Adult Learning and Skills Service

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Course Information Sheet

ECDL Essentials    (Interview required)

British Computer Society

Fees

full £169

conc £70

non EU £433

Day

Time

Weeks

Centre

Start

End

Code

Tue

18:00-21:00

11

MAC

14/09/10

30/11/10

JS1400

Tutor:  Lance Robertson

Fri

12:30-15:30

11

MAC

17/09/10

03/12/10

JS1450

Tutor:  Elaine R Tandoh

What will the course cover?

An internationally recognised qualification, made up of individual units tailored to suit your needs. Choose from modules including the internet, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation, security, fundamentals of IT and improving productivity. Work towards level 1 or level 2 ITQ qualifications in just one term, depending on your experience. You can also gain ECDL Essentials, ECDL Core and ECDL Extra qualifications.

Who is the course for?

Anyone who uses a computer regularly and wants to gain an internationally recognised qualification in IT from The British Computer Society. This will be useful in improving computing skills for use within a job or to gain employment.

What skills, knowledge or experience do I need to start this course?

Introduction to Computing' course or previous basic computer software knowledge such as using MS Windows. Students should have an awareness of basic computing functions, how to organise their files, open applications and documents etc.

What should I be able to do by the end of the course?

"Use Microsoft Office software with confidence and take the individual ECDL/ITQ exams to work towards the full qualification. Each exam passed will award you with credits. When the total number of credits has been reached for a particular qualification level, you will be awarded the certificate for that qualification. It is possible to mix modules from level 1 and level 2, however, at least half of the credit total from the optional units must come from the qualification level chosen. Example: To achieve a level 2 qualification requires 13 credits. You can choose from any of the following, so long as at least 7 credits come from optional level 2 units. IT User Fundamentals (3 credits – level 1) [Optional unit] Using Email and the Internet (5 credits – level 1) [Optional unit] Security for IT Users (1 credit – level 1) [Optional unit] Word Processing (4 credits – level 2) [Optional unit] Spreadsheets (4 credits – level 2) [Optional unit] Presentation (4 credits – level 2) [Optional unit] Improving Productivity using IT (4 credits – level 2) [Mandatory unit] "

How is the course organised?

Lectures, tasks, demonstrations, discussions, and lots of hands on practice.

What extra study or practice is expected outside of the class?

To gain the maximum benefit, you should read recommended books and websites, and practice the topics covered during the class each week – the more you practice, the faster your skills will improve. Computer access is available at Study Support sessions at selected Adult Education centres or the libraries.

How will my progress be assessed?

Informal, and continuous classroom assessment by task. Informal feedback but tasks will help you decide what else you need to learn or practise. The tutor may provide homework or specific tasks to assess your progress. There will be regular opportunities to review your progress through the class. When you and your tutor feel you are ready, you can take an exam. They are available on various days throughout the year.

What can I expect to go on to after this course?

Work towards advanced computing qualifications, or begin ECDL/ITQ Level 3 (ECDL Advanced)

Are there any other costs and what do I need to bring?

"A pen and notebook, a file folder to store handouts. There is a BCS registration fee for your first exam, and a charge per exam. More information can be found at: www.exams.lbhfadmin.com. "

What support is available?

"Learner Support Fund – a grant is available to help you pay for the cost of the course and other expenses incurred, if you are a resident in receipt of benefits. You may wish to get additional help offered through the Study Support Sessions at various centres. Help with literacy or numeracy is available through the basic education programme and the ESOL programme offers help for speakers of other languages. Additional support can be provided for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Details are available in the Guide and the Student handbook, or from your tutor or Reception staff. "

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