Unit Aim
The aim of this unit is to provide Learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills to use a computer to create and edit a range of files and access the internet.
Unit Content
LO1 Understand the creation and storage of files for a variety of purposes
Usage of different programs commonly used in the ofÏce environment
- Word processing tools: word processing, creating and editing documents, inserting and formatting text, use templates to create documents, review documents, mail merge
- Spreadsheet tools: organising and analysing data, performing calculations, creating graphs and charts, pivot tables, data entry, finical modelling presentation creation programs: designing presentations for a range of uses, speaker notes and timings
- Email and communication tools: emails, calendars, managing contacts, task management, to-do lists, communication, collaborating on documents, organising activities
- Online storage tools: storing and accessing files, sharing files, collaborating on files in real- time, backing up documents
- Video conferencing tools: online meetings, sharing files, communication, messaging, calendar integration
The importance of appropriate usage of text font and size: readability, visual hierarchy, emphasis and tone, accessibility, and professionalism.
Meaning of data storage terminology
- Bit (b): the smallest unit of data in computing, representing a binary value of 0 or 1
- Byte (B): a unit of digital information that consists of 8 bits
- Kilobyte (KB) (1,024 bytes)
- Megabyte (MB) (1,024 kilobytes or 1,048,576 bytes)
- Gigabyte (GB) (1,024 megabytes or 1,073,741,824 bytes)
- Terabyte (TB) (1,024 gigabytes or 1,099,511,627,776 bytes)
- Petabyte (PB) (1,024 terabytes or 1,125,899,906,842,624 bytes
How to access files in various locations
- Local storage: files stored directly on a device's internal storage or connected external storage devices
- External storage: files stored on USB flash drives, external hard drives, or memory cards
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS): dedicated storage device connected to a network, allowing multiple users to access files
- Cloud Storage: files stored on remote servers accessed via the internet
- Email attachments: files sent or received as attachments in emails
- Shared network folders: folders shared by other computers on the same network
- Permissions
- Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Types of files an individual may be required to access
- Document files: word processing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDFs
- Media files: images, videos, audio
- Archives and compressed files: Zip, Rar, 7-zip, Tar
- Program files: source code, markup languages, executable files
- Configuration and setÝng file: configuration files, preference files, database connection files
- System files: operating system files, system configuration files
- Web files: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Server-side script
- Backup files: system back up, data backups
- Text files
- Log files
- Font files
- Presentation templates
Where personal data could be stored by devices: internal storage, external storage, cloud storage, email and messaging services, social media accounts, web browsing (history, cookies, form data), applications, system files, operating files, location-based services, backup services.
LO2 Be able to create, edit and save documents
Creating a table or chart digitally: opening the program (finding the program), creating a new document (blank document), inserting a table (using the ribbon, using the insert table dialogue box), populating the table, customise the table, insert a chart (insert tab, chart, type of chart, adding data to the table, customise appearance).
Demonstrating the editing and formatting of text: typing, selecting the text, copying and pasting, cutÝng, undoing and redoing, finding and replacing, changing the font, changing text size, bold, italics, underline, alignment, bullets and numbering, line spacing, text effects and styles, clear formatÝng, borders and shading, tab and indents, styles, columns, watermark, spellcheck.
Demonstrating appropriate formatting of graphics: including positioning, sizing, and borders: using alignment options, avoiding overlaps unless intentional, grouping, layering, proportional scaling, fit to page, crop and trim, and adding borders.
Creating a digital presentation: open the presentation creation program (finding the program), start a new presentation, choose a design theme, add slides (choose the layout of the slide), enter text, enhance with visual elements, format text and images, add transition and aminations (if appropriate), review, present slides.
Creating a folder with an appropriate name: reflects the purpose of contents, select locations, create a new folder, clarity of name, conciseness of name, relevance of name, ease of access, and file paths.
Permanently deleting a file or folder: selecting a file or folder, deleting a file or folder, bypassing the recycle bin, or emptying the recycle bin.
Saving a document in an appropriate location and with an appropriate name: choosing a location (consider content, accessibility, consistency), naming the document (descriptive, keywords, dates, clarity, versioning), unusable characters, save or save as, choosing file format.
Saving an image, a sound and a video
- images: right clicking to save, download from the internet, screenshot or capture
- sound: downloading from a website, recording software, extracting media files
- video: download from a website, screen recording, video downloader tools
Using an appropriate program to edit and enhance an image
- Basic editing: Microsoft Paint, Preview
- Intermediate editing: GIMP, Paint.NET
- Advanced editing: adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom
- Specialised editing: Pixlr, CorelDRAW graphics suites
Moving a file or folder to a new location: open file explorer, select file or folder, cut or copy, navigate to new location, paste in location, drag and drop, confirming the move.
Locating a file or folder: Windows (file explore, search), mac (finder, spotlight search), search by name, search by extension, check recent items, organise folders, file paths.
LO3 Understand terminology used to describe and in editing audio, visual and video files
Digital programs used to edit an image
- Basic editing: Microsoft Paint, Preview
- Intermediate editing: GIMP, Paint.NET
- Advanced editing: adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom
- Specialised editing: Pixlr, CorelDRAW graphics suites
Digital programs used to edit a video
- Basic to intermediate: Windows photo app, iMovie, shotcut, DaVinci resolve
- Advanced editing: Adobe Premiere Pro, final cut pro X, Avid media composer, Sony Vegas pro
- Specialised editing: Adobe After Effects, Camtasia, blender
Digital programs used to edit an audio
- Basic to intermediate editing: Audacity, GarageBand, Ocenaudio, WavePad
- Advanced editing: Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, Cubase, Logic Pro X
- Specialised editing~: FL Studio, Reaper, Ableton Live
LO4 Be able to create and edit digital media
Adding text to a digital image: select the appropriate program, add text to images, formatÝng text.
Creating and saving a screenshot: snipping tools, snip and sketch, print screen button, screenshots on a macOS, editing the image, saving the image.
Cropping a picture: selecting appropriate software, selecting the crop tool, using the crop tool, saving changes, maintaining aspect ratio, riles of thirds, experimenting.
Adjusting the contrast on an image: select a program, adjust the layer, adjust contrast, avoid overcorrection, check the histogram, and make selective adjustments.
LO5 Understand how to use the internet in a safe and secure way
How to verify the accuracy of information found online:
- Check sources: authoritative websites, domain authority, about us pages
- Cross-reference multiple sources: fact-checking websites, corroborate information
- Evaluate content: date and currency, bias and objectivity, supporting evidence
- Consult experts
- Critical thinking: question assumptions, verify images and videos
- Consider contents
- Check for satire
- Seek peer reviews
- Trust instincts
How the order of search results can be misleading: algorithms, search engine optimisation, paid advertising, content quality and verification, limited visibility, and confirmation bias.
Uses of an online form: contact forms, registration forms, sign up forms, order and purchasing forms, feedback and surveys, subscriptions, complaints forms, applications, testimonials.
Methods to make a payment online: credit cards, debit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, prepaid cards, mobile carrier billing, money transfer services, and electronic checks.
How to ensure the best price on an item or service: set a budget, compare prices, read reviews, look for discounts, consider additional costs, factor in values, time the purchase, and ensure reputable source.
LO6 Be able to safely access the internet
Connecting a device to the internet: device settings, passwords, private networks, finding a network, public networks, signing up for public networks.
Using a search engine to find accurate information: formulate clear and specific queries, choose reliable search engines, evaluate results, verify sources, cross reference information, advanced search operations, and use trusted sources.
Safely uploading and downloading a document:
- Uploading: secure platforms, check website security, verify recipient, scan for malware, encrypt sensitive information, read terms of service
- Downloading: verify source, check file extensions, use secure connections, verify file integrity, scan for malware, store securely
Accurately completing an online form: finding required information, question format, required and not required questions, terms and conditions, tick boxes, verifying sources of form, subscriptions, providing personal data, reporting problems, and date formats.
Identifying a scam website: poor website design, poor functionality, suspicious domain, suspicious URL, lack of contact information, unrealistic offers/promotions, lack of trust signals, reviews, reputation, phishing attempts, verifying legitimacy, trust instincts.