European Computer Driving Licence Using Office 2010

Transcription

1 IT Skills, Qualifications &Opportunities Human Resources Staff & Graduate Development European Computer Driving Licence Using Office 2010 Candidate Guide Tutor Led Route Winter 2013

2 Contents Introduction to ECDL... 3 How the ECDL qualification is arranged... 3 ECDL & Office Self Study and Tutor-led Routes... 4 Self study... 4 Outline of the ECDL Tutor-Led Programme... 5 Induction... 5 Course Materials and Preparation for Training Sessions... 5 Training Sessions... 6 Support... 6 Practice Assessments... 6 Exams... 7 Certification... 7 Summary... 7 Contact Details... 8 How to Register... 8 Spring 2012 Schedule for Training & Tests... 9 Registration Document Learning Agreement Candidate Appeals Procedure ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 2 of 15

3 Introduction to ECDL The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is the internationally recognised qualification which enables people to demonstrate their competence in computer skills. The British Computer Society (BCS) is the awarding body for the ECDL qualification. The record breaking ECDL is the fastest growing IT user qualification in over 125 countries. ECDL is designed specifically for those who wish to gain a benchmark qualification in computing to enable them to develop their IT skills and enhance their career prospects. No prior knowledge of IT or computer skills is needed to study ECDL. How the ECDL qualification is arranged The ECDL syllabus is designed to cover the key concepts of computing, its practical applications and their use in the workplace and society. It is broken down into seven modules, each of which must be passed before an ECDL certificate is awarded. When all 7 modules have been successfully passed, a certificate will be produced. The seven modules that make up the ECDL are: 1. Security for IT Users 2. IT User Fundamentals 3. Word processing 4. Spreadsheets 5. Database Software 6. Presentation Software 7. Using and the Internet ECDL & Office 2010 From February 2012, the ECDL qualification will only be available to new registrations using Microsoft Office This reflects the University s policy to move all PC users to Office 2010 ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 3 of 15

4 Self Study and Tutor-led Routes When it comes to undertaking the ECDL qualification, there are two study options available to you; tutor-led (attendance of training sessions to support each module) and self study (where you work through the course material at your own pace). This guide is aimed at those candidates wishing to join the tutor-led (Winter 2013) group. Please see the table below for the key difference in the two routes: Self-Study Tutor-Led Support Time needed You will be given access to online training materials which you work through at your own pace. You are able to study in your own time (or work time if your line manager agrees). You will also need to have time away from work to complete your practice and actual test for each module (allow up to 2 hours). You will have the full support of a tutor who will teach you the content of each module. You will be given access to online training materials, which you will be expected to have looked at prior to each training session. This is to identify those areas you may need more help with. You will need to be able to have 7 full days away from work to attend training sessions (one day for each module, every 3-4 weeks). You will also need to have time away from work to complete your practice and actual test for each module (allow up to 2 hours). Motivation required You will need to be very self motivated to study modules, and to take responsibility for when you wish to take your tests. Availability Available to start at any time. You will need to be self-motivated, and deadlines will be set for completing each module and your tests. A timetable for the deadlines is set in advanced and you will be encouraged to stick to this. You will need to wait until a tutor-led group starts, normally in Spring or Winter each year. Self study The self study route is available at any time, but tutor-led is only available at certain times of the year. Please see our booking system if you wish to take the self study route instead. ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 4 of 15

5 Outline of the ECDL Tutor-Led Programme Induction Prior to starting the programme on 30 January 2013, you will need to attend an induction session. The session will take place in Human Resources - Staff & Graduate Development and last for around minutes. Peter Lakeland (Centre Manager for ECDL in Staff Development) and Denise Jackson (ECDL Administrator) will lead the session which includes: An overview of the qualification A look at the online training materials you will have access to A look at the testing software we use Opportunity for any questions and answers This will also give you the opportunity to meet the other members of your group. It is very important for you to attend this induction; otherwise we will not be able to register you for the qualification. You will need to bring your staff ID card to the induction session. The date for induction is: Date Time Location Wednesday 16 January :00 MB727 Course Materials and Preparation for Training Sessions Once registered, you will be given access to online course materials, which are supplied by Activ (who also provide our testing software). These are online browser-based materials which you can access from any computer, providing it meets the minimum system requirements. You will be asked to look through the online training materials for each module prior to the appropriate training session. This will allow you to see what a module covers, and identify areas that you may already be familiar with or any areas of a module you think you may need to focus on. If you identify any areas of particular concern, please let Denise Jackson have these. She will share these topics with your trainer, so that special attention can be paid to these areas. You will also be given a hard copy module guide at the start of each module, produced by Premier IT (who will be providing your training sessions). ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 5 of 15

6 Training Sessions Training sessions are an integral part of the tutor-led programme and as such you will need to ensure that you are able to attend all of training sessions (dates shown below). You will therefore need the support of your line manager. Module Name Training Date IT User Fundamentals 30/01/13 Using and the Internet 27/02/13 Security for IT Users 27/03/13 Easter Word Processing 24/04/13 Presentation Software 22/05/13 Spread sheets 19/06/13 Database Software 17/07/13 Your course tutor for the taught sessions will be David Peel from Premier IT (our approved IT training provider). The training sessions will provide an overview of each module, provide you with all the knowledge you need to complete your test and look at any topics of concern that you and other people in your group submit. There will also be time to go through anything that crops up on the day. Support During your programme your course tutor will be able to help you with any queries related to that module, and there will normally be time at the end of each training session for additional help on areas you may have queries about. You will also have access to the online training materials, which you can use to go over any areas and refresh your memory. Practice Assessments For each module, a practice assessment is available to you. This will test your knowledge and skills on everything within a particular module. We strongly recommend that you complete the full practice assessment for each module prior to your exam to ensure that there are no gaps in your knowledge. To access a practice assessment, you will need to log in and have an invigilator verify that you should be accessing the assessment. Practice tests can only be taken in room MB728a and should be taken the week following the training session (see Schedule for Training & Tests). Practice assessments have a time limit of 75 minutes for completion. Prior to starting the practice assessment, you will have the option to complete a sample test which is designed ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 6 of 15

7 to get you used to how the practice assessment looks and how to answer the questions. If there are questions you are unsure of, you can skip these and come back to them later. At the end of the practice assessment you will be given feedback on how well you did, and a detailed breakdown of the areas where you did well and what you may need to revise. Exams Once you are ready to complete your exam, you can book onto one of the scheduled exam days (see Schedule for Training & Tests). Whilst we advise you to make one of the designated training days, you can request a different date if none of these are suitable. Each exam has a 45 minutes time limit and you need to achieve 75% in order to pass the module. Prior to starting the exam you will have the option to complete a sample test. We recommend that you complete the sample to act as a refresher. If you do not pass an exam on the first attempt, we recommend you use your course materials to review areas that you need to improve on, speak to your course tutor and then work through a practice assessment. Hopefully this will ensure that you pass the module exam on your next try. Certification Once you have successfully completed all 7 module exams, you will receive your certificate to confirm you have passed your ECDL. As this needs to be sent away for, there may a delay in this being sent to you. Certificates come to Staff & Graduate Development first and can then be collected from our offices in MB728. We will ask you to sign to confirm that you have collected your certificate. Summary The general process of working your way through the ECDL programme is summarised below: Register Look at online training materials for a module. Identify any areas of concern. Attend training session for module Complete exam for module Complete practice assessment for module Complete ECDL ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 7 of 15

8 Contact Details If you have any queries please contact Denise Jackson (Administrator for ECDL Programmes) on 4608 or Peter Lakeland (Centre Manager for ECDL Programmes) on How to Register To register for the Winter 2013 intake of the ECDL tutor-led programme, you will need to discuss undertaking the qualification with your line manager as it does require you to have time away from work. You will then need to complete both the Registration Form and Learning Agreement and send these to: Denise Jackson Human Resources - Staff & Graduate Development MB728 by Friday 14 December There are a limited number of places available and early registration is advised to secure a place. ECDL Tutor Led Route Winter 2013 (Revised October 2012) Page 8 of 15

9 Winter 2013 Schedule for Training & Tests Module Name Training Date Dates for completing Practice Test (WC = Week commencing) Test Dates IT User Fundamentals 30/01/13 WC 04/02/13 WC 11/02/13 Using and the Internet 27/02/13 WC 04/03/12 WC 11/03/13 Security for IT Users 27/03/13 WC 01/04/13 WC 08/04/13 Easter Word Processing 24/04/13 WC 29/04/13 WC 06/05/13 Presentation Software 22/05/13 WC 27/05/13 WC 03/06/13 Spreadsheets 19/06/13 WC 24/06/13 WC 01/07/13 Database Software 17/07/13 WC 22/07/13 WC 29/07/13

10 European Computer Driving Licence Tutor-Led programme Winter 2013 Registration Document PART A Candidate Details (Candidate to complete. All details are required) Title First Name/s (Which will appear on your certificate) Last Name (Which will appear on your certificate) Home Address Post Code Ethnicity (see below) DOB Gender Male/Female White White British White Irish White Other Mixed White & Black Caribbean White & Black African White & Asian Mixed Other Indian Indian Pakistani Bangladeshi Asian Other Black Caribbean African Black Other Chines & Other Chinese Any other ethnic group Prefer not to answer Department Aston Address Line Manager s Name Do you have any additional requirements? (e.g. in relation to access) Candidate Declaration I confirm that I have read the ECDL (tutor-led) Course Guide, have discussed the programme with my line manager, am able to attend all of the training sessions, and that the above details are correct Line Manager Declaration I confirm that I give permission for the candidate above to have time out of work to attend all of the training sessions(7 days split over 7 months) for the ECDL (tutor-led) programme, and reasonable time to undertake testing (approximately 2 hours per module). Candidate Signature Line Manager Signature Date

11 PART B To be completed at Induction by the Centre Manager Staff ID seen Programme Outline discussed Attendance requirements discussed Course materials discussed Appeals procedure discussed and given Test security explained Health & Safety discussed I confirm that the above details are correct, and that listed topics have been discussed. Candidate Signature Centre Manager Signature Date PART C To be completed by the Data Administrator BCS Registration Number Registration Date

12 European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Tutor-Led using Office 2010 Learning Agreement The statements below form the basis of an agreement between the Human Resources - Staff & Graduate Development (SGD), ECDL Candidates and their line managers to ensure that all staff undertaking the ECDL qualification have a positive learning experience. The Human Resources - Staff & Graduate Development (SGD) will: Run an induction session for the ECDL qualification and provide you with all relevant information. Run training sessions facilitated by an approved trainer for each module of the ECDL qualification. Make online training materials available to you for the period of one year initially. Be flexible in offering times for practice and actual tests. Provide you with general advice on progression. We ask you, the candidate to: Read the ECDL Candidate Guide for Tutor-Led Candidates. Attend an induction session for the ECDL qualification. Attend all training sessions. Take responsibility for your own learning and completing tests to schedule. Complete the ECDL qualification by 30 September at the latest. Contact SGD if you are having difficulties. Information for candidate s line manager: In our experience, the most successful candidates are those that have the full support of their line manager during the course of their studies. We would therefore ask you to sign this agreement to confirm that: You are aware of and support the candidate s enrolment on this programme. You are aware of the time commitments and will allow the delegate to have reasonable time away from work to complete tests (Seven training days over 7 months, plus approximately 2 hours per module for testing). Your department agrees to reimburse SGD in line with the charging policy below.

13 Progress, withdrawal and charging policy All candidates progress will be monitored during the programme. Any candidate who does not attend training sessions or attempt tests will be required to attend a review meeting with the Centre Manager. Candidates who do not complete the programme by 30 April 2013 will be required to attend a review meeting with the Centre Manager. If candidates are permitted to continue on the programme, a charge of 20 will be made to the candidate s department to cover the cost of training material renewal. Any candidate attending a review meeting will negotiate their continuation on the programme with the Centre Manager. Continuation will be at the Centre Manager s discretion. Any candidate who withdraws or is withdrawn from the programme will incur a charge of 78.25* which will be charged to their department (*unless extenuating circumstances prevail). Candidate Agreement Name (please print): Job Title: Signed: Date: Line Manager Agreement Name (please print): Job Title: Signed: Date: SGD Agreement Signed: Peter Lakeland ECDL Centre Manager, SGD Date: Once signed by all 3 parties, a copy will be returned to the Candidate, their Line Manager and the original kept by SGD.

14 Aston University European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Candidate Appeals Procedure 1. Introduction The Candidate Appeals Procedure sets out the process that should be followed if candidates are unhappy with any aspect of their ECDL assessment. The Candidate Appeals Procedure guidance is given to all ECDL candidates upon registration of the ECDL programme, and candidates are required to sign their Registration Document to confirm that they have received the Candidate Appeals Procedure. 2. Step One Informal Appeal Candidates who are unhappy with any aspect of the assessment process should first discuss the problem with the Centre Manager within 5 working days of receiving their result. The candidate must make the reasons for their dissatisfaction clear at this time. Assessments are undertaken using automated testing software which has been approved by the ECDL Foundation. In the event of a candidate raising a complaint the assessment report that will have been produced by the system will be fully discussed with the candidate. An action plan will be agreed and a further assessment date scheduled. In some circumstances the candidate may be offered a free re-test (e.g. if there had been hardware or software problems). 3. Step Two Formal Appeal If the appeal is unable to be resolved informally, the following procedure will be followed. If the candidate is unhappy with the decision of the Centre Manager in step one, the candidate must write to the named representative, within 10 working days of receiving their result, who will fully review the complaint and attempt to find a solution. The Centre will keep a written record of each stage of the process with dates and outcomes.

15 If the candidate is still unhappy then he/she has the right to appeal to the BCS Awarding Body. This may be done via the Centre Manager or direct to the BCS Quality Co-ordinator in writing. The address will be supplied on request. Candidate appeals must be made to the BCS within 90 days of the date of the assessment. The BCS will acknowledge receipt of the appeal and advise the candidate or centre of the timescale for a decision. The BCS Representative will investigate the circumstances of the appeal and make a report to the appeals panel. In very exceptional cases, the appeals panel may request the Centre Manager possibly accompanied by the candidate, to attend a meeting of the panel to provide further explanation of the circumstances of the appeal Appeals panel decisions will be given in writing to the Centre Manager and the candidate and are final.