Application software, utility
software, and operating systems
Introduction to the qualification
This qualification has been designed for learners aged 1619 wanting to gain thorough knowledge, understanding
and competencies for the IT sector.
It has been designed with support and collaboration from
industry, schools, UTCs, colleges and academia to be
relevant, appropriate, modern and up to date.
Learners
• In your own words write down the definition of the
term application software.
2 minutes
Learners share
• In groups of three share your definitions
• Discuss your definitions and develop a group
definition
6 minutes
Tutors share:
Application software
“A complete, self-contained
program that performs a specific
function directly for the user”
Productivity
software
Application
software
Development
tools
Business
software
State two other types of
computer software
Utility software
Operating
systems
Tutors share:
Game instructions
• Cut out all the game cards.
• Place blank cards to one side.
• Turn blue cards upside down and spread out.
• Divide yellow software type cards up amongst
group.
• Youngest player to start then play to their right.
Tutors share:
Game instructions
• Player picks up a blue software card, looks at
the card and decides if it belongs to their
category.
Does the software card belong to your category?
YES
NO
Keep card move to next player
• State a characteristic of the
software to rest of group
• If group member identifies
software they can use to keep it or
return it to the pile
• Otherwise return to pile
Tutors share:
Game instructions
• Game continues until all cards have been assigned a
category.
• The group share results and decide if they have the
correct solution.
Extra green cards can be used to note benefits
of software types.
Extra red cards can be used to note limitations
of software types.
Tutors share: Plenary
• Learners to gather photographic evidence of their
work.
• Learners make sure benefits and limitations have been
completed.