or who need to build confidence in using computers and the internet for everyday tasks.

In today's world, digital skills are essential for education, employment, and daily life. This qualification ensures that students can navigate basic software, understand online safety, and use digital tools effectively. By completing this award, students gain a recognised certification that demonstrates their ability to perform fundamental digital tasks, forming a solid foundation for further study in IT or related vocational areas.

The award is part of the wider Ascentis suite of qualifications, which are designed to be accessible and flexible. It is often taken by students in schools, colleges, or adult education settings. The content is practical and hands-on, focusing on real-world applications such as sending emails, using word processors, and recognising common online threats. This makes it highly relevant for learners who want to improve their digital literacy for personal or professional development.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Using a computer or device: understanding hardware (keyboard, mouse, screen) and basic operations like turning on/off, logging in, and using a desktop interface.
→Creating and editing documents: using word processing software to type, format text (bold, italic), insert images, and save files in appropriate locations.
→Online safety: recognising risks such as phishing, malware, and sharing personal information; understanding the importance of strong passwords and privacy settings.
→Digital communication: sending and receiving emails, attaching files, and using appropriate language in online messages.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

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

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Use audio/video hardware and software to capture sequences.
Use software tools to edit sequences effectively.
Play and present audio/video sequences appropriately.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Plan your shots and audio capture beforehand.
💡Keep edits simple and purposeful.
💡Test your final sequence on different devices.
💡When asked to save a file, always check the file name and location. Examiners look for correct naming conventions (e.g., no special characters) and saving to the specified folder.
💡In tasks involving formatting, use the toolbar icons rather than keyboard shortcuts if you are unsure. This reduces the risk of missing steps and ensures you apply the correct formatting.
💡For online safety questions, always mention at least two specific actions, such as 'use a strong password' and 'do not share personal details'. This shows depth of understanding.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Poor lighting or sound quality during capture.
Over-editing or making sequences too long.
Not checking playback compatibility.
Misconception: 'If I delete a file, it's gone forever.' Correction: Deleted files often go to a Recycle Bin or Trash, from which they can be recovered until the bin is emptied. Students should learn how to permanently delete files if needed.
Misconception: 'A strong password is just a long word.' Correction: Strong passwords combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not be easily guessable (e.g., avoid 'password123').
Misconception: 'All emails are safe to open.' Correction: Emails from unknown senders may contain viruses or phishing attempts. Students should learn to check sender addresses and avoid clicking suspicious links.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry 2 level or equivalent.
•Familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard (e.g., clicking, typing).
•No prior digital skills qualification is required, but some experience with computers is helpful.

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

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

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Audio and video software

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

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Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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Related Topics in ASCENTIS vocational Digital Skills & IT