Digital IT
Why is the subject important?
Within the ICT curriculum, students learn to understand how humans interact with computer systems and how interfaces make an important part of their development. They also learn how to manage a project within a development environment and design and create their own human-computer interface for a set context. They also learn about the gathering, processing and presentation of data within a business environment and how this could be used to make decisions within businesses. In addition to this, they learn the theory behind computer hardware, networking, cyber security and e-safety. This aims to prepare them for the world of work in business or data analysis and prepares them for the digital world. Today, the advancement of technology has permeated every aspect of our lives. Employers expect their workforce to have the skills needed to live, work, and thrive in a digital society. Therefore, when preparing students for the world of work, digital literacy is essential. We develop students’ skills to ensure they are IT literate, therefore ensuring they are employable. We can develop their IT literacy by teaching them about collaboration and collaborative technologies, creativity, critical thinking and planning and communication.
BTEC Digital Information Technology
What will I be studying?
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
Learners will develop their understanding of what makes an effective user interface and how to effectively manage a project. They will use this understanding to plan, design and create a user interface.
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
Learners will understand the characteristics of data and information and how they help organisations in decision-making. They will use data manipulation methods to create a dashboard to present and draw conclusions from information.
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices
Learners will explore how organisations use digital systems and the wider implications associated with their use. Students will learn about how current and modern technologies are used and have an impact on organisations and their stakeholders. They will explore the ways in which organisations and associated individuals use modern technologies to exchange information, communicate, and complete work-related tasks. Students must understand how modern technologies impact on the way organisations perform tasks and how technologies are used to manage teams and to communicate effectively. They will explore why systems are attacked, the nature of attacks and how they occur, and the potential impact of breaches in security on the organisation and stakeholders, leading then to how different measures can be implemented to protect digital systems.
Career Links
Careers – Career pathways in application developer, applications engineer, associate developer, computer programmer, developer, programmer analyst, software quality, assurance analyst, software architect, software engineer, web administrator and web developer.
Employability skills – Equips students to draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information with rapid changes in technology, and interpret use and evaluate data.
How will I be assessed?
Component number | Component title | GLH | Level | How assessed |
1 | Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques | 36 | 1/2 | Internal |
2 | Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data | 36 | 1/2 | Internal |
3 | Effective Digital Working Practices | 48 | 1/2 | External
Synoptic |
The three components focus on the assessment of knowledge, skills and practices. These are all essential to developing a basis for progression and, therefore, learners need to achieve all components in order to achieve the qualification.
There are four grades at Level 2 – Pass, Merit, Distinction, Distinction*.
Which examination board am I following?
Pearson BTEC Tech Award Digital Information Technology –
Which websites should I use to support my learning?