Using Control Settings on a Digital Device — Open Awards Essential Digital Skills Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This element introduces learners to the foundational user skills of managing sound, visual, and power settings on common digital devices such as smartphone

    Topic Synopsis

    This element introduces learners to the foundational user skills of managing sound, visual, and power settings on common digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Mastering these controls is essential for personalising the user experience, ensuring accessibility, and maintaining device functionality in everyday tasks. Learners will demonstrate practical competence by adjusting volume levels, screen brightness, and power states to suit different environments and needs.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using Control Settings on a Digital Device

    OPEN AWARDS
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to the foundational user skills of managing sound, visual, and power settings on common digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Mastering these controls is essential for personalising the user experience, ensuring accessibility, and maintaining device functionality in everyday tasks. Learners will demonstrate practical competence by adjusting volume levels, screen brightness, and power states to suit different environments and needs.

    2
    Learning Outcomes
    6
    Assessment Guidance
    7
    Key Skills
    2
    Key Terms
    8
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Open Awards Entry Level Award in IT User Skills (Entry 1) (RQF)
    Open Awards Entry Level Certificate in IT User Skills (Entry 1) (RQF)

    Topic Overview

    The Open Awards Entry Level Award in IT User Skills (Entry 1) (RQF) is a foundational qualification designed for students with little or no prior experience of using computers. It covers the basic skills needed to operate a computer system, including starting up and shutting down, using a mouse and keyboard, and navigating the desktop environment. This qualification is ideal for building confidence and preparing for further study in digital skills.

    In this unit, you will learn how to interact with a computer safely and effectively. You'll explore common software applications like word processors and web browsers, and understand how to save and retrieve files. These skills are essential in today's digital world, whether for education, employment, or everyday life. The qualification is part of the wider IT User Skills suite, which progresses to Entry 2 and Entry 3, eventually leading to Level 1 qualifications.

    By the end of this award, you will be able to perform basic tasks independently, such as typing a short document, opening a website, and using simple tools like the calculator. The focus is on practical, hands-on learning, with assessments that test your ability to complete tasks rather than just recall facts. This makes it a great starting point for anyone new to IT.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Desktop and icons: The main screen you see after logging in, with small pictures (icons) that open programs or files when double-clicked.
    • →Mouse skills: Left-click to select, right-click for options, double-click to open, and drag to move items.
    • →Keyboard basics: Using letters, numbers, and special keys like Enter, Backspace, and Shift to type and edit text.
    • →Saving and opening files: Using 'Save' and 'Open' commands in programs, and understanding where files are stored (e.g., Documents folder).
    • →Safe shutdown: Always use the 'Shut down' option from the Start menu to turn off the computer properly.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device
    • Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for effectively locating and using the physical volume buttons or on-screen slider to increase or decrease sound output, with evidence such as a screenshot or observation record.
    • Expect learners to demonstrate adjusting screen brightness or display zoom to a comfortable level, correctly identifying the relevant setting in the device menu or quick settings panel.
    • Credit should be given for safely powering on the device from a fully off state, placing it into sleep mode, and waking it up, showing an understanding of the difference between these power functions.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to locate and use physical volume controls (buttons or dials) to increase and decrease sound output on a digital device.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to use on-screen settings to adjust volume, including muting and unmuting when required.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to adjust screen brightness using physical controls or on-screen settings to a level appropriate for the environment.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to put the device into sleep/standby mode and wake it again.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to properly power off the device using the correct shutdown procedure and restart it.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When compiling portfolio evidence, use annotated screenshots or clear photographs that demonstrate the step-by-step process of adjusting each control, including the initial and resulting settings.
    • 💡During observed assessments, verbalise your actions as you perform them to confirm your understanding—for example, state 'I am now pressing the volume up button to increase the sound' rather than acting silently.
    • 💡When being assessed, clearly announce each step you are taking, e.g., 'I am now using the volume button to increase the sound.'
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with different types of controls (physical buttons, touch screen sliders, keyboard shortcuts) as you may be asked to demonstrate on an unfamiliar device.
    • 💡If you make a mistake, show that you can correct it, as the assessor is looking for problem-solving skills.
    • 💡Practice adjusting settings in different contexts, such as while a video is playing or in a bright room, to ensure you can adapt.
    • 💡Tip 1: Practise using the mouse to click, double-click, and drag. Many tasks in the assessment require precise mouse control, so spend time on mouse accuracy exercises.
    • 💡Tip 2: Learn keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+S (save) and Ctrl+Z (undo). These can save time and show the examiner you have efficient skills.
    • 💡Tip 3: Always read the task instructions carefully. For example, if it says 'save as' with a specific name, make sure you type it exactly, including capital letters and spaces.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing the mute function with turning the volume all the way down; learners may not realise that mute often disables all sounds, including notifications.
    • Attempting to adjust screen settings through the wrong menu, such as looking for brightness under sound settings, or mistaking the power button for a volume control.
    • Holding down the power button too briefly to turn on the device, or using a forced restart when inappropriate, potentially leading to data loss.
    • Confusing the volume controls with the brightness controls, leading to unintended changes in sound when trying to adjust the screen.
    • Forgetting to unmute after muting, then assuming the device is not producing sound.
    • Pressing the power button too briefly or too long, inadvertently putting the device to sleep instead of turning it off, or vice versa.
    • Not recognising the difference between restarting and shutting down the device, leading to incomplete power off.
    • Misconception: Double-clicking is always required to open files. Correction: Some items (like links in a web browser) only need a single click. Double-click is mainly for desktop icons and folders.
    • Misconception: Pressing the power button on the computer case is the correct way to turn it off. Correction: This can damage the system. Always use the software shutdown option (e.g., Start > Power > Shut down).
    • Misconception: The 'X' button on a window closes the program completely. Correction: It closes the window, but the program may still run in the background. Use 'File > Exit' or 'Quit' to fully close it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •No formal prerequisites are required for this Entry 1 qualification. However, basic familiarity with using a computer (e.g., having seen someone use one) can be helpful.
    • •Students should be able to recognise letters and numbers on a keyboard and have basic hand-eye coordination for using a mouse.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device
    • Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device

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    Using Control Settings on a Digital Device (Open Awards Essential Digital Skills)