SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD: 

Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117925  Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 2  NQF Level 02  3 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Reregistered  2015-07-01  2018-06-30  SAQA 10105/14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-06-30   2022-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
7546  Describe the application and impact as well as social implications of information technology  Level 2  NQF Level 02  5  Complete 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who need a fundamental understanding of the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career needing this competency, like the ICT industry. People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies.
  • Describe the hardware components of a personal computer.
  • Describe software for personal computers.
  • Describe information networks in relation to ICT.
  • Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations.
  • Explain health and safety when working with computers.
  • Setup a computer workstation taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The credit value of this unit standard is calculated assuming a person is competent in the following:
  • Mathematical literacy and communication skills at least at NQF level 1. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the components of Information and Communication Technologies. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Types of computers are described in terms of their size, application, and relation to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of computers - at least five of: mainframes, minicomputers, personal computers, network computers(thin clients), laptop computers, multimedia computers, personal digital assistants (PDA).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The components of a personal computer are described in terms of their role in the system as a whole is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Input, output, storage, peripherals, ROM, Ports (Serial, Parallel, USB).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The major components of ICT is described in terms of their relationship to each other. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include but is not limited to: Client computers (typically PCs), Various Networks (LANs & WANs), server computers, the Internet.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the hardware components of a personal computer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is described in terms of its purpose and functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The Memory of a personal computer is defined in terms of memory size, the types of memory and their purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of: Memory types: RAM, ROM, ROM-BIOS, Video memory, PROM.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Input devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least six of: Mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touchpad, light pen, scanner, joystick, digital camera.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Output devices are identified and described in terms of the variety, their purpose and functions. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least four of: Monitors (Visual Display Units (VDU)), printers, plotters, speakers, speech synthesisers, microfilm (microfiche).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Input/output devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Touchscreen, modem.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Storage devices are identified and described in terms of their purpose, capacity and functioning. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least three of: Floppy/stiffy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape streamers, CD-ROM, ZIP drives and cartridges, flash disks.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe software for personal computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of software are described in terms of purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating system software, applications software.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Operating system software is defined in terms of its function, providing examples of current OS software commonly in use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Functions include but not limited to: Interface to hardware, interface between application software, interface to printing.OS software include but is not limited to: MS Windows, UNIX, Lunix, Macintosh.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Applications software is defined and examples of applications software types and the specific application for each is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least 3 of: word processing, spreadsheets, database, presentation, desktop publishing, multimedia applications, internet applications.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe information networks in relation to ICT. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    "Data communication" is defined in terms of its different forms of data communication and examples given. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The networking of computers are explained in terms fo its use, advantages and disadvantages. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The terms LAN and WAN are explained in terms of their scope and usage. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Distinguish between same graphical area and wide spread area.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different types of telephone network connections used for access to the Internet are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any 2 of: Analogue (Pulse), Digital (Tone), ADSL (Direct), Wireless.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Describe ergonomic principles for computer workstations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ergonomic principles for computer workstations are explained in terms of their application and purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Environmental conditions relating to ergonomics of computer workstations are explained in terms of their impact on personal well being. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: environmental conditions: lighting, ventilation, VDU positioning, VDU glare, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse), breaks away from the computer.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Explain health and safety when working with computers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Current legislation related to health and safety in the ICT environment are identified and explained with examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Personal injuries related to incorrect ergonomics when working with computers are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: back pain, neck pain, repetitive strain injury (RSI), eye strain.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Common precautions that can be taken when working with computers are explained in terms of how they ensure safe working environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: trailing power leads and/or cables, insecure power leads, worn or frayed power leads, overloaded power points.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    ICT working practices are explained in terms of ways to minimise the effect of working practices on the immediate environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least two of the following: recycling paper, recycling ink/toner cartridges, redundant peripheral devices, low power options on devices, use of "standby" or "sleep" modes for devices, digital formats for communication and storage of documents. Effects can be harmful or positive.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    A computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles and health and safety issues into account. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The computer workstation is set up taking ergonomic principles into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ergonomic principles include but are not limited to: lighting, VDU position, seating, position and use of input devices (e.g. keyboard, mouse).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A computer workstation is set up taking health and safety issues into account. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Health and safety issues include but are not limited to: Power leads, cables, power points.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The relevant Education and Training Quality Authority (ETQA) must accredit providers before they can offer programmes of education and training assessed against unit standards.

    Moderation Process:
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Performance of all elements is to be carried out in accordance with organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • Performance of all elements complies with the laws of the country operating in, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • All activities must comply with any policies, procedures and requirements of the organisations involved, the ethical codes of relevant professional bodies and any relevant legislative and/ or regulatory requirements.
  • Performance of all elements is to be completed within the normal range of time and cost that would be expected in a professional environment (e.g. In a commercial or government organisation).
  • Organisations in South Africa responsible for standards for health and safety when working with computers is identified such as SABS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by understanding the impact of using a computer in an unsafe manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by ensuring that the correct ergonomic structures are in place before using a computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by using a computer in a safe and secure manner. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has replaced 7546 which was " Describe the application and impact as well as social implications of information technology", Level 2, 5 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    a. Assessor Notes:
  • Common GUI functions like printing, using a pointing device and using the HELP facility are covered in a generic unit standard (ID 117902) and should be assessed as part of the mentioned standard.
  • Possible laws applicable to this standard could include acts like Access to Information Acts; Copyright Acts, Constitution of the Country being assessed in.

    b. Abbreviations:
  • PC - Personal computer.
  • CD - Compact disk.
  • GUI - Graphical User Interface.
  • LAN - Local area network.
  • ISP - Internet Service Provider.
  • CPU - Central Processing Unit.
  • RAM - Random Access Memory.
  • ROM - Read Only Memory.
  • VDU - Visual Display Units (Monitor). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Reregistered  2018-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  61755   General Education and Training Certificate: Business Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2018-06-30  SERVICES 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Abetech 
    2. Abongile Computer Co-operative Limited 
    3. Academy of Business and Computer Studies 
    4. Academy of Guilds ''design in the making'' 
    5. AccTech Systems (PTY)LTD 
    6. Acol Computer Training PTY LTD 
    7. Act of Grace 97 
    8. Added Advantage Academy (Durban) 
    9. Addskills Computer Training 
    10. Afedile M Learning Centre (Pty) Ltd 
    11. Affirmations Training 
    12. All Connections cc 
    13. Amitek Business College 
    14. Anderson College (Pty) Ltd 
    15. Arise Business Centre 
    16. Artshub Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    18. ATTI Nelspruit Pty Ltd 
    19. AUM IT Solutions 
    20. Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    21. Awona Technologies cc 
    22. Bantsho Marketing & Management Strategies 
    23. Basfour 2730 (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Best Information Solutions 
    25. Beth Horner & Associates 
    26. Bokamoso Competence (Pty) Ltd 
    27. BOLAND COLLEGE 
    28. Bonalesedi Computer Training 
    29. Bophelo Tota ICT Driving Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Boston Technology Campus (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Bright Idea Projects 2082 CC 
    32. Broadband College of Technology 
    33. Buti Success Technology & Skills Centre 
    34. Buzz-word Training College 
    35. Bytes People Solutions A Division of Altron TMT (Pty) Ltd 
    36. Calandra Trading 523(PTY) 
    37. Careers IT (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Claas Illustration 
    39. Clean Heat Academy 
    40. College of Cape Town - City Campus 
    41. Columbus Technologies Pty Ltd 
    42. Come Again Printing Services cc 
    43. Commerce and Computer College of South Africa 
    44. Community Education Computer Society 
    45. Community Shakers Skills Development 
    46. Competence computer and business management 
    47. Cor Concepts-Information Management Consulting 
    48. Creative Minds - UPINGTON 
    49. Creative Minds Worcester 
    50. CTU Training Solutions 
    51. Daily Training Cc 
    52. Dantall 
    53. DC Dynamic College of Commerce & Further Training (Pty) Ltd 
    54. Delight Computer Training 
    55. DVG Property (Pty)Ltd 
    56. Eagle Computer Training 
    57. Eastern Cape Academy of Technology 
    58. Edunetworks Consulting 
    59. Egsibit Training and Development 
    60. Ekasi IT Solutions CC 
    61. Ekukhanyeni Community Development Centre 
    62. Ekurhuleni Computer College 
    63. Elchees Software Solutions 
    64. Elukwatini Learning Technologies 
    65. Enviroparks Riverlea 
    66. EOH Abantu (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Fakazani Management Services 
    68. Falcon Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    69. False Bay College 
    70. Far North Education & Training Trust (FNETT) 
    71. Far North Youth Development Initiative 
    72. Far-Ahead Computer Training Centre Cc 
    73. Forek Institute of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    74. FORTUWIZE (PTY) LTD 
    75. Fosuitektel Computer Training Institute 
    76. Four Stars Communication 
    77. FSM Source of Success Youth Development 
    78. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    79. Futurevista cc 
    80. Gabasega Consulting and Training Centre 
    81. GDE Science Education Centre 
    82. Gemini Moon Trading 6 cc 
    83. Giga Skills Training 
    84. Gijima Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    85. Giyatu Computers 
    86. Global Softech Skills Academy 
    87. Go Computer Cash and Carry 
    88. Golden Step Campus (Pty) Ltd. 
    89. Great Height IT College 
    90. Hazyview Computer College 
    91. Hectic Productions cc 
    92. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    93. I.C.E Computer College 
    94. Imbalenhle Learning Academy 
    95. In Excess Trading 22 T/A ATTI Polokwane 
    96. Indonsa Consulting and Training cc 
    97. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    98. ISAMON VOCATIONAL COLLEGE OF EXCELLENCE 
    99. iSolve Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    100. IT Certification Academy 
    101. IT SA Computer Services Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    102. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    103. Itireleng Computer 
    104. Johannesburg Institute of Engineering & Technology 
    105. Jonda Learning Academy 
    106. JSP Consultants CC 
    107. K & T Computer College 
    108. Kaelo Computer Training cc 
    109. Keep The Dream 285 
    110. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    111. Kezla Investments 
    112. Kgopotso Computer Training 
    113. Khuphulanani Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    114. Kingsway College of Computing and Business Studies Pty (Ltd) 
    115. Konani Pfunzo Comprehensive Learning Centre 
    116. Konani Training and Development Institute 
    117. Kondi Computer Training 
    118. Kuhle Projects Cc 
    119. Kumani Computer College 
    120. Kundi Computer Training Centre 
    121. Kwahlwa Kwasa Multimedia Centre 
    122. KWAZULU NATAL AVUXENI COMPUTER AND TRAINING CENTRE (PTY) LTD 
    123. Leading Edge Business Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    124. LEARNDIRECT TRAINING SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 
    125. Lephalale Core Skills Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    126. Lesedi Consulting 
    127. Leseding Computer Systems (Pty) Ltd 
    128. LGIT Smart Solutions 
    129. Limco Consulting and management (Pty) Ltd 
    130. Limptech Computer Training Centre 
    131. LMoss Trading cc 
    132. Loja Trading cc 
    133. Loxtion Server CC 
    134. Lwazi Lwethu Training Centre and Trading Enterprise 
    135. M-cot Corporate Training 
    136. Madzahisi College 
    137. Magnifica (Pty) Ltd 
    138. Magnitude College of education 
    139. Makau Tours and Skills Development 
    140. Makhophila Business Enterprise 
    141. Malope IT Solutions 
    142. Mash Computer Training 
    143. Mass Computer Training And Printers 
    144. MasterGrade IT 
    145. Masungulo Electronics and IT Solutions 
    146. Mita Computer College 
    147. Modise Computer College 
    148. Mokk Consultants Cc 
    149. Mont De Dieu 
    150. Mosadikago Trading Cc 
    151. Mourema Computer Training Centre 
    152. MP Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    153. Mpisholo Training Solutions 
    154. MSC Education Holdings Pty Ltd 
    155. MSTC Business College 
    156. Muzwali Education & IT Solutions 
    157. Mvelelo Graphic Design cc 
    158. NCM Computer and Business Academy 
    159. Nebsol IT Solutions 
    160. Neftin Computers & Electronics 
    161. NET2G Technologies (Pty) Ltd t/a IT SCHOOL 
    162. NetCampus (Pty) Ltd. 
    163. New beginning staffing 
    164. Nextgen Training Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    165. Ngubeni Corporation 
    166. Nicoflora Computers & PC Engineering (Pty) Ltd 
    167. Ntamunde Investment 
    168. NW Avuxeni Computer academy 
    169. Ocule IT cc 
    170. Options In Training (Pty) Ltd 
    171. Overcomers Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    172. Phokophela Investment Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    173. Picawood Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    174. Presentation Software Training 
    175. Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    176. Prestige Business College 
    177. Progressive College of Technology (Pty) Ltd 
    178. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    179. Qhakaza Management Services 
    180. Quantum Career Development (PTY) LTD 
    181. Rainbow Nation Skills Development (Pty) Ltd. 
    182. Rand Training College 
    183. Regent-Comp 
    184. Riakona Computer Training Centre 
    185. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    186. Rivoni Training N Communications 
    187. Ron and Becky Trading 
    188. Ropzide Training Centre 
    189. Rorisang Computer (Pty) Ltd 
    190. SEBATA Institute of Consulting and Development 
    191. SECOLO CONSULTING AND TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    192. Security and Property Services Cc 
    193. SEDIBENG 
    194. SILVER SOLUTIONS CC 1360 
    195. Sivile Housing Association RSA 
    196. Siyabonga Multi - Purpose Centre 
    197. Siyafunda Community Technology Centre 
    198. Skills House (Pty) Ltd 
    199. Skills Information Technology UP 
    200. Software Support And Training 
    201. Sonke Technologies 
    202. South Africa Advanced Skills Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    203. Southern Africa Youth Project NPC 
    204. Sovereign Skills Development Institute (Pty) 
    205. Speccon (Pty) Ltd 
    206. Springfield Training (Pty) Ltd 
    207. St Austins College (Pty) Ltd 
    208. STAFFING DIRECT CC 
    209. STANFORD COMPUTER AND BUSINESS COLLEGE 
    210. Star Light Consulting 
    211. Striving Mind Trading 779 
    212. Success Christian Training Centre 
    213. T Mabuya & Associates CC 
    214. Targagenix Training Center (Pty) Ltd 
    215. Technology Corporate Management (Pty) Ltd 
    216. Terry Computer Services 
    217. Tfutfukani Technology Training Centre 
    218. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    219. The Graduate Institute of South Africa 
    220. The Orbital ICT Centre Cc 
    221. The Ulwazi Computer Training Center 
    222. Titan Trade Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    223. Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd 
    224. TSD Business Solutions 
    225. Tshedza Training Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
    226. Turfloop Training Services Cc 
    227. UBUHLE TECHNOLOGY & MULTIPURPOSE PRIMARY CO-OPERATIVE LIMITED 
    228. Victory Ticket 580 cc 
    229. Virtual Afrika Business Solutions cc 
    230. Vox Telecom 
    231. Vukani Solutions 
    232. Vuthlari Marketing Consulting 
    233. Waterberg TVET College 
    234. Whispers ETD Consulting 
    235. Whitestone College 
    236. Work Skills Resources 
    237. WW.IT-IQ Training & Solutions 
    238. Xtensive ICT Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    239. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    240. Yonet Training Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    241. Youmessi Trading cc 
    242. Young Angels Centre for Technology 
    243. Zealot Business College cc 
    244. Zinjiva Trading 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.