Information Technology — Scout badge

What you need to do

To gain the badge you must pass all the requirements in one of the following alternatives:

Describe a typical computer system, explaining input, output, memory and storage devices.
Use a computer to produce two of the following:
1. Troop newsletter.
2. Troop records.
3. Subscriptions and expenses table.
4. Award progress chart.
5. Map showing local facilities and places of interest.
6. Training presentation.
Describe the advantages of computer systems compared to manual systems in two of the following areas:
1. Letter writing.
2. Graphic art, design or drawing.
3. Accounts.
4. Library records.
5. Newspaper layout.
6. Passing messages.
7. News and weather information.
8. Travel and holiday bookings.
Explain to the examiner, showing examples, how microprocessors have added to the facilities of everyday devices used in the home or for leisure.
1. Discuss with the examiner and demonstrate an understanding of the law which concerns copying of software, access to computer systems and storage of personal information.
2. Discuss with the examiner good and bad practices in the use of computer equipment.
Information to assist you in this section is available from the Headquarters.

Explain the various types of information systems available and how these can be accessed. For example, Telecom Gold, Prestel, bulletin boards.
Explain how a message may be sent on one of the above systems.
Explain the legal aspects of accessing other computer systems.
Demonstrate one of the following:
1. Make a connection to an on-line database and show the services available and explain how they are used.
2. Use a teletext system to access at least five areas of information including sport, news and weather services. Discuss with the examiner the benefits and limitations of the teletext service.
3. With the help of a radio amateur connect a computer to an amateur radio station and access information from a remote system. Explain in simple terms how the connection is made.
Describe the function of the following:
- Modem
- RS232/serial interface
- Centronics/parallel interface
1. Discuss with the examiner and demonstrate an understanding of the law which concerns copying software and storage of personal information.
2. Discuss with the examiner good and bad practices in the use of computer equipment.
Information to assist you in this section is available from the Headquarters.

1. Show a working knowledge of a computer language and demonstrate its use by writing a program on a subject agreed with the examiner.
2. Run this program using a suitable computer system and show the importance of ease of use and the provision of menus and on screen help built into the program.
3. Explain to the examiner the construction and layout of your program with particular emphasis on structure, presentation and documentation.
Either: write a flow chart of a routine which you perform daily and a flow chart to show the operation of the program in requirement 1 above.
- Or: draw a block diagram of a typical personal computer showing the component parts such as input, output, memory and storage devices. Briefly explain their function to the examiner.
Describe four types of data storage device.
Describe six uses of microprocessors, computers or computerized systems. These should include applications in the home, office or industry.
1. Discuss with the examiner and demonstrate an understanding of the law which concerns copying of software, access to computer systems and storage of personal information.
2. Discuss with the examiner good and bad practices in the use of computer equipment.