Assessor Resource

ICAICT201A
Use computer operating systems and hardware

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit applies to workers who require the information and communications technology (ICT) skills to select and install operating system software on to a specific hardware configuration. This includes configuring the operating system to work with a variety of hardware peripherals and types of ICT equipment.

The ability to communicate effectively, simplify and solve technical incompatibility conflicts and problems are key components of this ICT support role.

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select, configure and use computer operating systems and basic computer hardware.

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:

use an operating system in a variety of scenarios and across functions, including:

scheduling, loading, initiating, and supervising the execution of programs

allocating storage

initiating and controlling input and output operations

handling errors

identify and install suitable hardware components

install and upgrade application software.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

use of PC

use of hardware components

OHS standards and organisational policy and procedures

use of operating system currently used in industry

software configuration guides

documents detailing operating system control panel and configuration data

appropriate learning and assessment support 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 concepts and procedures related to configuring operating systems and application software to different hardware platforms

direct observation of candidate:

setting up, configuring and optimising operating system,

setting up input and output devices and checking functionality

setting up and configuring hardware components.

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

problem-solving skills to address common operational problems when using computer operating systems and operating computer hardware

technical skills to:

apply user changes for a multi-user operating system

configure, use and optimise operating system

create users for a multi-user system

install and support peripheral devices

operate a personal computer (PC)

set passwords for different users

use PC peripheral hardware.

Required knowledge

basic knowledge of current industry-accepted operating system, hardware and software products

compatibility of an operating system, in respect to other versions

function of single-user and multi-user operating systems

interoperability between operating systems

OHS principles and responsibilities, including ergonomic principles to avoid injury associated with using computer systems.

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.

Organisational requirementsmay include:

maintenance procedures

OHS procedures

security procedures.

External hardware components may include:

Bluetooth device

fax

modem

keyboard

laptop

mobile phone

monitor

mouse

multimedia kit

PC

personal digital assistant (PDA), such as palmtop

printer

scanner

speaker

tape cartridge

universal serial bus (USB) device

wi-fi router.

Internal hardware components may include:

cabling

central processing unit (CPU)

memory chip

motherboard

network interface card

sound card

video display card.

Power-management settings after a period of non-use may include:

automatic power off

hibernation settings

monitor power-saver settings.

Application software may include:

databases

email

internet browsers

spreadsheets

system browsers

word processing.

Computer platforms may include:

Macintosh

PC

operating systems used on each.

Third-party utilities may include:

backing up data

diagnostic tools

disk scanning

partitioning and defragmenting

recovery.

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
Determine ICT organisational requirements and specifications 
Identify and select operating system 
Identify appropriate external hardware components 
Identify internal hardware components 
Install and configure operating system to meet organisational requirements 
Identify the functions associated with the operating system and associated boot process 
Configure power-management settings to minimise power consumption as an environmentally sustainable measure 
Use both the graphical user interface and the command line interface to perform basic tasks 
Install or upgrade application software onto the operating system and hardware configuration 
Determine the relationship between an application program, the operating system and hardware 
Identify general differences between the different computer platforms and their respective operating systems 
Optimise operating system using included tools or third-party utilities 
Customise the graphical user interface 
Use techniques unique to the command line interface 
Set up and configure external hardware components and check functionality 
Install drivers as appropriate and check functionality 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICAICT201A - Use computer operating systems and hardware
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

ICAICT201A - Use computer operating systems and hardware

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: