Social Networking — Ascentis Other Vocational Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This subtopic explores the fundamental concepts of social networking, focusing on its definition, common platforms, and the balance between its advantages

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic explores the fundamental concepts of social networking, focusing on its definition, common platforms, and the balance between its advantages (such as staying connected) and potential dangers (like privacy issues). Learners will gain practical skills in setting up a profile safely, managing privacy settings, and interacting with others using messages and posts. The aim is to build confidence in using social media responsibly for personal and community engagement.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Social Networking

    ASCENTIS
    vocational

    This subtopic explores the fundamental concepts of social networking, focusing on its definition, common platforms, and the balance between its advantages (such as staying connected) and potential dangers (like privacy issues). Learners will gain practical skills in setting up a profile safely, managing privacy settings, and interacting with others using messages and posts. The aim is to build confidence in using social media responsibly for personal and community engagement.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
    3
    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 equip students with essential digital competencies for everyday life, education, and employment. This award covers core areas such as using devices, creating and editing digital content, communicating online, and staying safe in digital environments. It is ideal for learners who are new to digital technology or wish to build confidence in using computers, tablets, and the internet.

    This qualification is part of the wider Digital Skills & IT suite offered by Ascentis, a UK awarding organisation known for its vocationally-related qualifications. At Entry 3, students are expected to demonstrate practical skills in tasks like sending emails, browsing the web, creating simple documents, and understanding basic online safety. Mastery of these skills is crucial in today's digital world, as they form the building blocks for more advanced IT qualifications and are increasingly required in most workplaces.

    By completing this award, students not only gain a recognised certification but also develop transferable skills that enhance their employability and digital literacy. The content is structured to be accessible, with a focus on hands-on learning and real-world applications. Whether you are a school leaver, an adult returning to education, or someone looking to improve your digital skills, this award provides a solid foundation for further study in IT or digital media.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Using Devices: Understanding how to turn on/off a computer or tablet, use a keyboard and mouse, navigate the desktop, and manage files and folders.
    • →Creating and Editing Digital Content: Using software like word processors to create, format, and save documents; inserting images and basic formatting (bold, italics, bullet points).
    • →Online Communication: Sending and receiving emails, attaching files, using search engines effectively, and understanding basic netiquette.
    • →Staying Safe Online: Recognising common online threats (phishing, malware), creating strong passwords, understanding privacy settings, and knowing how to report concerns.
    • →Digital Footprint: Awareness that online actions leave traces, and understanding how to manage personal information responsibly.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Understand what social networking is and the associated risks and benefits., Create and maintain a social networking profile., Use a social network to communicate with others.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for correctly identifying social networking as a way to connect and share content online, with at least two examples of platforms (e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp).
    • Credit is given for creating a profile that includes a safe username, strong password, and adjusted privacy settings (e.g., profile visibility set to 'friends only').
    • Assessors should look for evidence of appropriate communication: a polite message or post that demonstrates awareness of online etiquette, such as no sharing of personal contact details.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When completing the practical assignment, carefully follow the step-by-step instructions provided by the assessor, and take screenshots as evidence of each action (e.g., adjusting privacy settings).
    • 💡In the written or verbal knowledge check, use the key terms: 'privacy', 'security', 'etiquette', and give specific examples rather than vague statements.
    • 💡Tip 1: In practical assessments, read each instruction carefully and complete tasks step-by-step. For example, if asked to 'save a document as PDF', ensure you use the correct file format option in the 'Save As' dialog, not just 'Save'.
    • 💡Tip 2: When demonstrating online safety, be specific. Instead of saying 'I use a strong password', show that you know how to create one (e.g., using a phrase with numbers and symbols) and explain why it's secure.
    • 💡Tip 3: For email tasks, always include a subject line and a polite greeting/sign-off. This shows you understand professional communication, which can earn you extra marks even if not explicitly required.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing social networking with general internet browsing or email.
    • Using real full names and posting identifiable photos without adjusting privacy controls first.
    • Failing to recognise that accepting friend requests from strangers can be risky.
    • Misconception: 'If I delete an email or file, it's gone forever.' Correction: Deleted items often go to a 'Trash' or 'Recycle Bin' and can be recovered until the bin is emptied. Also, backups or cloud storage may retain copies.
    • Misconception: 'A strong password just needs to be long.' Correction: While length helps, a strong password also includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not be easily guessable (e.g., avoid 'password123').
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to worry about online safety because I have nothing to hide.' Correction: Everyone is a target for cybercriminals; personal data like your name, address, or bank details can be used for identity theft or fraud, regardless of what you think you have to hide.

    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, as you will need to read instructions and understand simple numerical concepts like file sizes.
    • •Familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard (e.g., clicking, double-clicking, typing) is helpful but not essential, as these skills are taught within the course.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Understand what social networking is and the associated risks and benefits., Create and maintain a social networking profile., Use a social network to communicate with others.

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