The ECDL establishes a standard for everyone who uses a computer at home or at work. It is a certificate that verifies competence in computer use, making the holder ready internationally, Employers and jobseekers all agree on the importance of this standard definition of practical ability in computer skills. ECDL is awarded by the British Computer Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is ECDL?

ECDL covers basic computer skills and the use of common applications in the workplace the home and in society in general.   When all seven modules are completed the European Computer Driving License is awarded by the British Computer Society.

 

The 7 ECDL modules are:

        1.   Concepts of Information Technology

        2.   Using a Computer and Managing Files

        3.   Word Processing

        4.   Spreadsheets

        5.   Databases

        6.   Presentations

        7.   Information and Communication

 

ECDL training is delivered through a variety of media including instructor-led methods or by self directed methods.

Testing is done at the Learning Centre where candidates receive a test paper and work files which they edit and modify as required.

Benefits of ECDL  

  • An IT skills qualification for everyone
  • An internationally recognised qualificationf or holders
  • An innovative and tangible method of skills measure and validation
  • A flexible and accessable qualification offering increased mobility to holders
  • An excellent benchmark of employee skills
  • Improved confidence for computer users.
  • A positive return on investment in IT training for an organisation.
  • Enhanced career opportunities for holders

  ECDL in Organisations

ECDL is the skills standard in many different organisations, from corporates and community groups to private training companies.

Many large companies have adopted the ECDL as the IT skills standard required for their employees, This standard matches the needs of both employers and employees in its clear definition of essential computer skills.

Companies that take ECDL on board report on improved efficiency and enhanced confidence among their workers. They experience fewer PC related problems, and thus require less IT support. For small and large organisations alike, there is evidence of significant return on investment in training.

Community and Voluntary groups provide essential skills of a recognised standard for members of their local communities through the clearly defined and practical modules of ECDL. The confidence built up by ECDL often provides a first step back into education.

 

   

All 7 modules must be passed for full certification:

- Basic concepts of Information Technology
- Using a Computer and Managing files
- Word Processing
- Spreadsheets
- Databases
- Presentations
- Information and Communication

Full qualification can be taken over a maximum of three years

All modules can be taken individually.

 

  

Module 1 Is Basic Concepts of Information Technology, which covers 

 

  • A short history of computing
  • What exactly is a computer
  • Computer hardware
  • Software and data
  • Networks and the internet
  • What computers are used for
  • Looking after number one: health and safety
  • Keeping your information safe 

 

 

Module 2 is Using a Computer and Managing Files, which covers:

 

  • Starting up, clicking around and shutting down
  • Exploring your computer
  • Working with folders and files
  • Mastering Windows

  

Module 3 is Word Processing, which covers:

 

  • Your first letter in Word
  • Formatting, positioning and copying text
  • Long documents, little details
  • Tables, tabs and graphics
  • Mail merge and templates
  • File formats and importing spreadsheet data

 

Module 4 is Spreadsheets which covers: 

  • Your first steps in Excel
  • Arithmetic with Excel
  • Functions, formatting and printing
  • Inserting, sorting and moving cells
  • More about numbers, text and calculations
  • Charting with Excel
  • File formats and data importing

  

Module 5 is Database, which covers

 

  • Using The Application
  • Tables
  • Forms
  • Retrieving Information
  • Reports
  • Prepare Outputs

  

Module 6 is Presentations, which covers:

 

  • Presentation basics
  • Working with views and bullet points
  • Formatting your presentation
  • Working with graphics and pictures
  • Working with tables and charts
  • Wowing your audience
  • Presentations and file formats

  

Module 7 is Information and Communication, which covers:

 

  • Exploring the web
  • Finding information within websites
  • Finding information and shopping on the web
  • Taking control of the web
  • E-mail with Outlook
  • More about outgoing e-mail
  • More about incoming e-mail
  • Address book and contact groups

 

 This course and each individual module is eligible for  ILA funding.

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