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ECDL | |
A Level |
ECDL is the fastest growing IT qualification in the UK – Why is it relevant
to schools?
1. Offered by over 400 schools across the UK
2. Over 50,000 students under 19 have completed or are undertaking ECDL
3. Approved by the QCA for inclusion in the NQF
4. Eligible for performance measurement points
5. Motivational - flexible, modular and hands-on
6. Relevant to the world of work
7. Recognised by major employers such as BP, Barclays, Virgin, T-Mobile and many others
8. Internationally recognised in over 100 countries
At Abbey Gate College all students in the 4th and 5th Year are registered for the ECDL.
Overview
The European Computer Driving Licence® (ECDL) is the internationally recognised
qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer
skills. The record breaking ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification
in over 125 countries. The ECDL is based on a single agreed European Syllabus,
with the intention to achieve a common standard of competence, irrespective
of a person’s nationality, residence, education, age or sex
Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of
life. Statistics suggest that 70% of people now use computers at work, but
only 10% have any kind of formal qualification. ECDL is designed specifically
for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable
them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. Whether
applying for college or applying for jobs, having a recognised ICT qualification
puts you a step ahead. Many universities view ECDL as a valuable qualification.
How ECDL works
The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical
applications and their use in the workplace and society. It is broken down
into seven modules including one theoretical test and six practical tests,
each of which must be passed before an ECDL certificate is awarded.
Once a candidate is registered at an accredited Test Centre, a logbook listing all 7 modules is issued. The modules may be taken in any order and over any period of time up to three years. When all 7 modules have been successfully passed, the logbook is exchanged for a certificate and ECDL 'licence' card.
A modular structure
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
Benefits of taking ECDL
Raise your level of competency in IT and computing skills
Improves your productivity at home and work
Requires no prior knowledge of IT or computer skills
Provides you with a worldwide recognised qualification
“In the long term, the ECDL qualification will benefit all the students that take it, at university and in their future careers.”
The British Computer Society
The British Computer Society (BCS) manages and promotes the ECDL in the UK
on behalf of the ECDL Foundation. ECDL is mapped closely with the National
Curriculum ICT Key Stage 1-4 Levels and the National Curriculum Key Skills,
the ECDL is one of the fastest growing qualifications in the UK with 20,000
candidates qualifying each month in over 2,500 test centres in the UK.
Does the course prepare me for a career in ICT?
The course is designed to provide a progression route to higher education and/or employment. The award provides essential building blocks to develop as IT users. The units allow you to develop your knowledge and practical use of different application packages.
What combination of ‘A’ Level subjects go well with ICT?
Applied ‘A’ Level ICT fits in well with ALL other ‘A’ Levels as the skills developed are often used in other subject areas.
What will I do in the first year (‘AS’ Level)?
Produce an assignment based on a real life situation. Carry out a series of tasks for a business (for Sept 2005 - Estate Agent)
Tasks
Prepare a word processed report comparing business documents
Create a PowerPoint presentation on how information is communicated using the
latest technology
Word process a letter to a prospective buyer
Produce a brochure for a property
Create a website or short PowerPoint presentation for the Estate Agency to
advertise their services
Produce a newsletter to distribute to staff and customers
Produce a questionnaire for the Estate Agents to collect customer data
TOTAL 100 MARKS
Task 1 – Read pre-release case study exam material and make notes to use in your exam.
Task 2 – Construct a flow diagram to show how information moves within a given company.
Task 3 – Carry out some research and produce a 500 word report that outlines how a company and its employees might be affected by technological developments
30 MARKS
Examination
Part 1 – Questions based on pre-release material 50 MARKS
Part 2 – Questions based on research (task 3) + any aspect of unit 2 20 MARKS
TOTAL 100 MARKS
Carry out research on ONE of the topics listed below using online and local resources, to analyse numerical data and present their findings in a report. Research topics for Sept 2005 are:
· In what ways have the UK’s spending patterns on leisure activities altered in the last ten years?
· How has flooding and coastal erosion changed over the past ten years?
· Has increased TV coverage affected the attendance of live sports events?
· In what ways have public libraries been affected by the growth in use of the Internet?
· What effect has broadband had on Internet usage?
· Has the North/South divide in the UK increased in the last five years?
· Is the UK economy stronger or weaker than ten years ago?
· How has the rise in high-risk sport participation affected the demands upon emergency services?
· What are the major changes to holiday patterns in the UK?
· Is the population of the UK healthier than it was five years ago?
· What effect are fast food restaurants having on the UK?
· Are school leavers better prepared for adult life than they were ten years ago?
TOTAL 100 MARKS
Summary
Examination 70 Marks
Coursework 230 Marks
Total 300 Marks
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