Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICAU2231B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Use computer operating system

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICAU2231B - Use computer operating system
Description This unit defines the competency required to configure, use and optimise a computer operating system.There may be benefit in concurrent learning of the following unit:ICAU2005B Operate computer hardwareThe following unit is linked and forms an appropriate cluster:ICAU2005B Operate computer hardwareNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities
Slides
PPT
Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Configure operating system
  • Configure operating system to suit the working environment, including but not limited to setting variables
       
Element: Use operating system
  • Install, upgrade and uninstall application software to suit the working environment
  • Use both the graphical user interface and the command line interface to perform basic tasks
       
Element: Optimise operating system
  • Use operating system and third-party utilities
  • Customise the graphical user interface
  • Use techniques unique to the command line interface
       
Element: Support input and output devices
  • Set up input and output devices and check functionality
  • Install drivers as appropriate and check functionality
       


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 use an operating system in a variety of scenarios and across all functions including (1) scheduling, loading, initiating, and supervising the execution of programs; (2) allocating storage; (3) initiating and controlling input/output operations; and (4) handling errors.

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

Workstation

Operating system

Software configuration guides

Documents detailing operating system control panel and configuration data

Context of and specific resources for assessment

An introduction to the command line at this level would be appropriate to prepare the person for concepts related to directory structure, folder hierarchy and path relationships.

The operating system (OS) program is the first program loaded into the computer by a boot program and it remains in memory at all times thereafter. It is strategically placed in that it manages all the other programs in a computer including the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory, central processing unit (CPU) time, access and security, hard disk space, and peripheral devices (like speakers or a mouse).

The OS is the foundation software on which other programs, such as Word or Excel, depend. These other programs are called applications or application programs. The application programs make use of the operating system by making requests for services through a defined application program interface (API). In addition, users can interact directly with the operating system through a user interface such as a command language or a graphical user interface (GUI).

Operating systems come in a variety of forms. Most use a graphical user interface (GUI) and some use command line; others have a combination of both.

It is appropriate for the person to grasp the fundamentals of both the GUI and the command line interface to prepare them for advanced concepts should they chose to enter learning towards a more advanced unit of competency.

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

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.

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Understand a range of concepts and procedures related to operating systems

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of operating system set-up and configuration

Apply changes to an operating system

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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

Configure, use and optimise operating system

Install and support peripheral devices

Create users for a multi-user system

Apply user changes for a multi-user operating system

Set passwords for different users

Clear and precise communication with team members and supervisors

Required knowledge

Function of single-user and multi-user operating systems

Compatibility of an operating system, in respect to other versions

Interoperability between operating systems

Software applicable to the operating system

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.

Operating system may include but is not limited to:

Linux 7.0 or above

Windows 2000 or above

Apple OS X or above

Application software may include:

databases

word processing

email

internet browsers

system browsers

spreadsheets

Third-party utilities may include but are not limited to:

disk scanning

partitioning and defragmenting

backing up data

recovery

diagnostic tools

Input and output devices may include but are not limited to:

keyboard

mouse

printer

scanner

monitor

modem

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
Configure operating system to suit the working environment, including but not limited to setting variables 
Install, upgrade and uninstall application software to suit the working environment 
Use both the graphical user interface and the command line interface to perform basic tasks 
Use operating system and third-party utilities 
Customise the graphical user interface 
Use techniques unique to the command line interface 
Set up input and output devices and check functionality 
Install drivers as appropriate and check functionality 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICAU2231B - Use computer operating system
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

ICAU2231B - Use computer operating system

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: