Version 2.0, June 2007
This FAQ is maintained by Bobby Elliott.
What is Internet safety about?
Internet safety is
about the safe and legal use of the Internet. The Internet is used by lots of
people, of all ages, for lots of purposes – ranging from chatting to friends to
booking a holiday – and the use of the Internet is growing at a rapid pace. But
there are risks involved in using the Internet. These risks include: unwanted
e-mail, online fraud, identity theft, child grooming and viruses. There are
numerous media reports about abuses and new threats
are emerging all of the time. A large
survey [PDF] carried out by Ofcom highlighted these two trends (growing use
of the Internet, accompanied by increased threats to personal safety) and
emphasised the lack of awareness about potential threats.
So Internet safety
means knowing about potential threats when you are online; knowing what you can
and cannot (legally) do when you are online; and knowing how to protect
yourself from some of the risks that are involved in using the ‘Net.
Why is there a need for a qualification?
There are already
lots of short
courses available on Internet safety, so why create a formal qualification?
It was felt that a
qualification would formalise the approach to Internet safety and standardise
the advice given to students. And since it’s a National Qualification, schools
and colleges would be funded to deliver it.
We think that it’s
the first national qualification in Internet safety in the world and we’re
hoping that it will appeal to international students… and make a contribution
to improving the safety of students across the globe.
The qualification is very straight-forward. It
consists of a single National Unit at SCQF
level 4 (Intermediate 1). The Unit is entitled: “Internet Safety”. There
are four outcomes:
1. Identify
threats that can exist when using the Internet.
2. Describe
safety precautions which should be taken when using the Internet.
3. Describe
legal constraints which apply when using the Internet.
4. Take
appropriate safety precautions and operate within relevant legal constraints
when using the Internet.
The unit specification is available on the SQA website
[PDF].
The threats covered include identity theft, cyber-bullying, grooming, phishing and pharming (Outcome 1). Advice
is provided on how best to combat these threats such as how to set-up virus
protection and firewalls, and how to recognise online fraud (Outcome 2). The unit also explains your legal
responsibilities when using the Internet and discusses issues such as copyright
restrictions and intellectual property rights (Outcome 3). The final outcome
puts all of this into practice by ensuring that students can actually take
precautions and work safely when they’re online.
Very
simply. There are two
assessments – one covering knowledge and one covering skills. The knowledge
assessment consists of 25 multiple choice questions to assess students’
knowledge of Internet safety (such as the meaning of words or how to avoid
certain threats); the practical assessment involves maintaining a diary (or a
blog) to describe student activities and demonstrate how they protected
themselves.
Who is the qualification designed for?
Anyone who uses the
Internet. Although much of the media attention is on young people, mature users
are just as likely to experience problems. So the unit is designed for school pupils,
college students, adults who work with children, people who shop online, and
“silver surfers”. It’s also relevant to a wide range of professional
occupations such as teachers, librarians, policemen and health care workers who
may want to know more about the potential dangers facing the people in their
charge.
How does my centre become involved?
If your centre is a
Scottish school or college then you are already approved to offer the
qualification. If not, then you need to seek approval by contacting SQA either
by e-mail or
telephone (0845-279-1000). Getting approval is normally very straight-forward.
Once you’re
approved, you will need to get hold of the support materials to help you
deliver the qualification and assess your students. These materials are
available from Tony
Hamilton.
Once you’ve been
approved and you have the support pack, you’re ready to offer the award.
What support materials are available?
A comprehensive
suite of teaching and learning material is available to centres. This material
covers all of the outcomes and can be used in a variety of ways – from
teacher-led delivery to student-centred learning. The materials are supplied on
CD-ROM and can also be accessed
via the Internet. There’s a delivery guide to
explain how to use the material in a variety of different ways (such as face-to-face
or distance learning).
Can students use the material for self-study?
Yes. The supplied
CD-ROM contains everything that students need to work through the Unit. The
material is very flexible and can be used in a variety of ways, ranging from
traditional (classroom) delivery to remote (online) delivery… and everything
in-between! It’s well suited to self-study and some pilot centres simply gave
the materials to students to work through at their own pace. The CD also
contains the assessments that students can use for practice prior to sitting
the formal assessment.
Can I offer the qualification
online?
Yes. The material
on the CD-ROM is also available online. The delivery guide provides details
about how to access these materials. This means that, subject to appropriate
quality assurance safeguards, your students can undertake this qualification
wherever there is an Internet connection… at home, in the class, in the library
– or even on the bus using a suitable mobile phone!
Is it suitable for
S1/S2 pupils?
Absolutely! The
qualification is an ideal introduction to using the Internet. By undertaking
the Unit at the beginning of their Secondary education, pupils will ensure that
they are aware of the potential dangers facing them when they’re online – and also
know how to avoid these dangers. A number of pilot centres offered the award to
younger pupils and were very happy with the materials.
SQA
charges centres £6.75
per student. This includes all support materials, assessments and assistance
from SQA staff.
There is a project blog where you can keep up-to-date
with developments. If you choose to offer the qualification there is an online community to support you. If you
want to speak with someone, please contact Angela Lees.
Please
e-mail comments and suggestions about this FAQ to sqacomputing-owner@yahoogroups.com.