SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
258883  Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Computer Sciences and Information Systems 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
117902  Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment  Level 1  NQF Level 01  4   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is intended for people who need to produce and edit documents using a GUI-based word processor either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge for a career in the ICT industry.

A person credited with this unit standard is capable of:
  • Using the desktop of a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-based operating system.
  • Using the features of a GUI Window.
  • Using of the Help facility in a GUI environment.
  • Using a pointing device in a GUI environment.
  • Using generic print options in a GUI environment.

    The performance of all elements is to a standard that allows for further learning in this area. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in the following:
  • Communication at ABET Level 3 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Use the desktop of a GUI-based operating system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    GUI-based operating systems are defined using examples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The main components are described to reflect what is found on a typical desktop. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Main components refer to any two of Icons taskbar (or action bar), Background, Themes, Display settings. Activation button (Start).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The term "ICON" is described and standard icons identified on the GUI "desktop". 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Standard icons include but are not limited to any two of My Computer, My Documents, Network Neighbourhood/My Network Places.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    ICONS are rearranged on the "desktop" and showing the different methods. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods include but are not limited to any two of:
  • Auto arrange, manual, by file type, aligned.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    A desktop shortcut icon is created to facilitate easy access to filed documents in folders. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Filed documents in folders include but are not limited to one of text document, presentation file, spreadsheet file.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The elements on the Start Menu are described in terms of their purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elements include but are not limited to Programs, Documents, Settings, Find, Help, Run.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use of the features of a GUI Window. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Any GUI applications available to the learner can be chosen for this outcome. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different types of windows are described and an example given for each. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of windows include but are not limited to any 3 of Modal/Non-Modal, pop-up, warning, error, information, application.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An application is started from the Start Menu. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The parts of a window are described in terms of their features and use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Parts of a window include but are not limited to any four (4) of Title Bar, Minimize Button, Maximize Button, Restore Button, Close Button, Menu Bar, Toolbar, Status Bar.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    GUI application windows are manipulated on a desktop. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manipulated include but are not limited to Opened, minimized, maximized, moved and closed.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The impact of having more than one window open at the same is described in terms of their implications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Window includes but are not limited to active and inactive windows, impact on speed, switching between open windows.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Multiple applications are started in accordance with the requirements of the circumstances. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The "active" window is changed between applications using keyboard and mouse. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Use the Help facility in a GUI environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different methods to launch the Help facility are explained to reflect what sources of assistance are available. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods include but are not limited to Menu option, key.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Help facility is launched to source required assistance. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Different methods are explained and applied to show how to find information within the help facility. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Methods include but are not limited to any 2 of Content, Index and Search.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Use a pointing device in a GUI environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Any one of:
  • Mouse, trackball, touchpad, touch screen. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different methods to select objects by using the device are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Single-click, Double-click, Left-click, Right-click.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Different methods to select groups of objects by using the device are demonstrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Device + (Range), Device + (Multiple individual).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A method of changing device setting is demonstrated, but changing the settings to allow alternate hand settings. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    From right- to left-handed users, and back.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Different methods to use the "drag-and-drop" concept are demonstrated in a GUI environment, allowing graphical objects to be moved around on in a GUI environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Drag with SELECT button.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Use generic print options in a GUI environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A document is previewed in print format to check conformance to requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various print options are selected before printing an object. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Print options include but not limited to Select the printer, number of copies, collate sequence.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A whole document or a selected part is printed to the selected printer. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The printer properties are altered, either from within Print Options or "Page setup". 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Printer properties, Print Options or "Page setup include not limited to any 3 of Paper size, orientation, paper source, resolution, scaling.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Print job is submitted and job progress is viewed using print queue managing software. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Print jobs are manipulated in the print queue. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Manipulated include but not limited to any one of pause, re-start, delete, refresh.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Relevant GUI software package.
  • Organisation standards and procedures, unless otherwise stated.
    This covers but is not limited to: quality assurance, documentation, security, communication, health and safety, and personal behaviour.
  • Laws of South Africa, especially with regard to copyright, privacy, health and safety, and consumer rights.
  • Components of a desk top.
  • The functions and uses of icons.
  • Purposes and uses of menus.
  • Uses of various windows.
  • Methods or using different functions.
  • Devices and settings.
  • Print options. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Understanding a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Applying generic GUI functions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Using generic functions a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Understanding the different parts of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Producing and editing documents using a GUI-based word processor either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Using generic functions a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment effectively and responsibly. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Producing and editing documents using a GUI-based word processor either as a user of computers or as basic knowledge. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 117902, "Use generic functions in a Graphical User Interface (GUI)-environment", Level 1, 4 credits.

    Supplementary Information:

    Where not specified otherwise, all options in the range statement must be covered to confirm that a learner is competent in the specific outcome.

    Assessor Notes:
  • The learner must demonstrate skills for an object that spans multiple pages, where applicable.

    Definitions:
  • Modal: A window that can be sized, moved, and does not force the focus on the screen (typically any application window).
  • Non-Modal: A window that cannot be sized and forces the focus on the screen to it. Other windows cannot be used until this window is closed (typically any error msg window that forces an answer). 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  61591   National Certificate: Information Technology: End User Computing  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Academy at Vaal Triangle (AVT 
    2. Academy Training Group 
    3. Action for Blind and Disabled 
    4. Action4 
    5. Affirmations Training 
    6. Africa Learn (Pty) Ltd 
    7. Afrika Tikkun NCC 
    8. Amilak Training Center 
    9. ASMO INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AN 
    10. Aspirations Communication Training CC 
    11. Atvance Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    12. Balefile Trading and Services 
    13. Basadipele Skills Development and Training 
    14. BEE Clinic Pty Ltd 
    15. Bells Technical College 
    16. Bokamoso Skills and Economic Development Centre 
    17. Brainwave Projects 1430 cc 
    18. Business Optimization Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Careers IT 
    20. CENTRE FOR EXCELLENCE & PROFESSIONAL TRAINING 
    21. CHILI PEPPER INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS 
    22. Clean Heat Academy 
    23. College Africa Group (Pty) Ltd 
    24. Columbus Consulting Pty Ltd 
    25. Common Vision Young Specialist Trading cc 
    26. COMPUSTEPS COLLEGE (PTY) LTD 
    27. CSL Accountants 
    28. DC Academy (PTY)LTD 
    29. Decade Pulse (Pty) Ltd 
    30. Dee's Training (Pty) Ltd 
    31. Delight Computer Training 
    32. Eagle Computer Training 
    33. EAST LONDON MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE 
    34. ED-U Options Academy 
    35. Ekasi IT Solutions Centre 
    36. Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training Centre Pty Ltd 
    37. Elangeni Training Institute 
    38. Elchees Software Solutions 
    39. Emalahleni Institute of Techno 
    40. Eshybrand Pty Ltd 
    41. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    42. Finweb Business Consultancy 
    43. Foster-Melliar (Pty) Ltd 
    44. Fourways Private College 
    45. Futurekids SA (Fochville) 
    46. Gigimo Tourism Academy 
    47. Global Institute for Capacity 
    48. Greater Tzaneen Community Foundation 
    49. HAVOHEJ CONSULTANCY 
    50. Hazyview Computer College 
    51. HILLCROSS BUSINESS SCHOOL (PTY 
    52. Hlanganani ICT (Pty) Ltd 
    53. Home of Compassion/Grace Ministries 
    54. Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC 
    55. iLearn Corporate Services PTY LTD 
    56. Information Technology Resource Centre 
    57. Inqubeko Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    58. IT Academy 
    59. IT-HI-Q Training (PTY) Ltd 
    60. Iyam Training Services 
    61. Jeppe College of Commerce and 
    62. K Boneng Consulting Services P 
    63. K Centre Business Enterprise (PTY) LTD 
    64. Keybase Training Solutions Cc 
    65. KN Training Specialist 
    66. KT Mobile Services 
    67. L and P Computer Academy Pty Ltd 
    68. LETAGO DEVELOPMENT CONSULTING 
    69. LIMPOPO COMPUTER COLLEGE BK 
    70. LINDAMAHLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (PTY) LTD 
    71. Loomee Group 
    72. LYFE COMPUTER TECHNOLOGIES (PTY) LTD 
    73. Makhophila Training 
    74. Masakhane Training and Consult 
    75. Mash Computer Training 
    76. MBOWA COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    77. Metanoia Ratings PTY LTD 
    78. MMELA VILLAGE TECHNOLOGIES (PT 
    79. Mogapi Education Group (Pty) Ltd 
    80. Motlhamme Executive Management 
    81. Moving Ahead Development Agenc 
    82. Mpande Technologies cc 
    83. Mufuka Business and Technical 
    84. Musengavhadzimu Media 
    85. Natfin Holdings Pty Ltd 
    86. NBC Technologies 
    87. NCC - Vereeniging 
    88. Ndulita Solutions 
    89. New Link Computer Skills 
    90. Ntandokazi Holdings Pty Ltd 
    91. NW Avuxeni Computer Academy 
    92. Nyathela Business College 
    93. Olrich Home of Technology 
    94. On the Ball College Pty ltd 
    95. OPELONG BUSINESS INSTITUTE (PT 
    96. Paramixed Pty Ltd 
    97. Peo Entle HIV Wellness Management and Youth Skills Development NPO 
    98. Pioneer Business Consulting 
    99. Polokwane Technology Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    100. Pretoria Technical College 
    101. Priha Projects Pty Ltd 
    102. Progressive School of Business 
    103. Prophesy Training College (Pty) Ltd 
    104. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    105. QUARPHIX (PTY) LTD 
    106. Ramotec Business College 
    107. Redefine Human Capital (PTY) L 
    108. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    109. Rostec Technical FET College (Pty) Ltd 
    110. Sabile Human Resources Consult 
    111. SANDM IT TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    112. SED Computer Academy 
    113. Sesk Facilitation Development (PTY) LTD 
    114. Silulo Ulutho Technologies 
    115. Sisekelo Sustainability Institute 
    116. SIYAFUNDA COMMUNITY TECHNOLOGY CENTRE NPC 
    117. SOUTH AFRICAN CORPORATE TRAINING ASSOCIATION (PTY) LTD 
    118. Spears Business and Life Couch Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    119. SPLS Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    120. SUCCESS BUILDERS INTERNATIONAL CC 
    121. SUPREME ICT CONSULTANTS 
    122. Synergistic Covenant Network NPO 
    123. Techtisa (pty) Ltd 
    124. Terrawood 
    125. Terry Computer Services cc 
    126. Thalita Koume Directions (Pty) Ltd 
    127. The Finishing College (Pty) Lt 
    128. Think Tank T2 (Pty) Ltd 
    129. Titan Trade Technologies 
    130. Tlou Foundation College 
    131. TORQUE TECHNICAL COMPUTER TRAINING PTY LTD 
    132. TSP COLLEGE 
    133. TURFLOOP TRAINING SERVICES CC 
    134. Ubuhlanti Sances Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    135. Ukwazi Academy and Corporate S 
    136. Umbrella Training and Development 
    137. Umbusi Consulting Services 
    138. UTHINGO BRITE SERVICES 
    139. Varsity Institute of Science & Technology (Pty)Ltd 
    140. Visionary Skill Academy 
    141. Vukani Solutions 
    142. VUTHLARI MARKETING CONSULTING 
    143. Waterberg TVET College 
    144. Wellinkwise Pty Ltd 
    145. Whitestone College 
    146. Xylo Trading 12 (Pty) Ltd 
    147. YITRO INNOVATIONS 
    148. Yonet Training Academy 
    149. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    150. Zealot Business College 
    151. Zikode Development Trust 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.