Year 13 IT
While you are away from the Academy you will need to complete Unit 18 - Hardware and email your work to Mrs Smith as you complete it.
Email address is ysmith@q3academy.org.uk
Task 1 (P1, P2, M1)
LO1
Understand the components of a system You are applying for a roles as a Junior IT Technician as part of the Q3 Academy group of academies based at a host school - Q3 Academy in Great Barr. As part of your selection process you have been asked to deliver a presentation of no longer than 10 minutes with speaker notes on the purpose of the key components of a personal computer and the different types of backing storage available
•(P1) Explain the functions of computer hardware components
•(P2) Outline different types of backup storage available
As part of the second phase of the selection process you have been asked to give further detail on different storage devices in the form of a written explanation.
You have been asked to create a written report that compare and contrast different hardware storage devices. (Similarities, differences and performance factors)
•(M1) Compare and contrast different hardware storage devices
Evidence
The presentation evidence should include detailed speaker notes (a video also acceptable)
The slides and notes must be fit for purpose for whatever level you are working at with bullet points forthe key points and with the detail in the speaker notes.
The report should be appropriately written with the use of tables and diagrams as required.
Throughout the task it is important that you correctly reference all sources used, following appropriateconventions.
Task 2 (P3,D1)
LO2
Be able to propose computer systems for an identified business requirement. Welcome to the next stage of the selection process. As part of this phase you have been asked to recommend and quote for a suite of 30 computers to develop a new computer science room.
You will need to consider the hardware required to connect this room to the schools existing network infrastructure (10GBps back bone with 1000Mbs to the desktop) and school has set a £25000 budget for the purchase of the hardware required.
The PC’s will need to run the latest version of Windows, interconnect with the academies current Ethernet network and run all core office software as well as the Schools Information Management System and key teaching software used by different faculties Eg Photoshop, DreamWeaver, Sketchup, Python, Openspace 3D, etc.
There are a number of students that have a range different special requirements and you have been asked to suggest optional extras could be purchased to support people with special requirements/disabilities in the future.
(P3) Select appropriate components to support identified business requirements
(D1) Justify the components choses and how they meet the identified business requirements
Evidence
The recommendation should be in the form of a word process report and follow standard conventions. The report should include a detailed specification being recommended, financial quotation and written justification.
Throughout the task it is important that you correctly reference all sources used, following appropriate conventions.
Task 3 (P4, P5, M2)
LO3
Be able to build or upgrade computers
Congratulations you have impressed the selection committee with your knowledge and have now been asked to complete a practical task to demonstrate your skills.
You have been provided with the components and software required to build a desktop PC that will be used on the school system by students. You have been asked to assemble the PC and demonstrate it functions.
You have also been asked to describe and demonstrate a range of different preventative maintenance strategies that you would perform on the PC you have built.
(P4)Install different hardware components on an identified computer system
(M2)Recommend preventative maintenance activities for the identified computer system(P5)Implement preventative maintenance requirements for the identified computer system
P5: Implement preventative maintenance requirements for the identified computer system
Evidence
There should be a build report/log of the PC build clearly identifying the hardware components being assembled an OS install resulting in a functioning PC.
The report should be extended to suggest preventative maintenance activities needed for the upkeep of the machine.
Learners should submit a report or extend the build report to demonstrate the use of preventative maintenance strategies.
Throughout the task it is important that you correctly reference all sources used, following appropriate conventions.
Task 4 (P6, M3, D2)
LO4
Be able to test and to evaluate the functionality of computer systems.
In the final phase of the section process you have been asked to look at the PC you have been asked to assemble and test that it is functioning correctly.
You have also been asked to choose appropriate bench making tools and evaluate whether the machine is of an appropriate specification to be used on the schools network (in relation to the software requirements in Task 2 and ability to be connected to the school network infrastructure)(P6)Plan and implement test activities for the identified computer system, rectifying any errors (M3) Select and implement benchmarking activities for the identified computer system. (D2)Analyse results from benchmarking activities for the identified computer system
P6: Plan and implement test activities for the identified computer system, rectifying any errors
M3: Select and implement benchmarking activities for the identified computer system.
D2: Analyse results from benchmarking activities for the identified computer system
Evidence
P6 Learners should prepare and implement a test plan for the system they have built. The evidence supplied will be the test plan with the test results. Any errors should be clearly identified including resolution and retesting.
M3 Learner should select and implement a range of appropriate bench marking activities and provide a written report explaining the activities completed and the results of the benchmarking
D2 Learning should create a written report that analysis the results of the bench marking they have completed and will include statistical and/or graphical analysis of the results along with a recommendation as to whether the PC is appropriate to use on the academy network.
The report should be word processed and presented and follow standard conventions