8729 BTec Nationals IT Practitioners
Unit 8 Communications Technologies Assignments
| Assignment 1 | Assignment 2 | Assignment 3 |
| pdf version | pdf version | pdf version |
| Word version | Word Version | Word Version |
| P4 P5 M2 M3 D2 | P1 | P2 P3 M2 D1 |
These are the questions that need to be answered in your assignments.
To achieve a pass grade the evidence must show that the learner is able to:
P1 identify and explain types of communication devices
P2 explain the principles of signal theory
P3 describe communication protocols used and explain why they are important
P4 describe different methods of electronic communication and transmission media used
P5 identify and describe the roles of network components and how they are interconnected
P6 describe the features of networks and the communication services they offer
P7 describe the nature of internet communication and the associated system requirements.
To achieve a merit grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass criteria, the learner is able to:
M1 explain techniques that can be used to reduce errors in transmissions
M2 explain why particular transmission media are chosen in particular situations
M3 explain and implement direct communication between two networked devices.
To achieve a distinction grade the evidence must show that, in addition to the pass and merit criteria, the learner is able to:
D1 critically compare the OSI seven layer model and the TCP/IP model
D2 choose and justify the choice of a particular access control method for a given situation
D3 compare and evaluate the effectiveness of the transfer of data over both wireless and wired networks.
Assessment
Evidence for learning outcomes can be achieved through formally assessed
assignments. Learners will produce a portfolio of written work as evidence of their
understanding of the theoretical aspects of this unit. Learners will provide evidence
of the practical work from a log of work, screenshots, digital camera pictures of the
activities and tutor-based witness statements.
To achieve a pass grade learners must achieve the seven pass criteria listed in the
grading grid.
For P1 learners must address the prescriptive elements of the unit content in LO 1.1.
They are to identify the device and then explain what it does. Useful evidence could
be in the form of a series of leaflets, posters or web pages suitably illustrated and
annotated.
Criterion P2 is derived from the unit content of LO1.2. This requires an explanation
which indicates learners must show understanding as well as knowledge. Suitable
evidence may take the form of a written report, a presentation, web pages,
information booklet or leaflets, or any other appropriate format.
Criterion P3 draws upon the unit content in LO 3. Learners need to describe
protocols, and explain their importance, in their own words. Suitable evidence could
be produced in the same formats as stated for P2 above.
For P4, the learner will have to address the prescriptive elements of the content of
LO 1.4.and LO 1.5, describing the elements in their own words. Suitable evidence will
could take any of the formats stated in P2 above.
P5 draws on the unit content for LO 2.2. and LO 2.3. Learners need to identify the
roles of the components, describe the components and describe how they are
interconnected, using their own words throughout. One acceptable form of evidence
would be to use diagrams and illustrations which are fully annotated.
For P6, learners will use the unit content for LO2.1. for the features of networks, and
various aspects of the content (explicit and implicit) for communication services.
This is a descriptive criterion for which learners must produce a description of both
features and communication services, using their own words throughout. The form of
evidence which is acceptable could be one of many but perhaps a report,
presentation slides and commentary, or web pages would be most appropriate.
Criterion P7 covers the unit content in LO 4. Learners need to address the
prescriptive content of this learning outcome, using their own words for the
description. Evidence is perhaps best produced in the form of a report or
presentation.
To achieve a merit grade, learners must achieve all of the pass criteria together with
the three merit criteria listed in the grading grid.
For M1 learners will need to explain some techniques that can be used to reduce
errors in transmissions. At least three techniques should be explained; some are
mentioned within the unit content (eg LO 1.3 and elsewhere), and others can be
easily researched if required. The explanation can take a variety of acceptable
forms, for instance a presentation, information leaflet or posters, web pages or
report.
For M2 learners need to explain the selection of transmission media in specific
situations. Learners should concentrate on the prescriptive unit content of LO1.5,
although they should be aware of new developments as they appear. Tutors might
like to treat this as an extension to criterion P4. Acceptable forms of evidence may
be as noted in M1 above.
For M3 there is an element of practical as each learner must implement direct
communication between two networked devices. A good form of evidence would be a
DVD of the learner implementing the connection and giving an explanatory
commentary whilst they do so. An alternative could be a detailed witness statement
and a learner written explanation.
To achieve a distinction grade, learners must achieve all of the pass and merit
criteria together with the three distinction criteria listed in the grading grid.
Criterion D1 draws on the unit content in LO 3. This is a distinction criterion hence
the critical comparison is expected to be detailed and show comprehensive
understanding of both OSI and TCP/IP. This must be a comparison discussing good and
bad points; it is not just a description of the two subjects. The best form of evidence
may be a report, although a DVD of an illustrated presentation may also be possible.
For D2 selection and justification at distinction level also demand deep
understanding. Learners will be provided with a specific situation by their tutor and
will be expected to choose a suitable access control method, giving full reasons as to
why they have made that choice.
In criterion D3 the verbs ‘compare and evaluate,’ at distinction level, rate with
‘critically compare’ in D1. This must be a comparison which includes good and less
good points; a description of the effectiveness on the two systems is not sufficient.
Note that it is the comparison and evaluation of the ‘effectiveness of transfer’ and
not of the networks themselves.
