Using ICT to Communicate — Open Awards Essential Digital Skills Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This topic covers using ICT to receive and send information. Learners must be able to use basic ICT tools to access and share information effectively.

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers using ICT to receive and send information. Learners must be able to use basic ICT tools to access and share information effectively.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using ICT to Communicate

    OPEN AWARDS
    vocational

    This element focuses on the fundamental skills required to use information and communication technology (ICT) to both receive and send information. Learners will develop the ability to open and read incoming digital communications, such as emails or messages, and to compose and send their own. Mastery of these skills enables effective participation in personal, educational, and workplace communication using digital devices.

    2
    Learning Outcomes
    8
    Assessment Guidance
    8
    Key Skills
    2
    Key Terms
    9
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Open Awards Entry Level Certificate in IT User Skills (Entry 2) (RQF)
    Open Awards Entry Level Award in IT User Skills (Entry 2) (RQF)

    Topic Overview

    The Open Awards Entry Level Award in IT User Skills (Entry 2) (RQF) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to essential digital skills. It covers basic computer operations, file management, online safety, and using common software applications like word processors and spreadsheets. This qualification is ideal for beginners or those building confidence with technology, providing a stepping stone to higher-level IT qualifications or everyday digital tasks.

    In today's digital world, IT user skills are crucial for education, employment, and daily life. This award ensures you can navigate a computer, create simple documents, understand internet safety, and communicate online effectively. It aligns with the UK's National Standards for Essential Digital Skills, making it relevant for further study or entry-level roles that require basic IT proficiency.

    The qualification is broken into manageable units, each focusing on a specific skill area such as 'Using a Computer', 'Creating Documents', or 'Online Basics'. Assessment is through practical tasks and short written questions, allowing you to demonstrate your abilities in real-world scenarios. By the end, you'll have a solid foundation to progress to Entry 3 or Level 1 qualifications.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Hardware and software: Understand the difference between physical components (e.g., monitor, keyboard) and programs (e.g., word processor, web browser).
    • →File management: Know how to create, save, open, and organise files and folders on a computer or cloud storage.
    • →Online safety: Recognise risks like phishing, password security, and keeping personal information private; know how to report concerns.
    • →Basic word processing: Use a word processor to enter text, format it (bold, italic, font size), and print or save a document.
    • →Using the internet: Navigate websites, use search engines, and understand the difference between a web browser and a search engine.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to use ICT to receive information.Be able to use ICT to send information
    • Be able to use ICT to receive information.Be able to use ICT to send information

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to log in to an email account or messaging application and locate new, unread messages.
    • Look for evidence that the learner can open an email or message, read its content, and respond appropriately, such as replying or forwarding when required.
    • Expect the learner to compose a new message, correctly entering the recipient’s address in the 'To' field, adding a relevant subject line, and typing a clear message in the body.
    • Credit should be given for sending a message successfully and checking that it appears in the 'Sent' folder or outgoing log.
    • For higher achievement, assess whether the learner can attach a simple file (e.g., a photo or document) and mention it in the message body.
    • Uses ICT to receive information from various sources.
    • Uses ICT to send information to appropriate recipients.
    • Selects appropriate ICT tools for communication.
    • Follows basic data protection principles.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always proofread your message for spelling and grammar before pressing send to ensure clarity.
    • 💡Double-check the recipient's email address letter by letter; one small mistake can cause delivery failure.
    • 💡Practice creating, sending, and replying to emails in a safe environment to build confidence for assessments.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with the key fields: 'To' for main recipients, 'CC' for information sharing, and 'Subject' for a brief summary.
    • 💡When attaching files, verify they are attached by looking for the file name or icon before sending the message.
    • 💡Practise sending and receiving emails with attachments.
    • 💡Learn to use basic software like word processors.
    • 💡Understand simple data protection rules.
    • 💡Tip 1: Read each task carefully before starting. For practical assessments, plan your steps (e.g., open software, create file, save with correct name) to avoid missing key instructions.
    • 💡Tip 2: Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+S (save) and Ctrl+Z (undo) to work efficiently. This shows confidence and saves time during timed tasks.
    • 💡Tip 3: For online safety questions, always mention specific actions like 'use a strong password with letters and numbers' or 'check for a padlock icon in the address bar' to demonstrate detailed understanding.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners often forget to add a subject line, making the message appear unclear or unprofessional.
    • A common error is typing an incorrect email address, leading to the message not being delivered or going to the wrong person.
    • Many learners leave the message body empty when replying or forwarding, failing to provide context for the recipient.
    • Confusion between 'Reply' and 'Reply All' frequently occurs, causing private information to be shared with unnecessary contacts.
    • Forgetting to check the 'Sent' folder often results in a lack of confirmation that the message was actually sent.
    • Using incorrect email addresses or attachments.
    • Failing to check information for accuracy before sending.
    • Not considering privacy when sharing information.
    • Misconception: 'The internet and the web are the same thing.' Correction: The internet is a global network of computers, while the web (World Wide Web) is a service that runs on the internet, allowing you to access websites.
    • Misconception: 'If a website looks professional, it must be safe and trustworthy.' Correction: Scammers can create convincing fake sites. Always check for HTTPS, look for contact details, and be cautious with personal information.
    • Misconception: 'Saving a file once is enough; you don't need to save again.' Correction: Always save your work regularly (e.g., every few minutes) to avoid losing changes due to crashes or power cuts.

    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 Level qualification, but basic familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard is helpful.
    • •If you have completed any Entry 1 IT skills, that provides a good foundation, but it's not essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to use ICT to receive information.Be able to use ICT to send information
    • Be able to use ICT to receive information.Be able to use ICT to send information

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