This unit applies to information and communications technology (ICT) personnel who need to use several different software applications to produce diverse documents within a small to large office environment.
The ability to use and present a variety of key software application packages is a key component of any ICT business or office environment.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify, select and operate three commercial software packages, including a word-processing and a spreadsheet application package.
The unit identifies the requirement to use a word-processing, spreadsheet and third software application package to ensure that the individual develops the skills required to cover a range of basic office software requirements.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the ability to:
produce workplace documents using a minimum of three different software application packages
open, amend and save files and documents according to organisational requirements
use OHS principles and responsibilities for ergonomics, such as work periods and breaks
use help manuals and online help.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
use of PC and printer
use of software currently used in industry
documents detailing organisational style guide and policy
documents or information containing data suitable for developing software application documents
appropriate learning and assessment when required.
Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of OHS, application usage for specific tasks, and use of different application functions
direct observation of candidate using a minimum of three different software applications
review of workplace documents prepared by candidate demonstrating a wide range of features from different software application packages.
Guidance information for assessment
Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.
Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.
Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.
In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
communication skills to:
communicate with peers and supervisors
seek assistance and expert advice
literacy skills to:
interpret user manuals and help functions
read and write basic workplace documents
numeracy skills to enter simple formulas into spreadsheet
problem-solving skills to manage applications and use help functions
technical skills to:
operate a personal computer (PC) and printer
operate a keyboard to enter text and numerical data
use application software packages.
Required knowledge
application software packages used by the organisation
basic technical terminology related to reading help files and responding to system help prompts
basic knowledge of system usage
current business practices related to using software to prepare reports
features and functions of commercial computing packages
import and export software functions
linking documents
OHS principles and responsibilities for ergonomics, such as work periods and breaks
purpose, use and functions of applications
use of input and output devices.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Ergonomic, work organisation, energy and resource conservation requirements may include:
avoiding radiation from computer screens
chair height, seat and back adjustment
document holder
equipment that is reasonably adjusted to meet personal needs, in appropriate circumstances
exercise breaks
footrest
keyboard and mouse position
lighting
mix of repetitive and other activities
noise minimisation
posture
rest periods
screen position
workstation height and layout.
Word-processing software may include:
Apple iWork
Microsoft Word
Open Office.
Document may include:
captions
different odd and even pages
document protection
drawing
hyperlinks
linked and embedded objects
mail-merge data documents
master documents
MS WordArt
templates.
Organisational requirements may include:
company colour scheme
company logo
consistent corporate image
content restrictions
established guidelines and procedures for document production
house styles
observing copyright legislation
organisation name, time, date, document title and filename in header or footer
templates.
Document structure and layout may include:
annotated references
borders
boxes
bullet or number lists
captions
colour
columns
consistency with other business documents
cropping
drawing
footnotes
endnotes
graphics
headings
indentations
layout
page numbers
position related to other text
size
spacings
typeface styles and point size.
Technical functions, other data and formatting may include:
alignment
clip art
comments
data from other software applications
digital photographs
digital signatures
display features
embedding
exporting
fields
fills or shading
formulas
graphics
importing
lines and borders
linking
merge cells
page and section breaks
permissions
reviewing
sharing
sort criteria
sorting contents
split cell
table of contents
templates
text direction
versioning.
Naming and storing documents may include:
authorised access
filenames according to organisational procedure
filenames that are easily identifiable related to the content
file or directory names which identify the operator, author, section and date
filing locations
organisational policy for backing up files and filing hard copies of documents
security
storage in folders and sub-folders
storage on:
hard disk drives
CD-ROM
tape backup.
Printing may include:
comments
drawing objects
field codes
hidden text
print merge
print to file
to fit a specific number of pages.
Spreadsheet software may include:
Apple iWorks, such as Numbers
Gnumeric
Microsoft Excel
Open Office.
Simple formulas and functions may include:
addition
conditional logic
conditional summation
division
lookup
multiplication
subtraction
summation
application of the above to a series of cells.
Spreadsheet settings may include:
cell alignment
charts
font settings
formatting tools
graphics
objects
page layout
print
share
simple formulas and functions
sort
toolbars
views
worksheets.
Software application package may include:
database
email
graphics
spreadsheet
word processing.
Technical functions may include:
animations
arranging slides
charts
customising masters
illustrations
linking content
sharing
SmartArt
tables.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Use safe work practices to ensure ergonomic, work organisation, energy and resource conservation requirements are addressed
Use wrist rests and document holders where appropriate
Use monitor anti-glare and radiation reduction screens where appropriate
Select word-processing software appropriate to perform activity
Identify document purpose, audience and presentation requirements, and clarify with personnel as required
Identify organisational requirements for text-based business documents and design document structure and layout to ensure consistency of style and image
Match document requirements with software functions to provide efficient production of documents
Use technical functions, other data and formatting to finalise documents
Ensure the naming and storing of documents in appropriate directories or folders and the printing of documents to the required specifications
Select spreadsheet software appropriate to perform activity
Identify document purpose, audience and presentation requirements, and clarify with personnel as required
Enter simple formulas and functions using cell referencing where required
Customise spreadsheet settings to meet requirements
Ensure the naming and storing of documents in appropriate directories or folders and the printing of documents to the required specifications
Select software application package appropriate to perform activity
Identify purpose, audience and presentation requirements, and clarify with personnel as required
Use technical functions, other data and formatting to finalise documents
Ensure documents are named and stored in appropriate directories or folders and printed to required specifications