ICT Systems to Meet Specified Needs (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)

Devices & peripherals to meet specific needs

• When selecting digital devices and peripherals to meet specific needs, it is crucial to consider the tasks they are intended for and the user's requirements

Devices

• Desktops: Ideal for high-performance tasks including graphic design, and video editing

• Laptops: Portable, with similar functionality to a desktop, and suitable for a wide range of tasks including studying and day-to-day business

• Tablets: Lightweight, touch-controlled, good for reading, browsing, and simple applications

• Smartphones: Highly portable, useful for communication and light computing tasks including email and web browsing

Peripherals

• Keyboards and mouse: Essential for desktop setups and for ergonomic options to enhance comfort

  Monitors: Larger screens improve productivity and reduce eye strain - they are also essential in aiding the use of computers for users with severe visual impairment

  Printers and scanners: Necessary for hard copy documentation, including increasing the size of documentation for users

  External storage: Provides additional or backup storage capacity

Peripherals to aid accessibility

• There are some essential peripherals which aid with accessibility, some of these include:

  • Ergonomic keyboards: Designed to reduce strain on the hands, wrists and arms by preventing repetitive stress injuries (RSI)

  • Screen readers: Assist visually impaired users by reading text aloud to them

  • Braille displays: Enable visually impaired users to read digital text

  • Braille keyboard: Enables visually impaired users to use the keyboard effectively

  • Braille printers: Prints a hard copy of a document in braille for visually impaired users to read

  • Haptic feedback/vibration devices: Provides feedback to the user without reliance of visuals or sound

  • Reading pen: Allows users with dyslexia to interpret text

Software to meet specific needs

• Software can be broken down into categories, depending on a user's needs, these include:

  • Productivity software

  • Specialised software

  • Accessibility software

Productivity Software:

• Word processors: Essential for creating and editing documents

• Spreadsheets: Used for data analysis and data management

• Presentation tools: Vital for creating engaging presentations

Specialised Software:

• CAD programs: Necessary for design and engineering tasks

• Graphic design tools: Critical for creating visual content

• Database management systems: Important for organising and managing large data sets

Accessibility Software:

• Screen readers: Convert digital text into speech for visually impaired users

• Voice recognition software: Allows users to control devices and input text using voice commands

• Magnification tools: Enlarge text and images on the screen for users with low vision

Matching Software to User Needs:

• Ensures optimal performance and accessibility

• An example of this would be text-to-speech software which aids students with dyslexia in reading and comprehension

Settings & ICT Systems to meet specific needs

• ICT systems and their settings and configured to greatly aid the user

• Many users have specific needs and they often demand a system which can be configured to suit their needs

• Configuring a system can be done in a variety of ways, including:

  • System configurations

  • Adjusting hardware and software settings

System Configuration

• Display settings: Adjust screen resolution, brightness, and font size for better readability

• Audio settings: Customise volume and audio output options to enhance listening experience

• Accessibility features: Enable high-contrast modes, screen magnifiers, and voice commands.

Hardware and software settings

• Using hardware and software settings to enhance a users experience and specifically meet their needs comes with great benefits, these include:

  • Enhances usability and productivity

  • Ensures the ICT system meets specific operational and security requirements

• There are many ways hardware and software can be configured to meet a user's needs, some of these include:

  • Network settings

  • Adding user permissions

  • Security protocols

• Network settings: Configure network connections, set up virtual networks and manage bandwidth to ensure users and guest users all have a positive experience

• User permissions: Assign user roles, restrict access to sensitive data, and ensure data security

• Security protocols: Implement firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption for enhanced data protection

Accessibility

Hardware solutions

• Adjustable monitor stands: Provide ergonomic viewing positions to reduce strain

• Alternative input devices: Use trackballs, head pointers, or adaptive keyboards for users with limited dexterity

• There is a wide variety of other accessibility hardware features available such as:

  • Gesture interface

  • Braille keyboards

  • Reading pen

  • Puff suck switch

  • Foot pedals

  • Eye typers

Software solutions

• Screen readers: Assist users with visual impairments by reading on-screen text aloud

• Voice-to-text applications: Enable users to dictate text and control devices via voice commands

• Customisable keyboard shortcuts: Simplify navigation and command execution for users with motor impairments