GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology study guide
GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The GCE Ordinary Level Information & Communication Technology (O/L ICT) is a school-leaving qualification subject taken by candidates in Sri Lanka and in some other Commonwealth systems. It is designed for students around the age of 15–16 who have completed lower-secondary schooling and want a recognised foundation in computing. The GCE O/L Information & Communication Technology study guide has 11 sections and about 3,569 words.
01Fundamentals of Information and Communication Technology
The Fundamentals of ICT domain tests whether you can separate data from information, describe an ICT system as more than hardware, and judge information quality. O/L questions often ask you to classify examples or explain why a computerised system improves a process.
335 words, about 2 min02Computer Systems and Hardware
Computer Systems and Hardware tests component identification, the fetch–decode–execute cycle, memory and storage differences, and how specifications affect performance. Expect questions that ask why a computer is slow or which device is input, output or both.
340 words, about 2 min03Data Representation and Number Systems
Data Representation and Number Systems tests binary, decimal, octal and hexadecimal conversion, binary arithmetic, character coding, and how text, images and sound are stored as bits. O/L questions often require showing place values, not just the final answer.
350 words, about 2 min04Computer Networks and the Internet
Computer Networks and the Internet tests topologies, network devices, addressing, protocols and Internet services. Questions often ask you to choose a device for a scenario or explain why a network is slow or insecure.
354 words, about 2 min05Software and Application Packages
Software and Application Packages tests the difference between system and application software, operating-system functions, licensing, file formats and selecting the right package for a task. System software manages the computer: operating system, device drivers and utilities.
344 words, about 2 min06Databases and Information Management
Databases and Information Management tests relational concepts, keys, data types, validation, queries and the difference between a database and a DBMS. Expect questions on reducing redundancy and producing information from tables.
319 words, about 2 min07Programming and Algorithms
Programming and Algorithms tests problem decomposition, pseudocode and flowcharts, control structures, variables and tracing. You must show the logic step by step, not just state the output.
313 words, about 2 min08Systems Development and ICT in Business
Systems Development and ICT in Business tests the SDLC, development approaches, testing levels and how information systems support business functions. Expect scenario questions on choosing a method and explaining business benefits.
305 words, about 2 min09ICT in Society
ICT in Society tests benefits and challenges of digital technology in education, health, employment, government and daily life, including the digital divide and environmental effects. Digital divide is the gap between those with effective access to ICT and those without; it includes device access, connectivity, skills and affordability.
299 words, about 1 min10Ethics and Security
Ethics and Security tests the CIA triad, common threats and controls, safe behaviour, intellectual property and data protection. Scenario questions ask you to identify a threat and justify a control.
307 words, about 2 min11Emerging Technologies and New Trends
Emerging Technologies and New Trends tests what AI, IoT, cloud computing, blockchain, big data, AR and VR, 5G, robotics and biometrics are, plus realistic benefits and limitations. AI and ML systems learn patterns from data to classify, predict or generate; they are not automatically conscious or always accurate.
303 words, about 2 min