The licence to drive computers in Europe

The drive towards a knowledge-based economy by all developed countries has necessitated the development of practical skills, which make people conversant in utilising information and communication technologies (ICTs). Until recently the definition of what constitutes basic computer skills was largely debated by a number of stakeholders from academia, industry, employees and the general citizenry interested in acquiring or increasing digital literacy. On a national scale and on an international level the presence of a number of different certifications in basic computer skills compounded the problem.

The Ministry for Information Technology has, over the past two years, led the effort to adopt the European standard of certification in Malta that has, in a very short time, acquired the recognition and respect of the industry and the academic sectors in Malta.

The European Computer Driving Licence, commonly referred to as ECDL, is a certificate in practical ICT skills recognised across national borders. It is a qualification which certifies the competence of people in computer skills and knowledge.

The training for the certification consists of seven modules: basic concepts of IT; using computer and managing files; word processing; spreadsheets; databases; presentation; and information and communication.

In order to achieve ECDL, the candidate must purchase a skill card and successfully complete the seven tests. Tests can be undertaken in any order but within a time-span of three years. Training in the seven modules is not compulsory for testing. Individuals can sit for any of the tests without actually attending any training sessions.

The personal benefits of ECDL are manifold. While it raises the level of competency in essential IT and computer skills it provides the licence-owner with the opportunity to obtain an internationally recognised certificate. This becomes more relevant when one considers the increasing importance of certificate recognition across borders and the high mobility within the international labour market. The ECDL certificate is a valuable tool for job seekers in the information economy where e-skills are essential across the industrial and retail sector together with the public sector.

On the local scenario part of the ECDL certificate, specifically three of the seven modules are a required qualification for new clerks in the public service. It is also a requirement for the course leading to a post-graduate certificate in education of the University of Malta. This encourages teachers to use technology as a tool to help them teach any subject in primary and secondary schools.

ICT-related subjects have been taught in secondary schools for a number of years now. Students of public secondary schools are provided with a mandatory ICT lesson per week. Since October 2002, the ECDL syllabus has been incorporated in the ICT programme, helping students sit for ECDL tests during the last three years of school. A secondary school student can now sit for three ECDL modules at the end of Form III, two modules at the end of Form IV and two modules at the end of Form V.

In order to bridge the gap between those who entered secondary schools in October 2002 and those already in their secondary school years, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry for IT and Investment coordinated an initiative where all school-leavers in state secondary schools were provided with a 30-hour 'catch-up' course. Following the completion of this course, all school leavers will be in a position to sit for the seven tests and obtain the ECDL certification. This year over 1,500 students completed the 30-hour course. These students are expected to sit for the ECDL tests in the coming weeks.

The new contemporary information age, where technologies are used to enhance the quality of life and increase the efficiency of private and public organisations, demands the reskilling of employees already in the labour force and the tuition of the same skills to people who re-enter the market place. Similarly, first-time job seekers need to master IT skills which enable them to use the wide spectrum of available technologies to complete their job duties.

Minister Austin Gatt has set as a priority for his ministry the aim to promote professional certifications as the main vehicle towards ensuring a labour supply capable of mastering technology to increase the nation's competitiveness. ECDL offers flexibility to both the individual and the organisations who set it as their benchmark for assessing ICT skills. The certification increases the confidence of people in making use of new technologies. It is a source of quantifying basic computer literacy and of increasing the personal achievement of those who complete part or all the modules leading to the certification.

Ms Bonello is at the Ministry for IT & Investment.