Cambridge International Examinations AS Applied ICT
Syllabus code 9626
Practical Workbook (AS)
September 2016
Name: Form:
Mr Ashraf, June 2016 2
Contents
Topic 8 – Spreadsheets ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Modelling .............................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Simulations ........................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Spreadsheet structure .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
FUNCTIONS ......................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Formulae ............................................................................................................................................................................. 12
EXERCISE 1: ADDITION, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX AND MIN ............................................................................ 14
EXERCISE 2: MIN, MAX, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, MODE, MEDIAN, ROUND, INTEGER .................... 15
EXERCISE 3A: IF and nested IF formulas, SUMIF, COUNTIF ................................................................................................ 16
EXERCISE 3B: Spreadsheet Skills ......................................................................................................................................... 18
EXERCISE 4: Cell Manipulation ............................................................................................................................................ 19
EXERCISE 5: HLOOKUP ........................................................................................................................................................ 20
Validation ............................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Manipulating window(s) ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Graphs and charts ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
Topic 9 – Databases ................................................................................................................................................... 23
Data dictionary.................................................................................................................................................................... 24
Database structures ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
Primary, Foreign and Composite Keys: ............................................................................................................................... 31
Referential integrity ............................................................................................................................................................ 31
Relationships ....................................................................................................................................................................... 32
Normalisation ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Query selection ................................................................................................................................................................... 40
Data Entry Forms ................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Switchboards ...................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Validation Rules .................................................................................................................................................................. 43
Topic 10 - File and Data Management ........................................................................................................................ 44
• file types and their use ............................................................................................................................................... 45
• proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file formats are needed ...................................... 46
• generic file formats ..................................................................................................................................................... 47
• indexed sequential access .......................................................................................................................................... 48
• direct file access .......................................................................................................................................................... 48
• management information system (MIS) ..................................................................................................................... 48
• hierarchical database management system ............................................................................................................... 49
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Topic 11a - Video Editing............................................................................................................................................ 51
–– import a video clip ......................................................................................................................................................... 52
–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage ............................................................................................................. 52
–– join together video clips ................................................................................................................................................ 53
–– create text based slides ................................................................................................................................................. 53
–– create credits ................................................................................................................................................................. 54
–– add captions and subtitles ............................................................................................................................................. 54
–– add fading effects .......................................................................................................................................................... 55
–– add animation effects .................................................................................................................................................... 55
–– extract a still image from a video clip ............................................................................................................................ 56
–– insert a still image .......................................................................................................................................................... 56
–– add sound to a video clip ............................................................................................................................................... 57
–– remove sound from a video clip .................................................................................................................................... 57
–– alter the speed of a video clip ........................................................................................................................................ 58
–– export a video clip in different file formats ................................................................................................................... 58
–– set an aspect ratio .......................................................................................................................................................... 59
–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet) ..................................... 60
• describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice................................................. 60
Topic 11b – Sound Editing .......................................................................................................................................... 61
–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material ........................................................................................................... 62
–– join together two sound clips ........................................................................................................................................ 62
–– fade in and fade out a sound clip ................................................................................................................................... 63
–– alter the speed of a sound clip ....................................................................................................................................... 63
–– change the pitch of a sound clip .................................................................................................................................... 63
–– add or adjust reverberation ........................................................................................................................................... 64
–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over ................................................................................................................ 65
–– export a sound clip in different file formats .................................................................................................................. 65
–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different media ...................... 66
describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice ............................................... 67
Describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution ....................................................................... 67
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Paper 2: Practical
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Topic 8 – Spreadsheets
8.1 Modelling Tick
describe the characteristics of modelling software
analyse the need for computer models
evaluate the effectiveness of spreadsheet models (including for: financial forecasting)
8.2 Simulations
describe the advantages and disadvantages of using a model to create and run simulations
evaluate the use of simulation (including for: natural disaster planning, pilot training, car driving, nuclear science research)
8.3 Create a spreadsheet
create structure
–– explain the purpose of cells, rows, columns, ranges, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file
–– insert a row and a column, delete a row and a column, resize a row and a column, hide a row and a column
–– manipulate cells and their content (including: date and time functions; extracting numeric values from strings, concatenating cell content, protecting: cells, rows, columns, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file)
–– adjust cell, row and column width and height
create formatting
–– format cells (including: date, time, text, numeric, currency, percentage, fractions, text orientation, alignment, conditional formatting)
–– format cell emphasis (including: colour, shading, merge, borders, comments)
–– format page (including: page setup, fit to page, margins, header, footer)
create formulae and functions
–– explain the difference between a formula and a function
–– use formulae (including: add, subtract, multiply, divide, indices)
–– use absolute reference, relative reference, nested formulae, named cells, named ranges
–– explain why absolute and relative referencing are used
–– use functions (including: sum, average, minimum, maximum, integer, rounding, counting, IF, nested IF, lookup (including: vertical, horizontal), conditional formulae to include counting, sum, average)
validation rules (see 1.5)
test validation applied to a spreadsheet
test a spreadsheet model and evaluate the effectiveness of test plans for a spreadsheet model
verify and validate data entry
extract data:
–– search using: text, numeric, date, time, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), ., ,, =, .=, ,=, contains, starts with, ends with
• sort data (including: ascending, descending) on multiple columns
• import and export data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf, graphs and charts)
8.4 Graphs and charts
analyse and select the most appropriate type of graph or chart (including: bar chart, pie chart, line graph, comparative bar chart, comparative line graph)
create a graph or chart (including: appropriate data series, from contiguous data, from non-contiguous data, specified range(s))
–– label a graph or chart (including: title, legend, segment labels, segment values, percentages, category axis labels, series labels, value axis labels, scales, set axis scale maximum, set axis scale minimum)
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Modelling and Simulations
Modelling
o Describe the characteristics of modelling software
What is a model?
A model is a program which has been developed to copy the way a system works in real life. It uses mathematical formulas and
calculations to predict what is likely to happen based on data recorded about what actually did happen in the past. The reason people
use modelling and Financial Modelling in particular is that they want to predict the future. This is done by carefully setting up a model
that they think will do this.
Give an example of modelling software
Spreadsheet software is an example of modelling software.
Any model needs a set of input values, a way to work on those input values and then provide one or more output values.
A spreadsheet can deal with a lot of numbers, do some work on them and produce some answers, so spreadsheets are ideal tools to
use for straight-forward financial modelling.
Analyse the need for computer models
Computer models are cheaper to setup than alternative methods that could be used to predict what will happen in a system, eg
building a prototype. Other benefits include being able to:
make alterations and quickly see the outcomes
repeat tests several times over
learn from "what if?" scenarios
model dangerous situations safely
If you tweak an input value , you immediately see the effect it has on the output value(s)
A typical set of questions you may ask of a spreadsheet financial model would be :-
- "What will happen to my profit if I put up the price by 10%?"
- "If I reduce the number of staff by one, how will that affect the end of month profit?"
- "How many items do I need to sell before breaking even?"
- "what is the interest I will earn if my money goes into that savings account?"
It is a good idea to use a spreadsheet to make business decisions because:
- it allows you to keep testing different scenarios until you find one that suits your needs
- there is no financial risk to your business or staff
- you can see the result immediately rather than having to wait for a month/year in real life
What are the limitations of computer models?
A model is only as good as the rules used to create it.
A mistake could have been made by whoever wrote the model
Not every situation might have been considered
The data entered into the model has to also be accurate and reliable for the outputs to be reliable.
All of these issues could cause the model to give incorrect answers.
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Evaluate the effectiveness of spreadsheet models (including for: financial forecasting)
What is a financial model?
It is a tool that brings the various areas of a business(marketing, sales, operations, finance) together to provide expected results
based on a given set of assumptions. Financial modeling allows you to evaluate different options with relative ease.
Here are four keys to building an effective model:
Determine the desired outcome
Defining what you want the end product to be is critical when creating a financial model. It is important to know the purpose of the
model; who are the intended users; what is the time frame (monthly, quarterly, annual); and how detailed does it need to be.
Identify key variables
Identifying the key drivers of the business is important for several reasons and various applications. For the financial model, these
drivers will determine how the format is defined and established.
These variables are the underlying activities or items that determine the outcome. It may be the unit of measure – number of sales,
installations; average price per sale; commission percentage; or historical gross margin percentage.
Create assumptions and populate the model
For high level financial models, it is beneficial to create the assumptions in the same format as the end product. This allows for
efficiency when testing different assumptions and allows for flexibility. Enter the key assumptions and create formulas to calculate
the result.
Evaluate the results
When the model is complete and the assumptions and formulas are providing information, It is always important to ask…does this
make sense? Are the results consistent with expectations? Are they telling the story?
If the results aren’t tested and verified, the reader will not trust and be able to rely on the information.
A financial model is an effective tool to test a business model, project a new service and product offering, or project the future of the
existing business.
Weather Forecasting
When you watch the weather forecast on TV you will see the presenters telling you what the weather will be like that day, that
evening, tomorrow or even later in the week.
But, they can't know 100% for sure, because the time hasn't actually happened yet. What you are watching is their prediction about
what they think will happen in the future.
However, their predictions are usually pretty accurate. This is because data has been collected over many decades about
temperatures, wind speeds, humidity, air pressure etc. Meterologists (people who study the weather) can look at a set of data for a
given time. They can then look at what happened to the weather over the next few hours/days. This has enabled accurate models to
be built.
So when they see that the temperature at 6am is 10 degrees C, and the wind speed is 20 miles per hour blowing from the north and
the air pressure is 980, they can run that data through the model and get a prediction about what the weather will probably be like
for the rest of the day.
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Simulations
Computer simulations use computer models to also predict how a system will behave given a set of conditions. Again,
they are created through mathematical formulas. The difference between a model and a simulation is that a simulation
also uses something physical to mimic the system.
A very good example of a simulation is a flight simulator.
Another example of a simulation is a thrill ride simulator somewhere like Disneyland.
Another form of simulation is Virtual Reality.
Describe the disadvantages of using a model to create and run simulations
No equipment is damaged
People aren't put in any danger
Expensive prototypes don't need to be built
Time can be sped up or slowed down
Models can be run and re-run over and over
Modifications can easily be made and re-tested quickly
Describe the advantages of using a model to create and run simulations
The results depend on how good the model is and how much data was used to create it in the first place.
Models and simulations can't ever completely re-create real-life situations.
Not every possible situation may have been included in the model.
The equipment and software are expensive to purchase.
Staff need to be trained how to use the software and equipment.
TASK: Research and evaluate the use of simulation:
natural disaster planning
pilot training
car driving
nuclear science research)
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Spreadsheet structure
–Label on the diagram: rows, columns, ranges, worksheets and multiple worksheets in a single data file
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– explain the difference between a formula and a function
Formula
=(B2*C2)+D2
Function
A formula is typed directly into the formula bar A function is built into the software.; it is a special type
of formula
Unable to nest a formula Can nest functions
Formula are simple calculations Functions are used to simplify complicated maths
Formulas do not have built-in wizards A function often has a built-in wizard to help you
complete them e.g. VLOOKUP
A function is a built-in operation, such as SUM(), AVERAGE(), etc.
A formula (also known as an equation) is something that the user defines, and can use/refer to various
functions in it.
A formula starts with an = sign, such as =(D1+D2)/A$3. They are similar in that both return a result based
on the calculations that each performs.
The difference is that a function is a built-in calculation, while a formula is a user-defined calculation. A
formula could just use a single function.
For example, if you enter =AVERAGE(A1:A56), that is a formula, using the AVERAGE function. If you enter
=SUM(G4+A5) - 25 * MIN(B3:B6), that is a formula which uses both the SUM function and the MIN
function, as well as standard mathematical operators (-, +, *).
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FUNCTIONS
The syllabus requires you to know and be able to use the following functions:
Sum
Average
Minimum
Maximum
Integer
Rounding
Counting (Count, count A)
IF
Nested IF
lookup (including: vertical, horizontal)
conditional formulae to include: countif, sumif, averageif
What it does Example Common mistakes
SUM
Adding values from a range of cells =SUM(B1:D13)
Average Returns the average (mean) of a range of cells.
If the range A1:A20 contains numbers, the formula =AVERAGE(A1:A20) returns the average of those numbers.
=avg(A1:A20) This format is only used in Microsoft Access.
MAX Calculates the largest number in the range
=MAX(A2:A7)
MIN Calculates the smallest number in the range
=MIN(A2:A7)
INTEGER The INT function can be used to round a number down to the next lowest integer while removing the decimal portion of a number.
= INT(D1) = INTEGER (D1)
ROUND The ROUND function is used to reduce a given value to a specific number of decimal places.
= ROUND (D1,1 )
IF The IF function returns one value if a condition you specify evaluates to TRUE, and another value if that condition evaluates to FALSE
=IF(A1>10,"Yes","No") returns "Yes" if A1 is greater than 10, and "No" if A1 is less than or equal to 10.
Nested IF function It is possible to nest multiple IF functions within one Excel formula. You can nest up to 7 IF functions to create a complex IF THEN ELSE statement.
=IF(C2<31500,C2*15,IF(C2<72500,C2*25,C2*28) IF the value in cell A5 is less than 31,500, then multiply the value by 15. But IF it's not, check to see if the value is less than 72,500. IF it is, multiply by 25, otherwise multiply by 28.
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COUNT
The COUNT function counts the number of cells in a range that contain numbers
=COUNT(A1:A10)
COUNTA
COUNTA function, which counts the number of cells in a range that contain any kind of data, whether it is text, a number, a date, a space character, or even an error.
=COUNTA(A2:A6)
COUNTIF
The COUNTIF function, is used to count up the number of cells in a selected range that meet specified criteria.
= COUNTIF(E1:E6, “Apples” )
AVERAGEIF Returns the average (mean) of all the cells in a range that meet a given criteria.
=AVERAGEIF(B2:B5,"<23000") =AVERAGEIF(A2:A6,"=*West",B2:B6)
SUM IF You use the SUMIF function to sum the values in a range that meet criteria that you specify
=SUMIF(A2:A5,">160000") =SUMIF(B2:B5, "John", C2:C5)
VLOOKUP The V in VLOOKUP stands for vertical. Use VLOOKUP instead of HLOOKUP when your comparison values are located in a column to the left of the data that you want to find.
=VLOOKUP(1,A2:C10,2) Searches for the value 1 in column A, finds the value equal to 1 in column A e.g. 0.946, and then returns the value from column B in the same row. (e.g. 2.17)
HLOOKUP The H in HLOOKUP stands for horizontal. Searches for a value in the top row of a table or an array of values, and then returns a value in the same column from a row you specify in the table or array.
=HLOOKUP("Axles", A1:C4, 2, TRUE) Looks up "Axles" in row 1, and returns the value from row 2 that's in the same column (column A).
Formulae
Use formulae (including: add, subtract, multiply, divide, indices)
What it does Example Common mistakes
Add Adds values in specified cells =A1+D1 =sum(A1+D1)
Subtract Subtracts values from specified cells
= A2-A3 =sum(A2*A3)
Multiply Multiplies values from specified cells
=A6*D6 =sum(A6*D6)
Divide Divides values from specified cells =B4/D4 =sum(B4/D4)
Indices Returns the result of a number raised to a power.
=POWER(5,2) 5 squared
Import and export data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf, graphs and charts)
COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRACTICE EXERCISES
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Spreadsheets
AS ICT
During this topic, you will acquire a number of skills in creating spreadsheets, writing formulae and functions
and manipulating the contents of cells.
Complete the following spreadsheet skills exercises to enable you to practice/revise all formulae and functions
listed in the syllabus.
Download from Moodle all the files into a suitably named folder in your user
area before you begin working on them.
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EXERCISE 1: ADDITION, VLOOKUP, IF, SUM, AVERAGE, MAX AND MIN
1. Exercise 1: ICT Marks - Enter formulas in to the boxes shaded in yellow
2. Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and
column headings and your name in the header.
=B4+C1
(Use $)
=D4+C4
=SUM(G4:G9)
=AVERAGE(G4:G9)
=MAX(G4:G9)
=MIN(G4:G9)
=if(G4<J1,”Fail”,”Pass”)
(Make J1 absolute ($))
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EXERCISE 2: MIN, MAX, SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, COUNTA, COUNTIF, MODE, MEDIAN, ROUND,
INTEGER
1. Load Exercise 2 2. Enter suitable formulas in the cells shaded in yellow for the Marksheet and Analysis worksheets
SAMPLE FORMULAE
Use the 'Count IF' formula to count how many students achieved each of the following grade:
Count of A =COUNTIF(C2:C21,"A")
Total (SUM) =SUM(A1:A10)
Use the 'COUNT' function to count the number of numeric values in column D
=COUNT(A1:A10)
Use the 'COUNTA' function to count the number of text values in column C
=COUNTA(A1:A10)
Use the Round function to Round the following exam marks to 2 decimal places
=ROUND(A1,2)
Use the INTEGER function to return the following exam marks to whole numbers
=INT(A1)
Use the MODE function to return the most frequent exam marks in cells B24:B30
=MODE(A1:A10)
Use the Median function to return the median of the cells B24 :B30
=MEDIAN(A1:A10)
Work out the highest, lowest and average mark using suitable functions for the exam marks in the Marksheet
Lowest =MIN(A1:A10)
Highest =MAX(A1:A10)
Average =AVERAGE(A1:A10)
Work out the total marks for the three papers using a suitable function =SUM(A1:A10)
3. Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and
column headings and your name in the header.
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EXERCISE 3A: IF and nested IF formulas, SUMIF, COUNTIF
In this exercise, you will practice the following IF Formulas:
IF Formula
Nested IF formulas
SUMIF
COUNTIF
1. Load the spreadsheet IF, SUMIF, COUNTIF.xls
2. In cell F5, use a suitable formula to add the coursework and exam marks
3. In cell G5 use a formula to display the word Pass if the exam mark is more than or equal to the mark displayed in
cell L2 or display the word Fail if it is not.
Sample formula: =if(A5>=L3,”Pass”,”Fail”)
4. In cell H5 use a formula to display the word Pass if the coursework mark is more than or equal to the mark
displayed in cell L1 or display the word Fail if it is not.
Sample formula: =if(A5>=L6,”Pass”,”Fail”)
1. In cell I5 use the VLOOKUP function to find the overall grade from the table starting in cell L5. You must use
absolute cell reference.
2. In cell J5, enter a nested IF formula to display FAIL if the exam mark is less than the value in L2 and if the
coursework mark is less than the value in L1, otherwise display PASS.
Sample formula: =IF(D5<L2,"fail",IF(E5>=L1,"fail","pass"))
3. In Cell K5 use a nested IF function to work out the points score for each student based on their overall grade. Use
absolute cell references.
Sample formula =IF(I5=M11,F5*N11,IF(I5=M10,F5*N10,IF(I5=M9,F5*N9,IF(I5=M8,F5*N8,IF(I5=M7,F5*N7,F5*N6)))))
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4. In cell A29, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved less than 10 marks in the exam
Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”<20”)
5. In cell A32, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved more than 25 marks in the
exam
Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”>45”)
6. Count the number of students except those that achieved 0 in the exam
Sample formula: =countif(A3:A20,”<>0”)
7. In cell A38, use a suitable formula to count the number of students that achieved between 25 and 50 marks in the
coursework
8. Sample formula: =COUNTIFS(D5:D26,"<50",D5:D26,">25")
9. In cell A38, use a suitable formula to add all the total marks, except those that achieved 0 in exam
Sample formula: =SUMIF(D5:D26,"<>0"F5:F26)
10. In cell A41, use a suitable formula to add all the total marks, except those that achieved 0 in coursework
Sample formula: =SUMIF(E5:E26,"<>0"F5:F26)
11. Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and
column headings and your name in the header.
12. Hide rows 28 to 45
13. Print out your spreadsheet in data view without rows 28-45
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EXERCISE 3B: Spreadsheet Skills
In this exercise, you will practice the following skills:
Custom Sort
Custom Filter
1. Open the word document named “CUSTOM SORT and FILTERING”
CUSTOM SORT
2. Add screen-prints under the following headings:
Sort by exam mark, highest to lowest
Sort by coursework mark, highest to lowest
Sort the data into descending order of Gender and then by descending order of Total marks
CUSTOM FILTER
1. Add screen-prints under the following headings:
Display the students that achieved 25 marks or above in both the exam and coursework
Display the students that achieved less than 25 marks in both the exam and coursework
Display girls that achieved less than 25 marks in exam and coursework
Display boys that achieved more than 25 marks in exam and coursework
Display students that have four letters in their surname
Display students that have a surname starting with an “M”
Display students that have a first name ending with an “E”
2. Print the document
Make sure that you can Search:
Text columns
Numeric columns
date, time columns
by using:
Contains
starts with
ends with
Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
., ,, =, .=, ,=
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EXERCISE 4: Cell Manipulation
Open the spreadsheet “Cell Manipulation”
Concatenate cells (combine the contents of two cells)/Join Strings
In cell E2, join the contents of the cells that contain the forename and surname
Sample Formula= B6&" "&C62
Transpose cells
Paste the record of the first student into a vertical table in sheet 2 using the transpose facility
1. Copy the cells
2. Go to sheet 2
3. Right click and click paste special, transpose cells
Split strings/Extract values from strings using (substring, left, right, mid, length)
In cell A2, extract the first three letters of the student’s surname and join them with the last two numbers from the date
of birth
Sample Formula=LEFT(F2,5)& RIGHT(H3,7)
In cell B2, use the MID function to extract the first five letters from the surname and join them with the length of the
surname
Sample Formula =MID(C2,1,4)&LEN(C2)
Convert string values to numeric values
1. Highlight the cells H2:H21
2. Right click and set them to numbers
Protect cell(s)/Protect rows/columns
Protect cells C2:D21 only
1. Highlight the ALL the cells and right click and go to format cells, click on protection and untick locked
2. Highlight cells C2:D21
3. Repeat step 1 but this time tick locked
4. Click on Protect Sheet
Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and column
headings and your name in the header.
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EXERCISE 5: HLOOKUP
Open the spreadsheet “HLOOKUP”
HLOOKUP, Naming a Range of Cells
1. Open the spreadsheet called “HLookup”
2. Highlight the three rows from the table
3. Right click and select Define Name
4. Create a named range called “Orders”
5. In cell B7, enter a HLookup formula to obtain the Unit price for order 32548
Sample Formula =HLOOKUP(B7,B1:G3,2)
Manipulating Date/Time Values
In Cell J1, use a formula to enter today’s date =Today()
In Cell J2, use a formula to enter today’s date’s date and time =Now()
In cell J3, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Month(J1)
In cell J4, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Day(J1)
In cell J5, use a formula to extract the month from the date entered in cell J1 =Year(J1)
I can adjust the page layout
Set the page size to A4
Set the page orientation to landscape
Set it to fit to a page
Set the page margins (top margin, bottom margin, left margin, right margin) all to 0.5cm
display row/column headings
Give the spreadsheet a suitable title and add this to the header
Add your name to the footer
Add automated text such as page numbering, file path and file name to the footer
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I can format rows, columns and/or cells
Format cells containing unit price to currency (Pounds, 2 decimal places)
Set the date in cell J1 to long date
Set the time in J2 to 24 hour clock
Set the text orientation in the table headings to
o Horizontal = center
o Vertical = center
o Text wrap
conditional formatting, set the following rules for qty:
o between 1 and 10 to red
o between 11 and 40 to orange
o between 41 and 100 to green
I can enhance/emphasise cells
Shade the column headings
Set the text orientation to 90 degrees
Set the column headings to Bold, Underscore, Italics
Apply Borders to the table and add a thick black border around the table
Insert a row above the table and add the title “Orders”
Merge cells A1 to A4
Apply a suitable font styles (font face, point size) to the title
Add a suitable instruction comments to a cell A7
Validation
Restrict the values in the Qty cells so that the quantity entered can only be within the range 0 and 100. Add
suitable text for the user. Take a screenshot of the validation to see if it works.
Test the validation applied to the spreadsheet using a testing table:
Test Data Type Expected Outcome Actual Outcome
Normal
Abnormal
Extreme
Manipulating window(s)
Freeze column A
Zoom in and check whether column A stays frozen whilst you look at the data in the other columns
unfreeze column A
Use the split window tool
Restore the windows
14. Print the spreadsheet, showing formulas, orientation landscape, fit to one page, with gridlines and row and
column headings and your name in the header.
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Graphs and charts
Make sure that you can:
analyse and select the most appropriate type of graph or chart including:
bar chart
pie chart
line graph
comparative bar chart
comparative line graph
create a graph or chart including:
appropriate data series
from contiguous data
from non-contiguous data
specified range(s))
make sure that you can:
o label a graph or chart including:
title
legend
segment labels
segment values
percentages
category axis labels
series labels
value axis labels
scales
set axis scale maximum
set axis scale minimum)
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Topic 9 – Databases
9.1 Create a database Tick
assign a data type and an appropriate field size to a field (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric (integer, decimal), date/time, Boolean)
describe the three relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many
create and use relationships (including: one-to-one and one-to-many)
create and interpret an entity relationship diagram
evaluate the difference between a flat file and a relational database and why one might be preferred in certain situations
create a relational database
analyse the function of key fields (including: primary key, compound key, foreign key)
set keys (including: primary key, compound key, foreign key)
define and use referential integrity and explain its importance
validate and verify data entry
–– use validation rules (see 1.5)
–– test validation applied to a database
–– verify data entry (see 1.5)
perform searches
–– simple query on single criterion
–– complex queries using multiple criteria
–– queries using static parameters
–– queries using dynamic parameters
–– nested queries
–– summarise data (including: cross-tab query/pivot table)
–– using text, numeric, date, time, wildcard, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), ., ,, =, .=, ,=
use arithmetic operations, numeric and logical functions to perform calculations within a database (including calculated controls and calculated fields)
sort data
–– ascending, descending, grouped
design, create and evaluate an appropriate data entry form (including: appropriate font styles and sizes, spacing between fields, character spacing of individual fields, use of white space, radio buttons, drop down menus, highlighting key fields)
design, create and evaluate a switchboard/menu within a database
import data (including: .csv, .txt, .rtf)
export data (including: table, query, report, export as .csv, .txt, .rtf)
9.2 Normalisation to third normal form (3NF)
describe the characteristics of data in unnormalised form (0NF), first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF) and third normal form (3NF)
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of normalisation
normalise a database to 3NF
9.3 Data dictionary
describe the components of a data dictionary
select appropriate data types for a given set of data and a given situation
identify different data types (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric, (integer, real, percentage, currency), date/time, Boolean/logical (yes/no, true/false))
9.4 Query selection
evaluate the use of static and dynamic parameters in a query (see 9.1)
analyse when static and dynamic parameters should be used in queries (see 9.1)
analyse when simple, complex, nested and summary queries (including cross-tab queries/pivot tables) should be used (see 9.1)
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Data dictionary
Describe the components of a data dictionary:
A data dictionary contains a list of all files in the database, the number of records in each file, and the names and types of each field. Most database management systems keep the data dictionary hidden from users to prevent them from accidentally destroying its contents. Data dictionaries do not contain any actual data from the database, only book keeping information for managing it. Without a data dictionary, however, a database management system cannot access data from the database.
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identify different data types (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric, (integer, real, percentage, currency), date/time, Boolean/logical (yes/no, true/false))
Assign a data type and an appropriate field size to a field (including: text, alphanumeric, numeric (integer, decimal), date/time, Boolean)
What type of data can it hold? Example Field Size
logical/Boolean
alphanumeric/text
numeric(real and integer)
Real: Integer: Percentage:
currency
date/time
• select appropriate data types for a given set of data and a given situation
Data Item Data Type
Field Size Notes
Student number
Name
Address
Date of Birth
Shoe Size
Fee
Over 16?
Age
Telephone Number
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Database structures – evaluate the difference between a flat file and a relational database and why one might be
preferred in certain situations
Flat File Databases
A flat file database is ……………..
It would be appropriate to use a flat file database where…..
You have been asked to create a flat file database for a new fashion store that has recently opened in
RAK Mall.
They sell the following items:
Item Number Description Price
A0123 Check Shirt – Size S
99.00 AED
A0124 Black Long Skirt – Size 10
149 AED
A0126 Swim Shorts – Size M
50 AED
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Use the item numbers to complete the database
Customer
Number
Last Name First Name Date of
Birth
Item
Number
Description Price Quantity
100345 Williams Doug 26/09/64
100346 Patel Anita 12/08/76
100347 Smith Bill 30/03/77
100348 Ahmed Mayed 19/04/82
100349 Patel Anita 12/08/76
Tasks:
1. The price for Item number A0123 has changed to 69.00 AED. Make this change on the database
2. Item number A0126 is no longer needed. Remove the record by putting a line through it
3. Bill Smith wants to buy another two items. Add these two orders to the database.
What problems do you find with the flat file database?
Problem 1
Problem 2
Problem 3
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A Relational database is …………………………..
It would be appropriate to use a relational database when…..
Now transfer the information from the flat file database into the relational database below:
Customer Table
Customer Number Last Name First Name Date of Birth
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Stock Table
Item Number Description Price Quantity
Orders Table
Order Number Customer Number Item number Quantity
Tasks:
1. The price for Item number A0123 has changed to 69.00 AED. Make this change on the database
2. Item number A0126 is no longer needed. Remove the record by putting a line through it
3. Bill Smith wants to buy another two items. Add these two orders to the database.
Which database would you prefer to use and why? Give three reasons:
Foreign Keys are:
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Advantages of Relational Databases Disadvantages of Relational Databases
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Primary, Foreign and Composite Keys:
Primary Key
A primary key, also called a primary keyword, is a key in a relational database that is unique for each record. It is a
unique identifier, such as a driver license number, telephone number (including area code), or vehicle identification
number (VIN). A relational database must always have one and only one primary key.
Composite Key
A compound key is a key that consists of two or more fields that uniquely identify a record.
Foreign Key
A foreign key is a field that references a field (most often the primary key) of another table. The purpose of the
foreign key is to ensure referential integrity of the data. In other words, only values that are supposed to appear in
the database are permitted. Foreign keys enable data to be shared between tables and only allow data that exists in
the primary table to be entered. For example, if a customer ID 1234 does not exist in the customers table, it cannot
be accepted in the Customer ID field in the orders table.
Referential integrity
Define and use referential integrity and explain its importance
Referential integrity is a database concept that ensures that relationships between tables remain consistent. When
one table has a foreign key to another table, the concept of referential integrity states that you may not add a
record to the table that contains the foreign key unless there is a corresponding record in the linked table
For example, suppose the Records table has a foreign key that points to a field in the Artists table. Referential
integrity would prevent you from adding a record to the Records table that does not exist in the Artists table.
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Relationships
Describe the three relationships: one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-many
One to one
One to Many
Many to Many (not allowed
and have to be made 1:m)
Student Class
Course Student
Students Subjects
Student-Subjects Subjects Students
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Relational Databases - Label on the diagram below primary keys and foreign keys and complete the
relationships
Customers Table
Orders Table
Products Table
Customer
Number
Last
Name
First
Name
Date of
Birth
100345 Williams Doug 26/09/64
100346 Patel Anita 12/08/76
100347 Smith Bill 30/03/77
Item Number Description Price Quantity
A0123 Shirt – Size S £20.00 10
A0124 Skirt – Size 10 £24.99 14
A0126 Shorts – Size M £12.99 16
Order
No
Customer
Number
Item
Number
Qty
Required
Total
001 100345 A0123 1 £20.00
002 100346 A0124 2 £49.98
003 100347 A0126 1 £12.99
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Normalisation
Normalisation is the process of reorganizing data in a database so that it meets two basic requirements:
There is no repeated data
Data dependencies are logical (all related data items are stored together)
Normalization is important for many reasons, but chiefly because it allows databases to take up as little disk space as
possible, resulting in increased performance.
Describe the characteristics of data in unnormalised form (0NF), first normal form (1NF), second normal form (2NF) and
third normal form (3NF)
Form Rules
UNF Data might be repeated The table might not have a primary key There might be repeating fields i.e. each field does not have a unique name
1NF Tables must have no repeating groups
2NF There should be no partial dependencies - i.e. every field in a table must fully depend on the primary key
3NF There should be no dependencies between non-key attributes.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of normalisation
Advantages
The database does not have redundant data, it is smaller in size so less money needs to be spent on storage
Because there is less data to search through, it is much faster to run a query on the data
Because there is no data duplication there is better data integrity and less risk of mistakes.
Because there is no data duplication there is less chance of storing two or more different copies of the data
Once change can be made which can instantly be cascaded across any related records.
Disadvantages
You can end up with more tables than an unnormalised database
The more tables and the more complex the database, the slower queries can be to run
It is necessary to assign more relationships to interact with larger numbers of tables
With more tables, setting up queries can become more complex
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Normalise a database to 3NF
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SET UP THESTUDENTS DATABASE FOR THE COLLEGE
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Query selection
• evaluate the use of static and dynamic parameters in a query and when they should be used
A dynamic query is updated with its criteria each time you click into the query. At the top of the page, you can see a date
that indicates when the query was last updated. Dynamic SQL is SQL statements that are constructed at runtime; for
example, the application may allow users to enter their own queries. Thus, the SQL statements cannot be hard-coded into
the application.
A static query is a result that never changes. It is based on information that matched the criteria from the particular
moment when the query was made. Static query statements do not change at runtime and, therefore, can be hard-coded
into the application
• analyse when simple, complex, nested and summary queries (including cross-tab queries/pivot tables) should be
used
A simple query searches on a single criterion
A complex query searches using multiple criteria
Nested queries - A nested query is a query within another query. A subquery is used to return data that will be used in
the main query as a condition to further restrict the data to be retrieved.
A summary query such as a crosstab query calculates a sum, average, or other aggregate function, and then groups the
results by two sets of values— one down the side of the datasheet and the other across the top. It is known as
You should be able to perform searches using:
Text
Numeric
date
Time
Wildcard
Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT)
., ,, =, .=, ,=
use arithmetic operations, numeric and logical functions to perform calculations within a database (including calculated controls
and calculated fields)
Sort data - ascending, descending, grouped
validate and verify data entry
CREATE SIMPLE, COMPLEX, NESTED AND SUMMARY
QUERIES FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE
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Data Entry Forms
Design, create and evaluate an appropriate data entry form: (including: appropriate font styles and sizes, spacing
between fields, character spacing of individual fields, use of white space, radio buttons, drop down menus,
highlighting key fields)
Evaluate the following two data entry forms using the criteria above:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
CREATE DATA ENTRY FORMS FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE
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Switchboards
design, create and evaluate a switchboard/menu within a database
CREATE A SWITCHBOARD FOR THE STUDENTS DATABASE
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Validation Rules
–use validation rules including:
presence check
range check
type check
length check
format check
lookup check
consistency check
limit check
–Test validation applied to a database using a testing table:
Test Data Type Expected Outcome Actual Outcome
Normal
Abnormal
Extreme
–Verify data entry - including: visual checking and double data entry
USE AND TEST VALIDATION RULES FOR THE STUDENTS
DATABASE
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Topic 10 - File and Data Management
9.5 File and data management
evaluate different file types and their use
explain what is meant by proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file formats are needed
explain why generic file formats are needed
explain the use of indexed sequential access
explain the use of direct file access
explain the use of a hierarchical database management system
describe the features of a management information system (MIS)
explain how a MIS can be used by organisations
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• evaluate different file types and their use
File Type Use
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• explain what is meant by proprietary and open-source file formats, and why open-source file
formats are needed
Proprietary file format - In contrast an open format is a file format that is published and free to be used by everybody.
Proprietary formats are typically controlled by a company or organization for its own benefits, and the restriction of its
use by others is ensured through patents or as trade secrets.
Proprietary standards
These are designed, created, maintained and controlled by a licence agreement which is owned by an organisation or
individual, ie privately owned. Proprietary standards may be free to use, but the file specification is often closed rather
than being open.
Some popular proprietary standards include:
DOC files (Microsoft Word Document file format). This has become a de facto standard used for most word-
processing software.
MP3. MPEG Audio is a de jure standard patented by the Fraunhofer Society.
An important benefit of proprietary standards is that products developed around these standards should work well with
each other. For example, all Microsoft software should work well on Microsoft Windows.
An open file format is a published specification for storing digital data, usually maintained by a standards organization,
and which can be used and implemented by anyone. For example, an open format can be implemented by both
proprietary and free and open source software, using the typical software licenses used by each. In contrast to open
formats, closed formats are considered trade secrets. Open formats are also called free file formats if they are not
encumbered by any copyrights, patents, trademarks or other restrictions (for example, if they are in the public domain) so
that anyone may use them at no monetary cost for any desired purpose.
Open standards are usually controlled by a Creative Commons licence or they are unlicensed. They can be used by
anyone and are not owned by a commercial organisation or individual. Normally, they will have been developed by
experts collaborating online.
The source code behind files and programs created using open standards will normally be open source which means the
code should be freely available. Anyone could look at the code and make improvements.
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• explain why generic file formats are needed
Images can be saved in a variety of file formats. Different file formats exist because some are better at certain tasks than
others. Graphics packages allow the user to save their work in compatible file formats that can be used in a variety of
software programs - eg .jpg, .gif, .tiff. Most digital cameras automatically save photographs as .jpg.
Why are different file types needed?
1. So that you know the correct software to use - If you see the file extension .ppt, then you would probably know
that you need to have access to PowerPoint presentation software, if you see a file has a .mdb extension and you
know you don't have Microsoft Access installed, you would quickly realise that you cannot open the file.
2. So that the user knows what the file may contain from the file extension - If you see a file with a .swf extension,
you know that the file is likely to contain a multimedia video. If the file extension is .mp3 then you would know
that it is likely to be a music file.
3. So that searching and sorting files can be done effectively - If you have different file extensions, it makes it
much easier for you to search for a specific file type. For example, if you know you are looking for an essay but
you can't remember where you stored it, you could search for all of the .doc files on your system.
4. So that the operating system can display appropriate icon - When you look at the details of the files on your
system, you will often see a small icon next to the details which indicates the specific file type. For example, you
might see a small blue W icon next to all of the Word document files and a small green X icon next to all the Excel
files.
5. So that it is easier to open the appropriate application - Double clicking on the data file will normally load up and
run the appropriate application for that specific file type.
6. So that application programs know how to load up and interpret the data - If you open an Excel file by double
clicking on the icon or file name, when the application opens, it will know how to load and interpret the data held
in that file.
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• explain the use of indexed sequential access
ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method) is a file management system developed at IBM that allows records to be
accessed either sequentially (in the order they were entered) or randomly (with an index).
An indexed file is a computer file with an index that allows easy random access to any record given its file key. The key
must be such that it uniquely identifies a record. If more than one index is present the other ones are called alternate
indexes.
• explain the use of direct file access
In computer storage, direct access is the ability to obtain data from a storage device by going directly to where it is
physically located on the device rather than by having to sequentially look for the data at one physical location after
another. A direct access storage device (DASD) has the electrical or electromechanical means to be immediately
positioned for reading and writing at any addressable location on the device.
An alternative to direct access is sequential access, in which a data location is found by starting at one place and seeking
through every successive location until the data is found. Historically, tape storage is associated with sequential access,
and disk storage is associated with direct access.
• describe the features of a management information system (MIS) and explain how a MIS can
be used by organisations
o A management information system (MIS) is a computerized database of financial information organized and
programmed in such a way that it produces regular reports on operations for every level of management in a
company.
o It is usually also possible to obtain special reports from the system easily.
o The main purpose of the MIS is to give managers feedback about their own performance;
o top management can monitor the company as a whole.
o Information displayed by the MIS typically shows "actual" data over against "planned" results and results from a year
before; thus it measures progress against goals.
o The MIS receives data from company units and functions. Some of the data are collected automatically from
computer-linked check-out counters; others are keyed in at periodic intervals.
o Routine reports are preprogrammed and run at intervals or on demand while others are obtained using built-in query
languages; display functions built into the system are used by managers to check on status at desk-side computers
connected to the MIS by networks.
o Many sophisticated systems also monitor and display the performance of the company's stock.
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• explain the use of a hierarchical database management system
Hierarchical database models use a tree structure that links a number of separate elements to one "owner," or "parent,"
or primary record.
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Topic 11a - Video Editing
edit a video clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience
–– set an aspect ratio
–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage
–– join together video clips
–– create text based slides
–– create credits
–– add captions and subtitles
–– add fading effects
–– add animation effects
–– extract a still image from a video clip
–– insert a still image
–– add sound to a video clip
–– remove sound from a video clip
–– alter the speed of a video clip
–– export a video clip in different file formats
–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet)
describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice
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Edit a video clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and
audience
–– import a video clip
1. Click the start menu
2. Enter the term VideoPad into the search box and select VideoPad Video Editor
3. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the videos, images and sound clips into the Media List
4. Drag the items onto the timeline from the Media List, in the order that you want them to appear
–– trim a video clip to remove unwanted footage
Click on the timeline where you want to remove unwanted footage
Click on the Start and End buttons to choose which part of the clip you want to edit
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–– join together video clips
Drag the second clip from Media List next to the existing clip on the timeline.
–– create text based slides
To create a blank slide with only text:
click on Add Blank
drag the blank slide from the media list onto the desired position in the timeline
change the colour of the background
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click Add Text to add text to the slide
position the text so that it sits on top of the blank slide
–– create credits
Follow the steps above to create a blank slide and to add text
When inputting text select “Scroll Bottom to Top”
–– add captions and subtitles
For subtitles: From the home menu, select Subtitles
For the caption: From the home menu, select Add Text
Text
Blank Slide
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–– add fading effects
To apply a transition:
Click on the video clip
Select Transition
–– add animation effects
Right click on the video clip
Select Effects
Click on the + sign to choose an effect
Change the effect timings by adjusting
the slider
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–– extract a still image from a video clip
Click on the frame that you want to extract
Click on the left pointing Arrows
Select Snapshot
The snapshot will appear in the Media List
Right click on the still image and select Open File Location to view the saved image
–– insert a still image
1. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the into the Media List
2. Drag the items onto the timeline from the Media List, in the order that you want them to appear
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–– remove sound from a video clip
Right click on the sound clip beneath the video clip and click unlink from video
Once the sound clip has been unlinked, click the delete key to remove it
–– add sound to a video clip
1. Click on the Clips tab and click Add File to add the sound clips into the Media List
2. Drag the sound file onto the audio track timeline from the Media List and place it under the correct frames.
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–– alter the speed of a video clip
Reduce the percentage to slow down the speed of the video
Increase the percentage to increase the speed of the video
–– export a video clip in different file formats
1. Click on the Export Menu and select Video File
2. Choose the file format e.g. MP4, 3GP
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–– set an aspect ratio
Most televisions and computer monitors currently available have an aspect ratio of 16:9, which offers a perfect fit for high
definition television shows. However, movies are usually filmed with a ratio of 21:9, which will result in black bars at the
top and bottom of the picture when it is displayed on the average TV. To fix this, some manufacturers are producing
televisions with a 21:9 aspect ratio. The table above shows the most common aspect ratios.
1) Go to Tools and then Options
2) Select the desired aspect ratio
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–– compress a video to different resolutions to suit different media (including: DVD, internet)
In the export menu select the appropriate resolution for the device that the video will be displayed.
• describe how typical features found in video editing software are used in practice
Any good video editing software should provide at least the following functions and features:
The ability to actually handle the video file types that you have and the ability, within the technical limitations of
those file types, to convert them into other video file types.
To join video clips, cut segments from the ends of video clips to shorten them as well as being able to cut out
sections from within the video files.
To make at least some adjustment to the audio tracks of the video files as well as add additional audio like voice-
over, sound effects and background music to the project. Check for audio file compatibility as well, MP3, Dolby
etc.
To apply basic corrective video filters to poorly shot video again taking into consideration the quality and video
file type being worked with. Also there should be a good range of special effects video filters available.
To be able to add video transitions between video clips on the timeline to create cross-fades, cuts, fades to black,
fades to white etc.
To be able to add titles and subtitles to the projects with good control and a wide range features for creativity.
To be able to overlay additional video tracks to create a “picture in picture” effect and to be able to apply
transitions to the overlay tracks.
Handle a wide range of still image formats (jpg, gif, etc) to incorporate them into video footage as well as create
slide shows. At this level a pan and zoom feature should be standard so that you can add some motion to your
still images as they appear on the screen.
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Topic 11b – Sound Editing
edit a sound clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience
–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material
–– join together two sound clips
–– fade in and fade out a sound clip
–– alter the speed of a sound clip
–– change the pitch of a sound clip
–– add or adjust reverberation
–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over
–– export a sound clip in different file formats
–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different media
describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice
describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution
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Edit a sound clip to meet the requirements of its intended application and audience
Open audacity sound editing software
–– trim a sound clip to remove unwanted material
Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to delete
Click on the edit menu
Select delete
–– join together two sound clips
Click on the grey area underneath the sound clip
Click on the edit menu
Select paste
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–– fade in and fade out a sound clip
Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to fade
Click on the effects menu
Select fade in/out
–– alter the speed of a sound clip
Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to change the speed
Click on the effects menu
Select change speed
–– change the pitch of a sound clip
Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to change the pitch
Click on the effects menu
Select change pitch
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–– add or adjust reverberation
Highlight the portion of the sound clip that you want to add reverb
Click on the effects menu
Select Reverb
Reverb adds reverberation (rapid, modified repetitions blended with the original sound that gives an impression of
ambience). The Reverb effect is based on the original "freeverb" algorithm. Adding reverberation is sometimes desirable
for concert halls that are too small or contain so many people that the hall's natural reverberance is diminished.
Applying a small amount of stereo reverb to an untreated mono signal duplicated into a two-channel stereo track will
usually make it sound more natural.
Room Size (%): Sets the size of the simulated room. 0% is like a closet, 100% is like a huge cathedral or large
auditorium. A high value will simulate the reverberation effect of a large room and a low value will simulate the
effect of a small room.
Pre-delay (ms): Delays the onset of the reverberation for the set time after the start of the original input. This
also delays the onset of the reverb tail. The maximum pre-delay is 200 milliseconds. Careful adjustment of this
parameter can improve the clarity of the result.
Reverberance (%): Sets the length of the reverberation tail. This determines how long the reverberation
continues for after the original sound being reverbed comes to an end, and so simulates the "liveliness" of the
room acoustics. For any given reverberance value, the tail will be greater for larger room sizes.
Damping (%): Increasing the damping produces a more "muted" effect. The reverberation does not build up as
much, and the high frequencies decay faster than the low frequencies. Simulates the absorption of high
frequencies in the reverberation.
Tone Low (%): Setting this control below 100% reduces the low frequency components of the reverberation,
creating a less "boomy" effect.
Tone High (%): Setting this control below 100% reduces the high frequency components of the reverberation,
creating a less "bright" effect.
Wet Gain (dB): Applies volume adjustment to the reverberation ("wet") component in the mix. Increasing this
value relative to the "Dry Gain" (below) increases the strength of the reverb.
Dry Gain (dB): Applies volume adjustment to the original ("dry") audio in the mix. Increasing this value relative to
the "Wet Gain" (above) reduces the strength of the reverb. If the Wet Gain and Dry Gain values are the same,
then the mix of wet effect and dry audio to be output to the track will be made louder or softer by exactly this
value (assuming "Wet Only" below is not checked).
Stereo Width (%): Sets the apparent "width" of the Reverb effect for stereo tracks only. Increasing this value
applies more variation between left and right channels, creating a more "spacious" effect. When set at zero, the
effect is applied independently to left and right channels.
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Wet Only: When this control is checked, only the wet signal (added reverberation) will be in the resulting output,
and the original audio will be removed. This can be useful when previewing the effect, but in most cases you
should uncheck this when applying the effect. Wet Only may be used however to create a "reverb only" track
that you can then mix in greater or lesser proportion with the original track. See Examples below for complete
steps.
–– overdub a sound clip to include a voice over
Plug in a microphone
Open a new or existing sound file
Click the record button
Adjust the volume on the other sounds so that your voice can be heard clearly
–– export a sound clip in different file formats
Click File and then export as WAV or MP3
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–– compress (including: the use of MP3) the sound file to different sample rates to suit different
media
To change the sample rate click Set Sample format/Set Rate:
Which Sample Rate to use?
44.1 kHz
44.1 kHz (44100 Hz) is the sampling rate of audio CDs giving a 20 kHz maximum frequency. 20 kHz is the highest
frequency generally audible by humans, so making 44.1 kHz the logical choice for most audio material. High quality tape
decks using metal tape, and medium quality LP equipment can reproduce 20 kHz (higher for top quality LP equipment,
though some of this is harmonic distortion inherent in the medium). Note that the upper limit of human hearing falls
rapidly with age. While people in their teens can hear 20 kHz, many older people cannot hear above 14.5kHz.
48 kHz
48 kHz (48000 Hz) is the sample rate used for DVDs so if you are creating DVD audio discs from your Audacity projects you
may prefer to work with this setting.
Reduced bandwidth recording
Audio may be recorded at below 20kHz bandwidth for a few reasons:
To reduce file size
To reduce CPU usage
Because the source material itself is of less than 20kHz bandwidth.
A lower sampling rate can also be used to remove the highest frequency hiss present in a noisy signal. While in theory
there is no loss of quality as long as the bandwidth of the sample rate stays above the audio signal bandwidth, in practice
one often does not know exactly what the signal bandwidth is. So for most purposes, a better option is to use noise gating
for hiss reduction, which has much more effect and is less likely to compromise the recorded signal. The Audacity 'noise
reduction' filter is a multi-channel noise gate.
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Describe how typical features found in sound editing software are used in practice
Importing and exporting of WAV, AIFF, MP3 and all file formats supported by libsndfile library.
Recording and playing back sounds
Editing via cut, copy, and paste, with unlimited levels of undo
Conversion of cassette tapes or records into digital tracks by splitting the audio source into multiple tracks
Multitrack mixing
Digital effects
Noise Reduction based on sampling the noise to be minimized.
Vocal Reduction and Isolation for the creation of karaoke tracks and isolated vocal tracks.
Precise adjustments to the audio speed (tempo) while maintaining pitch in order to synchronize it with video or
run for a predetermined length of time
Adjusting audio pitch while maintaining speed and adjusting audio speed while maintaining pitch
Features of modern multitrack audio software including navigation controls, zoom and single track edit, project
pane
Cross-platform operation — Audacity works on Windows, Mac OS X, and Unix-like systems (including Linux and
BSD)
Real-time preview
Describe how file sizes depend on sampling rate and sampling resolution
Sound is recorded using a microphone using an analogue signal.
An analogue signal is a continuous sound wave which represents continuous range of values.
Analog technology records waveforms as they are.
For the sound to be transferred to a computer it is converted into a Digital signal using an Analogue to Digital convertor.
Computers use discrete or discontinuous values (binary) to represent information
Sampling
Is a method of converting an analogue sound signal into a digital file containing binary numbers.
The idea of sampling is to take regular measurement of sound wave at a specific instant in time.
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Each sample is converted into the equivalent binary number. The whole collection of data is then stored in a digital file.
There may be tens of thousands of samples making up the complete sound track. The longer the sound track the larger
the file becomes.
Sampling rate
Defines the number of samples per second taken from a continuous signal to make a discrete signal. The rate at which
the samples are taken are stated in Hertz.
The more samples taken per second, the more accurate the digital representation of the sound can be. For example,
the current sample rate for CD-quality audio is 44,100 samples per second
Sampling resolution
Defines how many values can be recorded per sample.
An 8-bit sampling resolution can record 256 different values, while a 16-bit sampling resolution can record 65536
different values.
Sampling resolutions of 24-bit and 32-bit can record even more values.
Effect of file size
Therefore, the higher the sampling resolution and sampling rate, the more accurately the waveform will be converted
from its natural analogue form to the digital form and the greater the file size would be.