How do I revise ICT and Society for Pearson Education Ltd A-Level?

Structure responses around a clear evaluative framework (e.g., PEEL) to ensure each point is analysed and judged, not just described.

What exam tips are there for ICT and Society? (2)

Use precise terminology from the unit (e.g., 'digital-by-default', 'information poverty') to demonstrate depth and secure higher marks.

What exam tips are there for ICT and Society? (3)

When discussing access, always reference a specific barrier and its real-world impact on an identifiable group to show applied understanding.

What mistakes should I avoid in ICT and Society?

Students often state impacts without critical evaluation, merely listing effects without assessing severity, scale, or contingency.

What are common errors in ICT and Society exams? (2)

Confusing 'access' purely with infrastructure availability, neglecting socio-cultural, economic, or disability-related dimensions of equality.

ICT and Society

PEARSON-EDUCATION-LTD

vocational

This subtopic explores how information and communication technology reshapes societal structures, influencing areas such as employment patterns, social interaction, and civic engagement. Learners critically examine barriers to digital inclusion, evaluating the consequences of unequal access on education, economic opportunity, and social mobility.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

ICT and Society

Topic Overview

ICT and Society explores the profound impact of information and communication technologies on individuals, organisations, and society at large. This topic examines how ICT has transformed communication, work, education, healthcare, and entertainment, while also addressing the ethical, legal, and environmental issues that arise. Students will investigate key concepts such as digital divide, online communities, e-commerce, and the role of ICT in globalisation, preparing them to critically evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of technological advancement.

Understanding ICT and Society is crucial for A-Level Digital Skills & IT students because it provides a framework for analysing real-world applications of technology. This topic connects directly to other areas of the syllabus, including data management, cybersecurity, and system development. By studying this module, students develop the ability to assess how ICT influences decision-making, privacy, and sustainability, which is essential for both academic success and informed citizenship in a digital age.

Mastery of this topic enables students to engage with contemporary debates, such as the ethics of artificial intelligence, the impact of social media on mental health, and the role of technology in addressing climate change. The knowledge gained here is not only examinable but also applicable to future careers in IT, business, policy-making, and beyond. Students who grasp these concepts will be better equipped to design responsible ICT solutions and contribute positively to society.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Award credit for demonstrating evaluation of both positive and negative social impacts, supported by relevant contemporary examples (e.g., social media effects on mental health, remote working trends).
Credit discussion that explicitly links ICT developments to specific access/equality issues, referencing concepts like the digital divide, accessibility standards (WCAG), or affordability barriers.
Assessors should expect evidence of analysis that weighs consequences for diverse groups (e.g., elderly, low-income, disabled users) rather than generic commentary.
Award credit for accurately citing and explaining the key provisions of at least two relevant pieces of legislation, such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Credit demonstration of the ability to apply legislation to a given ICT scenario, identifying specific breaches and potential legal consequences.
Reward a balanced discussion of an ethical issue (e.g., artificial intelligence bias) that considers multiple stakeholder perspectives and refers to professional codes of conduct like the BCS Code of Conduct.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Award credit for demonstrating evaluation of both positive and negative social impacts, supported by relevant contemporary examples (e.g., social media effects on mental health, remote working trends).
Credit discussion that explicitly links ICT developments to specific access/equality issues, referencing concepts like the digital divide, accessibility standards (WCAG), or affordability barriers.
Assessors should expect evidence of analysis that weighs consequences for diverse groups (e.g., elderly, low-income, disabled users) rather than generic commentary.
Award credit for accurately citing and explaining the key provisions of at least two relevant pieces of legislation, such as the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990.
Credit demonstration of the ability to apply legislation to a given ICT scenario, identifying specific breaches and potential legal consequences.
Reward a balanced discussion of an ethical issue (e.g., artificial intelligence bias) that considers multiple stakeholder perspectives and refers to professional codes of conduct like the BCS Code of Conduct.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Structure responses around a clear evaluative framework (e.g., PEEL) to ensure each point is analysed and judged, not just described.
💡Use precise terminology from the unit (e.g., 'digital-by-default', 'information poverty') to demonstrate depth and secure higher marks.
💡When discussing access, always reference a specific barrier and its real-world impact on an identifiable group to show applied understanding.
💡When answering scenario-based questions, always explicitly state the name of the legislation, the specific section or principle it relates to, and how the scenario facts apply.
💡For ethics discussions, structure your answer using an ethical framework (e.g., consequence-based vs. duty-based) to demonstrate higher-order thinking and earn top marks.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Students often state impacts without critical evaluation, merely listing effects without assessing severity, scale, or contingency.
Confusing 'access' purely with infrastructure availability, neglecting socio-cultural, economic, or disability-related dimensions of equality.
Overgeneralising the benefits of ICT without acknowledging unintended consequences such as algorithmic bias or erosion of privacy.
Confusing the Data Protection Act with the Freedom of Information Act; the former governs personal data, the latter public access to information.
Failing to distinguish between legal requirements and ethical guidelines; stating that breaking an ethical code is automatically illegal.
Citing legislation without explaining its relevance to the given scenario, resulting in generic, non-applied answers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Digital divide

Online communities

Health and safety

Data Protection Act

Computer Misuse Act

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

ICT and Society

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in PEARSON-EDUCATION-LTD vocational Digital Skills & IT

Client-side and Server-side Technologies

Database Concepts

Features of the Information Age

Hardware and Software

ICT and Society

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the digital divide and why is it important?

How does ICT affect the environment?

What are the main ethical issues related to ICT?

How has ICT changed the way we work?

What is the role of ICT in education?

How does e-commerce impact traditional businesses?

Key Terminology

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in PEARSON-EDUCATION-LTD vocational Digital Skills & IT

Client-side and Server-side Technologies

Database Concepts

Features of the Information Age

Hardware and Software