Using the Internet — Open Awards Essential Digital Skills Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This element focuses on equipping learners with the foundational skills to effectively and safely use the internet for information retrieval, communication

    Topic Synopsis

    This element focuses on equipping learners with the foundational skills to effectively and safely use the internet for information retrieval, communication, and task completion. It covers selecting appropriate connection methods, configuring browser settings, employing advanced search techniques, and adhering to security best practices. Mastery of these competencies is essential for personal, academic, and professional digital literacy.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using the Internet

    OPEN AWARDS
    vocational

    This element focuses on equipping learners with the foundational skills to effectively and safely use the internet for information retrieval, communication, and task completion. It covers selecting appropriate connection methods, configuring browser settings, employing advanced search techniques, and adhering to security best practices. Mastery of these competencies is essential for personal, academic, and professional digital literacy.

    2
    Learning Outcomes
    9
    Assessment Guidance
    10
    Key Skills
    2
    Key Terms
    10
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (RQF)
    Open Awards Entry Level Award in Online and Computer Basics (Entry 3) (QCF)

    Topic Overview

    The Open Awards Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills (RQF) is a comprehensive qualification designed to equip students with the practical IT skills needed for the modern workplace. It covers a wide range of topics, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation software, and using the internet safely and effectively. This diploma is ideal for those looking to build a solid foundation in digital literacy, whether for employment, further study, or everyday life.

    Throughout the course, you will develop hands-on skills in creating and formatting documents, analysing data with spreadsheets, managing information in databases, and delivering engaging presentations. You will also learn about online safety, file management, and how to use IT to solve problems efficiently. The qualification is structured to be practical and relevant, with assessments that test your ability to apply these skills in real-world scenarios.

    This diploma fits into the wider subject of Digital Skills & IT by providing a recognised certification that demonstrates your competence in using common software applications. It is a stepping stone to more advanced qualifications, such as the Level 3 Diploma in IT, and is valued by employers across various sectors. By completing this course, you will gain confidence in using technology to enhance productivity and communication.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Word processing: creating, formatting, and editing documents using features like styles, tables, and mail merge.
    • →Spreadsheets: using formulas, functions, charts, and data validation to analyse and present numerical data.
    • →Databases: designing tables, queries, forms, and reports to store and retrieve information efficiently.
    • →Presentation software: creating slides with multimedia elements, animations, and transitions to communicate ideas effectively.
    • →Online safety: understanding risks like phishing, malware, and data protection, and applying safe practices when using the internet.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1. Select and set up an appropriate connection to access the internet2. Set up and use browser software to navigate webpages3. Use browser tools to search effectively and efficiently for information from the internet4. Use browser software to communicate information online5. Develop and apply appropriate safety and security practices and procedures when working online
    • Be able to connect to the Internet, Be able to use browser software to navigate webpages, Be able to use browser tools to search for information from the Internet or an intranet, Be able to use browser software to communicate information online, Be able to follow safety and security practices when working online

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to identify and select an appropriate internet connection type (e.g., broadband, mobile data, public Wi-Fi) based on context, including justifying the choice.
    • Look for evidence that the learner can configure browser settings such as homepage, privacy controls, and pop-up blockers, and navigate using tabs, bookmarks, and history.
    • Assess the use of advanced search operators (e.g., quotation marks, Boolean terms) and evaluation of source credibility when retrieving information.
    • Expect the learner to competently use browser-based communication tools (e.g., webmail, forums, social media) while applying netiquette and appropriate tone.
    • Check for consistent application of safety procedures, including recognizing secure websites (HTTPS, padlock icon), managing passwords, and avoiding phishing attempts.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to successfully establish an internet connection, e.g., by connecting to Wi-Fi and opening a browser to display a webpage.
    • Award credit for using browser navigation tools (back, forward, refresh, home) and entering URLs correctly to access specific webpages.
    • Award credit for effectively using search engines or intranet search functions to find and retrieve relevant information, including using appropriate keywords.
    • Award credit for using browser-based communication tools (e.g., webmail, online forms) to send or share information appropriately.
    • Award credit for consistently following safety practices such as recognising secure websites (HTTPS), logging out of accounts, and not sharing personal information on untrusted sites.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡In practical assessments, narrate your choices aloud if possible—explain why you selected a particular connection or search strategy, as this showcases your understanding.
    • 💡When searching, always evaluate at least two sources and comment on their reliability before using the information; this demonstrates critical thinking.
    • 💡For browser setup tasks, systematically check and adjust privacy, security, and accessibility settings to meet the scenario’s requirements, not just defaults.
    • 💡Practice creating strong, memorable passwords and using password managers, as you may be asked to demonstrate secure account management procedures.
    • 💡For practical assessments, narrate your actions as you perform them to explicitly demonstrate each learning outcome to the assessor.
    • 💡Always verify the URL after typing it to avoid errors; use the ‘Enter’ key and check the page loads as expected.
    • 💡When searching, use simple, direct keywords and evaluate results for relevance before opening—this shows efficient information-seeking skills.
    • 💡In online communication tasks, double-check that your message is addressed correctly and that you receive a confirmation (e.g., a ‘sent’ message or a form acknowledgement).
    • 💡Make safety visible by pointing out the padlock symbol in the browser, explaining why you won’t enter details on unsecure sites, and always logging out in front of the assessor.
    • 💡Tip 1: Always read the assessment brief carefully. Many students lose marks by not following specific instructions, such as using a particular font size or including a header. Underline key requirements before starting.
    • 💡Tip 2: Practice using keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+C for copy, Ctrl+V for paste). This saves time during assessments and demonstrates efficiency, which examiners look for.
    • 💡Tip 3: For spreadsheet tasks, double-check your formulas by testing them with simple data. A common mistake is referencing the wrong cells, leading to incorrect results.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Learners often confuse broadband and Wi-Fi terminology, failing to distinguish between the internet service provider connection and the local wireless network.
    • A typical error is neglecting to clear browsing data or not understanding the implications of saving passwords and form data on shared devices.
    • Many rely solely on single keywords without using quotation marks or minus signs, leading to broad or irrelevant search results.
    • When communicating online, learners may overlook audience appropriateness, using informal language in formal contexts or sharing personal information unsafely.
    • Safety practices are frequently incomplete; for example, learners might check for HTTPS but ignore the importance of software updates or two-factor authentication.
    • Learners often type web addresses incorrectly (e.g., missing ‘www.’ or using spaces) and then assume the internet is not working.
    • Confusing the browser’s address bar with a search box, leading to unintended search results instead of navigating directly.
    • Using overly vague or complex search terms, resulting in irrelevant or overwhelming information.
    • Attempting to communicate via browser tools without checking that they are logged in or that the form was successfully submitted.
    • Neglecting basic safety steps, such as ignoring browser security warnings or failing to sign out from shared computers.
    • Misconception: 'Using spell check means my document is error-free.' Correction: Spell check does not catch all errors, such as homophones (e.g., 'their' vs. 'there') or context-specific mistakes. Always proofread manually.
    • Misconception: 'A database is just like a spreadsheet.' Correction: While both store data, databases are designed for complex queries and relationships between tables, whereas spreadsheets are better for calculations and simple lists.
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work often because autosave is on.' Correction: Autosave may not always work, especially if the software crashes. Save regularly and keep backup copies.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic computer literacy: ability to turn on a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, and open/close applications.
    • •Familiarity with the Windows or macOS operating system: managing files and folders, and using common menus.
    • •No prior experience with specific software is required, but a willingness to learn and explore new tools is essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1. Select and set up an appropriate connection to access the internet2. Set up and use browser software to navigate webpages3. Use browser tools to search effectively and efficiently for information from the internet4. Use browser software to communicate information online5. Develop and apply appropriate safety and security practices and procedures when working online
    • Be able to connect to the Internet, Be able to use browser software to navigate webpages, Be able to use browser tools to search for information from the Internet or an intranet, Be able to use browser software to communicate information online, Be able to follow safety and security practices when working online

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