AF 1 Planning, Developing and Evaluating

Examples taken from School, or Basic Explanation

Plan and develop structured How can we combine the use of various tools and software in order to achieve our goal? solutions to problems which use a combination of ICT tools Science question: and techniques How does our heart rate vary during exercise? Collect our pulse rates before, during and after exercise using data-logging hardware. Use the software to create a line graph. Transfer this data into a PowerPoint to analyse and present our results to the class. Real Life Design Challenge: We've got 18000 to design a new ICT suite for Mr Reynolds. How can we persuade him to choose our design? Children design a new computer suite using a 3d design programto a set of minimum specifications (including budget). They then transfer the views and budget sheet to a PowerPoint in order to persuade the customer (Mr Reynolds) to choose their design. By using screen grabbing video software, we can even record a virtual tour of the classroom to embed within the presentations. Use criteria to evaluate the quality of solutions, identifying improvements and refining their work Along with individual lesson targets, children use self assessment sheets to rate the success of their work. Using this sheet they can choose next steps in order to improve their learning for the intended audience.

Identify benefits and limitations of using ICT both inside and outside school environment.

Whats good about ICT at home? What about school? Where does the use of ICT fall down? Do we get more problems at home or at school? Using Fronter, children can upload their work to the Internet in order to work at their own pace at home. They can also share work and ideas with their friends.

AF2 Handling data, Sequencing Instructions and Modelling Use logical and appropriate structures to organise and process data

Examples taken from School, or Basic Explanation

How does the power and angle of throw affect the distance a snow ball can be thrown? Use a simulation to systematically collect and store data. Use this information to describe how the power and angle affect the distance using annotated illustrations taken from the software package. Control software: Writing programs that control machines accurately. Programming a robot to create shapes and route through a maze Programming a fairground ride to operate when a key is on AND a button is pressed but to finish when a stop button is pressed OR a time elapses. Program the ride to go at different speeds. When the ride is at different speeds, different patterns of lights light up in order to show this.

Create precise and accurate sequences of instructions

Use a simulation program to explore the relationships between variables. Change variables within models and explain the impact How does the speed of a vehicle affect its stopping distance? Does the surface also affect this? What if the speed increases further? Can we use a graph to predict the stopping distance?

AF3 Finding, Using and Communicating Information Take account of accuracy and potential bias when searching for and selecting information

Examples taken from School, or Basic Explanation

Is EVERYTHING we read true? Why or HOW do inaccuracies creep into stories and information? Mistakes could be a typing error or indeed shock horror ... an honest mistake. LiesPeople will type things that are lies in order to make people / things look bad, or indeed make people or companies look good. We need to think about WHO is writing the information and maybe WHY? Could they be trying to put a certain point of view across or alter our opinions? Which websites can be seen as trusted?

Present information in a range of forms for specific purposes and familiar audiences Use ICT safely and responsibly

What is best to put our information across? A Poster? A book? Could we create an interactive PowerPoint that includes hyperlinks to other pages and websites? We know that NOT every website is safe and appropriate for ourselves. What can we do to reduce the risks? (use known trusted sites, search with adults near by, know to chill out if something dodgy pops up - click back and tell an adult. We know that if we search for something, well usually find it..

AF4 Word Processing Can choose between a variety of programs and their features to achieve the desired effect

Examples taken from School, or Basic Explanation

Microsoft Word is best for spell checking and basic letter writing Publisher is good for posters and booklets PowerPoint is good for presentations We know there are also free programs that can be downloaded from the Internet such as Paint.net for picture editing and Open Office as an alternative for Microsoft Office.

Can present answers to questions by merging data and graphics from different packages into one document

Use a simulation to collect data on a hypothetical situation, and transfer the data into Microsoft Excel in order to SORT and graph up. Copy the results into PowerPoint in order the mathematically present the analysis of the data.

Use a database to collect and store information on a few animals. Merge this data with the work of others to increase the data pool. More data increases the reliability of the results that are sorted and graphed. Transfer this data into PowerPoint, and use Paint.net to cut out elements of pictures in order to spruce up the work.

AF5 E-safety Is aware of the need to virus scan content downloaded from the internet. Shares safe practises when joining and participating in online communities, chat rooms or web based applications.

Examples taken from School, or Basic Explanation Even from trusted websites there is the possibility that a file could get a virus infection. Before opening a folder or file we need to scan it just in case. Right click + scan with virus scanner. We use Fronter forums to discuss areas of ICT, including how to be safe using technology. At level 5, children will be able to answer the questions of others, giving links and advise as necessary.