This Unit is assessed by a two and a half hour computer based examination in June 2005.
Pre-release material will be available before the examination and questions will relate to it.

Different applications have different tools and facilities. You need to learn what needs are met by these kinds of application software and when and how to use their different features. You must be able to carry out the listed activities for each of the following applications:

The Internet.

Communication, searching and selection of information using the internet:

• use e-mail for communication between individuals and groups
• understand and apply the main search principles of internet search engines e.g. string searches, multiple criteria searches
• understand and apply the main features of browser software e.g. forward and back buttons, book marking and organising favourites
• navigate purposefully large websites e.g. locate a specific information resource in a given site.
  

Word Processing.

Presentation of information using word processing, publications and presentation software:

• enter, cut, copy, paste and move text
• format text e.g. justify, change font
• incorporate clip art/graphic images and tables
• make use of document formatting features e.g. headers, footers, bullet points
• use word wrapping facilities around images/objects
• use mail-merge facilities e.g. merging database data into a document.

Databases.

Organisation and analysis of structured information using database software:

• prepare database structure and validation rules for different data types e.g. text, currency, date
• enter data including use of data entry forms
• establish a relationship between fields in two tables
• search and sort including use of related tables
• produce reports showing the results of searches and sorts.

Spreadsheets.

Organisation and analysis of numerical information using spreadsheet software:

• enter a range of data e.g. text, number
• format cells to match data types
• cut, copy, paste and move data between cells, rows and columns
• insert and delete rows and columns
• enter and replicate formulas
• use simple functions e.g. SUM, AVERAGE
• produce charts with labels e.g. axis titles, legends
• use relative and absolute cell references
• print selected areas.
  

Presentations.

Organisation and presentation of information using multimedia software:

• establish structure and navigation route through the presentation
• create and/or find the separate components of the presentation eg text files, images, sound files
• produce the individual frames/layers/backgrounds/slides
• combine the separate components to create a final presentation
• edit the separate components and the final presentation.

Having developed skills in a variety of applications, you must explore how and why the
different applications can be used in different organisations.

You need to understand that some organisations also use specific applications that:

• capture, manipulate and enhance graphic images
• automate and control processes including CAD/CAM
• monitor and record physical and environmental data for analysis and interpretation.
  
  

Developing business documents.

Organisations use a variety of documents to communicate with different audiences and pass on
different types of information. You must look at a range of document layouts eg memos, letters,
faxes, web pages, magazine layouts, interactive presentations, data capture forms, financial
plans and database reports.
You must understand that to communicate effectively documents must be carefully planned and
the following factors considered:

• purpose of the document
• target audience
• writing style and tone
• presentation style e.g. use of colour and images
• layout e.g. booklet, poster, website with frames
• accuracy, clarity and consistency e.g. error correction and use of house style.
  

It is important to remember that all these factors have an impact on the final design.
Having looked at a range of business documents, you should be able to use what you have learned when you are producing your own documents.
Your documents must:

• meet their intended purpose
• be appropriate for their target audience
• take into account any other design considerations.

File management and standard ways of working.

There are many reasons for having standard ways of working in ICT. The most important is that
information in ICT systems can be easily lost or misused, and that having standard ways of working can help you to overcome these problems.
In your work with ICT, you must ensure that you:

• keep information secure e.g. from theft, loss, viruses, fire
• protect confidentiality e.g. prevent unauthorised access to documents or records
• respect copyright e.g. not using the work of others without permission
• save work regularly and use different filenames
• keep dated back-up copies of files in another location
• manage your work effectively e.g. use appropriate filenames and locations
• work safely e.g. use the correct position for the monitor and chair, avoid trailing cables, take regular breaks
• take account of relevant legislation and codes of practice.