The Unit provides a general overview of digital culture/Web 2.0. It gives a brief history of the development of Web 2.0 applications, covering historical context, societal change and technological evolution and introduces the four main categories: social networking, online collaboration, online publishing and virtual worlds, including online games. These categories are not mutually exclusive.

On completion of the Unit the candidate should be able to:

1. Outline the history of Web 2.0 applications.
2. Use online collaboration tools.
3. Use social networking tools.
4. Use online publishing tools.
5. Use virtual worlds.

Access to this Unit will be at the discretion of the Centre, however it is recommended that candidates should have previous experience of using IT and Internet Applications. This may be evidenced by the completion of relevant PC Passport units.

Written and/or oral recorded evidence is required which demonstrates that the candidate has achieved the requirements of all of the Outcomes to show that the candidate has appropriate knowledge and understanding of the content of this Unit.

Outcome 1 should be assessed by a representative sample of 10 restricted response questions.

Outcomes 2, 3, 4 and 5 should be assessed by a series of short practical exercises requiring candidates to set up or configure a minimum of three different tools, including at least one from each of the following categories: online collaboration, virtual worlds and social networking.

Candidates must keep a logbook of their progress using an online publishing tool, such as a blog or wiki.