Name of Course: CLAIT (Computer Literacy and Information Technology)
Provider: North Devon Pathfinder Trust Ltd
Awarding body: Oxford Cambridge & RSA Examinations (OCR)
Qualification: OCR Level 1 Certificate/Diploma for IT Users (CLAiT 2006)
What does the course cover?

The OCR Level 1 Certificate/Diploma for IT Users (CLAiT 2006) is a qualification designed to recognise the skills, knowledge and understanding of IT users everywhere whether in employment, education or training.  It will give you the opportunity to learn a basic range of computer skills and help you prepare to move towards more advanced levels.

There are two certificates achievable within the qualification.  To gain an OCR Level 1 Certificate you have to complete the core unit File Management and Document Production, together with two optional units from those shown below.  To gain an OCR Level 1 Diploma you have to complete the core unit File Management and Document Production together with a further 4 optional units from those shown below:

Unit 1 - File Management and Document Production:  This unit teaches you how to access a computer using passwords and personal identification, creating and managing simple documents containing text and numbers, using a range of formatting commands and basic file management.

Unit 2 - Creating Spreadsheets and Graphs:  This unit teaches you the basics of using spreadsheet software to enter, format and display numerical data using formulae and basic formatting tools.  You will also learn how to produce a range of charts including pie charts, line graphs and bar/column charts.

Unit 3 – Database Manipulation:  This unit allows you to develop an understanding of database concepts and where they can be used, query/search tools, adding and amending data to an existing database, selecting, sorting and printing data.

Unit 4 – E-Publication Creation:  Develop familiarity with the software used for basic desktop publishing and use of page layout tools, producing and printing a simple publication including imported text and image files in a standard layout.  You will also learn to use some of the simple drawing tools available within the software.

Unit 5 – Creating a Presentation:  You will learn how to use presentation software to produce a simple presentation including imported images and use of simple drawing tools available within the software.

Unit 6 – E-Image Creation:  You will learn how to use software to gain an understanding of the concepts of image and text manipulation and formatting to produce and print simple artwork containing bitmapped images, text and graphics.  You will also learn how to download a digital picture from a camera.  A colour printer is required.

Unit 7 – Web Page Creation:  You will develop familiarity with web page software and an understanding of basic HTML concepts, web page navigation, browsing and formatting and how to link and format simple web pages.  You will also learn about file management for web sites.

Unit 8 – On-Line Communication: You will find out about using email, receiving and transmitting messages and attachments.  Learn about “netiquette” (guidelines on accepted behaviour when using the Internet) and using virus checking facilities.  Using the Internet for research and understanding mailbox management and search engines are also included.
What opportunities does this course offer?
The CLAIT course has been designed to enable you to learn the basic skills required to use the Microsoft Office group of programs - WORD, EXCEL and ACCESS etc. This is the most widely used commercial software found in business, industry and the home today.  Although WORD, EXCEL and ACCESS are separate programs, information can easily be exchanged between them. You will find that when you have learned how to use one program, you will be able to transfer and use these skills with the other programs and with other WINDOWS programs. The general skills you will acquire in the CLAIT course can be developed further in more advanced courses such as the European Computer Driving Licence and many courses from LearnDirect.
How is the course taught?
Each module of the course is taught using on-line materials from Learndirect and the learning material is designed for you to work at your own pace. You will have your own folder and password on our server computer containing the files you will create as you complete practice assignments. Each part of the package is structured to take you through each procedure step by step, with illustrations to help you and worked examples of most of the exercises. You will get plenty of ‘hands-on’ experience and practice material to prepare you for the examination assessment.

If you need help at any time there is always a centre tutor on hand though if the centre is busy you may have to be patient!
How is your learning assessed?
As you work through the units you will be constantly building on knowledge gained in previous sections. It is very important that you work at a pace that suits you, so if you don’t feel very confident at the end of a particular section then you are free to go back and repeat it. There are worked examples so that you can check your work as you go and at the end of each unit there are practice assignments to prepare you for the exam, which you take as you complete each unit of the CLAIT course.  You will print out your assignments and hand them in to a centre tutor for marking. They will also advise you when they feel you are ready for each exam, which you can take, under supervision at the centre.
How long will the course take?
This depends on how fast you want to work through the materials - you set your own deadlines at the beginning of the course with help from a tutor.  The design of the course materials makes it possible to start a course at any time through the year and choose the times to suit your convenience within the opening times of the centres.  Estimated hours to complete – 15 hrs per module (75 hrs to achieve the CLAIT Certificate)
What are the entry requirements?
There are no formal entry requirements or prior knowledge needed for this course. Don’t worry if you haven’t used a computer before as you will get help from the facilitator in the Centre.  The course is open to anybody over the age of 16 who is not in full time education.
What do you get when you enrol?
The fees include all the materials for the course, computer time and exam fees.
How do I start?
Once you have filled in the enrolment forms and we have registered you, you can start.
Where can you get further information?
Either by telephoning Ilfracombe (01271) 879897  / Braunton (01271) 815812 / Torrington & Westward Ho! (01805) 626120 / Barnstaple (01271) 345851 / Okehampton (08137) 53276 or calling in at the centres.

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