Using Control Settings on a Digital Device
This subtopic focuses on the foundational digital literacy skills of adjusting sound levels, modifying display settings, and managing power functions on common digital devices such as tablets, smartphones, or laptops. Learners will develop competence in using physical buttons, touchscreen menus, and accessibility features to customise their device for personal comfort and effective use in daily activities.
Assessment criteria
Topic Overview
The Open Awards Entry Level Extended Certificate in Skills for Further Learning and Employment (Entry 1) (RQF) is a foundational qualification designed to help you develop essential skills for life, learning, and work. This course covers key areas such as communication, numeracy, digital skills, and personal development, all at a very basic level. It is ideal if you are starting your learning journey or need extra support to build confidence and independence.
This qualification is part of the Foundations for Learning suite, which focuses on preparing you for further study or employment. You will learn through practical activities and real-life contexts, such as following instructions, handling money, using a computer, and working with others. The course is structured into small, manageable units that allow you to progress at your own pace.
Mastering these skills is crucial because they form the building blocks for more advanced learning. Whether you aim to move on to Entry Level 2 or 3 qualifications, or eventually into employment, this certificate gives you a solid start. It also helps you become more independent in daily life, from managing your time to communicating your needs effectively.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Communication: Understanding and using simple words, phrases, and sentences to express yourself and follow basic instructions.
- →Numeracy: Recognising numbers, counting, and performing simple calculations like addition and subtraction with small amounts.
- →Digital Skills: Using basic computer functions, such as turning on a device, opening a program, and typing simple text.
- →Personal Development: Building confidence, setting simple goals, and working cooperatively with others in a group.
- →Problem-Solving: Identifying simple problems and trying basic solutions, such as asking for help or using a checklist.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Award credit for accurately adjusting volume using hardware controls or on-screen sliders, ensuring sound is at an appropriate level for the task.
- Award credit for successfully altering visual settings such as brightness, text size, or screen rotation, demonstrating awareness of personal accessibility needs.
- Award credit for consistently performing power-on, sleep/wake, and shutdown procedures correctly, including recognising low battery warnings and charging safely.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡In practical assessments, narrate each step as you perform it to evidence your understanding of the control changes you are making.
- 💡When controlling visuals, always relate adjustments to an explicit need (e.g., 'I need larger text to read this clearly') to demonstrate purposeful use.
- 💡For power functions, check the device status before and after charging to show awareness of battery level indicators and safe charging practices.
- 💡Tip 1: Practise following instructions carefully. Many tasks in the assessment require you to listen or read and then do exactly what is asked. Take your time and ask for clarification if needed.
- 💡Tip 2: Use real-life examples in your work. For instance, when learning about money, think about buying something from a shop. This shows you can apply skills to everyday situations, which examiners love.
- 💡Tip 3: Keep a portfolio of your work. Even at Entry 1, collecting evidence like worksheets, photos, or witness statements can help you remember what you've learned and demonstrate your progress.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing volume buttons with power or mute controls, leading to accidental shut-downs or silent mode activation.
- Misinterpreting common icons (e.g., sun for brightness, speaker for volume) and therefore changing the wrong setting.
- Shutting down the device by holding the power button incorrectly or disconnecting power abruptly, rather than using the proper software shutdown process.
- Misconception: 'This qualification is too easy and won't help me get a job.' Correction: While it is entry-level, it provides essential skills that employers value, like reliability, following instructions, and basic communication. It also builds a foundation for higher-level qualifications.
- Misconception: 'I don't need to learn digital skills because I use my phone every day.' Correction: Using a phone is different from using a computer for work or study. This course teaches you basic computer literacy, which is often required in many jobs and further education courses.
- Misconception: 'I can skip the personal development units because they're not academic.' Correction: Personal development is key to success in any area. It helps you manage your emotions, work in a team, and stay motivated—skills that are just as important as academic knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OPEN AWARDS Using Control Settings on a Digital Device
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •No formal prerequisites are required for this qualification, but it is helpful if you have some basic experience of following simple instructions and working with others. If you have completed any pre-entry level learning, that will also be beneficial.
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Be able to control the sound on a digital deviceBe able to control the visuals on a digital deviceBe able to control the power functions on my device
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