btec tech award in digital information technology
Teaching resources for the BTEC Tech Award in Digital Information Technology
Exploring User Interface Design Principles and Project Planning Techniques
Collecting, Presenting and Interpreting Data
Effective Digital Working Practices
This module explores the different types of user interfaces that we interact with every day, from the text-based and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) on our computers to the speech and sensor-based interfaces found in smart devices and entertainment systems. You will investigate the key factors, such as performance, usability, and hardware, that influence the choice of interface for a particular device or purpose.
A great user interface is designed with its audience in mind. This module delves into how to define a target audience and understand their specific needs. You will learn about designing for a wide range of users, considering accessibility needs (visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive), varying skill levels, and user demographics. The module also introduces the legal and ethical importance of providing equal access to digital services and information.
This module covers the fundamental design principles that underpin all effective user interfaces. You will learn how to use colour, fonts, and language appropriately to create a clear and engaging user experience. Key concepts such as layout, consistency, retaining user attention, and creating an intuitive design are explored through practical application.
Bringing a digital product to life requires careful planning. This module introduces you to essential project planning tools and methodologies used in the tech industry. You will get hands-on experience with creating task lists, Gantt charts, mood boards, and mind maps. You will also compare different project management approaches like Waterfall and Agile to understand how to deliver projects efficiently.
In this practical module, you apply your learning to a real-world scenario. You will develop a project proposal, create initial designs, and build a working prototype of a user interface using specialist software. A key part of this process is learning how to review your prototype against user requirements, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses, and suggesting improvements.
This module is dedicated to preparing for and completing the Pearson-set Assignment (PSA) for Component 1. You will consolidate your knowledge of project planning, interface design, and the review process through revision and a timed practice session before undertaking the supervised assessment.
Component 1 Pearson-set Assignment (PSA)
Module 7: Data, Information & Quality
This module establishes the fundamental difference between raw data and meaningful information. You will learn to represent information in various formats, including text, charts, and infographics, and to critically evaluate the quality of information based on factors like its source, accuracy, and age.
This module establishes the fundamental difference between raw data and meaningful information. You will learn to represent information in various formats, including text, charts, and infographics, and to critically evaluate the quality of information based on factors like its source, accuracy, and age.
Module 8: Data Collection & Threats
Here, students explore the primary and secondary methods organisations use to collect data, such as surveys and company databases, and analyse their reliability. The module also covers the crucial techniques of data validation and verification to ensure accuracy, and investigates the potential threats to individuals when their personal data is stored, such as fraud and invasion of privacy.
Here, students explore the primary and secondary methods organisations use to collect data, such as surveys and company databases, and analyse their reliability. The module also covers the crucial techniques of data validation and verification to ensure accuracy, and investigates the potential threats to individuals when their personal data is stored, such as fraud and invasion of privacy.
Module 9: Data Manipulation & Processing
This is a highly practical module where you get to grips with spreadsheet software to analyse data. They will learn a wide range of skills, from writing basic formulae and functions (like SUM and AVERAGE) to more advanced techniques such as IF statements, VLOOKUPs, and conditional formatting to process and manipulate datasets effectively.
This is a highly practical module where you get to grips with spreadsheet software to analyse data. They will learn a wide range of skills, from writing basic formulae and functions (like SUM and AVERAGE) to more advanced techniques such as IF statements, VLOOKUPs, and conditional formatting to process and manipulate datasets effectively.
Module 10: Creating a Data Dashboard
The focus of this module is on data visualisation. You will learn to create dynamic dashboards to present data summaries in an engaging and easy-to-understand way, using features like pivot tables, dynamic charts, and form controls. A key skill developed is the ability to draw conclusions from the presented data by identifying trends, patterns, and potential errors.
The focus of this module is on data visualisation. You will learn to create dynamic dashboards to present data summaries in an engaging and easy-to-understand way, using features like pivot tables, dynamic charts, and form controls. A key skill developed is the ability to draw conclusions from the presented data by identifying trends, patterns, and potential errors.
Module 11: Component 2: PSA
This module prepares you for the Pearson-set Assignment (PSA) for Component 2. Through targeted revision of data collection, manipulation, and dashboard creation, followed by a timed practice session, you will be fully prepared for the supervised assessment.
This module prepares you for the Pearson-set Assignment (PSA) for Component 2. Through targeted revision of data collection, manipulation, and dashboard creation, followed by a timed practice session, you will be fully prepared for the supervised assessment.
Component 2 Pearson-set Assignment (PSA)
Module 12: Modern Technologies & Their Impact
This module examines the technologies that underpin modern business, including cloud storage, cloud computing, and the communication tools that allow for remote and collaborative working. You will analyse the impact of these technologies on organisational structures, team management, and how businesses communicate with their stakeholders.
This module examines the technologies that underpin modern business, including cloud storage, cloud computing, and the communication tools that allow for remote and collaborative working. You will analyse the impact of these technologies on organisational structures, team management, and how businesses communicate with their stakeholders.
Module 13: Cyber Security: Threats & Impacts
Cyber security is a critical concern for all organisations. This module covers the reasons why systems are attacked and explores the range of external and internal threats they face, from hacking and malware to social engineering and accidental data disclosure. You will also investigate the significant impact a security breach can have on a business.
Cyber security is a critical concern for all organisations. This module covers the reasons why systems are attacked and explores the range of external and internal threats they face, from hacking and malware to social engineering and accidental data disclosure. You will also investigate the significant impact a security breach can have on a business.
Module 14: Cyber Security: Prevention & Management
Following on from the previous module, you will learn about the measures used to prevent and manage cyber threats. Topics include physical security, password policies, access levels, biometrics, firewalls, and encryption. You will also explore how organisations proactively find weaknesses in their own systems through techniques like ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Following on from the previous module, you will learn about the measures used to prevent and manage cyber threats. Topics include physical security, password policies, access levels, biometrics, firewalls, and encryption. You will also explore how organisations proactively find weaknesses in their own systems through techniques like ethical hacking and penetration testing.
Module 15: Organisational Policies & Procedures
This module focuses on the formal policies and procedures that organisations put in place to manage their digital systems and security. You will learn about the key components of security policies, disaster recovery plans, and the step-by-step actions a business must take in the aftermath of a cyber attack.
This module focuses on the formal policies and procedures that organisations put in place to manage their digital systems and security. You will learn about the key components of security policies, disaster recovery plans, and the step-by-step actions a business must take in the aftermath of a cyber attack.
Module 16: The Wider Implications: Legal & Ethical
Digital technology raises important legal and ethical questions. This module explores the responsible use of shared data, the environmental impact of IT, and the principle of net neutrality. You will also study the legal frameworks that govern the digital world, including data protection, intellectual property, and laws against the criminal use of computer systems.
Digital technology raises important legal and ethical questions. This module explores the responsible use of shared data, the environmental impact of IT, and the principle of net neutrality. You will also study the legal frameworks that govern the digital world, including data protection, intellectual property, and laws against the criminal use of computer systems.
Module 17: Planning & Communication using Notation
Clear communication is vital in technical projects. In this module, you learn to interpret and create standard forms of notation used in the IT industry, including data flow diagrams, flowcharts, and system diagrams, to plan and communicate information about digital systems and processes.
Clear communication is vital in technical projects. In this module, you learn to interpret and create standard forms of notation used in the IT industry, including data flow diagrams, flowcharts, and system diagrams, to plan and communicate information about digital systems and processes.
Module 18: Final Revision & Exam Preparation
The final module is dedicated to preparing for the Component 3 external examination. It will cover exam technique, command words, a full mock exam, and targeted revision to ensure you are confident and ready to demonstrate your synoptic knowledge of all three components.
The final module is dedicated to preparing for the Component 3 external examination. It will cover exam technique, command words, a full mock exam, and targeted revision to ensure you are confident and ready to demonstrate your synoptic knowledge of all three components.
Component 3 Examination
Last modified: July 4th, 2025
