Lesson Element
Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT
LO2: Understand computer software
Application software, utility software, and operating systems
Instructions and answers for tutors
These instructions cover the learner activity section which can be found on page 12. This
Lesson Element supports Cambridge Technicals Level 3 in IT.
When distributing the activity section to the learners either as a printed copy or as a
Word file you will need to remove the tutor instructions section.
The activity
In this lesson element learners will identify the different types of application software, utility
software and operating systems. They will also consider their use, benefits and limitations.
Learners will need access to the PowerPoint presentation: LE1_U01_tutor_resource.pptx
Suggested timings
Activities 1 and 2: 50 minutes
Activity 3: 10 minutes
WORK – This activity offers
an opportunity for work
experience.
ABC – This activity offers an
opportunity for English skills
development.
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Activity 1
The tutor should introduce the term ‘application software’ using slides 4 to 8 from the
PowerPoint presentation (LE1_U01_tutor_resource.pptx, based on the assumption that
learners have some prior knowledge from Key Stage 4.
Application Software Definition: ‘A complete, self-contained program that performs a specific
function directly for the user’ as on slide 4 of LE1_U01_tutor_resource.pptx.
Activity 2
The tutor should print out the cards below (A4: colour or black and white on relevant colour
paper) and give one set to each group.
Tutors should use slides 9 to 12 from the PowerPoint presentation
LE1_U01_tutor_resource.pptx to guide learners in how to play the game. Tutors could divide
the learners into five groups and assign one of the software categories to each group.
Learner activity instructions
•
•
•
•
•
Place blank cards to one side.
Turn blue software cards face down and spread out.
Divide up yellow software type cards amongst group.
Youngest player to start, then play to their right.
Player picks up a blue software card, looks at the card and decides if it belongs to their
group’s software category.
• The table below states what to do when asked “Does the software card belong to your
software category?”
Does the software card belong to your software category?
YES
NO
Keep the card move to next player
• State a characteristic of the software
to rest of group.
• If group member identifies software
they can choose to keep it or return it
to the pile.
• Otherwise return to pile.
• Game continues until all cards have been assigned a category.
• The group share results and decide if they have the correct answers.
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Yellow cards – software categories
Business
Software
Development
Tools
Utility
Software
Operating
System
Productivity
Software
The blank is a spare card for learners to add their own software category.
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Blue cards – software
Backup software
Expert Systems
Publishing
Software
CAD Software
MIS
Manufacturing
Software
Multimedia
Software
Project
Management
Software
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Integrated Design
Environment
Translator
Debugger
Compiler
Graphics
Email
Database
Software
Presentation
Software
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Spreadsheet
Word processor
Linux
Windows 10
Compression
Software
Anti-virus
Software
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The blanks are spare cards for learners to add their own software.
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Green cards – benefits
Learners write one benefit for one piece of software.
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Red cards – limitations
Learners write one limitation for one piece of software.
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Activity 3
Tutors should use slide 12 from the PowerPoint presentation LE1_U01_tutor_resource.pptx
to emphasise the requirement for learners to record their work.
Evidence:
Learners to gather photographic evidence of their work.
Learners are to produce a study guide which includes the benefits and limitations of each
software program.
Answers to Activity 2
Productivity software
Word processor
Spreadsheet
Presentation software
Database software
Email
Graphics
Development tools
Compiler
Debugger
Translator
Integrated design environment
Business software
MIS
CAD software
Multimedia
Project management
Publishing software
Expert systems
Manufacturing software
Utility software
Backup software
Anti-virus software
Compression software
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Operating system
Linux
Windows 10
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Lesson Element
Unit 1: Fundamentals of IT
LO2: Understand computer software
Learner Activity
Application software, utility software, and operating systems
In this lesson element you will identify the different types of application software, utility
software and operating systems. You will also consider their use, benefits and limitations.
Activity 1
Write a definition for the term ‘application software’. In groups, discuss and refine this
definition until you are happy that you have correctly defined application software. You
should then identify two other types of software.
Activity 2
Your tutor will give each group of learners a number of A4 sheets that will need to be cut into
individual cards. Your tutor will divide you into five groups and assign one of the yellow
software categories to each group. Set up the cards as follows:
• Place all the blank cards to one side (use these to add software programs of your own).
• Turn the blue software cards (with text on them) face down and spread them out.
The game will proceed as follows:
• The youngest player starts, then play moves to their right.
• Each player on their turn picks up a blue software card, looks at the card and decides if it
belongs to their group’s software category.
• The table below states what to when asked “Does the software card belong to your
software category?”
Does the software card belong to your software category?
YES
NO
Keep the card move to next player
• State a characteristic of the software
to rest of group.
• If group member identifies software
they can choose to keep it or return it
to the pile.
• Otherwise return to pile.
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• The game continues until all cards have been assigned a category and there are no blue
software cards left.
• Each group shares their results and decides if they have the correct answers.
• On the green cards write the advantages of one piece of software.
• On the red cards write the disadvantages of one piece of software.
Activity 3
You should gather photographic evidence of your work by use of a digital camera (check first
with your tutor if using your smartphone).
Produce a study guide that includes the benefits and limitations of each software program.
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