Assessor Resource

ICAU2006B
Operate computing packages

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


This unit defines the competency required to identify, select and correctly operate three desktop applications for a range of purposes.

There may be benefit in concurrent learning with the following units:

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware

ICAU2231B Use computer operating system

The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:

ICAD2003B Receive and process oral and written communication

ICAI2015B Install software applications

ICAW2001B Work effectively in an IT environment

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

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 following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to produce several workplace documents utilising a minimum of three different computing packages. Learner will demonstrate the use of a wide range of features from each package.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Personal computer

Basic software

Documents or information containing data suitable for use with computing packages

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit brings together a range of basic computer skills and knowledge consistent with general expectations around computer usage in the workplace.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.

Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICAU2005B Operate computer hardware

ICAU2231B Use computer operating system

ICAD2003B Receive and process oral and written communication

ICAI2015B Install software applications

ICAW2001B Work effectively in an IT environment

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas

Apply a defined range of skills

Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems

Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required

Assess and record information from varied sources

Communicate with team members to clarify job requirements

Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Demonstration of these competencies would involve:

Using appropriate software

Opening, amending and saving files and documents according to organisational requirements

Using help manuals and on-line help when appropriate

Applying OH&S procedures

Demonstrating basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas

Performing a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required

Assessing and recording information from varied sources


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

Basic analysis of desktop layout, monitor and chair positioning, keyboard techniques and use of the mouse

Basic problem solving in application management and help function usage

Reading and writing at a level where basic workplace documents are understood

Clear and precise communication with team members and supervisors

Interpretation of user manuals

Required knowledge

OH&S principles and responsibilities

Basic understanding of system usage

Basic technical terminology in relation to reading help files and responding to system help prompts

Personal computer access and log-on procedures

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.

Software may include but is not limited to:

commercial software applications

organisation-specific software

It is expected that a word processing application, Database Application and Spreadsheet application will be chosen in preference to other types of applications

Files may include but is not limited to:

html pages

pdf files

text files

pictures

music

email messages

Data may include:

text

images

graphics

screenshots

icons added to the document

Equipment may include but is not limited to:

workstations

personal computers

modems and other connectivity devices

printers

hard drives

DSL modems

monitors

switches

hubs

personal digital assistant (PDA)

other peripheral devices

OH&S may include:

correct posture

lighting

type of desk

type of monitor

style of chair

typing position

repetitive strain injury prevention

ventilation

light position

length of time in front of computer

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
Select software appropriate to perform activity 
Use software to produce required outcome using a range of features related to the activities 
Save documents in appropriate directories/folders 
Select and access files 
Amend and save files according to requirements 
Produce documents and files that meet organisational needs 
Save files in appropriate directories/folders 
Exit software correctly without loss of data 
Identify the help resources available for basic difficulties with the software 
Access user help documentation and other resources for basic difficulties with the software 
Follow OH&S standards and regulations to avoid injury or illness 
Use wrist rests and document holders where appropriate 
Use monitor anti-glare and radiation reduction screens where appropriate 
Ensure user equipment is maintained and free from defects that could cause injury 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICAU2006B - Operate computing packages
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

ICAU2006B - Operate computing packages

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: