Using Video Communication — Open Awards Essential Digital Skills Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This unit element introduces learners to the fundamental skills required to use video communication on a digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or c

    Topic Synopsis

    This unit element introduces learners to the fundamental skills required to use video communication on a digital device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. It focuses on practical, hands-on tasks including opening a video calling application, starting a call with an individual or group, and managing a contacts list by adding, editing, and deleting entries. These skills are essential for personal, social, and increasingly for vocational contexts, enabling learners to connect remotely with confidence.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using Video Communication

    OPEN AWARDS
    vocational

    This unit introduces learners to the fundamental skills required to use video communication applications on digital devices. Learners will gain the ability to initiate video calls, manage digital contacts effectively, and understand basic online safety and etiquette, enabling them to connect with others for personal, social, or vocational purposes.

    7
    Learning Outcomes
    11
    Assessment Guidance
    11
    Key Skills
    6
    Key Terms
    12
    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 you to the essential digital skills needed in today's world. This course covers basic computer operations, file management, online safety, and introductory use of common software applications like word processors and spreadsheets. It's perfect if you're new to IT or want to build confidence in using computers for everyday tasks.

    This qualification is part of the wider Digital Skills & IT suite and provides a stepping stone to higher-level IT qualifications. By the end of the course, you'll be able to turn on a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, create simple documents, browse the internet safely, and understand basic data handling. These skills are not only vital for further study but also for many jobs and daily life activities.

    The course is assessed through practical tasks and a portfolio of evidence, meaning you'll demonstrate your skills by completing real-world activities. This hands-on approach ensures you can apply what you learn immediately. Whether you're aiming for employment, further education, or just want to become more digitally literate, this award gives you a solid foundation.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Basic computer operations: switching on/off, logging in, using a mouse and keyboard, and navigating the desktop.
    • →File management: creating, saving, opening, and organising files and folders in a logical structure.
    • →Online safety: understanding risks like phishing, creating strong passwords, and knowing how to keep personal information secure.
    • →Word processing: creating simple documents, formatting text (bold, italic, font size), and inserting images.
    • →Spreadsheets: entering data, using basic formulas (SUM), and creating simple charts.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Initiate a video call using a pre-saved contact
    • Add a new contact to a digital address book with name and email/phone number
    • Edit an existing contact's details and delete unwanted contacts
    • Adjust basic device settings (e.g., camera, microphone) before initiating a call
    • Demonstrate appropriate behavior during a video call (e.g., muting when not speaking)
    • End a video call correctly and provide a summary of the call purpose
    • Be able to initiate video communications on a digital deviceBe able to manage a contacts list

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for successfully placing a video call to a selected contact from the contacts list
    • Credit given for adding a new contact with correct details (name, phone/email)
    • Credit given for editing an existing contact's information (e.g., changing phone number)
    • Award credit for demonstrating turning camera and microphone on/off as per need
    • Credit given for terminating the call using the proper end call button
    • Award credit for providing a screenshot or recording of the call log showing the duration and participants
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a designated video communication app independently.
    • Award credit for correctly initiating a video call by selecting a contact and pressing the call button.
    • Award credit for accurately adding a new contact to the list, entering at least a name and a phone number or email.
    • Award credit for editing an existing contact’s details, such as changing a name or adding a profile picture.
    • Award credit for deleting a contact from the list, confirming the deletion if prompted.
    • Award credit for using the contacts list to search for a specific person before calling.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice making video calls to different contacts regularly to build confidence and familiarity
    • 💡Always check device settings and permissions (camera, microphone) before starting a call
    • 💡Keep a record of successful calls (screenshots, call logs) for your evidence portfolio
    • 💡Learn the standard icons: video camera for video call, telephone handset for audio call
    • 💡Ask a family member or friend to help you practice adding and editing contacts
    • 💡Always read on-screen instructions carefully before tapping any icon—many errors occur from rushing.
    • 💡If unsure, use the back button or cancel option to return to a safe screen without making changes.
    • 💡Practice using a contacts list regularly: add, edit, and delete dummy contacts to build confidence.
    • 💡When adding a contact, double-check the phone number or email address before saving to avoid errors.
    • 💡Remember that video calling requires an internet connection; a poor signal can cause disruptions but doesn’t necessarily mean the skill is incorrect.
    • 💡During assessment, narrate your actions quietly to show the assessor your thought process and reinforce your understanding.
    • 💡Always read the task instructions carefully. For example, if it says 'save as 'MyDocument' in the 'Work' folder', do exactly that – examiners check file names and locations.
    • 💡Use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+S (save) and Ctrl+Z (undo) to work more efficiently and avoid losing work. This shows good IT user skills.
    • 💡When creating documents or spreadsheets, keep them simple and clear. Avoid overcomplicating with too many colours or fonts – clarity is key to demonstrating understanding.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing video call with voice call icons, leading to incorrect call type
    • Forgetting to check internet connectivity before making a call, causing failed attempts
    • Not saving new contact details correctly (missing number or name) leading to unusable contacts
    • Leaving the microphone unmuted causing background noise disruption during the call
    • Failing to end the call properly, leaving it running and potentially recording unintended audio/video
    • Confusing the video call icon with the voice call or message icon.
    • Forgetting to check the contact is online or available before calling.
    • Typing a contact’s details incorrectly, leading to failed calls or lost information.
    • Accidentally deleting a contact without meaning to, often by pressing the wrong button.
    • Failing to save a new contact after entering details, losing the entry.
    • Not understanding the difference between the device’s contacts and the app’s internal contacts list.
    • Misconception: 'I need to be good at maths to use spreadsheets.' Correction: Spreadsheets at Entry 2 only require basic addition (SUM) and simple data entry; no advanced maths is needed.
    • Misconception: 'Saving a file once is enough.' Correction: You should save your work regularly (every few minutes) to avoid losing changes, and always save to a logical location like a named folder.
    • Misconception: 'A strong password is just a long word.' Correction: Strong passwords include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols, and should not be easily guessed (e.g., avoid 'password123').

    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 literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., reading simple instructions, counting) are helpful.
    • •Familiarity with using a computer at a very basic level (e.g., turning it on, using a mouse) would be beneficial but is not essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Initiating Video Calls
    • Managing Digital Contacts
    • Device Configuration
    • Video Call Etiquette
    • Basic Troubleshooting
    • Be able to initiate video communications on a digital deviceBe able to manage a contacts list

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