European Computer Driving Licence
The ECDL is an internationally recognised qualification designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society in general. It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before the ECDL certificate is awarded.. The scheme is administered by the British Computer Society (BCS) in this country and further information is available from their web site
Candidates obtain a logbook listing all the modules.. The modules may be taken in any order and over any period of time (up to three years) - even all at once - offering maximum flexibility. When all the modules have been successfully completed, the logbook is exchanged for a certificate. It provides an excellent foundation of ICT skills for students at GCSE or GCE level.
The seven modules that make up the ECDL are:
- Basic concepts of IT
- Using the computer and managing files
- Word processing
- Spreadsheets
- Database
- Presentation
- Information and Communication
This is a new activity and availability of an online training and assessment system will allow students to proceed at their own pace. Most students will probably take 2 years to complete though those with good ICT skills already or prepared to put in extra time might complete in 1 year.
It is also possible for students to take an additional Unit E - Using IT and qualify for BCS level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade B)