DIGITAL LITERACY/DEMONSTRATE DIGITAL LITERACY

4.1 Introduction
Demonstrate digital literacy unit of competency is among the seven basic competencies
units offered in all the TVET level 6 qualification. This unit covers the knowledge, skills,
and behaviours required to effectively use computer and other PCs, digital devices such as
smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop. It entails identifying and using digital devices
for purposes of communication, work performance and management at the work place.
Digital literacy is siginificant to TVET level 6 curriculum due to the critical role that
technology plays in societal and industrial growth. Digital literacy has also gained
recognition as a valuable tool for lifelong learning and collaboration in this global village.
The critical aspects of competency to be covered include control of security threats,
computer crimes, applying word processing and spreadsheet in accordance with workplace
procedures, integrating emerging issues in computer ICT applications and applying laws
governing protection of ICT. The basic resources required include digital devices such as
desktop computers, laptop computers, smart phone, printers, internet access, computer
software among others. The unit of competency covers six learning outcomes. Each
learning outcome presents learning activities that cover performance criteria statements,
thus creating opportunity for the trainees to demonstrate knowledge and skills in the
occupational standards and content in the curriculum. Information sheets provide;
definition of key terms, content and illustration to guide in training. The competency may
be assessed through written tests, demonstration, practical assignment, interview/oral
questioning and case study. Self assesssement is provided at the end of each learning
outcome. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and
job role is recommended.
4.2 Performance Standard
Apply security measures to data, hardware and software in solving tasks in automated
environment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, work procedures,
prevailing technology and laws governing protection of ICT.
4.3 Learning Outcomes
4.3.1 List of learning outcomes
a) Identify computer software and hardware.
b) Apply security measures to data, hardware and software in automated environment.
c) Apply computer software in solving tasks.
d) Apply internet and email in communication at workplace.
e) Apply desktop publishing in official assignments.
f) Prepare presentation packages.
1274.3.2 Learning Outcome No 1: Identify appropriate computer software and hardware
4.3.2.1 Learning Activities
Learning Outcome No 1: Identify appropriate computer software and hardware
Learning Activities
Special Instructions
1.1
Determine concepts of ICT in accordance with computer
equipment.
1.2
Determine classifications of computers in accordance with
manufacturer’s specification.
1.3
Identify appropriate computer software (a collection of
instructions or computer tools that enable the user to interact with
a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks) according to
manufacturer’s specification.
1.4
Identify appropriate computer hardware (collection of physical
parts of a computer system such as monitor, keyboard, and
mouse) according to manufacturer’s specification.
1.5 Determine functions and commands of operating system
accordance with manufacturer’s specification.
Computer software
and hardware to be
provided.
Activities may be
carried out in groups
or individually.
4.3.2.2 Information Sheet No4/LO1: Identify appropriate computer software and
hardware
Introduction
Digital literacy is an important topic in the modern world. Literacy is the urge to read and
learn. So digital literacy is the process of acquiring knowledge and skills to effectively use
computers and other technology devices. Some of the computer hardware are,
desktop/monitor, printers, scanners, mouse, Keyboard, and storage devices (hard disk). The
computer software includes Windows, Linux, UNIX. These are the operating system
software.
Under the computer software’s we also have application software’s which include: word
processors (e.g. Microsoft word), spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel), graphic
presentations (e.g. Microsoft PowerPoint), and the database management systems (e.g.
Microsoft access).
Definition of Key Terms
Information computer technology: This is an extensional term to IT that stresses on
systems that enable users to access, store, transmit and manipulate information. ICT is a
broad subject and the concepts are evolving. It covers any product that will store, retrieve,
manipulate, transmit, or receive information electronically or in a digital form (e.g. emails).
Computer software: Computer software is a collection of instructions that enable the user
to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. It is used or needed for input,
128processing, output, storage and management of activities. Softwares which are used for
inputting data in the system include; word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation
software. Software used for storage include cloud storage where the output is stored or
hosted using resources in data centers and delivered to end users over the internet. Software
for management of activities include database management systems which allow users to
process data into useful information.
Computer hardware: This is any tangible device in the computer environment. Some of
the hardware that maybe encountered in this topic are:
 Monitor: This is the main output device of a computer. It is commonly known as
Visual Display Unit (VDU).
 Printer: is used to print information of paper.
 Storage devices: these include flash disks, hard disks and optical disks (e.g. CDs).
 Input devices: such as the mouse and keyboard.
Internet: This is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use internet
protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide. The internet carries a vast range of
information, resources and services. Picture information is shared via the internet.
Digital literacy: While literacy is defined as the ability to read and write, digital literacy is
the ability to access, process, understand and create information in the digital environment.
Concepts and Functions of ICT
Functions of ICT
•  Data capture: Process of compiling information e.g. Amazon uses internet cookies
to capture data about the customers’ purchases via the website. So, it use the data
to suggest items to a user related to the previous orders via the website.
•  Data processing: This involves converting, analyzing, computing and producing
all forms of data information. After capturing data, the system must reorganize that
data based on what the organization wants to use the information for.
•  Generation of information: Involves organizing information into a useful form.
 Storage of information involves retaining information for future use e.g. Facebook
stores user registration details.
•  Retrieval of information: Process by which a computer device is used to find and
copy data for future distribution and processing. A good example is Google or
Yahoo who have data centers which store information which can be used at a later
stage by the end user to search for information online.
Basic concepts of ICT
Information technology encompasses all the technology (hardware, software and computer
networks) that we use to collect, process, protect and store information. Information
computer technology involves transfer and use of all kinds of information. ICT is the
129foundation of economy and a driving force of social change in the 21st century. Distance is
no longer an issue when it comes to accessing information, e.g. working from home,
distance learning, and e-banking are now possible from any place with an internet
connection and a computing device.
Hardware: The physical and tangible parts of a computer, that is, electrical, electronic and
mechanical parts e.g. monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
Software: These are the intangible parts of computer.
Software types
i.
Operating system: This is the program which manages computer hardware e.g.
Linux, Windows, Mac OS X, etc.
ii. Application software (utility programs): These are all programs that users use to
perform different tasks or for problem solving. For example Microsoft word,
Microsoft excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.
iii. Computer networks: A computer network is comprised of at least two computers,
connected by wire or wirelessly that can exchange data.
Types of networks:
 LAN (local Area Network): Covers a relatively small geographical area e.g. a
university campus or office building. Examples include Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network): Links two or more devices using wireless
communication within a limited area such as a campus or office building. Some
WLANs exist to extend an existing wired network.
 WAN (Wide Area Network): Covers a relatively large geographical area e.g. cities
or states. Connects a greater number of computers and local networks.
History and Classification of Computers
The computer as you know it today had its beginning with a 19th century. English
mathematician called Charles Baggage (1791 – 1871) designed the analytical engine and it
is this design that the basic framework of computers today is based on.
Computers can be classified into three generations. Each generation lasted for a certain
period of time and each gave us either a new and improved computer or an improvement
of the existing computer
i.First generation (1937-1946): The first computer Atanasoh Berry computer (ABC)
was built by Dr. JOHN B. Atanasoh and Clifford Berry. In 1943 an electronic
computer named the colossus was built for the military. Other developments
continued until 1946 when Electronic Numerical Integration and Computer
(ENIAC) was built. There were no operating systems.
ii.Second generation (1947-1962): The computers in this generation used transistors
instead of vacuum tubes, which were more reliable. The Universal Automatic
Computer (UNIVAC1) was introduced for commercial use. In 1953, the
130International Business Machine (IBM) 650 and 700 series computers made their
mark in the computer world. Over 100 programming languages were developed.
Computers had memory and operating systems.
iii.
Third generation (1963-Present): The invention of integrated circuit brought us
this generation. Computers became smaller, more powerful, and more reliable and
they were able to run many different programs at the same time.
Classification of computers
Computers can be classified in the following basis:
 Basis of size
 Basis of functionality
 Basis of data handling
Classification on basis of size
 Supercomputer: This is the highest performing computer system. It has a high
level of performance compared to general purpose computer. Examples include
PERAM, Jaguar, and roadrunner.
 Mainframe computer: Commonly called big iron. They are used by big
organizations for bulk data processing such as statistics, census data processing and
transaction processing e.g. IBM series, system 29 etc.
 Minicomputers: They came into the market in the mid-1960s and were sold for a
cheaper price than the mainframe. They were designed for control, instrumentation,
human interaction e.g. laptops, PCs etc.
 Microcomputers: It is small, relatively inexpensive with a microprocessor as its
CPU. It includes a microprocessor, memory and minimal input and output circuitry
mounted on a single printed circuit board.
Classification on basis of functionality
 Servers: Dedicated computers set up to offer some services to the client
 Workstations: Computers designed to primarily be used by a single user at a time.
 Information appliances: Portable devices designed to perform a limited set of
tasks like basic circulations, playing multimedia, etc.
 Embedded computers: Computing devices which are used in other machines to
serve limited set of operations
Classification on basis of data handling
 Analogue computer: Form of computer that uses the continuously changeable
aspect of physical facts such as electrical, mechanical quantities to model the
problem being solved.
 Digital computers: They perform circulations and logic operations with quantities
represented as digits usually the binary number system i.e. 0s & 1s.
 Hybrid: A computer that processes both analogue and digital information.
Components of a Computer System
Computer system
A computer software is simply a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the
computer how to work. They include computer programs, libraries and non-executable data
such as online documentation or digital media.
Types of software
 Application software: Uses the computer system to perform special functions or
provide entertainment functions beyond the basic operation of the computer itself.
 System software: Software for managing computer hardware behavior so as to
provide basic functionalities that are required by users or other software to run
properly. Examples are operating system, device drivers and utility software.
 Malicious software: Software developed to harm and disrupt computer e.g.
malware, viruses.
1.4 Computer Hardware
These are the physical, tangible parts of a computer such as cabins, CPU, monitor,
keyboard, speakers, etc.
Examples
 Input devices and output devices: Input devices enter information into the system
e.g. keyboard, mouse. Output devices display information in human readable mode.
 Storage devices e.g. CDs, flash disk and hard disk
Operating System Function and Commands
The operating system is a system software that manages computer hardware, software
resources and provides common service for computer programs.
Types of operating systems
 Single and multi-tasking
 Single and multiuser
 Distributed: Manages a group of distinct computers and make them to appear to a
single computer
 Template
 Embedded: Designed to be used in embedded computer systems
 Real time: An OS that guarantees to process events or data by a specific moment
and time
 Library
Functions of an operating system
 Security: It uses password protection to protect user data and similar techniques.
 Job accounting: It keeps track of time and resources used by various tasks and users.
 Memory management: It manages the primary and main memory.
 Processor management: It decides which processes have access to the processor.
 Device management: It manages device communication via their respective drivers
and keeps track to all devices connected to the system.
Commands of an operating system
 APPEND: Sets the path to be searched for data files or displays the current search
path.
 ASSIGN: Command direct request for disk operations from one drive to a different
drive.
 ATTRIBE: This command changes or views the attributes of one or more drives.
 CALL: Starts a batch file from which another batch file and returns when that one
ends
 CHCP: Command either displays or changes the active code page used to display
character glyphs in a console window.

Conclusion
This unit covered determining concepts of computers, classification of computers,
identification of appropriate computer software and hardware as well as determining
functions and commands of operating systems, history of computers, functions and
concepts of ICT.