What is ICT?

Key skills ICT deals with the application of ICT to specific purposes. It is not just about using software packages or using operating systems, neither is it concerned only with keyboarding skills and students ability to copy-type or follow instructions. Rather, key skills ICT is about how students use their knowledge about ICT to find, develop and present information, whether it be text, image or numbers, or all of these in an integrated task.

In ICT, progression means that students need to be able to use ICT software packages in more sophisticated ways as they move up through the levels.

• At Level 1 students need to be able to:
  • use the basic commands within software packages
  • handle simple information
  • achieve straightforward tasks, eg writing a letter, finding the total cost of an order, working safely etc.
• At Level 2 students need to be able to:
  • select from a range of packages and commands in an appropriate way
  • complete a more demanding task, eg carrying out effective searches, writing a report for their course, investigating the impact of varying the rates of inflation etc.
• By Level 3 students should be 'driving' the software themselves. They will be able to:
  • plan their way through longer-term tasks
  • select and apply appropriate software
  • use that software in non-routine ways
  • Tasks might include a research project for their course (eg preparation of a major piece of AS level, A-level or AVCE coursework), the use of a database in a data management task, or the use of a spreadsheet to develop and monitor a personal fitness plan etc.

   

  View specifications and guidance (PDF on QCA website - see pages 65-82 for ICT)

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Back to ICT

Summary of this section

• Why teach ICT?
  
• What needs to be covered?
  
• How do I teach key skills ICT?
  
• How do I monitor student progress?