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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Describe the application and effect of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on society 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
117928  Describe the application and effect of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on society 
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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for people who need a working understanding of the trends in Information and Communication Technologies (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 Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
  • Describe the use and effect of ICT on modern society.
  • Explain the effect of the legal environment on ICT.

    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 3.
  • Describe the concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the use of its components in a healthy and safe manner (IS 117925 - NQF level 2). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe Information and Communication Technology (ICT). 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is defined in terms of its application and role in modern society. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    ICT Equipment used in modern society is described in terms of its purpose and use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any four of:
  • Computer, Laptop Computer, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), Modems, Cell phones, Printers, Facsimile, Photocopiers, Telecommunications, the Internet, Bluetooth.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the use and effect of ICT on modern society. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Uses of computers in modern society are analysed in terms of advantages & disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The analysis looks at using people to perform similar tasks as computers.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    ICT is describes in terms of use and the effect on modern society. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Any three of: information age, information availability (time and place), information overload, jobless growth, competencies, globalization, mobility.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Computer applications are described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages. Examples include but are not limited to any three of: In the Home, Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing, Hospitality and Tourism, Retail, Healthcare, Education, Teleworking, Libraries, Mining, Government. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the effect of ICT on the Physical environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The effect of ICT on the physical environment is analysed in terms of its impact, advantages & disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Disposal of solid waste (cartridges), disposal of ink, destruction of trees, radiation, global warming, paperless, reduced commuting, access in remote areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The effect of ICT on society is analysed in term of it benefits and negative effects. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Two benefits and two negative effects required out of the following:
  • Telecommuting, highly paid employment, convenience, more recreation, lower costs, unemployment, crime, health, breakdown of morals and cultures, anti-social behavior.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The types of environment are defined with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types include but are not limited to:
  • Physical, natural & social.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Explain the effect of the legal environment on ICT. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Legislation is explained with examples from the ICT industry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The benefits of having legislation are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples must be related to ICT related legislation.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Legal issues that arise out of the ICT industry are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Include two of:
  • Intellectual property, cyber crime, infringement of privacy, service level agreements, purchase and sale agreements.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Current legislation that impacts on ICT is identified with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Include two of:
  • Copyright Act, ECTA, access to Information act, law of contract.
     
    		•


    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 organization standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated. Organisation standards and procedures may cover: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behavior.
  • 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 organizations 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 organization). 
    		•

    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 security aspects of using computers in modern society. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by effectively using a variety of safeguards to maintain security of a computer environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize, and critically evaluate information by remaining alert to new viruses that could effect the computer. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when engaging with the subject. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by acting responsibly when using a computer. 

    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.

    Assessor Notes:
  • 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.

    Abbreviations:
  • PC - Personal computer.
  • CD - Compact disk.
  • GUI - Graphical User Interface. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  67509   Further Education and Training Certificate: Community Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    3. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    4. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    5. Balefile Trading and Services 
    6. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    7. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    8. CSL Accountants 
    9. Eagle Computer Training 
    10. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    11. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    12. Elangeni Training Institute 
    13. Elchees Software Solutions 
    14. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    15. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    16. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    17. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    18. Fourways Private College 
    19. Global Institute for Capacity 
    20. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    21. Hazyview Computer College 
    22. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    23. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    25. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    26. IT Academy 
    27. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    28. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    29. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    30. Loomee Group 
    31. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    32. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    33. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    34. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    35. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    36. Ndulita Solutions 
    37. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    38. Progressive School of Business 
    39. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    40. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    41. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    42. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    43. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    44. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    45. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    46. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    47. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    48. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    49. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    50. Titan Trade Technologies 
    51. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    52. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    53. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    54. Whitestone College 
    55. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    56. Zealot Business College 


    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.