Maltese among most ECDL certified in the world
Malta has one of the highest European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Core penetrations in the world and ECDL Malta, the arm of the Computer Society of Malta (CSM) responsible for the administration of the computer literacy certification in Malta, has...
Malta has one of the highest European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Core penetrations in the world and ECDL Malta, the arm of the Computer Society of Malta (CSM) responsible for the administration of the computer literacy certification in Malta, has just launched three new qualifications, at a time when ECDL is proving an indispensable qualification for knowledge workers.
"ECDL Malta has registered almost 27,000 candidates for ECDL Core with a completion rate of about 37 per cent," said Isabelle Pace Warrington, ECDL programme manager at CSM. "For ECDL Advanced there are at present about 1,800 candidates registered and the completion rate is about 72 per cent. The fact that there are four independent certificates contributes to a much higher completion rate."
ECDL Core is the most popular certification as it is promoted at secondary school level. The certificate, obtainable after successfully completing seven tests in basic computer hardware and software use, is a prerequisite for several knowledge-based jobs, including that of clerk, and to read for certain degrees at the University of Malta.
The three new specialised certificates are e-Citizen, ECDL WebStarter and ECDL ImageMaker.
E-Citizen is a foundation level qualification that is well suited to those who have a very limited knowledge of computers and the internet and those wishing to become more familiar with the internet and the use of e-mail.
ECDL WebStarter enables candidates to acquire the basic skills required to design, create and maintain a website. The general level of the qualification is the same as that of ECDL Core.
ECDL ImageMaker enables candidates to use and manipulate digital images. The general level of the qualification is the same as that of ECDL Core.
All three qualifications are assessed by a 45-minute test and each has an independent certificate.
Malta is among the first countries to introduce ECDL WebStarter and ECDL ImageMaker. So far only about six countries have launched these new ECDL qualifications.
"ECDL Malta continues to strive to keep Malta ahead in the field of digital literacy, computer awareness and competency. Though Malta has one of the highest ECDL Core penetration rates in the world, one can never be totally satisfied," admitted Ms Pace Warrington. "There are still several members of society who lack computer skills which have become essential in the workplace as well as for everyday life. The aim of ECDL is to offer a range of certifications that cater for all levels. From those with no knowledge whatsoever of computers to those who wish to gain advanced skills in various computer applications."
ECDL Malta is actively involved with the ECDL Foundation and other national licencees in developing current and future ECDL qualifications.
In order to keep up-to-date with technological developments, and to keep the ECDL syllabus relevant, the ECDL Foundation reviews its syllabi every three or four years. The ECDL Core syllabus is currently under review as syllabus version 4.0 is now several years old. Regardless of these developments, the ECDL Foundation has made available ECDL core tests on Windows Vista based on syllabus version 4.0.
For the time being ECDL Core lessons in state secondary schools are being conducted on computers equipped with Microsoft Windows XP and Office XP as the government has not yet decided to switch to Windows Vista, released by Microsoft a few months ago, as it needs computers with higher specifications.
"ECDL Malta works closely with the ECDL Foundation to maintain the international standard of these certifications. All ECDL accredited test centres in Malta are expected to operate within the standards established by ECDL Foundation and implemented by ECDL Malta," concluded Ms Pace Warrington.
Apart from launching these new certifications, ECDL Malta also launched a new ECDL Foundation candidate competition. This competition is open to all ECDL candidates who have successfully completed all seven modules of ECDL Core. The winning entry from each country will be forwarded to the ECDL Foundation for entry in the global competition.
The aim of the competition is to find how ECDL has benefited candidates and opened up opportunities for them. The winning entry from Malta will receive Lm100 and a special additional prize.
The global winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the ECDL Foundation Awards to be held in Barcelona in October.
"ECDL Malta has registered almost 27,000 candidates for ECDL Core with a completion rate of about 37 per cent," said Isabelle Pace Warrington, ECDL programme manager at CSM. "For ECDL Advanced there are at present about 1,800 candidates registered and the completion rate is about 72 per cent. The fact that there are four independent certificates contributes to a much higher completion rate."
ECDL Core is the most popular certification as it is promoted at secondary school level. The certificate, obtainable after successfully completing seven tests in basic computer hardware and software use, is a prerequisite for several knowledge-based jobs, including that of clerk, and to read for certain degrees at the University of Malta.
The three new specialised certificates are e-Citizen, ECDL WebStarter and ECDL ImageMaker.
E-Citizen is a foundation level qualification that is well suited to those who have a very limited knowledge of computers and the internet and those wishing to become more familiar with the internet and the use of e-mail.
ECDL WebStarter enables candidates to acquire the basic skills required to design, create and maintain a website. The general level of the qualification is the same as that of ECDL Core.
ECDL ImageMaker enables candidates to use and manipulate digital images. The general level of the qualification is the same as that of ECDL Core.
All three qualifications are assessed by a 45-minute test and each has an independent certificate.
Malta is among the first countries to introduce ECDL WebStarter and ECDL ImageMaker. So far only about six countries have launched these new ECDL qualifications.
"ECDL Malta continues to strive to keep Malta ahead in the field of digital literacy, computer awareness and competency. Though Malta has one of the highest ECDL Core penetration rates in the world, one can never be totally satisfied," admitted Ms Pace Warrington. "There are still several members of society who lack computer skills which have become essential in the workplace as well as for everyday life. The aim of ECDL is to offer a range of certifications that cater for all levels. From those with no knowledge whatsoever of computers to those who wish to gain advanced skills in various computer applications."
ECDL Malta is actively involved with the ECDL Foundation and other national licencees in developing current and future ECDL qualifications.
In order to keep up-to-date with technological developments, and to keep the ECDL syllabus relevant, the ECDL Foundation reviews its syllabi every three or four years. The ECDL Core syllabus is currently under review as syllabus version 4.0 is now several years old. Regardless of these developments, the ECDL Foundation has made available ECDL core tests on Windows Vista based on syllabus version 4.0.
For the time being ECDL Core lessons in state secondary schools are being conducted on computers equipped with Microsoft Windows XP and Office XP as the government has not yet decided to switch to Windows Vista, released by Microsoft a few months ago, as it needs computers with higher specifications.
"ECDL Malta works closely with the ECDL Foundation to maintain the international standard of these certifications. All ECDL accredited test centres in Malta are expected to operate within the standards established by ECDL Foundation and implemented by ECDL Malta," concluded Ms Pace Warrington.
Apart from launching these new certifications, ECDL Malta also launched a new ECDL Foundation candidate competition. This competition is open to all ECDL candidates who have successfully completed all seven modules of ECDL Core. The winning entry from each country will be forwarded to the ECDL Foundation for entry in the global competition.
The aim of the competition is to find how ECDL has benefited candidates and opened up opportunities for them. The winning entry from Malta will receive Lm100 and a special additional prize.
The global winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to the ECDL Foundation Awards to be held in Barcelona in October.