Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

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.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Use appropriate software

1.1. Select software  appropriate to perform activity

1.2. Use software  to produce required outcome using a range of features related to the activities

1.3. Save documents in appropriate directories/folders

2. Access, retrieve and manipulate data

2.1. Select and access files 

2.2. Amend and save files  according to requirements

2.3. Produce documents and files  that meet organisational needs

2.4. Save files  in appropriate directories/folders

2.5. Exit software  correctly without loss of data 

3. Access and use help functions within each application

3.1. Identify the help resources available for basic difficulties with the software 

3.2. Access user help documentation and other resources for basic difficulties with the software 

4. Use keyboard and equipment

4.1. Follow OH &S  standards and regulations to avoid injury or illness

4.2. Use wrist rests and document holders where appropriate

4.3. Use monitor anti-glare and radiation reduction screens where appropriate

4.4. Ensure user equipment  is maintained and free from defects that could cause injury

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

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

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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

RANGE STATEMENT 

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

Unit sector 

Use

Co-requisite units 

Competency field