ICT Revision pack

• Exam Key Words


  • Exam terminology
  • Command verbs
  • Exam techniques
  • AQA
  • GCSE Physical Education Revision
  • AQA
  • BBC Bitesize
• Command verbs


  Each question will start with a 'command' verb which gives you an idea of what level of detail you need to go into to achieve marks
• Identify


  This type of question usually tests your skill of remembering information. It can mean that you need to select from a list of options, point something out or give a list of main features
• Describe


  This can be seen as the 'what is it?' command verb. For this you will need to provide a series of points, which usually need to be linked, that includes all the main features
• Explain


  This is the 'how does something work/do?' command. For this you will need to provide an explanation with reasoning. You will need to use words such as 'because' or 'therefore' to help you to provide explanations
• Discuss


  You will need to provide a response that explores the issue or situation that is being targeted in the question. You should consider different viewpoints and contrasting ideas such as 'advantages v disadvantages' or 'strengths v weaknesses
• Analyse


  Here an idea or information needs to be examined and each part explored. Provide good detail in your answer with justified reasons for any conclusions you reach. Analysing requires the writer to break something down into components
• Evaluate


  This is when you are required to provide a reasoned argument. Much like 'discuss' you are expected to give both points of view, consider 'strengths v weaknesses' or 'advantages v disadvantages'. However, you must then provide a conclusion in which you make a decision on the most appropriate option and justify your choice
• Other command terms


  • assess
  • calculate
  • classify
  • complete
  • define
  • examine
  • give
  • identify
  • justify
  • label
  • select
  • state
  • using an example
  • which
• Useful tips for answering a multiple-choice question


  • Cover up the multiple-choice options
  • Read the question
  • Do not get distracted by the wrong answers
  • Think about what the right answer is
  • Mark the right answer if you see this in the list of multiple choice options
• Useful tips for answering one and two mark questions

  • These types of questions will usually only require short answers
  • A mark is awarded for every relevant point that is made. The relevant point is almost always a key subject word or term
  • Always check how many marks are given for each question and then try to make that many points in your answer to gain as much credit as possible
• Useful tips for extended responses


  • This type of question is not point marked – this means that you do not get a mark for every correct statement as in the one- and two-mark questions
  • Marks are given based on your understanding of the subject content on which you need to give a full and balanced answer
  • Read the question carefully
  • Re-read the question to make sure you are providing an answer to that question
  • Underline any key words in the question
• Flow Charts


  • A diagram that shows steps, decisions and outputs in a process. For example, making a cup of tea
  • Each step is set out in the proposed sequence – the order in which the steps and decisions have to be completed
  • Each step will lead to the next and any decisions made can lead you down certain routes
• Components of a flow chart

  • Start point
  • End point
  • Decisions
  • Processes
  • Input/output
  • Connecting lines with directional arrows
• Mind Map


  • A mind map is based around a central theme (the central node) and has branches to nodes and sub nodes. Mind maps are also known as spider diagrams
  • The purpose of a mind map is to generate ideas and give a visual plan to an audience to show your ideas
  • For all mind maps there are: The main subject, topic or idea, The related ideas and information coming from the main subject
• Types of mind maps

  • Library
  • Presentation
  • Tunnel
• Library mind map


  Used to sort and organise information to provide a clear understanding of a topic
• Tunnel mind map


  Mainly used for problem solving. The central node is the outcome and the sub nodes are paths to solve the problem
• Presentation mind map


  To present ideas to an audience in a way they can understand
• Visualisation Diagram


  • These diagrams are rough drawings or sketches of what a final solution will look like
  • They can be used to check whether what is being produced is going to meet the objectives and requirements of the client
  • Visualisation diagrams are used for static products (a product that doesn't move). This could be an HCI for an AR resource or for a spreadsheet solution
• HCI - Human Computer Interaction


  Key Word
• Components of a visualisation diagram

  • Multiple images/graphics
  • Size and position of images/graphics
  • Position and style of text
  • Fonts
  • Labels/annotations
  • Size/style
  • Font
  • Size/style of text images/graphics
  • Size of other elements
  • Colours
  • Themes
• Wireframes


  • A wireframe focuses more on what the product will do rather than what it will look like. They help people understand the outline or the frame of the design before any detailed designing takes place
  • Details for each element is not needed as it is just a layout design tool, meaning that changes can be made quickly before creation
  • Wireframes can be used for website pages to show the layout of the position of the buttons and etc…
• Types of wireframes


  • Low-fidelity
  • High-fidelity
• Low-fidelity wireframe


  A low-fidelity wireframe includes boxes showing the position of basic content and images with no specific details. They use basic shapes, images placeholders and generic text. In conclusion, these wireframes are as basic as possible
• High-fidelity wireframe


  A high-fidelity wireframe shows the product and design in more detail. This means that it shows fonts, colours, images, text and branding such as logos. If it has been created with a piece of software then it is possible for the wireframes to show functionality, e.g. buttons been pressed
• Key components of a low-fidelity wireframe

  • Boxes
  • Box labels
  • Image placeholders
  • Layout grids
• Key components of a high-fidelity wireframe

  • Branding
  • Colours
  • Fonts
  • Text
  • User interaction functionality
• The purpose of an HCI is that people need to be able to interact with digital devices to allow tasks to be completed
• Human Computer Interface (HCI)


  Enables communication between a user and a digital device
• Interaction can be captured by the digital system through

  • Keyboard
  • Sensor
  • Camera
  • Microphone
• A well designed HCI will


  • be clear in its layout
  • be consistent in its layout
  • be simple
  • be user-controlled
  • provide feedback to the user
• Application areas for HCIs

  • embedded systems
  • banking
  • entertainment
  • fitness
  • home appliances
  • retail
• Hardware considerations for HCIs

  • Display type
  • Display size
  • Memory
  • Processing power
• Display types


  • LCD
  • LED
  • OLED
• Touch Screen


  • Also known as touch enabled
  • Allows the user to physically touch the screen as part of the interaction
  • The user selects the options on the HCI using touch
  • The size of a touch screen can vary
• LCD


  • Uses a separate backlight to illuminate the display from behind, meaning sunlight does not affect the view seen
  • The colour representation and contrast is not as good as other display types
• LED


  • LEDs generate their own backlight which means that a backlight does not have to be built into the device
  • LEDs illuminate the display from behind but use their own light to do this. This means that, like LCDs, sunlight does not affect the view seen
  • The colour representation and contrast is not as good as other display types but it is better than LCD
  • An LED display uses very little power
• OLED


  • An OLED display produces its own light
  • They use less power and are thinner than LED/LCD
  • They are more flexible and can contain the touch response layer in the display itself
  • Using an OLED means that screens can be folded or rolled
• Operating Systems


  • Windows
  • Mac OS/IOS
  • Chrome
  • Ubuntu
  • Linux
  • Fire OS