Pearson BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in IT (QCF)

What you'll be able to do

• Know about a range of animation techniques, including traditional animation, stop motion animation, and computer-generated animation
• Know the principles of animation, such as timing, spacing, and exaggeration
• Develop ideas for an animation sequence, considering the target audience, message, and style
• Plan the production of an animation sequence, including storyboarding, character design, and asset creation
• Create an animation sequence using appropriate software and tools
• Edit and refine an animation sequence to achieve the desired effect
• Review own animation production, identifying areas for improvement and learning from mistakes

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the requirements for solving business problems using IT tools and techniques
• Understand the importance of identifying and analysing business needs
• Find information from various sources to support business solutions
• Evaluate the reliability and validity of information sources
• Use spreadsheet models to support business solutions, including data analysis, forecasting, and decision-making
• Create charts and graphs to visualise data and communicate insights
• Present business solutions effectively using appropriate communication methods
• Tailor presentations to different audiences
• Evaluate business solutions against the original requirements and objectives
• Identify areas for improvement and recommend further actions

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental hardware principles that underpin a computer system
• Safely assemble a range of computer systems, ensuring correct component installation and configuration
• Maintain a range of computer systems and their components, including troubleshooting and replacement
• Maintain operating system components, including updates, drivers, and system configuration
• Maintain security components, including anti-virus software, firewalls, and user access controls
• Maintain network communication for a computer system, including configuring network settings and troubleshooting connectivity issues

What you'll be able to do

• Communicate information to suit audience
• Communicate information to suit purpose
• Communicate information to suit content
• Use IT tools to communicate information
• Use IT tools to exchange information
• Describe the impact of IT on individuals
• Describe the impact of IT on communities
• Describe the impact of IT on society

What you'll be able to do

• Use personal computer components effectively, demonstrating knowledge of their functions and compatibility.
• Understand personal computer troubleshooting techniques, repair procedures, and maintenance schedules.
• Understand operating systems, including their installation, configuration, and management.
• Understand basic networking fundamentals, including network topologies, protocols, and security.
• Understand security concepts and technology related to personal computers, including malware protection, firewalls, and data encryption.
• Understand operational considerations when working with personal computers, including safety procedures, environmental factors, and ergonomic principles.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand computer hardware components, their functions, and compatibility considerations
• Understand the principles of operating systems, including installation, configuration, and troubleshooting (specifically Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, XP Home, XP MediaCenter, Windows Vista Home, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate)
• Understand networking concepts, including network topologies, protocols, and troubleshooting techniques
• Understand computer security principles, including threats, vulnerabilities, and security measures

What you'll be able to do

• Know the hardware and software required to work with computer graphics, including graphics cards, monitors, and graphics editing software.
• Create computer graphics to meet a user need, such as designing a logo or creating an illustration.
• Use computer graphics to enhance a document, such as adding images to a report or presentation.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the common components of computer systems, including their functions and characteristics.
• Know the different uses of computer systems in various contexts, such as home, education, and business.
• Connect computer hardware components correctly and safely, following established procedures.
• Configure computer software, including operating systems and applications, to meet specific user requirements.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the reasons why application software is customised to meet specific user needs.
• Customise application software by modifying settings, configurations, and features.
• Create templates in application software to streamline repetitive tasks and ensure consistency.
• Create macros and shortcuts in application software to automate tasks and improve efficiency.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the features and characteristics of relational databases, including tables, relationships, and keys.
• Design, create, and populate a relational database, using appropriate data types and constraints.
• Test a relational database to ensure data integrity, functionality, and performance.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the fundamental principles of database systems, including data organisation and management
• Create non-relational database systems to store and retrieve data
• Use database software tools to manage, query, and manipulate data within a database system

What you'll be able to do

• Know the different types of computer game genres, platforms, and target audiences
• Know the key elements of computer game design, including gameplay mechanics, narrative, and art style
• Understand the positive and negative impacts of computer games on society, including their effects on behaviour, learning, and social interaction
• Understand the potential benefits and risks of computer game use for individuals, such as cognitive development and addiction
• Design a computer game concept, including its target audience, gameplay mechanics, and narrative
• Develop a prototype of a computer game using appropriate software and tools
• Test a computer game for functionality, usability, and playability
• Document the design, development, and testing processes of a computer game

What you'll be able to do

• Know the hardware and software components required to work effectively with digital graphic images
• Know the specifications of input and output devices used in digital graphics
• Understand the different types of graphic images, including raster and vector graphics
• Understand the characteristics of different graphical file formats and their appropriate uses
• Use editing tools to edit and manipulate images, including adjusting colour, brightness, and contrast
• Apply filters and effects to enhance images
• Create and modify graphic images to meet specific user requirements, including branding guidelines and accessibility standards
• Optimise graphic images for different platforms and devices

What you'll be able to do

• Know about different online business activities, such as e-commerce, online marketing, and social media engagement.
• Know what factors to consider when setting up an online business, including website design, payment processing, and security.
• Understand the day-to-day operation of an online business, including order fulfilment, customer service, and inventory management.
• Understand the benefits of having an online business presence, such as increased reach, reduced costs, and improved customer engagement.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the features of event driven programming, including events, event handlers, and event loops
• Understand the event driven development environment, including the use of graphical user interfaces (GUIs)
• Design and implement event driven programs, using appropriate programming languages and tools
• Test, document and review event driven programs, ensuring functionality and usability

What you'll be able to do

• Know the functions and operations of home entertainment systems, including audio, video, and gaming components.
• Know the components used in home entertainment systems, such as televisions, speakers, and media players.
• Know the modulation methods used in home entertainment systems for transmitting audio and video signals.
• Install and maintain home entertainment systems, including connecting components and troubleshooting common issues.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the procedures used in the IT diagnostics process, including safety precautions and legal requirements
• Identify the cause of common IT faults, using appropriate diagnostic tools and techniques
• Apply suitable remedies to identified IT faults, following established procedures and best practise

What you'll be able to do

• Know the potential threats to the security of IT systems, including malware, phishing, and social engineering.
• Understand how to protect IT systems from security threats, including implementing firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls.
• Apply security measures to protect IT systems and data, including creating strong passwords and backing up data regularly.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the common issues that IT users may experience, such as hardware malfunctions, software errors, and network connectivity problems.
• Record user support requests accurately and comprehensively, using appropriate logging systems.
• Provide IT support to users, including troubleshooting problems, offering solutions, and providing guidance.
• Understand the importance of trends in IT support requests for identifying recurring issues and improving IT services.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the reasons for installing hardware components, such as improving performance or adding functionality, and understand the implications of these installations.
• Understand the risks involved in installing hardware components, such as electrostatic discharge and physical damage, and the precautions needed to mitigate these risks.
• Install and test hardware components correctly and safely, following manufacturer's instructions and industry best practices.
• Document an installation or upgrade, including details of the hardware components installed, the configuration settings used, and any problems encountered.

What you'll be able to do

• Know software installation processes, including different installation methods and licensing requirements
• Prepare for software installation, ensuring system compatibility and data backup
• Install and configure software, following installation instructions and customising settings
• Test and document software installation, verifying functionality and recording installation details

What you'll be able to do

• Know about the elements of interactive media production, including text, images, audio, video, and animation
• Develop ideas for an interactive media product, considering target audience and purpose
• Create an interactive media product, using appropriate software and techniques
• Review own interactive media production work, evaluating effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement

What you'll be able to do

• Know how numbers are represented in computer memory, including different data types and storage methods.
• Apply Boolean algebra to solve problems related to digital logic and computer operations.
• Use simple functions within a programming context to perform specific tasks.
• Apply statistical techniques to analyse data and draw meaningful conclusions.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the uses of mobile communications devices
• Identify the features of mobile communications devices
• Describe the communication technologies used in mobile devices
• Explain the communication technologies used in mobile devices
• Describe the implications of mobile communications technology
• Explain the implications of mobile communications technology
• Set up mobile communications devices

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the characteristics and applications of different types of digital media, including text, images, audio, and video.
• Design multimedia products that meet specified requirements and target audience needs.
• Develop multimedia products using appropriate software and techniques.
• Present multimedia products effectively to stakeholders.
• Review multimedia products to identify areas for improvement and ensure they meet the design specifications.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key features and characteristics of object oriented programming paradigms.
• Understand the components and tools within an object oriented development environment.
• Design object oriented programs that meet specified requirements.
• Implement object oriented programs using appropriate programming languages and techniques.
• Test object oriented programs to ensure functionality and identify errors.
• Document object oriented programs to provide clear explanations of the code and its purpose.
• Review object oriented programs to identify areas for improvement and ensure adherence to coding standards.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the purpose of different document types used in IT and business contexts
• Identify appropriate software applications for presenting and communicating information effectively
• Produce appropriate documents tailored for different audiences, considering their needs and expectations
• Review documents to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to relevant standards

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key features of procedural programming, including variables, data types, control structures, and functions
• Know the advantages and disadvantages of procedural programming compared to other programming paradigms
• Understand the components of a procedural development environment, including compilers, debuggers, and code editors
• Understand how to use a procedural development environment to write, compile, and execute programs
• Design procedural programs to solve specific problems, using appropriate algorithms and data structures
• Implement procedural programs using a chosen programming language
• Test procedural programs to ensure they meet the specified requirements
• Document procedural programs, including their design, implementation, and testing
• Review procedural programs for correctness, efficiency, and maintainability

What you'll be able to do

• Prepare for a project, including defining objectives, scope, and resources
• Produce a project plan, outlining tasks, timelines, and responsibilities
• Follow a project plan to implement a project, monitoring progress and managing risks
• Review a project to ensure it meets its goals, evaluating outcomes and identifying areas for improvement

What you'll be able to do

• Know the current use of computer networks in various settings, including homes, businesses, and public spaces.
• Know the features and services of local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) technologies, including their advantages and disadvantages.
• Understand how network hardware and software components are connected to form a functional network.
• Set up a simple local area network, including configuring network devices and testing connectivity.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key features and characteristics of different programming languages.
• Know the stages and activities involved in the software development process.
• Design software development solutions that meet specified requirements and address identified problems.

What you'll be able to do

• Know the key features of different programming languages.
• Understand the fundamental principles of software design.
• Use appropriate tools to demonstrate software designs.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain what spreadsheets are and how they can be used for data management and analysis
• Develop spreadsheet models to solve specific problems or represent data
• Test spreadsheet models to ensure accuracy and reliability
• Document spreadsheet models, including purpose, design, and testing procedures

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how spreadsheets can be used to solve complex problems within a business or organisational context.
• Develop complex spreadsheet models to meet specific requirements.
• Automate spreadsheet models using appropriate tools and techniques to improve efficiency.
• Test spreadsheet models thoroughly to ensure accuracy and reliability, and document the model development process.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the ways in which organisations use IT
• Explain the ways in which organisations use IT
• Identify the reasons why organisations use IT
• Explain the reasons why organisations use IT
• Describe the impact of IT on individuals
• Describe the impact of IT on organisations
• Plan a working environment to incorporate IT

What you'll be able to do

• Describe how telecommunication systems are linked together to form networks
• Explain how analogue signals are used to carry data in telecommunications
• Explain how digital signals are used to carry data in telecommunications
• Describe the principles of multiplexing in telecommunications networks
• Connect telecommunications equipment to create a functional local system

What you'll be able to do

• Know the fundamental concepts of web architecture, including client-server models and network protocols
• Know the different components of a website, such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side technologies
• Understand how organisations can utilise websites for various purposes, including marketing, communication, and e-commerce
• Understand the importance of website accessibility and usability for different user groups
• Design the layout and structure of website components, considering user experience and visual appeal
• Create functional website components using appropriate coding languages and tools

What you'll be able to do

• Understand web architecture and its key components.
• Understand the various factors that can influence website performance.
• Design websites that meet specific user needs and accessibility requirements.
• Create functional websites using appropriate technologies and techniques.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the processes involved in installing, upgrading, and migrating to Windows 7, including compatibility considerations and data migration strategies.
• Explain the methods for deploying Windows 7 in various environments, including automated deployment and image management.
• Configure hardware and applications within Windows 7, including device drivers, software settings, and compatibility modes.
• Configure network connectivity in Windows 7, including wired and wireless networks, TCP/IP settings, and network security.
• Configure access to resources in Windows 7, including file sharing, printer sharing, and user permissions.
• Configure mobile computing features in Windows 7, including power management, synchronisation, and remote access.
• Monitor and maintain systems that run Windows 7, including performance monitoring, troubleshooting, and security updates.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the cause of and resolve issues related to desktop applications within a Windows 7 environment.
• Identify the cause of and resolve networking issues encountered by users within a Windows 7 environment.
• Manage and maintain systems running Windows 7 Client to ensure optimal performance and security.
• Support mobile users accessing resources and services within a Windows 7 enterprise environment.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the characteristics that are valued by employers in the IT industry
• Describe the common job roles undertaken by people working in the IT industry