02: DIGITAL FUNCTIONAL SKILLS - CREATING & EDITING

Learning Outcome 2.1

Use suitable application (Microsoft Word) to enter, edit, format, layout, and save information (including text, tables, graphics, charts) for a range of purposes and audiences.

Activities

1. Formal Letter Task:
   Create a formal letter (e.g. applying for a part-time job) in Microsoft Word

   • Include a header with your name and address.

   • Format text professionally (e.g. Times New Roman, 12pt, justified).

   • Save the file with a suitable name (e.g. Job_Application_Letter.docx).

2. Informative Leaflet:
   Design a two-page leaflet about online safety using text, images, and a table for safety tips.

   • Use columns, bullet points, and colour formatting.

   • Include at least one inserted image and a simple chart (e.g. cybercrime statistics).

3. Presentation Task:
   Create a short slideshow presentation (4–6 slides) introducing your favourite hobby.

   • Add consistent slide titles, bullet points, and at least one chart or table.

   • Use slide transitions appropriately (avoid overuse).

Learning Outcome 2.2

Use appropriate layout conventions for information (formal and informal communication, presentation, advertisement) and audiences (familiar and unfamiliar).

Activities

1. Compare Audiences:

   • Create two documents about the same topic (e.g. “Healthy Eating”):

     • One formal report for a school headteacher.

     • One informal poster for fellow students.

   • Discuss how the tone, font, colour, and layout differ between the two.

2. Design an Advertisement:

   • Create an advertisement for a school event.

   • Use bold colours, large headings, and relevant images.

   • Ensure layout follows good design principles (balance, alignment, white space).

Learning Outcome 2.3

Edit (caption, crop, resize, change contrast, change colour balance) an image using an appropriate tool.

Activities

1. Image Editing Practice:

   • Open an image in an image editor (Photoshop).

   • Crop the image to focus on the main subject.

   • Adjust brightness, contrast, and colour balance.

   • Add a caption or watermark.

   • Save as both a JPEG and PNG to compare quality.

2. Before & After Task:

   • Edit a photo and display “before” and “after” versions side by side in a document.

   • Write a short paragraph describing the changes you made and why.

Learning Outcome 2.4

Process numeric data using simple formulae (sum, subtraction, multiplication, division, maximum, minimum, average) using relative cell references. Please try and use Microsoft Sheets. 

Activities

1. Budget Spreadsheet:

   • Create a simple budget table showing income and expenses.

   • Use formulas to calculate total income, total expenses, and remaining balance.

   • Add functions for MAX, MIN, and AVERAGE in a summary section.

2. Sales Tracker:

   • Create a spreadsheet with product names, units sold, and price per unit.

   • Use formulas to calculate total revenue per product and grand total.

Learning Outcome 2.5

Process (including sort, filter) numeric data by values in a column.

Activities

1. Sorting Task:

   • Using your sales spreadsheet, sort products by total revenue (highest to lowest).

2. Filtering Task:

   • Apply filters to show only products that sold more than a specific amount (e.g. >50 units).

   • Take a screenshot of the filtered view.

Learning Outcome 2.6

Format numeric data (font sizes, styles, alignment, cell formatting, merging cells, splitting cells, row height, column width).

Activities

1. Spreadsheet Formatting:

   • Format column headings in bold with larger font size.

   • Merge cells for a main title row.

   • Adjust row heights and column widths for clarity.

   • Use currency or percentage formatting where appropriate.

2. Make It Professional:

   • Add borders, shading, and alignment to improve readability.

   • Ensure all data fits neatly within visible cells.

Learning Outcome 2.7

Chart a single series of numeric data using an appropriate type of chart and apply suitable titles and labels (chart title, axis titles, data legends, data labels).

Activities

1. Create a Chart:

   • Use your sales or budget data to create one chart (column, pie, or line).

   • Add:

     • A clear chart title

     • Axis titles (if applicable)

     • Data labels or legend

2. Interpret the Chart:

   • Write a short explanation of what your chart shows and which chart type you chose and why.