Impacts of modern technology on individuals exam questions

13 Pearson BTEC Digital Information Technology Component 3 exam-style questions on Impacts of modern technology on individuals (A2 Impact of modern technologies), 40 marks in all. Answer them on paper or print them, then open the mark schemes and example answers to see how each is marked.

1State / Give two2 marks

Hazelmere Localisation is a company that translates documents for businesses. Its translators work from home using remote access, and one benefit is that they do not have to pay for travel to an office.

Give two other benefits to staff of working from home.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct benefit to staff of working from home, up to a maximum of two marks from:

Less time spent commuting/less travel time
Better work-life balance
Able to fit work around childcare/caring responsibilities
Save money on meals/buying lunch out
More comfortable working environment
Can work from any location
Can do household chores during breaks

Do not accept saving money on travel – this is the example given

Allow: less time spent commuting – saving travel time is not the same as saving travel costs

Allow: saving money on meals/buying lunch out – this is not the example given

Accept any other appropriate response.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

1. Less time spent commuting

2. They can fit work around childcare

Why: Both are creditworthy benefits (1) for less commuting and (1) for fitting work around childcare.

Some marks1/2

They save money on travel to the office and they have a better work-life balance

Why: Better work-life balance is credited (1); saving money on travel is the example given in the stem and cannot be credited.

No marks0/2

They do not pay for travel and they save on bus fares

Why: Both parts repeat the example given in the stem (no travel costs), so neither earns a mark.

2State / Give two2 marks

Pinegrove Accountancy is a firm that prepares tax returns for small businesses. Its staff use cloud software and can log in to the company systems from home or in the office.

Give two ways staff can choose their working style.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct way, up to a maximum of two marks from:

Choose the time they work (start/finish times, flexitime)
Choose which days they work
Choose when to take their breaks
Choose the device they work on (laptop/tablet/phone)
Choose the location they work from (home/office/anywhere)
Work while travelling/commuting
Choose how they contact colleagues (message/email/video call)

Do not accept impacts of flexible working (better work-life balance, less stress, saving money) – these are not ways of choosing a working style

Accept any other appropriate response.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

1. They can choose their own start and finish times

2. They can choose which device they work on

Why: Choice of working time (1) and choice of device (1) are both creditworthy ways of choosing a working style.

Some marks1/2

They can choose where they work and they save money on childcare

Why: Choosing the location they work from is credited (1); saving money on childcare is an impact of flexible working, not a way of choosing a working style, so it earns nothing.

No marks0/2

They get a better work-life balance and they feel less stressed

Why: Both are impacts of flexible working covered by the Do not accept line, not ways of choosing a working style, so neither earns a mark.

3State / Give two2 marks

Cresswell Games Studio is a company that makes mobile games. Its designers work alone at home and speak to colleagues only through online messages.

State two negative impacts on the designers' mental wellbeing.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct negative impact, up to a maximum of two marks from:

Loneliness
Feeling isolated/isolation/cut off from others
Depression/low mood
Low self-confidence/lack of confidence
Anxiety/stress
Feeling disconnected from their team
Feeling they have no one to talk to about problems

Do not accept physical impacts such as eye strain or back pain – these are not about mental wellbeing

Do not award the same point twice, e.g. loneliness and feeling isolated are one answer

Accept any other appropriate response.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

1. Loneliness

2. Depression

Why: Loneliness (1) and depression (1) are two different negative impacts on mental wellbeing.

Some marks1/2

1. Loneliness

2. Feeling isolated

Why: Loneliness is credited (1); feeling isolated is the same point, so it cannot earn a second mark.

No marks0/2

1. Eye strain from looking at screens

2. Back pain from sitting down all day

Why: Both are physical impacts, not impacts on mental wellbeing, so neither earns a mark.

4Explain one2 marks

Denmarsh Translation Services translates documents for businesses. Its translators can choose which device they use to do their work.

Explain one benefit to translators of being able to choose their device.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for a correct benefit and one mark for a justification for that benefit, up to a maximum of two marks.

They can use a device they are familiar with/prefer (1) so they can work faster/make fewer mistakes/do not have to learn to use a new system (1)
They can use a device with accessibility features/settings they need (1) so they can still do the work if they have a disability/visual impairment (1)
They can choose a device to suit the task (1) as a larger screen/keyboard is easier to use for long documents (1)
They can work on a smartphone/tablet while they are out (1) so they can carry on translating away from their desk (1)

Do not accept: benefits to the company rather than the translator, e.g. the company does not have to buy the devices.

The justification must be linked to the benefit given, e.g. 'they can work faster' needs a reason such as the device being one they are familiar with.

Allow mix and match if it makes sense.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

They can use a laptop with a large screen and a full keyboard which is easier to use when they are translating a long document.

Why: Linked a correct benefit (choosing a device to suit the task) (1) with a justification for it (1).

Some marks1/2

They can use a device that they already know how to use.

Why: Correct benefit (1) but no justification for it, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

The company saves money because the translators use their own devices.

Why: Gives a benefit to the company rather than to the translators, which the mark scheme says not to accept, so no creditworthy point.

5Explain one2 marks

Draycott Wedding Caterers prepares and serves food at weddings. Its office staff are allowed to work from home instead of coming into the office.

Explain one benefit to staff of working remotely.

[2 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for a correct benefit and one mark for a justification for that benefit, up to a maximum of two marks.

Staff do not have to travel to the office (1) so they spend less time/money commuting (1)
Staff can work from anywhere (1) so they can fit their work around other commitments (1)
Staff can carry on working when the weather is bad (1) so they do not lose a day's work (1)
Staff can work at home in a comfortable environment (1) so they are less stressed while they work (1)

Do not accept: 'flexibility'/'more flexible' on its own, as this repeats the question.

Allow mix and match if it makes sense.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks2/2

They do not have to travel into the office every day so they spend less money on fuel and have more free time.

Why: Linked a correct benefit of remote working (1) with a justification for it (1).

Some marks1/2

They can stay at home when it snows.

Why: Correct benefit, staying at home in bad weather (1), but no justification for it, so only one mark.

No marks0/2

It is more flexible for everyone.

Why: Repeats the idea in the question with no benefit given, so no creditworthy point.

6Explain one3 marks

Pemberton Architects designs buildings. Its staff can work remotely using cloud design software and can log in to the company systems from home.

Explain one benefit to staff of working remotely.

[3 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for a correct benefit, one mark for a justification for that benefit and one mark for an expansion of the justification, up to a maximum of three marks.

Saves time (1) because they do not have to travel to the office (1) so they can start work earlier in the day (1)
Saves money (1) as they do not pay for petrol or train fares (1) which leaves them better off each month (1)
They have a quieter place to work (1) because there are fewer interruptions (1) so they can concentrate better (1)
They can carry on working when they cannot get to the office (1) such as in bad weather (1) so they do not fall behind with their work (1)

Allow mix and match if the whole response makes sense

Do not accept benefits to the company or drawbacks of remote working

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks3/3

Staff save time because they do not have to travel to the office so they can start work earlier in the day.

Why: Benefit named (1), justification (1) and expansion of the justification (1).

Some marks2/3

They save money because they do not have to pay for petrol or train fares.

Why: Benefit named (1) and justified (1), but there is no expansion of the justification.

No marks0/3

They may feel lonely because they are at home on their own all day.

Why: This is a drawback of remote working, not a benefit, so it does not answer the question.

7Explain one3 marks

Cranbourne Catering provides food for weddings and other events. Its staff use a mobile app to choose their shifts and to see the details of each event.

Explain one way technology gives staff a choice over their working style.

[3 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for a correct way, one mark for a justification for that way and one mark for an expansion of the justification (1), up to a maximum of three marks.

They can choose which device to use (1) because the app works on a phone/tablet/laptop (1) so they can use the device they are most confident with (1)
They can choose when they work (1) as they can book the shifts that suit them on the app (1) so they can fit work around other commitments (1)
They can choose where they work (1) as the app is on a mobile device (1) so they can check event details while they are travelling (1)
They can swap shifts with another member of staff (1) by offering the shift on the app (1) so they can change the days they work without asking a manager (1)

Do not mix and match

Do not accept impacts on the company rather than on the individual member of staff, e.g. being able to cater for more events

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks3/3

Staff can choose which device to use because the app works on phones, tablets and laptops so they can use the device they are most confident with.

Why: Way named (1), justification (1) and expansion of the justification (1).

Some marks2/3

Staff can choose when they work as they can book the shifts that suit them on the app.

Why: Way named (1) and justified (1), but there is no expansion of the justification.

No marks0/3

Cranbourne Catering can cater for more events because staff can be contacted anywhere.

Why: This is an impact on the company, not a choice over the working style of the individual member of staff, so no mark can be awarded.

8Describe3 marks

Brackenridge Golf Club has two courses and a clubhouse. Its office staff have each been given a laptop and a smartphone and can log in to the club's systems from anywhere.

Describe how this technology gives the staff a choice of working styles.

[3 marks]

Mark scheme

A description of how technology gives staff a choice of working style. To include three from

Staff can choose which device to work on e.g. laptop or smartphone (1)
They can choose where they work / work from home or from the clubhouse (1)
They can choose the times they work / start and finish when it suits them (1)
They can log in to the club's systems remotely / use cloud storage to get to their files (1)
They can work with colleagues by messaging/video call instead of being in the same place (1)

Do not accept: benefits to the club (e.g. saving money on office space) as the question asks about staff.

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks3/3

Staff can choose whether to use the laptop or the smartphone to do their work. They can work from home instead of coming into the clubhouse and they can log in to the club's systems from wherever they are.

Why: Choice of device (1), choice of location (1) and remote access to systems from any location (1).

Some marks2/3

Staff can choose which device they use to do their work. They can also choose to work from home but they still have to work set hours.

Why: Choice of device (1) and choice of location (1); the last sentence adds nothing creditworthy.

No marks0/3

The club will save money because it will not need as many desks in the office.

Why: This is a benefit to the club, not a working style choice for staff, so no mark (Do not accept line).

9Describe3 marks

Jennerfield Soft Play Centre has an office team who take bookings and run the café. The team now works from home on laptops and keeps in touch through an online messaging app instead of being in the office.

Describe how remote working could affect the mental wellbeing of the team.

[3 marks]

Mark scheme

A description of how remote working affects the mental wellbeing of staff. To include three from

Staff may feel lonely/isolated as they are working alone and do not see colleagues (even though they can message them)
Staff may become depressed/low in mood from working on their own for long periods
Staff may lose self-confidence without reassurance/feedback from others
Staff may feel in control of their own schedule by keeping an online diary/calendar on the laptop
Staff can adjust their schedule to meet the needs of their family

Allow descriptions of the impact on wellbeing that do not name the technology.

Do not accept: impacts on the centre (e.g. bookings processed more quickly).

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing.

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks3/3

Staff may feel lonely because they do not see their colleagues face to face. Working on their own for a long time could make them feel depressed. They might lose self-confidence because there is nobody there to reassure them.

Why: Loneliness (1), depression (1) and loss of self-confidence (1).

Some marks2/3

Staff could become lonely working on their own all day and their self-confidence might drop if they get no feedback.

Why: Loneliness (1) and loss of self-confidence (1); no third point.

No marks0/3

The centre will get bookings processed more quickly, which is good for the business.

Why: This is an impact on the organisation, not on an individual's mental wellbeing, so no mark (see Do not accept line).

10Explain two4 marks

Wexford Music Tuition is a company that provides music lessons. Its tutors used to travel to pupils' homes, but they now work from home and teach pupils online using video calls.

Explain two benefits for the tutors of working from home.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct benefit and one mark for a justification of each benefit, up to a maximum of four marks.

No need to travel/commute to pupils' homes (1) so tutors save time and money on travel (1)
Can arrange lessons around family/personal commitments (1) as they are based at home (1)
Can create a quieter/comfortable workspace (1) so they can concentrate better on the lessons (1)
Can start work without getting ready to travel (1) so they have more time for other things (1)
Can take breaks at home between lessons (1) so they feel less rushed during the day (1)
Feel more relaxed/less stressed (1) because they are working in their own home (1)

Do not accept: they earn more money

Allow mix and match if the response makes sense

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks4/4

Tutors do not need to travel to pupils' homes, so they save time and money on travel. They can also arrange lessons around family commitments because they are based at home.

Why: Linked benefit (1) and justification (1) for no travel, plus linked benefit (1) and justification (1) for arranging lessons around commitments.

Some marks2/4

They save money because they do not travel to work.

Why: Benefit of not travelling (1) with the justification of saving money (1); only one benefit is given, so this is capped at 2 of the 4 marks.

No marks0/4

They earn more money because they work from home.

Why: 'They earn more money' is excluded by the mark scheme's Do not accept line; pay is not a benefit of home working, so no marks are awarded.

11Explain two4 marks

Wrenfield Dental Laboratory is a company that makes dental crowns and bridges. Its technicians use an online system to book their own shifts and choose the hours they work.

Explain two ways choosing their own shifts can improve the technicians' mental wellbeing.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct way and one mark for a justification of each way, up to a maximum of four marks.

Feel in control of their own schedule (1) so they know where they need to be and when, which reduces stress/anxiety (1)
Can fit their shifts around the needs of their family (1) so they do not worry about childcare/feel less torn between work and home (1)
Can choose shifts that mean less time commuting (1) so they have more time to rest/are less tired (1)
Can choose to work at quieter/busier times (1) which separates them from a stressful environment (1)
Are trusted to manage their own hours (1) which builds their self-confidence (1)
Can plan their shifts around other commitments (1) so they feel less overwhelmed/under pressure (1)

Do not accept answers about benefits to the company, e.g. the laboratory completing more work in a day

Allow mix and match if the response makes sense

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks4/4

The technicians feel in control of their own schedule because they know which shifts they have booked and when, so they are less stressed. They can also fit their shifts around their family because they can choose the hours that suit childcare, so they do not worry while they are at work.

Why: Linked way (1) and justification (1) for feeling in control of their schedule, plus linked way (1) and justification (1) for fitting shifts around family needs.

Some marks2/4

They feel in control of their schedule as they can see which shifts they have booked, which makes them less anxious.

Why: Linked way (1) and justification (1) for feeling in control of their schedule; no second way given.

No marks0/4

The laboratory gets more work finished each day, so the company makes more money.

Why: This is a benefit to the company, not to the technicians' mental wellbeing, and the mark scheme says not to accept answers about benefits to the company.

12Explain two4 marks

Wroxham Hedgehog Rescue is a charity that looks after sick and injured hedgehogs. Its staff often work alone and can find the work stressful. The staff all use smartphones and online calendars.

Explain two ways modern technology can have a positive impact on the mental wellbeing of its staff.

[4 marks]

Mark scheme

Award one mark for each correct way and one mark for a justification of each way, up to a maximum of four marks.

Allows separation from a stressful environment (1) by using games/videos/music to take a break and relax (1)
Helps the individual feel in control of their own schedule (1) as an electronic diary/calendar shows them where they need to be (1)
Lets the individual adjust their schedule to meet the needs of their family (1) so they can fit work around childcare or appointments (1)
Reduces loneliness (1) as they can keep in touch with friends/family using messaging apps/video calls (1)
Builds self-confidence (1) as they can find reliable information for themselves instead of needing to ask others (1)
Provides reassurance (1) through messages/calls from others when they are unsure what to do (1)

Do not accept 'makes them happy' or 'uses social media' on its own, as no benefit to mental wellbeing is given

Allow mix and match if it makes sense

Accept any other appropriate wording/phrasing

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks4/4

A member of staff can use games or music to separate themselves from a stressful environment so they can relax after a difficult day. They can also use an online calendar to feel in control of their schedule because it reminds them where they need to be.

Why: Linked way (1) and justification (1) for separation from a stressful environment, plus linked way (1) and justification (1) for feeling in control of their own schedule.

Some marks2/4

They can message friends and family using a messaging app so they do not feel lonely.

Why: Reduces loneliness (1) justified by keeping in touch with friends/family (1); only one way is given, so capped at two marks.

No marks0/4

Technology makes them happy because they can use social media.

Why: 'Makes them happy' is vague and 'uses social media' on its own gives no benefit to mental wellbeing, so neither earns a mark.

13Evaluate6 marks

Walderton Software is a small company that develops mobile apps. Its staff travel to an office every day. The company is considering whether all staff should work from home permanently.

Evaluate the impact on staff of working from home permanently.

Your evaluation should include:

the benefits and drawbacks of working from home
a supported conclusion as to whether Walderton Software should allow staff to work from home permanently.

[6 marks]

Mark scheme

Responses will be credited according to the learner's demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the material, using the indicative content and level descriptors below.

The indicative content that follows is not prescriptive. Responses may cover some or all indicative content, but learners should be rewarded for other responses.

Evaluation may consider

Benefits

Flexibility – Walderton Software staff can fit work around family needs, e.g. school pick-ups.
Less commuting – saves travel time and cost, giving more time to rest.
Feel in control of own schedule – staff can plan their day around when they work best.
Separation from a stressful environment – a quiet home space can be calmer than a busy office.

Drawbacks

Loneliness – staff may miss everyday contact with colleagues in the office.
Depression – working alone for long periods can lower mood.
Self-confidence – less quick reassurance from teammates can make staff doubt their work.

Levels

Level 0 (0 marks): No rewardable material
Level 1 (1–2 marks): Demonstrates isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; there will be major gaps or omissions; Few of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question; Limited evaluation which contains generic assertions leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
Level 2 (3–4 marks): Demonstrates some accurate knowledge and understanding; with only minor gaps or omissions; Some of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, but the link will not always be clear; Displays a partially developed evaluation which considers some different competing points, although not always in detail, leading to a conclusion which is partially supported
Level 3 (5–6 marks): Demonstrates mostly accurate and thorough/detailed knowledge and understanding; Most of the points made will be relevant to the context in the question, and there will be clear links; Displays a well-developed and logical evaluation which clearly considers a range of different aspects and competing points, leading to a conclusion that is fully supported

Example answers and how they were marked

Full marks6/6

Working from home permanently would give Walderton Software's staff flexibility, so they could start earlier or later to fit around family needs such as school pick-ups, and this can reduce stress and help them feel in control of their schedule. They would also save the time and cost of commuting, leaving more time to rest. A quiet home space could be calmer than a busy office, helping developers concentrate. However, staff might become lonely because they would no longer see colleagues every day, and newer developers could lose self-confidence without quick reassurance from their team. Working alone for long periods could also lead to depression for some staff. Overall, I think Walderton Software should not make home working permanent for everyone. The flexibility and saved commuting time improve wellbeing, but a hybrid arrangement would keep some office contact, which protects staff from loneliness and helps them support each other.

Why: Level 3: mostly accurate and detailed benefits and drawbacks, most points are relevant to Walderton Software's staff with clear links (flexibility and family needs, less commuting, calm home space, loneliness, depression, self-confidence), a well-developed evaluation of competing points, and a fully supported conclusion.

Some marks4/6

Working from home would save Walderton Software's staff the time and cost of travelling to the office, so they would have more time to rest. They could also choose to start earlier or later to fit around family needs, which might make them feel less stressed. However, staff might feel lonely without their colleagues, and some could lose confidence if they cannot ask for help quickly. Overall, I think Walderton Software should allow home working, because it gives staff flexibility, but it should make sure they still keep in contact with each other.

Why: Level 2: some accurate knowledge, with relevant benefits (less commuting, flexibility) and drawbacks (loneliness, self-confidence); some points are linked to Walderton Software's staff, but the evaluation is not developed in detail and the conclusion is only partially supported.

Some marks2/6

Working from home is good because Walderton Software will save money on its office and staff can stay in bed longer. Staff might feel lonely at home. Overall I think it is a good idea.

Why: Level 1: isolated elements of knowledge and understanding; company saving money and staying in bed longer are not credited because the question asks about impact on staff, leaving only loneliness as a relevant drawback. The evaluation is limited and the conclusion is partially supported.

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