Reference no: EM132314703
Assessment Plan
Assessments for this unit have been developed by taking into account assessment guidelines as provided in the ICT Training Package and evidence requirements stipulated in this unit of competency. Assessment is an ongoing process of gathering evidence to determine what each student/learner knows, understands and can do in order to inform teaching and support learning of the intended curriculum.
The purposes of this assessment are;
To collect evidences that demonstrate competency in the performance criteria of the unit and satisfy skill, knowledge and employability skills requirements
To provide feedback to the learners/trainees indicating the areas of improvement and professional development
To measure the effectiveness of the delivery plan and evaluate the learning outcomes
The required assessment criteria are provided in each assessment task for learner’s information.
Assessment Method
Assessment in this unit is based on assessment and evidence guidelines provided in the unit of competency and the training package. The evidence is generated through summative assessment tasks. However, the role of Formative Tasks is crucial in developing the required skills and knowledge in completing the summative tasks. Formative tasks enable the trainers to evaluate their own delivery and adjust their facilitation based on the outcomes from these tasks. The role of formative assessments is to improve learning and adapt to student needs.
These tasks and activities usually take place throughout the unit and planned in accordance with the summative assessment plan/schedule. The formative tasks are generally referred to as “Portfolio” tasks. Portfolio is a collection of all the formative tasks completed during the learning sessions. The portfolio can be used by students as an evidence of participation or example of work completed as part of their learning. Formative tasks are not assessed.
For summative tasks, the following assessment methods are available to collect the aforementioned evidence to demonstrate satisfactory performance in this unit;
Written Assessment Tasks
Practical/Analytical Tasks
Test/Examinations
Projects
Observation
Integrated Assessment
The Written Assessment Tasks and Tests have been developed to address various parts of Performance Criteria as well as Required Knowledge.
The Practical Tasks are developed to demonstrate competence in Required Skills. These assessment tasks and activities are mostly designed as in-class assessments, enabling the trainers to observe the work being undertaken and completed (i.e. demonstration of a specific/required skill). Practical tasks may also include use of online learning tools, equipment, activities, or use of software. Instructions for practical tasks are generally provided within the task description. However, trainers/assessor may set certain conditions for conducting and observing these tasks.
The Project (Individual or Group based) addresses various aspects of competency standard including Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Employability Skills. The role of the project in assessment strategy is to measure student/trainee competence as a form of Summative Assessment. It demonstrates the efficacy of instructions and learning in the prescribed delivery period by assessing the overall performance of the students/trainees for the purpose of grading/final results.
The Test/Exam is generally designed to test the Required Knowledge component of the unit of competency. It may also be used to reinforce learning and test specific aspects of other part of competency where knowledge of certain processes/procedures is required. A knowledge test may be verbal or written as specified in the task description. Examinations are conducted under set conditions.
Observation forms part of in-class activities, participation in designated group processes, presentation and provides an option where specific skills need to be demonstrated to the assessor. Some of the assessments in this course may be used as Integrated Assessments; i.e. to use evidence created in one unit/task to determine competency in another unit/task. The concept behind the design of the integrated assessment is to limit repetitive tasks that test the same or similar competency elements in different units of competency.
Optional/Supplementary Assessments
In addition to the above assessment instruments, the following methods can be used, if required, in the context of assessment for this unit of competence, especially in the circumstances where assessment involved components of online learning as well as actual workplace activities and/or performance.
Workplace Verification through RPL application
Competency Conversation at completion of the unit
To successfully complete this unit, learners must demonstrate that they have the skills and knowledge needed as indicated in the Competency Standards (2).
Assessment can be both a formative and summative process. Formative assessment is used to provide feedback to students and teachers to promote further learning. Summative assessment contributes to the judgement of student learning for competency/award purposes.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1: Determine OS and Help Desk Requirements
Description:
This task needs to be completed as a simulated client-provider scenario based on a sample business/company profile. Before undertaking a new project or a network design task, it is important to determine client requirements and expectations. The aim should be to find a solution that fits the requirements; and not a requirement that fits the technology.
In this scenario-based task, you will assume the role of an IT Network Administrator working in an IT consulting firm. The firm provides network design, installation, and maintenance services to its business clients. For the purpose of simulation, your trainer/assessor will play the role of the client (Business Manager). In the roleplay, you will be required to interact with the client (trainer/assessor roleplay) and identify the software requirements for workstations/PCs and the installed network.
The following business profile is provided to help with the required organisational context. However, you may use any other organisational profile/setting that is familiar to you (e.g. your workplace, college etc.) in consultation with your trainer/assessor.
Business Profile
Red Jam Company manufactures ready food products. They have two locations; the head office is situated in Sydney CBD whereas and the production site is situated in Alexandria. Both the sites have their own internal networks, independent of each other, operating on Windows Server 2008 R2 system. The CBD office has 35 workstations running Windows 10 whereas The Alexandria site has 22 workstations also running Windows 7 OS.
The company estimates that it will have a total workforce of approx. 500 employees within the next three years, a 45% increase on the current workforce (proportionately over the three years). With a view to expand its operations and accommodate new employees, the company has leased one more floor space just above the current office.
As many of the PCs in Alexandria are not being used, their IT support staff have decided to relocate 10 workstations to the CBD office for use in the new office location. The company also company wishes to install a new file server to manage and secure its internal documents at the head office that will be accessible for staff at both the floors. The new server will also provide remote connection to a local/common drive to all the staff to enable them work away from the office when needed.
For IT support, the company currently uses OsTicket open-source ticketing system. IT support staff have determined that IT help desk system and procedures will need to be enhanced to support the expansion and upgrades.
Accordingly, the following activities have been envisaged;
1) Upgrade server operating system to the latest software for a better support and new infrastructure
2) Upgrade all the PCs to the latest software
3) Set up a shared printer
4) Review and establish help desk procedures
The company has tasked the IT consulting firm to implement the changes.
Task
Based on the above business situation and needs, identify company’s software, hardware and support requirements;
Assess client software and licensing requirements for OS upgrade, considering compatibility with existing operating system
Assess hardware requirements for the new OS
Assess hardware requirements for the new file server
Review the current help desk support system (osTicket)
Make recommendations for upgrades, including help desk and support requirements
Prepare your recommendations in a report format using the following suggested structure;
Overview/Summary
Business Needs Analysis
Organisational requirements
Recommended Solutions
Estimated cost (based on published prices)
Licensing Requirements
Installation Procedures
Support Training Needs
The document should be word processed covering the above topic areas. There is no word limit but it is expected that each of the above topics will be articulated and supported with appropriate details and justifications to determine applicability of the proposed solutions.
Also, ensure that you maintain effective communication and consultation with the client (trainer/assessor role play).
Assessment Criteria
The following assessment criteria will be used for marking this assessment task. Ensure that you have addressed all of the criteria in your work;
Demonstrated an understanding of the business situation and its requirements
Identified and articulated specific business requirements
Identified and articulated key software and hardware requirements including operating system upgrade
Analysed technology requirements and made recommendation for appropriate operating systems (for both PC and servers) and help desk system
Suggested solutions are realistic and match the business requirements
Provided a justification/reasoning for selection of the operating system and devices
A cost estimate is provided for implementation of the project
A comparison of features (existing Vs new) and prices is provided for client’s information and consideration
Licensing requirements are identified and reflected in costs (e.g. recurring costs)
Upgrade and installation procedures are set that provide minimum disruption to normal work
IT support and training needs are identified and documented
Maintained effective communication and confirmed client/business requirements within the given role play
The document is appropriately structured and covers all the required elements/information
The content flow covers all the required elements of the needs analysis and contains a logical sequence of the topics
Effective organisation; points are logically ordered; sharp sense of beginning and end, and supporting details specific to the task
The report identifies all relevant aspects of the organisational technology needs for analysis
The proposed solutions and rationale demonstrate an ability to align technological options with business needs
Assessment Task 2:Install and Configure an OS and Devices on PC
Description:
Note: This task requires sample software (OS), hardware devices (Printer), and a test LAN set up in the lab/classroom. The printer requires wi-fi capability for configuration.
In this task, continuing in your given role as in Assessment Task 1, assume that you have been asked to obtain and install an actual operating system on the given PC. While it is preferred that you use the OS recommended in Assessment Task1, your trainer/assessor may decide to use an alternative system depending on availability (e.g. licensing requirements), and existing system configuration; i.e. an OS suitable for the machine you are using for this unit or an open-source OS.
In this task, in a changed roleplay, your trainer/assessor will play the role of your supervisor and provide the required instructions and approvals.
Following your supervisor’s (trainer/assessor role-play) instructions, perform the following tasks;
A. Installation
Consult with your supervisor and finalise the OS required to be installed
Confirm the current system configuration and suitability
Report any discrepancies/adjustments (e.g. memory management, partitioning etc.) required and obtain approval
Access appropriate vendor site
Download the OS
Determine boot option (e.g. USB, disk, safe mode etc.)
Install the OS and ensure that installation was error-free
Take screenshots of key steps and save them for reference and submission.
B. Configuration
Configure and optimise the OS implementing the following;
o Power Management (optimal power saver)
o Desktop theme and resolution
o Automatic backup (every day) as per the backup location provided
o Automatic updates
o Using Task Scheduler, schedule a hard disk Defragmentation on a weekly basis
o Crate a new System Restore point
o Configure Windows Firewall to allow certain applications to communicate through firewall
Demonstrate the setting to your supervisor (trainer/assessor roleplay) and confirm that all installation and configuration tasks have been completed.
Take screenshots of key steps and save them for reference and submission.
C. User and Desktop Management
Once your configured and installed the OS, complete the following tasks;
Create a new user with Administrative rights
Apply a new desktop theme to user account
Create shortcuts to at least four software
Create a document folder on desktop and copy sample documents in it (e.g. guides/information downloaded from internet) – copy documents from a USB device to the folder
Add applications to the taskbar
Configure taskbar so that the task bar is always minimised
Allow the new user access to an admin folder
D. Shared Devices
Connect a sample printer to the PC
Install printer configuration utility from the files/disk provided – or downloaded from the vendor website
Check and update printer driver – ensuring the latest version
Configure the printer for wireless access (e.g. printing from mobile devices)
Print a test page – ensuring that the printer is functioning properly
Make the printer sharable across the network
Print a document from a network connected PC (or the server)
Review and resolve problems, if any, and ensure the print utility is functioning properly
Create a printer utility shortcut on desktop
Take screenshots of key steps and save them for reference and submission.
Assessment Criteria
The following assessment criteria will be used for marking this assessment task. Ensure that you have addressed all of the criteria in your work. Parts of this task will be observed;
Participated in the discussion, clarified and tasks and obtained necessary approvals within the given/simulated role play
Followed the instructions and maintained work procedures as expected similar to a real-life situation
Determined and confirm system requirements for installation of new OS
Reported any discrepancies (e.g. mismatch of system requirements) or system adjustments (e.g. portioning) required
Accessed the vendor site and downloaded the required OS
Saved the OS on appropriate media and determined boot options/sequence as part of the installation process
Followed on-screen instructions and completed installation of the OS
Consulted and resolved installation issues (if any)
Checked and implemented a system update post-installation
Conducted boots and reboots are needed and ensured that the required installation steps were followed
Installation was systematic and error-free
Performed the required post-installation system configuration and optimisation
Created additional user(s) as instructed and configured the new user access to the computer
Customised the user account and desktop and satisfactorily completed user profile and files as instructed
Configured the desktop for application access and shortcuts
Copied and migrated sample files as instructed; opened files to check errors
Automated and scheduled tasks as required
Configured settings to create a new user and assigned appropriate rights
Installed a shared printer and ensured the printer is working in the given capacity
Created shortcuts and enabled the device for network and user access
Undertook a driver update and ensured the latest driver
Configured the shared printer for wi-fi access
Printed test pages from both PC and mobile device to ensure the printer is working as intended
Checked for errors and resolved issues, if any
Demonstrated the ability interpret and apply technical information
Demonstrated the ability to install and configure an operating system software
Demonstrated the ability to manage user and user access to shared resources
Completed the tasks as instructed
Maintained an effective communication and consultation throughout the task
Assessment Task 3: Install and Configure a MAC OS
Description:
In this task, you will continue to play the role of IT Network Administrator as in Assessment Tasks 1 & 2. Your trainer/assessor will play the role of your supervisor and provide the required instructions and approvals.
In this task, you will need to perform installation and configuration of a second operating system (OS). Within the same organisational context as in Assessment Task 1&2, assume that the company has the following additional requirements;
As part of its services, the company creates/develops a range of business documents and reports to cater to varied needs and requirements of its corporate clients. The company has so far been outsourcing document design services but has now decided to manage it in-house (Desktop publishing) to save the costs. The new Graphic Designer has suggested that the company installs two new MAC computers for desktop publishing purposes.
As part of the implementation plan, you have been asked to perform the following tasks;
Part A: Documentation
1. As the company has never used a MAC before, describe the latest MAC OS and its key features and benefits
2. List and briefly describe advantages and disadvantages of moving from Windows to MAC OS
3. A comparative analysis of MAC Vs Windows Operating Systems based on their distinguishing features (e.g. what is exclusive to each system and how one differs from the other)
4. Minimum system requirements for each of the required OS, including file system, memory management, process scheduling functions
5. Installation requirements and installation steps; including automatic updates and installation of Apps
6. Upgrade requirements and process
7. OS configuration issues that may arise with hardware and desktop environments (e.g. in a Sandbox/VM environment)
8. Licensing and basic security requirements
Research and gather information on each of the above tasks and submit as a word-processed document with appropriate headings/sub-headings.
Part B: Installation and Configuration
Following your supervisor’s (trainer/assessor role-play) instructions, perform the following tasks;
Consult with your supervisor and finalise the OS requirements and installation location
Confirm the current system configuration and suitability
Report any discrepancies/adjustments (e.g. memory management, partitioning etc.) required and obtain approval
Access Apple support site
Download the MAC OS
Using OS Installation information collected in Part A, install the OS and ensure that installation was error-free
Configure and optimise the OS using;
o Power Management
o Desktop theme and resolution
o Automatic backup (every day)
o Automatic updates
o Install Bonjour Multifunction as an AirPrint utility
o Print from a test page from a mobile device
Demonstrate and confirm with your supervisor that all installation tasks have been completed
Take screenshots of key steps and save them for reference and submission.
Demonstrate the OS feature and functionality to your supervisor (trainer/assessor roleplay) and confirm that all installation and configuration tasks have been completed.
Take screenshots of key steps and save them for reference and submission.
Assessment Criteria
The following assessment criteria will be used for marking this assessment task. Ensure that you have addressed all of the criteria in your work. Parts of this task will be observed;
Participated in the discussion, clarified and tasks and obtained necessary approvals within the given/simulated role play
Followed the instructions and maintained work procedures as expected similar to a real-life situation
Determined and confirm system requirements for installation of new OS
Researched and documented OD information and support notes as instructed (Part A)
Determined system requirements, and described installation procedure and potential issues in configuration (particularly in a VM environment)
Articulated procedures and techniques involved in the installation and upgrade of OS
Described installation and update procedures for Apps and automation requirements/schedules
Documentation is structured and provides a step-by-step flow of contents; documentation requirements in Part A are adequately addressed
Reported any discrepancies (e.g. mismatch of system requirements) or system adjustments (e.g. portioning) required
Accessed the vendor site and downloaded the required OS
Saved the OS on appropriate media and determined boot options/sequence as part of the installation process
Followed on-screen instructions and completed installation of the OS
Consulted and resolved installation issues (if any)
Checked and implemented a system update post-installation
Conducted boots and reboots are needed and ensured that the required installation steps were followed
Installation was systematic and error-free
Performed the required post-installation system configuration and optimisation
Automated and scheduled tasks as required
Installed and configured the Bonjour AirPrint utility for wi-fi access
Printed test pages from a mobile device to ensure the printer is working as intended
Checked for errors and resolved issues, if any
Demonstrated the ability interpret and apply technical information
Demonstrated the ability to install and configure an operating system software
Completed the tasks as instructed
Maintained an effective communication and consultation throughout the task