Online basics — WJEC-CBAC Vocationally-Related Qualification Digital Skills & IT Revision

    This element introduces learners to fundamental online IT skills, focusing on accessing digital systems to accomplish straightforward tasks. Learners will

    Topic Synopsis

    This element introduces learners to fundamental online IT skills, focusing on accessing digital systems to accomplish straightforward tasks. Learners will develop practical competence in using email software, from composing simple messages to sending them to designated recipients. Mastery of these basics underpins safe and effective participation in today's digitally connected environments, both personally and vocationally.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Online basics

    WJEC-CBAC
    vocational

    This element introduces learners to fundamental online IT skills, focusing on accessing digital systems to accomplish straightforward tasks. Learners will develop practical competence in using email software, from composing simple messages to sending them to designated recipients. Mastery of these basics underpins safe and effective participation in today's digitally connected environments, both personally and vocationally.

    6
    Learning Outcomes
    21
    Assessment Guidance
    24
    Key Skills
    6
    Key Terms
    22
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

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

    Topic Overview

    The WJEC Entry Level Award for IT Users (Entry 1) is a foundational qualification designed to introduce students to the basic concepts and practical skills needed to use information technology effectively. This course covers essential topics such as using a computer, creating simple documents, sending emails, and staying safe online. It is ideal for students who are new to IT or who need to build confidence before progressing to higher levels.

    This qualification is vocationally related, meaning it focuses on real-world applications of IT skills rather than just theory. Students will learn how to perform basic tasks like opening and saving files, using a keyboard and mouse, and navigating the internet. These skills are crucial for everyday life, further study, and many entry-level jobs. The course is assessed through practical tasks and a portfolio of evidence, allowing students to demonstrate their abilities in a hands-on way.

    Mastering Entry 1 IT skills provides a solid foundation for progression to Entry 2 and Entry 3 awards, and eventually to Level 1 qualifications like the WJEC Level 1 Award in IT Users. It also helps students develop digital literacy, which is increasingly important in all areas of life. By the end of the course, students should be able to use a computer independently for simple tasks and understand how to stay safe and responsible online.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Basic computer operations: turning on/off, logging in, using a mouse and keyboard, opening and closing programs.
    • →Creating and saving simple documents: typing text, formatting (bold, italic), and saving files with appropriate names.
    • →Using the internet: opening a web browser, visiting a website, and navigating between pages using links and buttons.
    • →Email basics: composing, sending, and replying to emails, including adding a subject line and recipient address.
    • →Online safety: understanding the importance of keeping passwords private, not sharing personal information, and recognising when to ask for help.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for successfully logging into the online IT system using appropriate credentials (e.g., username and password).
    • Evidence must show navigation to the email application and correct initiation of a new message.
    • Credit is given for accurately entering a valid email address in the recipient field.
    • Assess for inclusion of a clear subject line and a coherent message body, even if brief.
    • Confirm that the learner executes the send command and can verify the message was dispatched (e.g., by checking the sent folder).
    • Award credit for successfully logging into an email account with a provided username and password, or with support.
    • Award credit for composing a simple email that includes a recipient, a subject line, and a clear message in the body.
    • Award credit for using the send function appropriately and confirming that the message was sent (e.g., by checking the Sent folder).
    • Award credit for evidence of logging into a provided IT system using a supplied username and password, then opening a specified application to complete a task.
    • Look for demonstration of entering a simple keyword or phrase into a search engine, and selecting a relevant result to retrieve requested information.
    • Assess the ability to compose a new email, enter a valid recipient address, add a subject line, type a short message, and successfully send the email.
    • Award credit for logging into an online IT system using provided credentials with minimal assistance.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to navigate a simple online system to complete a given task, such as filling in a form.
    • Award credit for composing an email message that includes a valid recipient address, a meaningful subject line, and appropriate body text.
    • Award credit for successfully sending the email and confirming its delivery status.
    • Award credit for successfully logging into a secure online system with provided credentials and navigating to a specified resource or completing a directed task.
    • Credit given for entering appropriate keywords into a search engine and identifying relevant information from the results page, with basic justification for selection.
    • Expect evidence of composing an original email that includes a clear subject line, a formal or appropriate greeting, a coherent message body, and correct recipient address.
    • Marks awarded for attaching a specified file to an email and sending it to the correct address, or for demonstrating how to check and reply to a received message.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to log in to a given online system and complete a specified task, such as viewing a document or completing a simple form.
    • Look for evidence that the learner can use a search engine to enter relevant keywords and select a suitable result, then extract and record one piece of information correctly.
    • Credit should be given for correctly composing an email, including addressing it to a recipient, writing a meaningful subject, and sending it without errors in the body text.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Always double-check the recipient's email address character by character before sending.
    • 💡Use a clear and relevant subject line to help the recipient understand the message's purpose.
    • 💡Practice the full sequence of logging in, composing, and sending multiple times to build confidence and speed.
    • 💡Always double-check the recipient's email address before hitting send to avoid misdirected messages.
    • 💡Use a clear and relevant subject line—assessors look for evidence of understanding professional communication basics.
    • 💡When submitting evidence, include a screenshot of the sent email in the Sent folder to prove successful completion.
    • 💡Always double-check the recipient’s email address before pressing send – one typing error can lose marks.
    • 💡Practice narrowing down search results by using two or three specific words rather than one broad term.
    • 💡If an observation-based assessment, talk through your actions calmly as you perform them to show understanding even if you hesitate.
    • 💡Demonstrate each step clearly and sequentially during the practical assessment to provide evidence of competence.
    • 💡Always proofread the email address and message content before sending to avoid errors that could lose marks.
    • 💡Use simple, clear language in the email body to show understanding of appropriate communication.
    • 💡If using a web-based email system, show the assessor the inbox after sending to prove the message has been dispatched.
    • 💡Always read task instructions carefully to ensure you use the correct online system (e.g., a given learning platform) rather than a personal account.
    • 💡Practice using bookmarks and browser navigation buttons (back, forward, refresh) as assessors may observe efficiency when retrieving information.
    • 💡Before sending any email, double-check the recipient address and use the 'CC' field only when instructed, as unnecessary copying can lose marks for professional practice.
    • 💡Use short, descriptive subject lines that summarize the email’s purpose, such as 'Booking enquiry for 12 March' rather than 'Question'.
    • 💡When searching, show your working – briefly explain why you chose specific keywords or why you trust a particular website, as this demonstrates evaluation skills.
    • 💡Always practice logging in and out of online systems before the assessment, and note any specific steps needed for security, such as entering a CAPTCHA.
    • 💡When searching online, use short, specific keywords and check the website addresses for reliability before opening them.
    • 💡Proofread your email carefully before sending—check the recipient address, subject line, and that any required attachments are included.
    • 💡Tip 1: Read each task carefully before you start. Make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. For example, if the task says 'save the file as 'MyWork'', don't save it with a different name.
    • 💡Tip 2: Practise using the keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C (copy), Ctrl+V (paste), and Ctrl+Z (undo). These can save you time and help you work more efficiently during assessments.
    • 💡Tip 3: For online safety questions, always mention keeping personal information private and telling a trusted adult if something makes you feel uncomfortable. This shows you understand the key principles.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Forgetting to attach a subject line, leaving it blank or using vague words like 'hello'.
    • Typing the recipient's email address incorrectly, leading to delivery failure.
    • Confusing the 'compose' button with other interface elements, such as 'reply' or 'forward'.
    • Accidentally sending the email before completing the message or proofreading.
    • Not recognising the sent folder or assuming the message was sent without confirmation.
    • Students often forget to include a subject line, which can lead to emails being overlooked or flagged as spam.
    • Typing errors in email addresses are frequent, resulting in delivery failures or messages going to unintended recipients.
    • Confusing the Reply and Forward functions, or accidentally replying to all when only a single recipient is intended.
    • Forgetting to sign out of personal accounts on shared devices, leading to security risks.
    • Typing full website addresses directly into a search bar instead of using keywords, often yielding no results.
    • Omitting the email recipient address or misspelling it, causing delivery failure.
    • Forgetting to include the '@' symbol or domain in the recipient address.
    • Typing the entire email address incorrectly due to case sensitivity or spelling errors.
    • Sending an email without a subject line or with a blank message body.
    • Confusing the 'Reply' and 'Reply All' functions, leading to unwanted widespread communication.
    • Not logging out of a shared online system, compromising security.
    • Confusing the browser address bar with a search engine by typing full URLs incorrectly or entering search terms directly without using a search box.
    • Forgetting to include a subject line or using overly vague subjects like 'Hi' or 'Hello', which can cause emails to be overlooked or marked as spam.
    • Not proofreading messages before sending, leading to spelling errors, incomplete information, or unintended tone.
    • Failing to log out of shared or public systems, potentially compromising personal data and privacy.
    • Assuming the first search result is always the most reliable without checking the source or date of the information.
    • Typing full website addresses incorrectly into a search engine instead of using the address bar or a bookmark.
    • Using vague or overly long search terms, and not being able to identify the most relevant result from a list.
    • Forgetting to add a subject line or attaching files when required, and confusing the 'To', 'Cc', and 'Bcc' fields when sending emails.
    • Misconception: 'I don't need to save my work because the computer will do it automatically.' Correction: Many programs do not auto-save, and you can lose your work if you don't save it manually. Always save your work regularly using the Save button or Ctrl+S.
    • Misconception: 'If I delete a file, it's gone forever.' Correction: Deleted files usually go to the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac), where they can be restored. However, emptying the bin permanently deletes them, so be careful.
    • Misconception: 'I can use any password and it will be safe.' Correction: Weak passwords like 'password123' are easy to guess. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and never share your password with anyone.

    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 1 qualification. However, students should be able to follow simple instructions and have basic literacy and numeracy skills to read on-screen text and enter data.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Use email software tools to compose and send messaes.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.
    • Use an online IT system to meet needs., Search for and use internet-based information., Use email software tools and techniques to compose and send messages.

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