Internet fundamentals — WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to access and use the internet safely and effectively at a basic level. Learners will ga

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental skills needed to access and use the internet safely and effectively at a basic level. Learners will gain hands-on experience in establishing an internet connection, navigating websites using a web browser, conducting simple searches, and communicating online through email or other basic platforms. Emphasis is placed on understanding and applying essential online safety and security practices to protect personal information and avoid common risks.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Internet fundamentals

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to the fundamental skills required to access and navigate the internet safely. It covers establishing a connection, using a web browser for information retrieval and online communication, and understanding essential online safety practices to protect personal data and devices.

    16
    Learning Outcomes
    25
    Assessment Guidance
    27
    Key Skills
    14
    Key Terms
    29
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    WJEC Level 1 Certificate for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Level 1 Award for IT Users (ITQ)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 2)
    WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 3)
    WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 3)

    Topic Overview

    The WJEC Entry Level Certificate for IT Users (Entry 2) is a vocationally-related qualification designed to introduce you to the fundamental skills needed to use computers and common software applications. This course covers essential topics such as using a computer safely, creating and editing documents, sending emails, and browsing the internet. It is ideal if you are new to IT or want to build confidence in using technology for everyday tasks, schoolwork, or future employment.

    At Entry 2, you will learn how to perform basic tasks like opening and saving files, formatting text, inserting images, and using simple formulas in spreadsheets. You will also explore how to stay safe online, including understanding passwords, privacy settings, and recognising suspicious emails. This qualification is assessed through practical tasks and a short online test, so you will demonstrate your skills by completing real-world activities rather than just memorising facts.

    Mastering these skills is important because IT is used in almost every job and in daily life. By the end of this course, you will be able to use a computer independently for simple tasks, which will help you in other subjects and prepare you for further study, such as the Level 1 Certificate in IT. The WJEC Entry Level Certificate is recognised by employers and colleges, giving you a solid foundation for your digital future.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Health and safety when using computers: setting up your workstation correctly, taking breaks to avoid eye strain, and keeping cables tidy to prevent trips.
    • →File management: creating, naming, saving, and organising files and folders so you can find your work easily.
    • →Basic word processing: typing text, changing font style and size, making text bold or italic, and inserting pictures.
    • →Using email: composing, sending, and replying to emails, and attaching files correctly.
    • →Internet safety: creating strong passwords, not sharing personal information online, and knowing how to report concerns.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Demonstrate the ability to connect to the internet using a provided device and network.
    • Identify key features of a web browser interface (e.g., address bar, navigation buttons, bookmarks).
    • Perform a basic web search using keywords and evaluate the relevance of search results.
    • Compose and send an email, including attaching a file, using a web-based email service.
    • Explain why it is important to keep personal information private when using the internet.
    • Recognise common online threats such as phishing scams and malware.
    • Identify the hardware and software required to connect a device to the Internet.
    • Demonstrate the ability to navigate web pages using browser features such as tabs, history, and bookmarks.
    • Apply effective search techniques, including keywords and filters, to retrieve accurate information.
    • Use browser-based tools to communicate information online via email, forms, or social media.
    • Explain the importance of safety practices such as secure passwords, firewall usage, and avoiding suspicious links.
    • Evaluate the credibility of online sources to distinguish reliable information from misinformation.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for successfully establishing a wired or wireless internet connection (e.g., correctly entering Wi-Fi password).
    • Expect learners to use browser navigation features (e.g., opening links in new tabs, using history) without prompting.
    • Credit responses that demonstrate awareness of not sharing passwords or personal details on unsecured sites.
    • Look for evidence of checking a website's security indicators (e.g., padlock icon) before entering sensitive information.
    • Award credit for correctly connecting to a Wi-Fi network and troubleshooting basic connectivity issues.
    • Expect learners to demonstrate opening, closing, and switching between multiple tabs, and using forward/back navigation.
    • Marks for using search operators (e.g., quotation marks, minus sign) to refine results and citing sources.
    • Evidence of sending an email with a relevant subject line and attachment, or submitting a completed online form.
    • Credit for identifying secure websites (HTTPS, padlock icon) and explaining consequences of weak passwords.
    • Award credit for successfully connecting to the internet and launching a web browser independently.
    • Award credit for demonstrating accurate use of browser navigation tools (e.g., back, forward, home, refresh) and the address bar to visit specified websites.
    • Award credit for performing a simple search using a recognized search engine and identifying a relevant result from the list.
    • Award credit for composing and sending a basic email or online message with a clear subject and appropriate content, demonstrating communication skills.
    • Award credit for explaining or identifying at least two key safety rules, such as not sharing personal information or recognising a secure website (padlock icon).
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to connect to a Wi-Fi network by selecting the correct network name and entering a provided password accurately.
    • Evidence must show the use of browser navigation controls (back, forward, refresh, home) and the ability to type a URL directly into the address bar.
    • Assessors should look for the candidate performing a keyword search using a search engine and then selecting a relevant link from the results page.
    • For online communication, credit is given for composing and sending a simple email or completing and submitting a web-based form accurately.
    • Safety and security practices must be evidenced, such as explaining the importance of logging out of accounts and recognising the padlock symbol for secure websites.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to successfully connect to a Wi-Fi or wired internet connection and verify connectivity (e.g., by loading a known webpage).
    • Award credit for accurately using browser features such as address bar, back/forward buttons, tabs, and bookmarks to navigate between web pages.
    • Award credit for performing a search using a recognised search engine, including typing keywords into the search bar and identifying relevant results from the list.
    • Award credit for communicating information online via email or a simple web form, including entering a recipient address, subject line, and message body.
    • Award credit for explaining or demonstrating safe practices such as identifying a secure website (padlock symbol, https://), recognising suspicious links, and knowing not to share personal details unnecessarily.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to successfully connect to a Wi-Fi network by selecting the correct network and entering a password when prompted.
    • Award credit for using a web browser to access a specific URL, navigate between pages using hyperlinks, and use back/forward buttons.
    • Award credit for performing a simple keyword search using a search engine and selecting a relevant result from the list.
    • Award credit for composing and sending a basic email, including entering a recipient's address, a subject line, and a message body.
    • Award credit for describing or identifying a basic safety practice, such as not sharing passwords, recognising a secure website (padlock), or avoiding clicking on suspicious links.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Practice common tasks repeatedly, such as bookmarking a page and clearing browsing history, to build confidence before assessment.
    • 💡Read scenario-based safety questions carefully – consider what information is being asked for and who might see it.
    • 💡When demonstrating online communication, always check that attachments are correctly uploaded and that the recipient's email address is accurate before sending.
    • 💡Always provide annotated screenshots as evidence, clearly showing the steps taken to complete tasks.
    • 💡Practice using different browsers to become comfortable with varied interfaces and shortcut keys.
    • 💡When searching, document the search terms used to show the process of refining queries.
    • 💡In communication tasks, adopt a professional tone with clear subject lines and proofread content.
    • 💡Before submitting, verify all safety and security requirements have been met and evidenced in your work.
    • 💡During practical assessments, narrate your actions clearly: explain each step as you connect, open a browser, or perform a search.
    • 💡Before submitting online communication (e.g., an email), double-check the recipient address and content to avoid errors.
    • 💡For safety questions, memorise the basic rules using simple phrases like 'Stop, Think, Click' to structure your answers.
    • 💡Practice navigating to known websites and using bookmarks to save time during timed assessments.
    • 💡Always provide annotated screenshots as evidence for every step—connection, navigation, search, communication, and safety checks—to clearly demonstrate your understanding.
    • 💡When demonstrating safety practices, verbally or in writing explain why each action is important (e.g., why you log out or why you check for HTTPS).
    • 💡Practice using different browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox) so you are comfortable with any software provided during an assessment.
    • 💡In the communication task, double-check your message or form entries for accuracy before submitting, as this is an assessable workplace skill.
    • 💡Always demonstrate a logical sequence: connect to the internet, open the browser, then navigate or search as required by the task.
    • 💡When searching, use specific keywords and quoted phrases to narrow results; explain why this is more efficient.
    • 💡For communication tasks, double-check recipient details and proofread the message—assessors look for accuracy and professionalism.
    • 💡Be ready to describe at least two safety practices (e.g., using strong passwords, avoiding public Wi-Fi for banking) and why they matter.
    • 💡If completing a practical assessment, use bookmarks and history functions to show efficient navigation, as this demonstrates effective browser use.
    • 💡Always take screenshots to evidence each step of your tasks, from connecting to the internet to sending an email.
    • 💡Practice using different browsers (e.g., Edge, Chrome) to become comfortable with common navigation features.
    • 💡When searching, use specific keywords and check the URL before clicking to ensure you are on a legitimate site.
    • 💡Before submitting work, double-check that each required safety practice is clearly demonstrated and explained in your evidence.
    • 💡Read each task carefully before you start. The instructions will tell you exactly what to do, such as 'change the font to Arial, size 14' or 'save the file as 'MyWork'. Follow them step by step to avoid missing marks.
    • 💡Practise using the software you will be tested on (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, or a web browser). The more familiar you are with where buttons are and how menus work, the faster and more accurately you will complete tasks.
    • 💡Check your work before submitting. Make sure files are saved with the correct name and in the right folder. If you are asked to email a file, double-check that the attachment is included and the recipient's address is correct.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing the browser's address bar with a search engine (typing URLs into a search box).
    • Assuming that all websites are trustworthy or that a secure connection (https) guarantees a site is safe.
    • Failing to log out of public or shared devices after accessing personal accounts.
    • Confusing the browser address bar with the search box, leading to inefficient navigation.
    • Neglecting to evaluate the credibility of search results, accepting unverified information.
    • Forgetting to log out of accounts on shared or public devices, compromising security.
    • Using simple, repeated passwords across multiple sites without enabling two-factor authentication.
    • Downloading files from untrusted sources without virus scanning, risking malware infections.
    • Typing search terms directly into the browser's address bar instead of using the search box on a search engine page.
    • Clicking on sponsored or advertisement links rather than organic search results, leading to irrelevant or unsafe sites.
    • Forgetting to check for the padlock symbol or 'https' in the address bar when entering personal information online.
    • Using the same simple password for multiple accounts or sharing passwords with friends.
    • Confusing the browser address bar with the search bar, leading to typing URLs in the wrong field or searching for website names.
    • Clicking on sponsored advertisement links instead of organic search results, resulting in accessing unintended websites.
    • Forgetting to log out of personal accounts after a session, especially on shared or public computers.
    • Using easily guessable passwords like 'password123' or personal dates of birth, undermining account security.
    • Oversharing personal information on public forums or social media without understanding privacy settings.
    • Confusing the browser software with the search engine—e.g., typing a URL into a search box instead of the address bar.
    • Using overly broad or irrelevant search terms, leading to inefficient or unhelpful results.
    • Clicking on ‘sponsored’ or paid advertisements without realising they are not organic search results.
    • Overlooking security indicators such as the padlock icon or HTTPS before entering sensitive information on a website.
    • Forgetting to log out of email or other accounts on shared or public computers, compromising personal security.
    • Typing a web address into a search engine instead of the browser's address bar, leading to unintended search results.
    • Clicking on sponsored adverts rather than organic search results, potentially landing on misleading or unsafe websites.
    • Forgetting to log out of an online account after use, especially on shared or public devices.
    • Using the same password across multiple services or choosing overly simple passwords like '123456'.
    • Confusing the concepts of downloading and uploading when attaching files to emails.
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work because the computer does it automatically.' Correction: Many programs do not auto-save, or auto-save may not capture all changes. Always save your work regularly using Ctrl+S or the Save icon to avoid losing it.
    • Misconception: 'If an email looks real, it must be safe to open.' Correction: Phishing emails can look identical to real ones. Always check the sender's email address, look for spelling mistakes, and never click on links or download attachments from unknown senders.
    • Misconception: 'A strong password is just a long word.' Correction: Strong passwords use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using dictionary words, your name, or birthdate.

    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 qualification, but basic literacy and numeracy skills at Entry 1 level are helpful.
    • •Familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard (e.g., clicking, double-clicking, typing) will make the course easier.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Internet connectivity
    • Web navigation
    • Online communication
    • Internet safety and security
    • Establishing internet connections
    • Browser navigation and bookmarking
    • Effective web search strategies
    • Online communication methods
    • Cybersecurity essentials
    • Evaluating digital content
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.
    • Connect to the Internet., Use browser software to navigate web pages and search for information from the internet., Use browser software to communicate information online., Follow and understand the need for safety and security practices when working online.

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