European Computer Driving Licence (Ecdl)

EUROPEAN COMPUTER DRIVING LICENCE (ECDL)
Qualification European Computer Driving Licence

SCQF level : n/a

Availability

• Thurso
• Wick
• Dornoch
• Alness
• Open learning
• Evening class

Start We operate a roll-on, roll-off system

Duration Two calendar years or longer if required

Career Advanced European Computer Driving Licence

Curriculum areas
Information technology

Course summary A flexible study course which does requires attendance at a College campus for the integral mandatory workshops

Course description
The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a Europe-wide qualification, which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills. The syllabus is designed to cover the key areas of computing including its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society in general. Whether you are a complete beginner who has never used a mouse before, or you already have some PC skills and are looking to expand and or certify your knowledge, our ECDL package is right for you.

The qualification is built around a distinctive logbook, which records the skills demonstrated in each of seven computer-related module tests.

The modules are:
1. concepts of Information and Communication Technology 2. Using the Computer and Managing Files 3. Word Processing 4. Spreadsheets 5. Using Database 6. Presentation 7. Web Browsing and Communication
There are now 2 different ECDL courses available which allows us to offer the basic ECDL course over 2 years, with a separate certificate being available for each year, and the full ECDL certificate being obtained after successful completion of all 7 modules. Modules 1, 2 and 7 will be delivered in the first year (ECDL Essentials certificate) and modules 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be delivered in the second year (ECDL Extra certificate).

The ECDL is open to anyone - regardless of age, education, experience or background and can be studied at your own pace. You can study in college and also at home, at work or a combination of these, using our flexible study packs and drop-in workshops. We do, however, have set dates on which tests must be sat with each module being allowed approximately 9 weeks for completion.

You will study using our flexible study packs. Each pack will include an interactive CD-ROM, practice exercises, and a general information sheet about the course, college facilities and tutor support.

The CD-ROM, which is self-contained, will take you through each of the modules in the course. This means you do not need any of the software applications in order to study the materials, just a computer in order to use the CD-ROM. However, if you wish to practice what you have learned, you will need access to the appropriate software (your tutor can advise you here). Should this present a problem, you can use the machines in the Learning Resource Centre at the College in Thurso, or at any of the other college campuses. If you would like to purchase software, enrolment as a North Highland College student entitles you to significant discounts for the required applications.

The practice exercises will give you a feel for the style of questions/tasks you will get in your tests and will ensure that you are well prepared for the real thing. You will also be able to sit mock tests at the workshop sessions. (We highly recommend that you take this opportunity, as there will be a cost associated with test re-sits.)

Mandatory drop-in workshops will run every week, for two calendar years (excluding holidays) from your enrolment date, during which time it is expected you will complete your ECDL. The first week will be an induction workshop which it is important that you attend, but thereafter you can visit as little or as often as you require although you are encouraged to attend weekly to enable you to complete the ECDL within two years. There are set dates for tests being sat with approximately 9 weeks being allocated for each module. As you will be enrolled as a flexible learning student you are required to be in contact with your tutor every week, either by attending a workshop or by email/phone so that they can chart your progress. The purpose of the workshops is to provide you with access to your tutor who will help you with any problems you are having with the study pack, or any other issues affecting the course. The workshops will also provide time for students to pre-book module tests.

Tests
Once you are happy that you understand all the content of a module you can book a test with your tutor. The test will be held under strict exam conditions and you will not be allowed to use any notes or ask for help. You can however, use the help facilities of the software you are using. You will have 15 minutes preparation time and a maximum of 45 minutes to complete the test for each module, and you must hand in all test materials at the end of the exam. When you have successfully completed tests for modules 1, 2 and 7 you will gain your level 1 qualification called ECDL Essentials. On completion of levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 you will gain a level 2 qualification called ECDL Extra and will also gain your European Computer Driving Licence certificate.

Costs

The fees for this comprehensive training package are £190 for the full course, which is broken down to £80 for the level 1 ECDL certificate (first year course) and £110 for the level 2 ECDL Extra certificate (second year course). This covers the learning pack, log book, workshops and one attempt at each of the module tests. three additional test re-sits are also included in the price but any further attempts will cost £15 each If you do not pass all 7 modules in the allocated 2 years, there will be an additional charge for the third year of the course (currently £50). Note that these costs are for the academic session 2009/2010, they may change in subsequent academic sessions.These fees cover the learning pack, log book, workshops and one attempt at each of the module tests.

You are able to use a current Individual Learning Account to help cover the costs of this course.

If you need more information before completing the form, contact Admissions.

Module Descriptions
Module 1 Concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT):

The basic physical make-up of a personal computer; some concepts of Information Technology such as data storage and memory; computer jargon; computer applications in society; the use of information networks within computing and some health & safety, security and legal issues.

Module 2 Using the Computer and Managing Files:

Using basic functions of a PC and its operating system; effective operation within the windows desktop environment; managing and organising files and directories/folders and using search features, editing tools and print management facilities.

Module 3 Word Processing:

Basic operations using a word processing application on a PC; creating, formatting and producing a word processing document ready for distribution and using some more advanced features such as tables, images and mail merge.

Module 4 Spreadsheets:

Developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet; standard numerical operations using basic formulas and functions and using some more advanced features such as importing objects, and creating graphs and charts.

Module 5 Database:

Designing and planning a database; retrieving information, using queries, select and sort tools and creating and modifying reports.

Module 6 Presentation:

Creating, formatting and preparing presentations for distribution and display to a variety of target audiences or situations; basic operations with graphics and charts, and using various slide show effects.

Module 7 Web Browsing and Communication:

This module is split into 2 sections. The first, covering Information, looks at the World Wide Web/Internet using a Web browser; search engines, bookmarks and printing results. The second, covering Communication, looks at e-mail facilities for sending and receiving messages; attaching documents or files to a message and organising and managing folders or directories within e-mail software.