Module 1 – Concepts of Information and Communication Technology

• Understand what software is and give examples of common applications software and operating system software
• Understand what Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is and give examples of its practical applications in everyday life
• Recognize important security issues associated with using computers
• Recognize important legal issues in relation to copyright and data protection associated with using computers

Module 2 – Using the Computer and Managing Files

This module requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the common functions of a personal computer and its operating system.  Among other tasks, candidates will learn to operate effectively within the desktop environment and how to manage and organize files and directories/folders.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Use the main features of the operating system including adjusting the main computer settings and using built-in help features
• Operate effectively around the computer desktop and work effectively in a graphical user environment
• Know about the main concepts of file management and be able to efficiently organize files and folders so that they are easy to identify and find
• Use utility software to compress and extract large files and use anti-virus software to protect against computer viruses
• Demonstrate the ability to use simple text editing and print tools available within the operating system

Module 3 – Word Processing

This module enables candidates to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application to accomplish everyday tasks associated with creating, formatting and finishing small-sized word processing documents such as letters and other everyday documents.

Candidates will be able to duplicate and move text within and between documents. They gain competence in using some of the features associated with word processing applications such as creating standard tables, using pictures and images within a document, and using mail merge tools.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Work with documents and save them in different file formats
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function to enhance productivity
• Create and edit small-sized word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute
• Apply different formats to documents to enhance them before distribution and recognize good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options
• Insert tables, images and objects into documents
• Prepare documents for mail merge operations
• Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before finally printing documents

Module 4 – Spreadsheets

This module enables candidates to understand the concept of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application.  Candidates will understand and be able to accomplish tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying and using a spreadsheet, in addition to using standard formulas and functions, and demonstrate competence in creating and formatting graphs or charts.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity
• Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists, select, sort, copy, move and delete data
• Edit rows and columns in a worksheet. Copy, move, delete and appropriately rename worksheets
• Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions. Use good practice in formula creation and recognize error values in formulas
• Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully
• Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spreadsheet content before finally printing spreadsheets

Module 5 – Presentations

This module enables candidates to demonstrate competence in using presentation tools on a computer. Candidates will be able to accomplish tasks such as creating, formatting, modifying and preparing presentations using different slide layouts for display and printed distribution.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Work with presentations and save them in different file formats
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity
• Understand different presentation views and when to use them, choose different slide layouts and designs
• Enter, edit and format text in presentations. Recognize good practice in applying unique titles to slides
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully
• Insert and edit pictures, images and drawn objects
• Apply animation and transition effects to presentations and check and correct presentation content before finally printing and giving presentations

Module 6 – Web Browsing and Communication

The first section on Web Browsing requires candidates to understand some of the concepts and terms associated with using the Internet, and to appreciate some of the security considerations. In the second section of Communication, candidates will learn to understand some of the concepts of electronic mail (email), and gain the ability to use email software to send and receive messages, and to attach files to mail messages.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Understand what the Internet is and common terms associated with it. Be aware of some security considerations when using the Internet
• Accomplish everyday web browsing tasks including changing browser settings
• Search for information including searching techniques by different keywords and complete and submit web-based forms
• Save web pages and download files from the web. Copy web content into a document
• Understand what e-mail is and know some advantages and disadvantages of its use. Be aware of other communication options
• Be aware of network etiquette and security considerations when using e-mail
• Create, spell check and send e-mail. Reply to and forward e-mail, handle file attachments and print an e-mail
• Be aware of ways to enhance productivity when working with e-mail software.  Organize and manage e-mail

Module 7 – IT Security

This new security specific module is intended for computer users at home or at work (rather than for IT professionals) and it will enable those who spend a considerable amount of time online or using a computer during the course of their work or at home to protect both themselves and their data from a range of fraudulent/malicious activities. This module is equally useful for individuals, employers, and educationalists.
The range of skills and knowledge contained in this module are particularly relevant in the current technological landscape because more and more people are now using computers to communicate, share information and purchase goods and services online. As a result, cybercrime is becoming more widespread, and methods of, for example, phishing, spamming, and breaching security are becoming more sophisticated – as are the new technologies that facilitate them.

On completion of this module, candidates will be able to:

• Understand and identify the main concepts underlying the secure use of ICT in daily life
• Use relevant techniques and applications to maintain a secure network connection
• Use the Internet safely and securely
• Manage data and information appropriately
• Understand the key concepts relating to the importance of secure information and data
• Physical security, privacy and identity theft
• Protect a computer, device or network from malware and unauthorized access
• Understand the types of networks, connection types and network specific issues including firewalls
• Browse the World Wide Web and communicate on the Internet securely
• Understand security issues related to communications including e-mail and instant messaging
• Backup and restore data appropriately and safely, and securely dispose of data and devices