Lesson 1 - Digital Technology

1. Introduction to Question 1a)

2. Introduction to Question 1a)
 Question 1a) is a 25 mark answer and you have 30 min to write your
response.
 The content must focus on AS to A2 progression. It will ask you to
describe and evaluate the development of your skills from AS to A2
productions.
 The question will ask you to discuss how your skills have developed in
relation to one or two of the following:
• Digital technology
• Creativity
• Research and planning
• Post-production
• Using conventions from real media texts
 Within the 30 min time period you have the opportunity to also reference:
• GCSE Coursework (if applicable)
• Film Studies
• Any production work undertaken outside of school
 You need to show how your work has improved from AS to A2. Again,
focus on your progression and how your skills have developed.

3. How much theory must you write about in 1a)?
 2 or 3 theory references is enough for Q1a) (save them for
Q1b) and SECTION B.
 Try to frame your response with theory at the start and at the
end.

4. Your response
 Paragraph 1 – ‘Flirt’ with theory for your first paragraph. Before you
talk about your own production work talk about the concept in relation
to an existing theorist.
(Example key phrase: “Digital Technology has meant proliferation and
convergence across media forms. My projects has evidenced what
Gauntlett described as the harnessing of collective intelligence through
interactivity”
 Paragraph 2 – Is a time to explain your project to the examiner in
linear progression but not being too descriptive.
 Paragraph 3 & 4 is the core of your response where you link your
analysis of your production (e.g. Use of technology) with your
progression and how it is improved creativity.
Example key phrase: “ My Photoshop skills have improved from AS to
A2 as I became more proficient in filter effects”
(Go on to name different effects filters and describe your progression
from AS to A2; how you improved etc. Give examples).

5. Your response... Cont.
 Paragraph 5 – Finally if you talked about a particular theorist at
the start of your response and linked it to your concept (i.e.
Technology) and your own work; then conclude and frame with
some alternative theory
(For Example key phrase: Gauntlett Vs. Keen
Getting started
 A suggestion would be to start by collating, watching and
reviewing all your previous work from AS to A2 and familiarising
yourself with work.
 Having your work to hand so when planning your response you
can reference examples in your work.

6. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Preparation for Exam Question 1a: Lesson 1

7. KEY CONCEPT POINTS:
 To get you to think about the technology you have used in AS
and A2 productions.
 To compare the technology (hardware, software, online
resources, Blogs and Interactive digital technology) you
have used in AS and A2.
 For you to think about the pros and cons of the digital technology
you have used.
 How you have developed your use and understanding of digital
technology and how this has aided your work.
 Identifying the specific skills of digital technology within your
work.
 Be aware that they may refer to digital technology AND creativity
in the same question.

8. SECTION A: Theoretical Evaluation of Production
You must answer both 1(a) and 1(b)
In question 1(a) you need to write about your work for the
Foundation Portfolio and Advanced Portfolio units and you may
refer to other media production work you have undertaken.
1 (a) Explain how your skills in the creative use of digital
technology developed over time. Refer to a range of examples
from your media productions in your answer. [25]
Example Exam Question
You may want to write the question down and familiarise yourself
with it.

9. LESSON TASKS:
 Create a brainstorm of all the hardware, software, online
resources, blogs and interactive digital technology you
have used for AS. You can include what and how you have
used the technology for (15 min)
 Create a brainstorm of all the hardware, software, online
resources, blogs and interactive digital technology you
have used for A2. You can include what and how you have
used the technology for (15 min)
 Compare and write down your use of technology in AS to A2
and then find examples within your work. Remember to
highlight clear lines of progression within your work. (Rest of
lesson)

10. HOMEWORK TASK:
 Complete the example exam question on Digital
Technology. This should take you about 30 min to
complete. You may need to research some theorists
to use as examples.
1 (a) Explain how your skills in the creative use
of digital technology developed over time. Refer
to a range of examples from your media
productions in your answer. [25]

11. Suggestion on how to structure your answer
Paragraph 1 should be an introduction which explains which projects you did.
It can be quite short.
Paragraph 2 should pick up the skill area and perhaps suggest something
about your starting point with it- what skills did you have already and how
were these illustrated. Use an example.
Paragraph 3 should talk through your use of that skill in early projects and
what you learned and developed through these. Again there should be
examples to support all that you say.
Paragraph 4 should go on to demonstrate how the skill developed in later
projects, again backed by examples, and reflecting back on how this
represents moves forward for you from your early position and how the
development of these skills enabled you to be more creative.
Paragraph 5 short conclusion

12. End of Lesson 1