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AS/A2 Applied ICT

The course is designed to enable you to:
 
Develop a broad range of ICT skills and knowledge of the uses of ICT in real life contexts

Develop knowledge and understanding of the components, functions and applications of information systems within a range of organisations

Understand the main principles involved in solving problems using ICT

Apply your knowledge and understanding of ICT and skills in planning, research, evaluation, problem solving to real life contexts

Examine the impact of information systems on organisations' personnel, policies and practices.

Is it for me?
 

The course suits those who enjoy practical work using computers or who need advanced skills in the use of software to support their other subjects. It is particularly appropriate for students who prefer coursework.

What's involved?
 
ICT Solutions for Individuals and Society
 

This unit involves researching a topic and presenting information using a range of software. Currently you can chose between researching first names and their popularity or a comparison of house prices in Shrewsbury and Telford. Research is carried out on the Internet and using Public Service websites. You will be shown how to interrogate on-line and local databases to find information on your chosen topic. Spreadsheets are used to apply statistical analysis on data and to present results. This unit is assessed through portfolio work

How Organisations Use ICT
 

A case study on an organisation is issued by OCR at the start of the year. This unit looks at the structure of an organisation and how they use ICT. The case study is used to study how organisations collect, disseminate and use information. The use of ICT to support activities and how ICT helps the organisation is studied as well as any opportunities to use ICT to do more. As part of the unit you will draw information flows and write an essay. This unit is assessed through pre release tasks and by examination.

Using ICT to communicate
 

This unit uses ICT to present information for an organisation to a professional standard. You will have a choice of producing communications for an Estate agent or a Travel agent. A wide range of software is used to produce a letter, presentation, fact sheet, questionnaire, report and a web site. The unit also involves evaluating existing documents to identify strengths and weaknesses. Designing, sketching and drafting of the 6 documents are required and there is an opportunity to produce a logo for the organisation.

Developing and Creating Websites

This unit involves the use of software to develop web pages to convey relevant information to website visitors. You will be able to build a website on a topic of your choice. This can be on any person or subject providing it is possible to identify an intended audience. Initial research is carried out to both evaluate existing websites and to identify features to be used in their own site. A storyboard is produced and the choice of colours, typeface and graphics explained. The site is then built and published to our Intranet. Feedback from visitors is used to evaluate the site.

Working to a Brief
 
This is a mandatory unit and runs alongside the Publishing unit described below. This unit helps to improve performance and working relationships through the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of an ICT project. The ICT project is set by OCR in a brief. Planning involves the use of project planning techniques such as Gantt charts and mind maps. There is also a requirement to show development of ICT skills evidenced in a log. User feedback is used to evaluate the success of the project.
 
Publishing
 
This unit involves working alongside a client, identifying their needs and researching a brief. The brief is set by OCR. Previous briefs have asked for the production of a Hobbies magazine, a “What’s On” guide and a guide to a tourist attraction. All briefs require the production of a 12 page publication. Staff act as clients and hold regular one to one meetings with their students to agree the brief and discuss designs. The finished publication must be professional and make good use of typefaces and graphics.
 
Progression
You could continue your studies on a relevant degree course as well as finding employment in the IT industry and IT related areas. The skills gained on this course are very attractive to employers.