This unit standard is intended for people who need to use electronic mail to send and receive messages 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.
Operate a personal computer system.
Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment
Unit standard range
This standard is applicable to any messaging application program that allows the assessment of the specific outcomes of the standard
Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria
Specific Outcome 1: Understand the concepts and terms of electronic messaging.
Assessment Criteria
The structure of an email address is explained using an example
Aspects of Network Etiquette are described. Aspects: content, subject line, privacy, confidentiality, viruses
The benefits of using Email are explained. May include but is not limited to – speed, cost, time, time zones, portability
The limitations of using the Internet are explained. May include but is not limited to – viruses, security, inappropriate use of Email, attachments
Specific Outcome 2: Create and send an E-mail message.
Assessment Criteria
The electronic mail application is opened
The message is addressed to the required recipients. Single and multiple recipients; addressee and CC
The message header (subject) is consistent with the message purpose, and target audience.
The message is checked for spelling mistakes prior to sending
Text is manipulated. Manipulation: copied, moved, deleted. Copy and move to be demonstrated within and Email message and between E-mail messages
A file is attached to the email message
An attachment is deleted from an E-mail message
The message conforms to organisation standards for E-mail
A connection is established with an Internet Service Provider
The E-mail is sent and received by the intended recipients
Application Help functions are used
The electronic mail application program is closed
Specific Outcome 3: Receive and respond to e-mails.
E-mail messages are received
The senders of the incoming mail are recognised
The contents of incoming E-mails are displayed. Message, attached files
Attached files are saved
Incoming mail is highlighted. Flagged for future follow-up, marked as read / unread
Response to incoming mail is initiated. Reply to sender, reply to all, forward; inclusive and exclusive of the original message.
Precautions are observed when receiving mail. Includes but is not limited to – viruses, discussion lists, spam
Specific Outcome 4: Print an E-mail message
An E-mail is printed to the default printer. A whole E-mail, specific text within an E-mail message
Specific Outcome 5: Work with multiple E-mail messages
A number of E-mail messages are opened. Minimum 3 E-mail messages
Control is switched between the open E-mail messages
Text is manipulated between active E-mail messages. Minimum of 2 active E-mail messages; type of manipulation: move, copy
Text is copied to an E-mail message from another source. Any source other than an E-mail source
Text is deleted from an E-mail message
An E-mail message is deleted: Sent to an archive facility and deleted completely
Specific Outcome 6: Adjust settings to customise the view and preferences of the application
Toolbar menus are switched off and on
The current view headings are changed
Additional columns are added or deleted from the current view
Unit Standard Essential Embedded Knowledge
Proficient in relevant application packages.
Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
Performance of all elements complies with the laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.
Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).
Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO)
Unit Standard CCFO Identifying Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made
Unit Standard CCFO Organising: Organise and manage oneself and one’s activities responsibly and effectively
Unit Standard CCFO Collecting: Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information
Unit standard CCFO Communicating: Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with the subject
Unit Standard CCFO Science: Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others