Learner's Guide Pages 18–30 | Unit Standard 18758 (Level 1, Credits 2)
Learning Objectives
By completing this module, you will prepare for your assessment by learning to:
Identify key features and navigation tools within web browsers.
Customise browser settings, including homepages, bookmarks, and history.
Explain web browser caching and its effect on viewing updated web content.
Manage privacy and security options, such as clearing cookies and browser data.
1. Common Browser Features & Navigation
A web browser is a software application used to access and view content on the World Wide Web. Popular browsers include Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari.
Key tools available across most standard web browsers include:
Address Bar: The bar at the top where you type the website URL address.
Back / Forward Buttons: Allow you to move between pages you have recently visited in the current session.
Refresh / Reload: Fetches the latest version of the web page from the web server.
Bookmarks / Favourites: Saves links to your favourite websites so you can access them quickly later.
History: Keeps a chronological list of web pages you have visited recently.
New Zealand Context Tip: When accessing government services or educational institutions in Aotearoa, look out for domain endings like .govt.nz or .ac.nz to verify you are using authentic local websites.
Interactive Activity 1: Test Your Browser Navigation Knowledge
Click the correct button in the simulated browser toolbar below to answer the prompts.
https://www.nzqa.govt.nz
Task: You need to reload this page to see the latest assessment rules. Which button should you click?
2. Browser Cache, Cookies, and Security Settings
To optimize your browsing experience, browsers store data locally on your computer:
Browser Cache: A temporary storage area where images and files are saved so web pages load faster when you return. If a website changes but you still see the old design, clearing your cache will force the browser to fetch the new version.
Cookies: Small text files saved by websites to remember user preferences, login states, or items left in a shopping cart.
Privacy / Incognito Mode: Browsing mode that prevents the browser from saving your history, search queries, or temporary cookies during that session.
Activity 2: Multiple Choice Practice
Select the correct answer for each question below.
Activity 3: Short Written Responses
Practice writing clear responses in your own words to prepare for assessment questions.
1. Explain what the browser cache does and why you might need to clear it.
2. Describe the purpose of saving a web page link to your Bookmarks / Favourites.