ICT Progression - Communicating

Level	Communicating	Activities
2.25	storage of all sent and received emails in existing folders in their mailbox location of websites using a nominated search engine such as Yahooligans, and nominated keywords
2.5	use of teacher-provided criteria to determine which emails will be kept for future reference location of websites using a nominated search engine, such as the Education Channel, and keywords selected from a given list
2.75	creation of collaboratively defined folders in their mailbox location of websites using a nominated search engine, such as AskJeeves for Kids, and keywords selected from a class-developed list
3	At Level 3, students initiate and compose email messages to known and unknown audiences and, where appropriate, send replies. Students create folders in their mailbox to organise the storage of email messages they wish to keep. They locate information on an intranet, and use a recommended search engine and limited key words to locate information from websites. They develop and apply simple criteria to evaluate the value of the located information.
3.25	addition of collaboratively determined keywords to an initial search string to narrow the listing of relevant websites; for example, adding ‘biography’ to a person’s name. experimentation with techniques to upload files and folders to a nominated location on an intranet. experimentation with various communications methods such as frequently asked question (FAQ) facilities to obtain information for a particular inquiry.
3.5	refinement of original keywords in a search string, by including words selected from an on-screen or print thesaurus. uploading of files and folders to a nominated location on an intranet. use of nominated communications methods to acquire information from, or share information with, peers and known experts.
3.75	inclusion of new keywords and the deletion of some original ones in a search string, to narrow the listing of websites relevant to a particular inquiry. testing of uploaded files and folders in a nominated location on an intranet; for example, checking that all files are present and accessible. identification of the attributes of various communications methods that are appropriate in particular types of inquiry; for example, selecting methods that protect the disclosure of important information.
4	At Level 4, students use email, websites and frequently asked question facilities to acquire from, or share information with, peers and known and unknown experts. When emailing, they successfully attach files and they apply protocols for sending and receiving electronic information. They successfully upload their work to a protected public online space. Using recommended search engines, students refine their search strategies to locate information quickly. They evaluate the integrity of the located information based on its accuracy and the reliability of the web host.
4.25	location of websites, using collaboratively determined general search engines such as Google and Yahoo, and search strategies including keywords and a filtering technique such as date filtering. selection of information contained within websites, using criteria from a given list. experimentation with formats designed to enhance the organisation of information contained within contemporary communication tools such as blogs.	Y07IT Internet Research - An Animal
4.5	location of websites, using nominated specialised search engines such as RocketInfo, and search strategies including keywords and filtering techniques. selection of information contained within websites, using collaboratively determined criteria. application of appropriate formats and nominated ICT conventions when using contemporary communication tools such as interactive websites.
4.75	location of targeted websites, using general and specialised search engines and limited Boolean logic search strategies to broaden or narrow searches. selection and justification of information contained within websites, using self-generated criteria. application of formats, collaboratively determined ICT conventions and nominated protocols, as appropriate, to particular contemporary communications tools such as Wikis.
5	At Level 5, students select the most appropriate search engines to locate information on websites. They use complex search strategies to refine their searches. They judge the integrity of the located information based on its credibility, accuracy, reliability and comprehensiveness. Students share their ideas through their blog, website or other public forums, which are correctly formatted, comply with ICT conventions and demonstrate an awareness of the characteristics that contribute to products meeting their purpose. Students organise their email mailbox into a logical structure and maintain it. They evaluate the merits of contemporary communication tools, taking into account their security, ease of use, speed of communication and impact on individuals.
5.25	identification, in existing communications, of nominated protocols that are used when exchanging ideas and considered opinions through online forums; for example, language that respects gender. location of targeted websites, using general and specialised search engines, and nominated search directories such as BUBL. identification, in existing communications, of features that reflect ethical considerations and legal responsibilities; for example, copyright statements.
5.5	application of collaboratively determined protocols when exchanging ideas and considered opinions through online forums such as blogs; for example, language and icons that respect cultural differences. location of targeted websites using general and specialised search engines, collaboratively chosen search directories such as Infomine, and proximity operators such as ‘near’ and ‘adjacent’. use, when communicating electronically, of strategies that comply with legal responsibilities and take into account ethical considerations.
5.75	application of self-generated protocols when exchanging ideas and considered opinions through online forums such as Wikis. location of targeted websites using general and specialised search engines, search directories such as Awesome Library, and proximity operators. application, when communicating electronically, of strategies that comply with legal responsibilities and protect vulnerable users from accessing or receiving unwanted information.
6	At Level 6, students exchange ideas and considered opinions with others through online forums and websites. Students apply techniques to locate more precise information from websites, including searching general and specialised directories, and applying proximity operators. They use accepted protocols to communicate regularly online with peers, experts, and others, expressing their messages in language appropriate to the selected form of communication, and demonstrating respect for cultural differences.