Unit 1: Communicating in the IT
Industry
Unit code: K/601/3192
QCF Level 2: BTEC First
Credit value: 5
Guided learning hours: 30
Aim and purpose
The aim of this unit is to enable learners to use IT tools to communicate and exchange information safely,
securely and effectively with different audiences. Learners will also consider the impacts of IT.
Unit introduction
Communication skills are key to success in any sector but are particularly important in highly technical
sectors such as IT where the language used can become full of jargon. It is important that learners are
able to communicate with technical and non-technical staff and understand how interpersonal skills affect
communication.
IT provides opportunities for us to communicate more effectively using many different tools. Therefore, as
well as developing interpersonal skills through more traditional methods of communication such as the spoken
word, learners will be introduced to the software packages and tools that are used to present information.
Learners will be prompted to consider their audience when discussing IT-related information. Explaining
an IT-related topic to a non-technical person can be challenging and avoiding jargon difficult. Learners will
communicate with people with technical knowledge and those without.
Learning outcomes
On completion of this unit a learner should:
1 Be able to communicate information to suit audience, purpose and content
2 Be able to use IT tools to communicate and exchange information
3 Understand the impact of IT on individuals, communities and society.
