Communicating with ICT — English Speaking Board (International) Ltd Other Life Skills Qualification Foundations for Learning Revision

    This subtopic introduces learners to fundamental digital literacy for employability, focusing on using ICT tools for communication and basic online researc

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic introduces learners to fundamental digital literacy for employability, focusing on using ICT tools for communication and basic online research. Learners will explore how to access and operate devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers to send messages and search for information. Practical applications include composing a simple email, using a messaging app, and performing a keyword search to find relevant data.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Communicating with ICT

    ENGLISH SPEAKING BOARD (INTERNATIONAL) LTD
    vocational

    This subtopic introduces learners to fundamental digital literacy for employability, focusing on using ICT tools for communication and basic online research. Learners will explore how to access and operate devices such as smartphones, tablets, or computers to send messages and search for information. Practical applications include composing a simple email, using a messaging app, and performing a keyword search to find relevant data.

    3
    Learning Outcomes
    11
    Assessment Guidance
    12
    Key Skills
    3
    Key Terms
    11
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    ESB Entry Level Award in Inspiring Confidence in Employability (Entry 1)
    ESB Entry Level Award in Inspiring Confidence in Employability (Entry 2)
    ESB Entry Level Award in Inspiring Confidence in Employability (Entry 3)

    Topic Overview

    The ESB Entry Level Award in Inspiring Confidence in Employability (Entry 1) is a fantastic starting point for any student looking to build fundamental skills for life and work. This qualification focuses on developing your self-awareness, boosting your confidence, and equipping you with basic communication tools essential for any future role, whether in further education, training, or employment. At Entry 1, the emphasis is on foundational understanding and practical application of these skills in a supportive environment, helping you to recognise your own abilities and potential.

    This award is crucial because it lays the groundwork for personal growth and future success. It's not just about 'getting a job'; it's about understanding who you are, what you're good at, and how to present yourself positively. You'll learn how to communicate clearly, listen effectively, and begin to think about your aspirations, no matter how small. These are 'transferable skills' – meaning they are valuable in every aspect of your life, from interacting with friends and family to participating in a classroom or a future workplace.

    Fitting into the wider subject of 'Foundations for Learning' and 'Life Skills', this qualification acts as a vital stepping stone. It prepares you for more advanced employability awards by building a strong personal foundation. By successfully completing Entry 1, you demonstrate a basic understanding of personal responsibility, effective interaction, and a willingness to engage with the world of work. It helps bridge the gap between school and the next stage of your journey, providing you with the confidence to take on new challenges and explore different opportunities.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Self-Awareness: Understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, interests, and how these relate to potential roles or tasks.
    • →Basic Communication Skills: The ability to speak clearly, listen actively, and respond appropriately in simple conversations and interactions.
    • →Personal Presentation: Learning how to present yourself positively through appearance, body language, and a confident demeanour.
    • →Goal Setting: Identifying simple, achievable personal and employability goals, and understanding the basic steps to work towards them.
    • →Understanding Work: Recognising different types of jobs, the importance of work, and the basic expectations of a workplace.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Be able to use ICT as a means of communication, Be able to access a range of devices to research information
    • 1. Be able to use ICT as a means of communication2. Be able to access a range of devices to research information
    • 1. Be able to use ICT as a means of communication2. Be able to access a range of devices to research information

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to power on a device and navigate to a specified communication application.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to compose and send a short, coherent message to a provided contact.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to open a web browser and enter given search terms to retrieve information.
    • Award credit for demonstrating awareness of basic online safety, such as identifying appropriate information to share.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to compose and send a simple email or message, including a subject line and clear content.
    • Evidence of using a search engine or appropriate app to locate specific information (e.g., finding a business phone number or job description).
    • Recognition of the need to keep personal information safe and the ability to identify trusted sources or contacts.
    • Award credit for demonstrating the ability to log into a personal email account and compose a message with a clear subject line, greeting, and body.
    • Award credit for showing the use of a search engine to find specific information, including the use of keywords and evaluation of results.
    • Award credit for evidencing safe use of ICT, such as avoiding sharing personal data with unverified sources.
    • Award credit for demonstrating appropriate netiquette in digital communications, such as using polite language and avoiding all caps.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Familiarise yourself with the exact device and software to be used in the assessment beforehand.
    • 💡Follow a deliberate, step-by-step process to minimise errors and demonstrate clear competence.
    • 💡Read all on-screen prompts and verbal instructions twice before acting.
    • 💡Check your message for spelling and clarity before sending, and verify search results are relevant.
    • 💡Always proofread your message for spelling and clarity before sending it to an assessor.
    • 💡When researching, start with simple keywords and look for official-looking websites.
    • 💡Practice using different devices (phone, tablet, laptop) to ensure you can adapt to whatever is provided.
    • 💡Always practice sending test emails to yourself or a tutor to check formatting and clarity before submitting evidence.
    • 💡When researching, take screenshots of your search process and results to evidence your steps and decision-making.
    • 💡Remember to reference any sources you use in your research to demonstrate digital literacy and credibility.
    • 💡Familiarise yourself with a range of devices (tablet, laptop, smartphone) to show adaptability in your assessment.
    • 💡Be Prepared to Share: Examiners want to see you apply what you've learned. Be ready to talk about your own strengths, interests, and simple experiences. Practice explaining things clearly and concisely.
    • 💡Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the examiner's questions and instructions. If you're unsure, it's always okay to ask for clarification. Demonstrating good listening skills is part of effective communication.
    • 💡Show Your Best Self: Think about how you present yourself. This includes speaking clearly, making eye contact (if comfortable), and showing enthusiasm. Your body language and tone of voice are just as important as your words.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Clicking incorrect icons due to similar appearances between communication and other apps.
    • Typing a full website address into a search engine instead of using keywords.
    • Forgetting to press 'send' after composing a message, leaving it in drafts.
    • Accidentally closing the application without saving or sending the work.
    • Using inconsistent capitalisation or misspelling common words when typing messages.
    • Forgetting to check the recipient's contact details before sending a message.
    • Using overly complex search terms that return too many or irrelevant results.
    • Clicking on unfamiliar links or ads without considering online safety.
    • Students often forget to include a subject line in emails, leading to unclear communication.
    • A common error is typing full questions into search engines instead of using precise keywords, resulting in irrelevant results.
    • Some learners may struggle with distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources online, accepting information without verification.
    • Many learners neglect to check their spelling and grammar in ICT communications, reducing professionalism.
    • Misconception: 'This award is only for people who want to get a job right away.' Correction: While it builds employability skills, Entry 1 is primarily about personal development, confidence building, and understanding basic life skills that are useful in any context, not just immediate job searching.
    • Misconception: 'You need to be naturally confident to do well in this.' Correction: The award is specifically designed to *inspire* confidence. It teaches you strategies and provides opportunities to practice being confident, so it's a journey of development, not a test of existing confidence.
    • Misconception: 'Communication means talking a lot.' Correction: Effective communication at Entry 1 includes listening carefully, asking simple questions, and speaking clearly and concisely. It's about understanding and being understood, not just volume or quantity of speech.

    Revision Plan

    How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks

    1. 1Week 1: Understanding Yourself & Communication Basics. Start by listing 3-5 things you are good at and 1-2 things you'd like to improve. Practice speaking clearly by reading aloud for 5 minutes each day. Engage in active listening by trying to summarise what someone else has said to you.
    2. 2Week 1: Exploring Interests & Simple Goals. Think about activities you enjoy. Can you link any of these to potential simple tasks or jobs? Set one very small, achievable goal for the week (e.g., 'ask a question in class'). Reflect on how you achieved it.
    3. 3Week 2: Presenting Yourself & Workplace Awareness. Practice introducing yourself to a family member or friend, focusing on clear speech and positive body language. Research 2-3 very simple jobs (e.g., shop assistant, dog walker) and identify one task they might do.
    4. 4Week 2: Review & Practice. Go over all the key concepts. Ask a teacher or mentor to do a short, mock assessment with you, focusing on a simple 'tell me about yourself' question or a basic role-play. Get feedback and make any adjustments.

    Exam Question Types

    How this topic typically appears in the exam

    • 📋Oral Presentation/Discussion: You might be asked to 'Tell me about yourself and your interests' or 'Describe something you are good at'. Advice: Practice speaking clearly and concisely about your strengths and hobbies. Keep your answers simple and direct.
    • 📋Simple Role-Play: This could involve a basic interaction, such as greeting someone new, asking for help, or responding to a simple request. Advice: Focus on clear communication, polite language, and appropriate body language for the scenario.
    • 📋Responding to Questions about Personal Skills: Examiners might ask 'What is one thing you would like to get better at?' or 'How do you show you are a good listener?'. Advice: Be honest but positive. Use simple examples from your own experiences to illustrate your points.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic literacy and numeracy skills (equivalent to Entry 1 level).
    • •A willingness to participate in discussions and practical activities.
    • •An understanding of basic social interactions and expectations.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Be able to use ICT as a means of communication, Be able to access a range of devices to research information
    • 1. Be able to use ICT as a means of communication2. Be able to access a range of devices to research information
    • 1. Be able to use ICT as a means of communication2. Be able to access a range of devices to research information

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