Assessment

To achieve a pass grade, learners must achieve the 7 pass criteria listed in the assessment and grading criteria grid.

For P1, learners must be able to identify clearly the hardware and software components which are used to connect to the internet securely, and which facilitate communication and representation of information for users.

P2 follows on from P1 by asking learners to describe the role of web architecture. As specified by the content, learners should be describing ISPs, web hosting and domain name registrars as fundamental aspects of the architecture behind the worldwide web.

For P3, learners should consider the main functions of websites, including the latest developments in online practices.

Descriptions of live business websites may be used to explore the different uses of websites in organisations. Learners should explain how organisations use websites and intranets to improve productivity, efficiency and

For P4, learners should be given an appropriate scenario from which to design a website components, considering the needs of the client.

For P5, Learners must complete the practical task of using formatting tools, styles and templates to prepare content for a website. Whilst it is not stated in the grading criteria, it would obviously be useful if this criterion as followed-on from the previous ones. In line with this, the content could be produced in accordance with the points considered in P2 and P3.

For P6, learners should show that they can publish web components on a web server so that it can be viewed over the internet.

For P7, learners should review the website uploaded for P7 to ensure that all aspects of it are working correctly. Learners must be seen to go through the website, testing it methodically to ensure that there are no errors in its navigation or content. Evidence can come from a mix of tutor observation and learner-completed documentation.

To achieve a merit grade learners must achieve all the pass criteria and the four merit criteria.

M1 focuses on explaining the techniques designers use on web pages to aid user access to information. This can be treated as an extension of P5, and carried out as part of the same assignment.

For M2, a website that engages with user input is necessary, such as one that collects names and addresses for registrations or mailshots. Typically, the additional functionality needed would involve the use of a front end data capture form with some validation database to store the user input.

For M3, learners should use automated features such as automatic frames and wizards to create web components. Learners should not be introduced to these features until they have an understanding of how to generate the same components manually.

For M4, a number (chosen by the tutor) of websites must be reviewed in order to identify and explain suggested improvements. Websites created by learners in P6 may be included for peer or self-review and suggestions may include improving usability, extending content, graphics or functionality (such as improving download or page loading speeds).

To achieve a distinction grade, learners must achieve all the pass and merit criteria and the distinction criteria.

For D1, evidence could be linked to the website created for P5 and the evaluation should cover all the features listed in the unit content. Suitable forms of evidence could include annotated screenshots, included in a written report or a visual presentation.

For D2, learners should give a detailed explanation of the ways in which the finished product meets the original user requirements. This could take the form of a short report on the website's successes and also relate areas for further improvement.