Unit Standard 117925 Learner Guide

117925 LG Concepts of ICT (Repaired)

Download the Learner guide in the course materials

UNIT STANDARD 117925

Unit Standard Title

Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner

NQF Level

2

Credits

3

Purpose Of The Unit Standard

This unit standard is intended for people who need a fundamental understanding of the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career in the ICT industry.

The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area.

Learning assumed to be in place

The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person has the prior knowledge and skills to:  Read, write, communicate and comprehend at least at GET level.

Unit Standard Range

Any Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating system.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria

Specific Outcome 1: Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies. 

Assessment Criteria

1. Types of computers are described in terms of their size, application, and relation to other types of computers.
2. Types – at least five of: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers(thin clients), laptop computers, multimedia computers, personal digital assistants (PDA).
3. The components of a personal computer and the role that the component plays in the system as a whole is described: Input, output, storage, peripherals, ROM, Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB).
4. The factors that impact on a computer`s performance are identified and the impact is described:: CPU, RAM, Hard disk, Cache, number of programs running
5. Describe the hardware components of a personal computer

Specific Outcome 2: Describe the hardware components of a personal computer

Assessment Criteria 

1. The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is described in terms of its purpose and functions
2. The Memory of a personal computer is defined in terms of memory size, the types of memory and their purpose: At least two of: Memory types: RAM, ROM, ROM-BIOS, Video memory
3. Input devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and functions: At least six of: Mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touchpad, light pen, scanner, joystick, digital camera
4. Output devices are identified and described in terms of the variety, their purpose and functions: at least four of: Monitors (Visual Display Units (VDU)), printers, plotters, speakers, speech synthesisers, microfilm (microfiche).
5. Input/output devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and function: Touchscreen, modem
6. Storage devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose, capacity and functioning: At least three of: Floppy/stiffy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape streamers, CD-ROM, ZIP drives and cartridges

Specific Outcome 3: Describe software for personal computers

Assessment Criteria 

1. The types of software are described in terms of purpose: Operating system software, applications software
2. operating system software is defined in terms of its function: Including but not limited to: Interface to hardware, interface between application software, interface to printing
3. Applications software is defined and examples of applications software and the specific application for each is described: At least 3 of: word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, desktop publishing, multimedia applications, internet applications

Specific Outcome 4: Describe information networks in relation to ICT

Assessment Criteria 

1. The term “data communication” is defined and the different forms of data communication are identified
2. The advantages of networking computers are explained
3. The terms LAN and WAN are explained in terms of their scope and usage

Specific Outcome 5: Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations

Assessment Criteria 

1. The purpose of ergonomic principles is explained
2. The impact of environment conditions relating to ergonomics of computer workstations is explained: At least two of the following: environmental conditions: lighting, ventilation, VDU positioning, VDU glare, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse), breaks away from the computer.

Specific Outcome 6: Explain health and safety when working with computers

Assessment Criteria 

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the legislation related to health and safety in the ICT environment
2. Common injuries related to incorrect ergonomics when working with computers are explained: At least two of the following: back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), eye strain
3. Common precautions to ensure a safe working environment with computer are explained: At least two of the following: trailing power leads and/or cables, insecure power leads, worn or frayed power leads, overloaded power points
4. Common practices to minimise the effect of working practices on the environment are explained: At least two of the following: recycling paper, recycling ink/toner cartridges, redundant peripheral devices, low power options on devices, use of “standby” or “sleep” modes for devices, digital formats for communication and storage of documents

Specific Outcome 7: Use a computer workstation taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account

Assessment Criteria 

1. The computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles into account: At least two of the following: lighting, VDU position, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
2. The computer workstation is set up taking health and safety issues into account: Power leads, cables, power points

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO)

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding the impact of using a computer in an unsafe manner.
• Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by ensuring that the correct ergonomic structures are in place before using a computer
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using a computer in a safe and secure manner