Using ICT to Select and Exchange Information — The Learning Machine Essential Digital Skills Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to find information using ICT-based sources such as the internet, and to communicate tha

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to find information using ICT-based sources such as the internet, and to communicate that information effectively via email. It covers basic web searching techniques, evaluating simple search results, and using email software to compose and send messages. These skills are essential for everyday digital tasks, including personal communication, basic research, and entry-level workplace activities.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Using ICT to Select and Exchange Information

    THE LEARNING MACHINE
    vocational

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to find information using ICT-based sources such as the internet, and to communicate that information effectively via email. It covers basic web searching techniques, evaluating simple search results, and using email software to compose and send messages. These skills are essential for everyday digital tasks, including personal communication, basic research, and entry-level workplace activities.

    3
    Learning Outcomes
    12
    Assessment Guidance
    13
    Key Skills
    3
    Key Terms
    12
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    TLM Entry Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise
    TLM Entry Level 1 Award in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise
    TLM Entry Level Award in IT User Skills (ITQ) (Entry 2)

    Topic Overview

    The TLM Entry Level 1 Certificate in IT User Skills in Open Systems and Enterprise introduces you to the fundamental skills needed to use a computer effectively in everyday life and work. You'll learn how to start and shut down a computer, use a mouse and keyboard, and navigate the desktop environment. This qualification covers basic file management, creating simple documents, and understanding how to stay safe online. It's the perfect starting point for building confidence with technology, whether for personal use or as a stepping stone to higher-level IT qualifications.

    This course is part of the wider Digital Skills & IT curriculum and is designed for students with little or no prior experience of using computers. It focuses on practical, hands-on skills that are essential in modern workplaces and daily life. By the end of the certificate, you'll be able to perform basic tasks like opening and saving files, using a word processor to type a short piece of text, and recognising common icons and symbols. These skills are transferable across different software and systems, making you more employable and digitally literate.

    Mastering these basics is crucial because digital skills are now a requirement in almost every job. Even if you're not planning a career in IT, knowing how to use a computer efficiently saves time and reduces frustration. The Entry Level 1 certificate builds a solid foundation, so you can progress to Entry Level 2 and beyond, eventually gaining qualifications that open doors to further education or apprenticeships.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Desktop and icons: The desktop is the main screen you see after logging in. Icons are small pictures that represent programs, files, or folders. Double-clicking an icon opens it.
    • →File management: You need to know how to create, save, open, and delete files. Files are stored in folders, and you can move them around using drag-and-drop or cut/copy and paste.
    • →Keyboard and mouse skills: Using the mouse to point, click, and drag, and the keyboard to type text and use shortcuts like Ctrl+C (copy) and Ctrl+V (paste) are essential.
    • →Basic word processing: Creating a simple document, typing text, changing font size and colour, and saving your work. You should also know how to print a document.
    • →Online safety: Understanding that you should not share personal information online, how to recognise a secure website (padlock icon), and the importance of logging out of shared computers.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sourcesKnow how to search for and use internet-based informationBe able to use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages
    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sourcesKnow how to search for and use internet-based informationBe able to use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages
    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sources, Be able save information, Be able to exchange ICT-based information

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a web browser and navigate to a specified search engine or website.
    • Award credit for entering simple, relevant keywords into a search engine to locate information.
    • Award credit for identifying and selecting at least one relevant result from a search engine output.
    • Award credit for composing an email that includes a recipient address, a subject line, and a clear message body.
    • Award credit for using basic email software features (e.g., Send button, addressing field) correctly to send a message.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a web browser and navigate to a specified search engine (e.g., Google, Bing).
    • Evidence must show the learner entering at least one keyword into a search box and executing the search.
    • For email tasks, look for correct entry of a recipient's email address in the 'To' field, a subject line, and a simple message body before sending.
    • The learner should demonstrate awareness of safety by identifying an appropriate source from a list of search results (e.g., not clicking on sponsored or suspicious links).
    • Locate information using ICT-based sources.
    • Save information correctly.
    • Exchange ICT-based information.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice opening a browser and typing a simple search query; provide screenshots as evidence if required.
    • 💡When searching, use specific words from the task brief to improve result relevance.
    • 💡Always include a clear subject line in any email you send during assessment, even if it is a practice exercise.
    • 💡Double-check that the email address is correct and that the message makes sense before clicking Send.
    • 💡If allowed, keep a checklist of the email features you need to demonstrate (e.g., To field, Subject field, message box).
    • 💡In practical assessments, always read the entire task brief carefully before starting; ensure you understand exactly what information to find or what the email must contain.
    • 💡When composing an email, double-check the recipient address and proofread the message for simple spelling errors before sending.
    • 💡To demonstrate safe searching, verbally explain to the assessor why you selected a particular search result (e.g., it looks official, matches the task requirements).
    • 💡If the assessment requires sending an email with an attachment, practice attaching files beforehand to avoid losing time on the task.
    • 💡Practice using search engines and file management.
    • 💡Know how to attach files to emails.
    • 💡Understand basic file formats.
    • 💡Tip 1: Practise using the mouse to double-click and right-click. Many students lose marks because they accidentally open the wrong menu or can't open a file quickly. Spend time on mouse control.
    • 💡Tip 2: When saving a file, always check the file name and location. Examiners look for correct naming (e.g., 'My Document') and saving in the right folder. Don't just click 'Save' without looking.
    • 💡Tip 3: Read each question carefully. For example, if it says 'type your name in bold', make sure you apply bold formatting before or after typing. Rushing leads to missing key instructions.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Using overly broad or vague search terms, leading to irrelevant or too many results.
    • Forgetting to include a subject line in an email, which can appear unprofessional or get flagged as spam.
    • Clicking on sponsored links or advertisements instead of organic search results.
    • Not checking spelling and grammar in email messages before sending.
    • Failing to verify the recipient's email address, causing messages to bounce or be sent to the wrong person.
    • Typing full questions into the search box rather than using concise keywords.
    • Forgetting to include the '@' symbol in an email address, leading to an invalid recipient.
    • Confusing the 'To', 'Cc', and 'Bcc' fields, resulting in messages sent to unintended recipients.
    • Neglecting to add a subject line, which can cause emails to be overlooked or identified as spam.
    • Clicking on the first search result without checking its relevance or source.
    • Not saving files with appropriate names.
    • Losing files due to incorrect saving location.
    • Sharing information without permission.
    • Misconception: 'You need to be good at maths to use a computer.' Correction: Basic IT skills are about following instructions and practising, not advanced maths. Anyone can learn with patience.
    • Misconception: 'Saving a file means it's automatically backed up.' Correction: Saving only stores the file on your current device. You need to manually back up to a USB drive or cloud storage to protect against loss.
    • Misconception: 'All icons do the same thing on every computer.' Correction: While many icons are standard (e.g., save icon is a floppy disk), some programs use unique icons. Always read the label or hover over the icon to see its name.

    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 Entry Level 1. However, basic literacy and numeracy skills (e.g., reading simple instructions and recognising numbers) will help you follow tasks.
    • •Familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard is beneficial but not essential – you will learn these during the course.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sourcesKnow how to search for and use internet-based informationBe able to use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages
    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sourcesKnow how to search for and use internet-based informationBe able to use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages
    • Be able to locate information using ICT-based sources, Be able save information, Be able to exchange ICT-based information

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