INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

What is the course about?

Information and Commu nication Technology is increasingly being seen as a requirement by individuals to use as a personal tool in their education, employment and leisure activities. Those who are competent users of ICT tend to have better employment prospects than those who are not. ICT at this level leads directly to further study, both in ICT related subjects and other subjects with elements of ICT.

This course follows a task driven approach to problem solving and decision making that relies on the effective use of information technology systems. It extends students’ understanding of the effects and limitations of ICT, and the new opportunities ICT can create within organisations and society. The course relies heavily on the practical use of ICT. Students will develop an ability to analyse, appraise and make critical judgments about the nature of information, its structure, application and implications of its use. They will develop an awareness of the role of ICT in management, the manipulation and dissemination of information, the role of people, technologies and systems in organisations and an awareness of the economic social and ethical implications of the use of ICT.

What will I learn?

You will learn about the nature of information and data and their role in society and within organisations. You will learn of the legal requirements and constraints placed upon users of such information and data. You will also learn to develop your ICT skills to help in the learning process and to solve problems. The coursework element centres on developing the higher level skills associated with Microsoft Office, especially MS Excel, although other applications may be used.

The AS specification covers three units.

Unit 1: Information: Nature, Role and Context Distinctions between Knowledge Information and Data The Value and Importance of Information The Control of Information The Capabilities and Limitations of ICT The Social Impact of ICT The Roles of Commu nication Systems Information and the Professional Information Systems, malpractice and crime The Legal Framework Software and data misuse. Data protection legislation, Health and safety

Unit 2: Information: Management and Manipulation Data capture Data Verification & Validation The organization of data for effective retrieval The nature, capabilities and limitations of software. Manipulation and processing Information dissemination and distribution The nature, capabilities and limitations of hardware. The security of data Network environments.

The design and use of human/computer interface.

Unit 3: Coursework: The use of Generic Application Software for Task Solution.

This coursework centres on a task related problem with limited scope. Candidates will produce documented solution based on the use of a single software application, although facilities of more than one such application may be used. This follows the normal pattern of Analysis, Design, Implementation, Testing and Evaluation.

In AS terms this is:

• Process Skill
• Specification
• Implementation
• Testing
• Evaluation
• User Guide.

When does the course start?

The course starts in September of each year.

How do I attend?

Normal daytime attendance.

Where applicable this subject may also be taken as a part time evening programme.

Who is the awarding Body?

AQA

How long does the course last?

The course is taught as a one year programme.

What does this course lead on to?

You may progress to A2 level.

AS and A2 levels are recognised qualifications for a wide range of courses in Higher Education.

What subject entry requirements are there?

GCSE with a B Grade in ICT. However, this may be waived if the student has an appropriate background qualification or experience.

Are there any other requirements?

Access to a PC with Microsoft Office will be an advantage, though not a prerequisite.

How is the course assessed?

There are two written papers and one piece of coursework. Work in preparation for the written papers will be assessed against the range of AS grades. Work focused on the coursework will be assessed against the published assessment criteria and there will be ample opportunity to improve via the use of these criteria in the formative process.

Unit 1 Written paper based on Module 1

Short answer and structured questions.

1 ¾ hours.

30% of the AS Marks

Unit 2 Written paper based on Module 2

Short answer and structured questions.

1 ¾ hours.

30% of the total AS Marks.

Unit 3 Coursework

A solution to a task allowing candidates to demonstrate advanced knowledge of an application package.

40% of the total AS Marks

How much does the course

Are there any exam fees?

Whom should I contact for advice?

Vince Groak
Tollbar B & E College
Station Road
New Waltham
N E lincs
DN36 4RZ

Tel: 01472 500505

Equal opportunities (statement)