Today, computer skills are
increasingly important to people in all walks of life. The
ECDL is intended for those who need or wish to know how
to use a personal computer. It is suitable for people of
all ages, from every work discipline, for people entering
the job market, and for those who work at home.
| ECDL provides: |
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An IT skills qualification
for everyone |
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An innovative and tangible method of
skills measurement and validation |
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A model for education and training
in the Information Society |
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A highly effective training delivery
model |
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Greater public awareness of the benefits
of active participation in the Information Society |
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A flexible and accessible qualification
that offers increased mobility to holders |
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An excellent benchmark of employee skills |
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Improved employee confidence |
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An Internationally recognized qualification
for staff |
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A positive return on investment in IT
training for an organisation |
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Enhanced career opportunities for holders |
Many large organisations have adopted
the ECDL, setting it as the performance standard they
expect from their employees. The standard verified by
the ECDL matches the needs of both employees and employers
in its clear definition of essential computer skills.
Companies that take ECDL on board as their IT standard
report improved efficiency and enhanced confidence among
their workers. They also find that they experience fewer
PC-related problems, and thus require less IT support.
For small and large organisations alike, this can result
in significant financial savings.
ECDL is implemented as a skills standard in organisations
in many different sectors, including manufacturing,
financial, pharmaceutical, public sector, tourism, medical,
food and technology.
Training providers who become accredited ECDL test centres
demonstrate that they are conforming to training and
testing practices of the highest standard in terms of
integrity and efficiency. |
School leavers should have sufficient
basic computer skills to operate comfortably within
a computerised work environment. They should also take
with them an awareness of the opportunities provided
by the computer industry and how to take advantage of
them.
Many schools have included ECDL in their transition
year curriculum but it may also be taught in Junior
or Senior cycles. It can form part of the adult education
programme currently offered by schools in local communities.
As the ECDL is modular in structure, it can easily be
integrated into the school curriculum. Students have
three years in which to obtain their ECDL, so schools
are not under pressure to complete the programme in
one year.
The well-structured nature of ECDL makes it particularly
easy to run and administer in a school setting. Participation
in the programme demonstrates the school’s commitment
to ensuring that its students are fully prepared to
enter third level education or the workforce. |
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