ICT

Hardware

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Chapters one to four look at the basic components of computer systems. As well as examining what's inside our personal computers, they also examine some of the devices used to input data into these systems and devices that provide output in a form that humans can understand.

Chapters five and six look at a variety of devices that store our data, so we can return and process it at a later date. Chapter seven looks at the rise of some of the mobile devices that make communicating on the move a reality.

Chapters eight and nine look at networking, which is prevalent in many businesses and organisations today. Networking allows users to share system resources and work collaboratively on many different projects.

Data Handling

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This title looks at data; what it is, how we capture it, control it and keep it safe. In the modern age, electronic communications mean that data is exchanged almost instantly across the world between individuals, groups and organisations. With many new means of communication, there are a number of issues that people, particularly you as GCSE students, need to be aware of. Chapter One examines the differences between data, information and knowledge, which are all key components of our modern society. In Chapters Two and Three, youll discover how data is captured and kept secure. Chapter Four looks at how we are monitored in society and how sensors and other equipment are used for different purposes. Finally, Chapter Five covers data logging, including the uses, benefits and drawbacks.

Processing and Presenting

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Well look at different methods of processing data, including creating documents using word processing or desktop publishing applications. Well then consider the benefits of using spreadsheets and databases to process data. Manipulating graphics is covered next and well discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using bitmap images and vector images. Well also discuss the tricky issue of web design and user accessibility. Finally, well examine presenting information and show how you can do this effectively through careful planning.

A Digital World

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Digital devices are all around us in modern society. Digital design is an electronic method of publishing material, whether it is a website, eBook or even a journal. In this title, we'll look at how digital devices are created to help different types of people with a variety of tasks. We'll look at how these products are implemented and evaluated, as well as discussing how they might be marketed to their target audience. We'll also consider digital design and look at the different types of images that can be used.

ICT and Society

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

ICT systems have a huge impact on everyday life, both for individuals and businesses. It would be near impossible to spend a typical day without interacting with a computer or microchip. Some examples we might encounter are alarm clocks, engine management systems, traffic lights, computers and automated systems in the work place, to name but a few. Well look at the impact ICT has on different aspects of modern day society.

The Internet

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The Internet is a global connection of home computers, servers and mobile devices. It serves a full range of needs for several billion people. Academic, business, government and personal websites comprise the majority of content. Well look at navigating around the Internet and explain how different information can be accessed and exchanged. Well then consider networks and look at how emerging technologies can affect us. Online services will be covered next. Emails use the same connection as the Internet and are the postal service for this network. Well explain how email and the Internet can be useful for communicating and collaborating.

Unit 1: Creating a Presentation

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title, well guide you through creating a business presentation in PowerPoint, whether youre looking for a pass, a merit or a distinction. Well consider house style and how to format the background of your slides. Well also think about the content of your slides and show you how to print your presentation in handout form. Well then move on to look at the spell check facility, as well as using transitions and animations. Finally, well discuss adding speaker notes and the use of footers within your presentation.

Unit 1: Creating Business Documents

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title, youll discover how to design and create documents that are suitable for business purposes. Youll learn new skills, by exploring different pieces of software and thinking about how and when to use them. Well show you how to make your documents professional and fit for purpose. Well be using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Publisher to create different documents. Youll also learn how to 'mail merge' and well explain how to use this effectively.

Unit 1: Databases

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title, well consider the uses of databases. Youll learn how to insert, delete and amend records in an existing database. Well look at creating queries with different criteria. Youll also discover how to create a report that is fit for business purposes and use new skills to alter the format of your report. Finally, well consider creating address labels from a database. Well use Microsoft Access during this title.

Unit 1: Internet and Email

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

In this title, youll learn skills that will enable you to search the Internet and find relevant and useful information in a faster time. Well also show you how to create, reply to and forward emails. After listening to this title, youll be capable of sending emails to multiple people and will be able to include a subject and ensure your emails are meaningful and suitable for purpose. Youll also learn how to attach a file to an email and save an attachment. Well consider changing email settings, including setting up an out of office reply, using a signature and organising your contacts.

Unit 1: Skills for Business

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

This unit will help you achieve a pass, merit or distinction for the Skills for Business section of Unit 1 of the new specification. You'll be asked to write about safe working practice applied in the business environment. You'll have to explain some working practices when using ICT in a business environment and give examples. Your explanations should include the potential danger that each measure is designed to address. The depth of your explanations should reflect whether you're aiming for a pass, merit or distinction. You'll have to include measures to protect health, measures to protect physical safety, measures to protect files from loss and measures to protect files from unauthorised access in your evidence. For a distinction, you also need to include guidance on choosing a strong password.

Unit 1: Spreadsheets

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Well look at how to format headings and how to use formulae in spreadsheets. Youll learn how to use simple formulae and more complex functions, if youd like to take your work onto distinction level. Youll manipulate data within spreadsheets, allowing you to change simple numbers and recalculate outcomes. Youll discover how to make spreadsheets look professional.

Youll then learn how to preview your work and print it in formula view and youll be able to insert and delete rows or columns as appropriate. The evidence will be printed once youve completed all of the tasks. Youll print your spreadsheet in normal view and also in formula view. You may have to take some screenshots of the spreadsheet, so you can annotate and explain what you have done for some of the tasks.

Unit 1: Working Practices

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

As you work through Unit One, youll need to provide evidence for the tasks you carry out and the skills you use. It would be best to create a word document for all of Working Practices, using subtitles for each task. As you work through the tasks, youll need to screenshot your evidence and explain the processes involved. Well show you how to do this effectively. You can annotate the screen shots, if this is the most effective way to demonstrate what you have done. Well talk you through when it might be best to take screen shots. Recommended software for your evidence is Microsoft Word or equivalent.

Safety and Security

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

The world of ICT offers plenty of benefits and can make our lives easier and more convenient. So, its important that were able to use ICT within our daily lives in a safe and secure manner. In this title, well discuss the false sense of security we might have when browsing the Internet and using email. Then well consider methods of how to protect ourselves from danger and reduce the risks of using the Internet. Concerns raised by health and safety issues are also discussed. Finally, well look at the legislation that governs our online behaviour and computer use. These include the Data Protection Act, the Computer Misuse Act and copyright laws.

Software and Systems

feeds@gcsepod.co.uk (GCSEPod Feeds) — Thu, 01 Jan 1970 01:00:00 +0100

Software refers to the programs that run on computers. Chapters One to Three examine the many different types of software that help us maintain our systems, complete work on them, enable communications and allow us to entertain ourselves.

Chapters Four, Five and Six examine the creation and implementation of new IT systems and discuss the importance of a number of skills that you'll begin to develop during your GCSE ICT coursework. These include planning, working with others and problem solving. These are all vital skills in the modern IT industry.