Understanding and Using Information Technology

Stages P1 to P3

P1 to P3 Features and characteristics of forms of IT

switching on and carrying out basic operations using a school computer, including printing text which they have created

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use the computer, its peripherals and discs carefully and safely

   when using computer and its peripherals they:
   need to be kept away from heat, dust (eg chalk), sand, water, sticky fingers, snacks, drinks
   should be handled with care, placed in a safe position in the classroom and covered when not in use.

   when handling floppy disks:
   avoid touching any parts exposed to view
   hold them by the labels only
   do not bend them
   do not lay things on top of them
   avoid heat, damp, dust or grit
   never expose them to anything generating a magnetic field (eg monitors etc)

2. switch the school computer on and off

   check that the computer is on / off before switching off / on

3. put a disc into the disc drive

   locate the floppy disk with which they wish to work

   remove the disk from its sleeve

   if a BBC B or Master disc note whether it is 40 or 80 track and set the drive correctly, insert the disk in the slot of the disk drive holding the label uppermost, and close the disk drive door carefully

   for 3.5" discs simply insert into the drive with the metal guard first and then press home

   all discs should be clearly labeled

4. load data from a floppy disc (return the disk to its sleeve and / or box when finished)

5. use a concept keyboard to compose simple stories

   use a Concept Keyboard with appropriate pictures/words supplied by teacher on paper overlay

   use a Concept Keyboard with other activities such as object matching and number work

use a standard computer (qwerty) keyboard to compose simple stories or play simulations / adventure games and other educational software

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use the following correctly:
   the space bar;
   the return / enter key;
   arrow (cursor) keys;
   the delete key;
   function keys in conjunction with software strip;
   mouse where applicable

2. use a simple menu

3. use a television

4. print text with help from the teacher

5. use a concept keyboard to create simple data files

6. use a cassette recorder

7. use a listening centre

8. use a video recorder, to playback

9. use a camera

P1 to P3 Techniques for using computer software

inserting/entering and deleting text in a simple word processor

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use a concept keyboard to insert text

2. use a concept keyboard to delete text

3. load a simple word processing package and follow screen instructions

4. use a qwerty keyboard to insert text

5. use a qwerty keyboard to delete text

6. develop an understanding of the purpose of the special keys as appropriate to the machine being used:
   All computers - SHIFT, RETURN/ENTER, CAPS LOCK , TAB
   Archimedes and PC Computers - ALT, CTRL , INS
   Apple Computers - OPTION, COMMAND keys

7. use the cursor keys

8. use a simple word processing package to enter new work, save and print with help

9. use the delete, backwards delete and arrow keys in order to correct mistakes

10. chanqe fonts with help

entering data into and extracting information from an easy to use database

Pupils shall be able to:

1. develop the skills of collecting, organising, interpreting and displaying information manually

   collect information from a variety of sources e.g. pictures, diagrams, class surveys etc.

   organise information using tally sheets with individual marks for each item

2. use a concept keyboard to enter data into ready made data files

3. use a concept keyboard to extract data from readymade data files

4. use a qwerty keyboard to enter data into ready made data files

   key in information into a simple database where the teacher defines the records and fields

5. use a qwerty keyboard to extract data from ready made data files

6. sort, and/or make simple queries on the database

7. display the results by using tables, charts, diagrams or by constructing a bar graph or where appropriate simple graphs produced by a computer package

8. interpret the results by posing specific questions including some about similarities and differences

using a computer to control devices

Pupils shall be able to:

1. move toys (programmable or otherwise) and/or each other to specific destinations on floor layout, grid or playmats

   follow instructions to turn right and left

   follow simple verbal instructions given by the teacher or another child

   use positional language to e.g. stand in front of, behind next to, etc. objects and/or other children

   record in some way the sequence of movements

   plan and record routes/shapes using quarter turns and half turns

   walk out routes/shapes

   use programmable toys to draw simple shapes

   use a screen turtle with/without concept keyboard if available

   use simple commands e.g. FD, BK, RT, LT, PU, PD, HT, ST, CS, HOME, CLEAN

2. produce sounds and sound sequences using various items of equipment

   explore sounds with a computer and/or programmable toys

   experiment with sequences of sounds to create a feeling, mood or atmosphere

   create simple sound pictures conveying an imaginative response to a stimulus

Stages P4 to P6

P4 to P6 Features and characteristics of forms of IT

using computer operating systems

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use a command operating system i.e. the commands are typed in. e.g. copy, loadgo "filename"

2. use a graphical user interface - Windows, Icon, Mouse, Pointer (WIMP) format a disc

   point and click

   click and drag

   open / close windows

   open / close applications by clicking on the icons

   select from a menu

   transfer data between applications

understand and use files

1. create folders / directories

2. copy files between
   discs
   folders / directories

3. move files between
   discs
   folders / directories

4. backup files

5. delete files

saving their own data and using the characteristics of a limited variety of computer peripherals such as printer and floppy disc

Pupils shall be able to:

1. work collaboratively and/or individually to create and print a piece of text

   change the layout of a piece of text

   load in some work done previously, edit it, save it again and print it out

   use more sophisticated word processing packages

   mark / select and move text

   justify text

   select suitable font

2. work collaboratively and/or individually to save a piece of text

using other simple forms of IT, such as a camera or listening Post

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use a telephone

2. use a camera

3. use a listenlng centre

4. use a cassette recorder to record information

5. use a slide projector

6. use a photocopier

7. programme a video recorder

8. use of videotext applications

9. use of multimedla applications

10. use CD-I

11. use interactive video

12. use a CD-ROM

13. use interactive video for extracting analysing and reporting information

.

P4 to P6 Techniques for using computer software

entry of numerical and graphical information and simple editing operations (such as cut/copy/paste)

Pupils shall be able to:

1. enter numerical information into a database

2. centre text

3. make text bold

4. cut text

5. copy text

6. paste text

7. create their own data files

8. begin to make use of simple Desk Top Publishing Applications (DTP )

   load a simple D T P package

   use a simple D T P package which allows a newspaper style format

   work in groups to produce a short news sheet using cut & paste

   make critical judgements on style and content of stories

   work collaboratively to ensure a high standard of presentation

   be aware of the purpose of the work undertaken

   have appreciation of the audience for whom the work is being produced

9. choose specific software to meet particular needs

   load and run chosen software

   save/load text for editing

   use different print styles for different purposes

   redraft away from the micro, using it to effect the changes

   work as a team towards a deadline

   recognise when to use computer output and/or other media

   move/delete/insert text alter overall layout of work

   choose appropriate layout to meet requirements of task eg poster, newspaper, magazine etc

   prepare cut & paste materials and make original copy to a high standard

creating and using simple databases and spreadsheets

Pupils shall be able to:

1. extend their use of databases by using more sophisticated packages and carrying out more complex searches

   establish a pattern

   formulate a hypothesis using real life situations i.e. something is observed to happen for some reason(s). e.g. traffic peaks

   classify

   obtain information from an increasing variety of sources

   design a questionnaire to obtain yes/no responses

   conduct a survey which extends beyond their own class

   use a tally sheet with grouped tallies

   enter data in a table using rows and columns

   with teacher guidance through group/class discussion suggest some of the field names for a database

   enter information, save it, reload it, retrieve and add information to a database

   use a more complicated search which includes searching on two fields using "and" "or'' and interpret the results

   present the results of queries in a variety of ways e.g. tables, charts, bar graphs etc.

   interpret results by retrieving specific records and by identifying the most and least frequent items

2. organise information in a simple format for entry into a database

3. organise information in a simple format for entry into a spreadsheet

4. define the fields or headings for a database

5. define the fields or headings for a spreadsheet

6. create a simple database file

7. use a simple database file

8. use a simple spreadsheet file

9. create a simple spreadsheet file

10. access to much larger sets of data in the wider world outside the confines of school e.g. CD Rom, teletext, E Mail etc

creating shapes and patterns using turtle graphics

Pupils shall be able to:

1. develop simple programs that control toy / screen turtle movements

   use the keyboard to give the screen turtle instructions to create more complex pictures

   use the repeat command

   write simple procedures, where the children teach the computer to perform a task

   edit procedures

   save procedures to disk

   load procedures from disk

   change pen and background colour

2. develop more complex programs that control toy / screen turtle movements

   use the repeat command to build more complicated procedures

   use variables within procedures

   create more complex pictures using procedures within procedures

   use the computer with appropriate software to control another device eg traffic lights, buggy, washing machine etc.

drawing bar graphs and other graphical representations

Pupils shall be able to:

1. produce graphs using database facilities

2. use single instructions to create a shape or pattern

3. display the results of queries of databases in a bar graph

4. display the results of queries of databases in a pie chart

P4 to P6 Applications of information technology in society

understanding some of the ways in which computers and other forms of IT are used to process information

Pupils shall be able to:

1. investigate ways in which IT is used to aid management and administration within the school

2. become aware of the use of DTP in the production of newspapers and magazines

3. become aware of the use of database systems in the analysis of surveys

4. become aware of the use of microprocessors to control equipment in the home and school

5. become aware of the use of micro computers to create a special effects in the film industry

6. become aware of the use of micro computers to create special effects in the record industry

7. become aware of the use of micro computers to handle and retrieve information in the outside world and witness at first hand machines being used in the community e.g. police station, supermarket, offices. banks. libraries etc.

Stages P7 to S2

P7 to S2 Features and characteristics of forms of IT

understanding and using the characteristics of a range of computer peripherals and other IT devices, such as video recorder, camcorder, CD ROM

Pupils shall be able to:

1. make increased use of a printer

2. make increases use of floppy discs for storage and retrieval of information

3. make effective use of Canon lon camera

4. make effective use of a scanner to create and import graphics into DTP applications

5. make effective use of a camcorder to collect and store visual information

6. make effective use of a camcorder, video recorder and editing machine to edit visual information for presentation purposes

7. make effective use of cassette recorder for the collection of audio information and personal work

8. make effective use of cassette recorders for editing audio information

9. make effective use of CD ROM equipment for the retrieval of information when carrying out investigations

10. use a fax machine

11. use a photocopier to enlarge or reduce

12. use the computer, when appropriate, in increasingly sophisticated creative ways

basic understanding of how computers work

Pupils shall be able to:

1. develop a simple understanding of how computers work

2. use basic computer terminology such as input, output, disc drive, printer, keyboard, processor, mouse etc

P7 to S2 Techniques for using computer software

the construction of simple documents (including text and graphics), selecting from a limited range of media and resources

Pupils shall be able to:

1. produce simple documents using a word processing package

   use a variety of word processing packages

   rnake an informed choice about the particular word processing package they need for their work

2. combine text and graphics in simple documents

3. combine text and scanned images in simple documents

4. change the design of a document by altering the format

   use underlining, bold and italics

   altering the font and size

   indent text use tabs

   change the page layout

5. use spellcheckers and thesaurus to improve the presentation of the text

6. plan in detail before choosing a D T P package to produce a "publication"

7. choose the appropriate package before attempting any major item of work

   select a variety of fonts to suit the needs of the work

   select a variety of font sizes as required

   alter page layout eg columns, boxes etc

   move/manipulate/delete blocks of text

   design text format which is of considerable length

   use tabs, paragraphs, justification etc in the correct manner

   present text in tabular form

8. make simple multimedia presentations incorporating text, images and sound

the preparation, use and evaluation of simple computer based models and information systems, using spreadsheets, databases and other such tools

Pupils shall be able to:

1. plan an investigation relating to their theme and decide on an appropriate method of collecting the information e.g. practical experiments, survey designing and using a questionnaire, sampling using a simple strategy, using a sensor attached to the computer to collect data in real time

2. design the structure of a database

   organise information using diagrams or tables, create a database or spreadsheet with most of the record fields defined through class/group discussion

   organise information by creating and using a database/spreadsheet with all the fields defined by themselves

3. collect organise and store information in a database

4. comment on the effectiveness of the database structure as a means of meeting specified purposes

5. design the structure of a spreadsheet

6. collect, organise and store information in spreadsheet

7. comment on the effectiveness of the spreadsheet structure as a means of meeting specified purposes

8. sort the database using more than one field

9. sort the spreadsheet using more than one field

10. design and use a more complex database

    through group/class discussion plan an investigation relating to their theme

    decide on the appropriate method of collecting the information

    design a questionnaire which allows several responses to each question

11. design and use a range of queries, including combinations of and, or and not

    retrieve information subject to more than one condition

12. interpret the results of queries

    interpret information from a range of displays and databases by retrieving information subject to one and two conditions using "and", "or", "not" conjunctions

    interpret data from an extended range of displays (diagrams, tables, graphs, pie charts and databases)

    interpret by describing the main features of a graph to show an awareness of the significance of the information

    calculate the average (mean) to compare sets of data

13. report on findings using spreadsheets and/or databases

    print out graphs where appropriate with the use of a computer package

14. organise information by designing and using appropriate diagrams, tables etc.

    display the information by constructing graphs (bar, line, and pie charts)

    display information by constructing straight line and curved graphs for continuous data, by constructing pie charts of data expressed in percentages

writing simple programs and using computers to control devices, e.g. writing turtle graphics programs, programs to produce a range of graphs

Pupils shall be able to:

1. use a LOGO type language to rotate a shape or pattem

2. extend the use of LOGO to produce shapes of different specified sizes

   use recursion

   use Logo commands to draw within the x y axes

3. use computer generated music

   devise graphic symbols to represent sounds

   choose tempo for sound pictures

   create sound pictures demonstrating an awareness of form

   reload and edit saved sound pictures

   demonstrate an awareness of beginning, middle and end to an invention

   experiment and explore melodic, harmonic and rhythmic patterns and contrasts

   invent music which incorporates simple melodic and rhythmic features showing an awareness of structures and contrasts

P7 to S2 Applications of information technology in society

knowledge of some of the ways in which computers and other forms of IT are used in industry and commerce

Pupils shall be able to:

1. give examples of how information technology is used in for example, record keeping, mail order organisation, holiday booking.

some of the advantages and disadvantages of the use of IT in society

Pupils shall be able to:

1. recognise the advantages of word processing packages in industry and commerce

2. recognise the advantages of information management systems such as databases and spreadsheets in industry and commerce

   they should also be able to demonstrate an awareness of the advantages/disadvantages of using a computer database/spreadsheet

3. recognise the effects of the increasing use of IT with regard to employment opportunities

4. identify disadvantages that occur as a result of the misuse or maluse of IT