University staff accelerate computer skills with ECDL

Thirty-five members of University staff, who have recently successfully completed the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) programme, were presented with ECDL certificates.

University staff completed the ECDL programme after following a series of computer courses and successfully passing seven standard ECDL tests. The programme was organised by the Computing Services Centre (CSC) in collaboration with the Further Training and Work Resources Committee (Administrative and Technical Staff).

During the presentation ceremony, Professor Josef Lauri, chairman of the CSC Committee, congratulated all staff for their efforts and achievement. He mentioned that a couple of years ago the University of Malta, through CSC, was the only local centre running ECDL tests. Now there are 13 accredited ECDL testing centres in Malta.

A number of initiatives have given more recognition to the ECDL qualification. To mention a few, the Faculty of Education has adopted the ECDL certification as an entry requirement for the PGCE course. The Government Management and Personnel Office (MPO) has issued a press release stating that eligibility for the grade of clerk in the public service will be subject to passes in modules 2, 3 and 4.

The ECDL syllabus has also been incorporated in IT courses run by schools. He claimed that the initiatives of the University in introducing ECDL in Malta have left their positive impact on a national level.

Shortly, ECDL certificate holders will be able to move on to their next level of computer competence - ECDL Advanced. CSC has recently been accredited as an advanced ECDL testing centre. At present the advanced qualification is available for word-processing and spreadsheets.

Professor Lauri thanked Albert Attard, chairman of the Further Training/Work Resources Committee, for organising courses for university administrative and technical staff. He also recognised the efforts of James Cilia, ECDL test centre manager, and administrative and support staff at CSC and Further Training/Work Resources Committee managing the ECDL programme at the University of Malta. Other members of staff and University students are at various stages of the ECDL programme.