Name of Course: ECDL
Provider: North Devon Pathfinder Trust
Awarding body: British Computer Society
Qualification: European Computer Driving Licence
What is the ECDL?

The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) an internationally accepted certificate. It can simplify employment procedures and assure the employer that applicants and staff have the necessary level of knowledge and competence to use common computer applications. The ECDL is a certificate of knowledge and proven competence and is based on a single agreed Syllabus.

The ECDL qualification comprises two parts which are recognised qualifications in their own right.  These are known as the BCS Level 1 Certificate for IT Users and the BCS Level 2 Certificate for It Users.  The units of these two qualifications relate directly to the 7 modules that make up the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL).  A further unit Using IT forms the final module to achieving the full BCS Level 2 Certificate for It Users.
What are the benefits?

Today, computer skills are increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The ECDL is an information technology certificate for all citizens. It is intended for those who need to, or wish to, know how to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people from every work discipline, for people entering the job market, and for all ages. Some of the benefits of the ECDL are that it provides:

  • An IT skills qualification for everyone
  • An innovative and tangible method of skills measurement and validation
  • A model for education and training in the Information Society
  • A highly effective training delivery model
  • Greater public awareness of the benefits of active participation in the Information
  • A flexible and accessible qualification that offers increased mobility to holders

How is the course taught?
Each module of the course is taught using on-line materials from Learndirect which you work through at your own pace, at times to suit you, with a tutor on hand to support you when you require assistance.
How is your learning assessed?
Each module has a series of practice assessments to test your knowledge.  You will submit these to the Centre tutors for marking.  Through discussion with your tutor you will decide when to take each exam.
How long will the course take?

This depends on how fast you want to work through the materials - you set your own deadlines.  You can start a course at any time of the year and choose the times to study to fit with other commitments you have.  The estimated time for completion for Level 1 is 40 hours and for Level 2 90 hours.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no entry requirements and you can start as an absolute beginner though you may wish to study the entry level CLAIT course first.  If you are already computer literate or have skills in a specific I.C.T. area you may not need to study for some of the modules.

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.

  Module 1 Basic Concepts of Information Technology (ECDL Level 1)

requires the candidate to know about the basic physical make-up of a personal computer and understand some of the basic concepts of Information Technology (IT) such as data storage and memory, the context for computer-based software applications in society, and the uses of information networks within computing. The candidate shall also appreciate how IT systems are found in everyday situations and how personal computers can affect health. The candidate shall be aware of some of the security and legal issues associated with computers.

The module  is assessed using a multiple-choice test paper which is externally marked by the BCS.

Module 2 Using the Computer and Managing Files (ECDL Level 1)

requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the basic functions of a personal computer and its operating system. The candidate shall be able to operate effectively within the desktop environment. He or she shall be able to manage and organise files and directories/folders and know how to copy, move and delete files and directories/folders. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to work with desktop icons and to manipulate windows. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to use search features, simple editing tools and print management facilities available within the operating system.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.
Module 7 Information & Communication (ECDL Level 1)

is divided in two sections. The first section, Information, requires the candidate to accomplish basic Web search tasks using a Web browser application and available search engine tools, to bookmark search results and to print Web pages and search reports. The second section, Communication, requires the candidate to demonstrate their ability to use electronic mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents or files to a message and to organize and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.

Module 3  Word Processing (ECDL Level 2)

requires the candidate to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application on a personal computer. He or she shall understand and be able to accomplish basic operations associated with creating, formatting and finishing a word processing document ready for distribution. The candidate shall demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features associated with word processing applications such as creating standard tables, using pictures and images within a document, importing objects and using mail merge tools.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.
Module 4  Spreadsheets (ECDL Level 2)

requires the candidate to understand the basic concepts of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application on a personal computer. He or she shall understand and be able to accomplish basic operations associated with developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet. The candidate shall be able to accomplish standard mathematical and logical operations using basic formulas and functions. The candidate shall demonstrate competence in using some of the more advanced features of a spreadsheet application such as importing objects, and creating graphs and charts.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.

Module 5  Databases (ECDL Level 2)

requires the candidate to understand the basic concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database on a personal computer. The module is divided in two sections; the first section tests the candidate's ability to design and plan a simple database using a standard database package; the second section requires the candidate to demonstrate that he or she can retrieve information from an existing database by using the query, select and sort tools available in the data-base. The candidate shall also be able to create and modify reports.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.
Module 6  Presentations (ECDL Level 2)

requires the candidate to demonstrate competence in using presentation tools on a personal computer. The candidate shall be able to accomplish basic tasks such as creating, formatting and preparing presentations for distribution and display. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to create a variety of presentations for different target audiences or situations. The candidate shall demonstrate the ability to accomplish basic operations with graphics and charts and to use various slide show effects.

This module is assessed with a practical assessment which is undertaken and marked at the local test centre.
Module E Using IT (BCS Level 2 Certificate for It Users)

requires the candidate to demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of a series of theoretical elements such as legal issues associated with computing, health and safety and good practice.  Additionally the candidate will be required to demonstrate their understanding of integration between computer applications and the relevant of each to everyday tasks.

This module is assessed using a multiple-choice test paper which is externally marked by the BCS.

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