lesson 01 - course introduction
The BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology is a two-year vocational course that teaches practical skills through project-based assessments on user interface design and data interpretation, along with an external exam on effective digital working practices.
(Image: A welcoming, modern image showing diverse people interacting with technology)
Hello and welcome to the start of your BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology journey! Over the next two years, you'll be diving into the exciting world of IT, learning practical skills that are essential in today's digital age.
What is a BTEC and how is it different?
You might be used to GCSEs, which are mainly assessed through final exams. A BTEC is a vocational qualification. This means it’s designed to teach you the skills and knowledge needed for a specific industry—in this case, the huge and ever-growing digital technology sector. While it's worth the same as a GCSE, the BTEC approach is more hands-on. You’ll be assessed through practical projects and an exam, giving you a chance to apply what you've learned to real-world problems.
(Video: Embed a short, engaging video from Pearson about the BTEC Tech Awards, or a teacher-made video giving a course walkthrough).
The Three Components of DIT
Your course is broken down into three main units, which we call Components.
(Image: Use three coloured blocks or icons, each with the title of the component).
Component 1: Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
What is it? This is all about how we interact with technology. You'll learn what makes a website or app easy and enjoyable to use (this is User Interface or UI design). You'll also learn the skills of a project manager, planning everything from start to finish.
How is it assessed? This is an internally assessed project called a Pearson-Set Assignment (PSA). You'll be given a business scenario (for us, it's The Majestic Cinema) and you will plan, design, and create a prototype of a user interface for them.
Component 2: Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
What is it? Businesses collect vast amounts of data every day. In this component, you'll learn how to use spreadsheet software to process that data, turn it into useful information (like charts and graphs), and present it in a professional 'dashboard'.
How is it assessed? This is also an internally assessed PSA. You'll be given a large dataset from a business (Pedal Power Cycles) and you'll need to analyse it and build a dashboard to help them make decisions.
Component 3: Effective Digital Working Practices
What is it? This component brings everything together. You'll explore how modern businesses use technology to work, the challenges of cybersecurity, and the legal and ethical rules they must follow.
How is it assessed? This is an external exam, set and marked by Pearson. It is synoptic, which is a key word meaning it will test your knowledge from Components 1 and 2 as well!
Where to Find Everything
The Computing Cafe is your best friend for this course! On there you will find:
Lesson-by-lesson resources and activities.
Key documents like the course specification (the official rulebook!).
Links to useful software and revision websites.
Copies of the vocational scenarios and assessment information.
Make sure you get comfortable navigating it – you’ll be using it every lesson!
Last modified: July 7th, 2025
