BTEC Qualifications for IT Users and IT Practitioners

From September 2009 there will be a comprehensive BTEC suite available.

There are two BTEC IT qualifications: IT User for learners who want to acquire practical IT skills, and IT Practitioner aimed at students who plan to follow a career in the IT or Telecoms sectors. BTECs are practical, work related qualifications offering an exam free equivalent to GCSEs and A levels. They are the most widely recognised vocational qualification in the UK and have a 25 year pedigree. Our BTEC IT suite is the vocational package for ensuring that ALL of your students achieve their potential and that your qualifications meet the needs of 21st century learners. Over the last 25 years , BTECs have been used to help millions of people develop the skills they need to get on in life. Employers and parents like and trust BTECs.

BTEC be inspired

BTEC for IT Users

The BTEC IT User is a brand new qualification aimed at learners of all abilities who wish to learn how to use IT more effectively. Students can gain a qualification that is recognised by employers and education institutions alike.

BTEC for IT Practitioners

Units included in this qualification across levels 2 and 3 will include: Proposed unit titles
Core Using IT Systems Improving Productivity Using IT IT User Fundamentals Setting Up an IT System Optimise IT System Performance Security for IT Users Using IT to find and exchange IT Communication Fundamentals Using the Internet Using Email Using Collaborative Technologies Using Mobile IT Devices Personal Information Management Software Using IT Productivity IT Software Fundamentals Audio and Video Software Audio Software Video Software Bespoke Software Specialist Software Computer Accounting Software Data Management Software Database Software Design and Imaging Software Design Software Imaging Software Desktop Publishing Software Drawing and Planning Software Multimedia Software Presentation Software Project Management Software Spreadsheet Software Website Software Word Processing Software The BTEC IT Practitioners qualification has been well established in schools and colleges for a number of years. It is ideal for students who have an interest in IT and want to learn skills that will equip them for further education and a career in IT.

There are a number of reasons your students would want to study this qualification:
Up-to-date, relevant content, including topics such as graphics, multimedia, web authoring, communicating with IT, spreadsheets and desktop publishing Vocational learning style engages students and allows teachers to tailor the course to the specific requirements of their students Fully meets National Curriculum requirements for ICT in Key Stage 4 Supports development of personal learning and thinking skills

BTECs for IT Practitioners offers:

Practical, internationally recognised, work-related learning The skills to develop a career in the IT industry Up-to-date, relevant content, designed to engage and motivate learners A selection of embedded vendor awards from Cisco, CompTIA and Microsoft, adding further value, recognition and enhanced achievement UCAS points, enabling learners to make university applications with confidence Points for the School and College Achievement and Attainment Tables (SCAAT) A choice of three different-sized, nested qualifications, offering clear progression routes Learners a choice of four specialist pathways for optimum flexibility A wide range of specialist units, enabling you to tailor programmes to meet your learners needs

01

A week in the life of a BTEC IT

Monday

Teacher

Flexible Delivery
The BTEC IT Users qualification is flexible in the way you can deliver it to your students. It can work as a stand-alone qualification as well as supporting other subjects and BTECs your students may be studying. For example, a student taking the BTEC IT User Award can also study the BTEC Certificate in Business.

Brief the class on scoping a pro ject plan for an online business i.e. school, clu b or company.

04

Thursday Work with the class to develo p the websites secondary pages. Explain the importance of quality control with practical examples.

02

Tuesday Demonstrate how to plan a we bsite offline. Highlight key areas including messaging, images, content and links.

05

Friday

Engaging Material
The BTEC IT User qualification has been written as a qualification that will engage students and allow teachers to shape the qualification to the needs of their own students. Teachers have freedom to create projects that are relevant to their students and their college or school. All students can be engaged with BTECs, meaning they have improved chances of success.

Functional Skills in ICT are embedded within this qualification

03

Wednesday Split the students into groups and share their ideas. Start to develop the main pag es online.

Present agreed criteria to the class and have them evaluate against the fina l site. Encourage discussion on any online busine ss ideas the students have for the future.
NOTES BTEC First for IT Practitioners . Unit 21. Doing Business Online .
Please note this is an example only. The above unit may run acro ss several weeks.

The value of a BTEC course is that students of all abilities can succeed. BTECs are assessed practically, not through exams. This means you can tailor assignments and coursework to fit real world situations that you know will engage your students. Plus, on a BTEC your students have the chance to re-submit their work if they feel they can achieve a better grade. This method of assessment and learning means students develop a much deeper understanding of IT and can apply it to real work or in other parts of their education.

Unrivalled levels of support

Edexcel is part of the Pearson Education group. That means when you choose BTEC, you have access to Pearsons portfolio of resources and teaching support materials. These will support teachers with every aspect of the BTEC qualification from planning through delivery through to assessment. These resources will include Edexcel Study Guides, student books and resources, schemes of work and lesson plans, sample moderated assignments and much more. Additionally your centre can get constant support through our dedicated BTEC support line and the outstanding AskEdexcel service. Edexcel offers first class end to end support including: Professional development and training High quality teaching and student resources Regionally based curriculum development managers to support implementation and delivery of BTEC

For more information please visit www.edexcel.com/ict or email btecmarketing@edexcel.com.

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