Unit 129 word processing software by hannah sage

Unit 129:

Word Processing Software

Unit code:

129

Unit reference number:

L/502/4627

QCF level:

Credit value:

Guided learning hours:

Unit summary This unit is about the skills and knowledge required by an IT User to use a range of basic word processing software tools and techniques to produce appropriate, straightforward or routine documents. Any aspect that is unfamiliar will require support and advice from others. Word processing tools and techniques will described as ‘basic’ because: 

the software tools and functions will be predetermined or commonly used; and



the techniques needed for text entry, manipulation and outputting will be straightforward or routine.

Assessment requirements/evidence requirements Evidence of achievement can be derived from a variety of sources. Learners who use their IT skills directly in their day-to-day work can prove their competence whilst doing so. Alternatively learners can use scenarios and knowledge tests — or a mixture of both — to demonstrate competence.

Assessment methodology All ITQ units may be assessed using any method, or combination of methods, which clearly demonstrates that the learning outcomes and assessment criteria have been met. Whilst assessors are required to have a sound understanding of the unit requirements and be able to give appropriate feedback to learners, they do not have to be A1 qualified. However, ideally every assessor should have ITQ Level 3 or equivalent in order to be able to adequately assess at that level and below.

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 315 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Learning outcomes and assessment criteria In order to pass this unit, the evidence that the learner presents for assessment needs to demonstrate that they can meet all the learning outcomes for the unit. The assessment criteria determine the standard required to achieve the unit. On completion of this unit a learner should:

Learning outcomes

Assessment criteria

1.1 Identify what types of information are needed in documents

Enter, edit and combine text and other information accurately within word processing documents

1.2 Identify what templates are available and when to use them 1.3 Use keyboard or other input method to enter or insert text and other information 1.4 Combine information of different types or from different sources within a document 1.5 Enter information into existing tables, forms and templates 1.6 Use editing tools to amend document content 1.7 Store and retrieve document files effectively, in line with local guidelines and conventions where available

Structure information within word processing documents

2.1 Create and modify tables to organise tabular or numeric information

Use word processing software tools to format and present documents

3.1 Identify what formatting to use to enhance presentation of the document

2.2 Select and apply heading styles to text

3.2 Select and use appropriate techniques to format characters and paragraphs 3.3 Select and use appropriate page layout to present and print documents 3.4 Check documents meet needs, using IT tools and making corrections as appropriate

316 BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Unit content

Enter, edit and combine text and other information accurately within word processing documents Types of information: eg text, numbers, images; other graphic elements eg lines, borders Templates: eg agenda, memos, letters, faxes, brochures/leaflets, calendars Input information: keyboard skills eg use the full range of keys; type accurately and efficiently, keyboard shortcuts; other input methods eg voice recognition, touch screen, stylus Combine information: eg insert, size, position, wrap, order and group eg images, clipart, tables etc Editing techniques: editing techniques appropriate to the type of information eg select, copy, cut, paste, undo, redo, drag and drop, find, replace, insert, delete, size, crop, position Store and retrieve files; eg create, name, open, save, save as, find

Structure information within word processing documents Tables and forms: add table; alter table structure eg insert and delete rows and columns, adjust column width

Use word processing software tools to format and present documents Formatting: paragraphs eg alignment, bullets, numbering, line spacing, borders, shading; character eg size, font style (typeface), colour, bold, underline, italic Page layout: eg size, orientation, margins, page numbers, date and time Page layout for documents: eg size, orientation, margins, columns, page breaks, page numbering; standard document layouts eg letter, memo Check word processed documents: software tools eg spellcheck, grammar check, print preview; other eg font style and size, hyphenation, page layout, margins, line and page breaks, tables, accuracy, consistency

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 317 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Essential guidance for tutors

Delivery A practical approach to delivery is essential for this unit. Delivery should focus on both the format and the content of software as well as enabling learners to develop their technical knowledge and skills by using software tools and techniques. Much of the assessment evidence is likely to be produced during this process, and centres should consider what other supporting product evidence can be collected. This unit can be taught in conjunction with other units, eg Unit 101: Improving Productivity using IT, Unit 112: IT Software Fundamentals, Unit 120: Design Software, Unit 121: Imaging Software, Unit 123: Desktop Publishing Software, Unit 124: Multimedia Software, Unit 125: Presentation Software, Unit 127: Spreadsheet Software and Unit 128: Website Software.

Assessment An holistic approach to teaching is suggested for this unit. Tutors should provide learners with a variety of scenarios, from which one should be selected. These scenarios should be of interest to the learners and should not be too ambitious but should enable them to meet all the assessment criteria. It is envisaged that only scenario be required in order for learners to fulfil what is needed to pass the unit. Tutors should encourage learners to capture and record evidence as an ongoing process at each stage of development. Therefore, assessment evidence will primarily come in the form of printed annotated screen shots, highlighting the formatting and layout of work, where necessary. Evidence can also come in the form of observations, class discussions, peer assessment and written work. To achieve a pass grade in this unit, learners will need to meet all of the assessment criteria.

Links to National Occupational Standards, other BTEC units, other BTEC qualifications and other relevant units and qualifications This unit forms part of the BTEC in IT sector suite. This unit has particular links with:

Entry Level 3

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Design and Imaging Software

Improving Productivity Using IT

Desktop Publishing Software

Design Software

Presentation Software

Imaging Software

Spreadsheet Software

Desktop Publishing Software

Word Processing Software

Multimedia Software

318 BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Entry Level 3

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Presentation Software

Spreadsheet Software

Website Software

IT Software Fundamentals

Word Processing Software

This unit maps to some of the underpinning knowledge from the following areas of competence in the Entry Level 3 and Level 1 National Occupational Standards for IT Users: 

Using Productivity Tools and Applications (WP: Word Processing Software).

Essential resources Learners will need access to appropriate text processing software (Microsoft Word® or similar). In addition learners must have access to either different types of information, eg graphic images, or to other sources of information. Learners should also be given access to pre-prepared templates, tables and forms.

Indicative resource materials Websites www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict www.teach-ict.com

BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma 319 for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013

Functional Skills — Level 1 Skill

When learners are …

ICT — Using ICT Identify the ICT requirements of a straightforward task

identifying what types of information are needed in documents identifying what templates are available and when to use them

Interact with and use ICT systems to meet requirements of a straightforward task in a familiar context

using keyboard or other input method to enter or insert text and other information

Manage information storage

storing and retrieving document files effectively

using editing tools to amend document content creating and modifying tables to organise tabular or numeric information

ICT — Finding and selecting information Use search techniques to locate and select relevant information

searching for information that will be used in word processing documents

Select information from a variety of ICT sources for a straightforward task

selecting information that will be used in word processing documents

ICT — Developing, presenting and communicating information Enter, develop and refine information using appropriate software to meet the requirements of straightforward tasks

using keyboard or other input method to enter or insert text and other information

Use appropriate software to meet requirements of straightforward data-handling task

using appropriate software associated to any of the learning outcomes to meet the requirements of a straightforward data-handling task

Combine information within a publication for a familiar audience and purpose

combining information of different types or from different sources within a document

Evaluate own use of ICT tools

checking documents meet needs using IT tools and making corrections as appropriate

creating and modifying tables to organise tabular or numeric information

320 BE034975 – Specification – Edexcel BTEC Entry Level 3 and Level 1 Award, Certificate and Diploma for IT Users (ITQ) (QCF) – Issue 2 – March 2013 © Pearson Education Limited 2013