TOWARDS THE INFORMATION SOCIETY
ECDL - European Computer Driving Licence
TOWARDS THE INFORMATION: PILOT ACTIONS |
Awareness
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Economy
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Public Interest
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ECDL - European Computer Driving Licence
PROJECT ESPRIT 22.561
Executive Summary
The European Computer Driving
Licence (ECDL) has a number of clearly identified objectives as follows:
The ECDL is a basic skill test of the competencies required to perfom basic tasks using a personal computer. It provides a documentation that the holder can use a computer in practice and has some background knowledge about IT. The ECDL consists of seven modules which cover all major usage of IT in practice and reflects the need as expressed by individuals, small and large companies and the teaching profession. Individuals prove their proficiency by passing a test within each module. Progress is registered on a European Computer Skills Card. An ECDL is awarded once all seven module tests have been passed successfully. Except for one theoretical module, the tests are task oriented. The tests are independent of both machine and software vendors and products. The many possible tests within each module, along with a syllabus, constitute an integral part of the ECDL and define a norm for practical IT competence. The geographical extent of the ECDL market is defined as 31 European countries, with a total population of about 500 million. Based on generic statistical information, a target group of roughly 60 million may be assumed under current demographic conditions. These individuals employ IT at a level where it constitutes a necessary element in their working activities. The long term goal for the ECDL efforts is to reach about 10 million of these by year 2005, corresponding to an 17% penetration of today's target group. It is assumed that the public education systems will supply the work force with another 15-20 million skilled entrants. For the business plan period, ending in 2001, the goal for this initial phase is about 1.8 million European Computer Skills Cards or Driving licences issued. In the short term the main distribution channel of the ECDL is the body of existing course vendors within each country. Course vendors will have to be authorised to ensure proper quality of the end-products. Authorized course vendors will utilise the ECDL test base in their actual testing. In the longer term Internet will become a major distribution channel, necessitating automation of ECDL testing. |
What is the aim?
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Who is involved?
| The Council of European Professional Information Technology Societies (CEPIS) is introducing its European Computer Driving Licence with the support of the European Union in the framework of Esprit (project 22561). It is intended to extend activities to the CEE countries. |
How to proceed?
| The members of CEPIS have developed
a model for a "driving licence" for computer users indicating that the holder
has passed the standard tests, certifying that he/she is qualified to andertake a series
of straighforward tasks using a computer. The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL)
consists of seven modules, each testified by an exam, (one written and six practical tests
using a computer). When a candidate registers for the ECDL he/she will be given a European
Computer Skills Card on which to record the modules which have been passed. After
successfully passing all the modules, the Driving Licence will be awarded to the
applicant. The first module covers aspects of where computers are used, the basics of computing, ethics, security and privacy. The second module deals with using the computer and managing files. It includes such items as operating systems commands; creating and managing files within directories, creating back-up and installing software. The third module covers the fundamental aspects of word processing, while the fourth module deals with spreadsheets. Module five focuses on dabases and filing systems. The sixth module deals with presentation tools and drawing. The last module tests the candidate's ability in using information network services. A widespread promotion campaign will ensure that people throughout Europe are aware of the purpose and existence of ECDL. |
What is the benefit for Europe?
| Europe's international competitiveness will depend on the capability of its workforce to use information and communications technologies. It is therefore important to develop successful learning patterns and to realise them: they are a basic pre-condition for information and communications technologies markets and for the application of information and communications technologies both at work and at home. This initiative is also open to interested parties from the CEE countries. |
Further information:
| Dudley Dolan Brice Lepape Computer Science Department European Commission O' Reilly Institute 200, rue de la loi Trinity College - Dublin 2 B-1049 Brussels Tel: +353 1 608 1048 Tel: +32 2 28 68097 Fax: +353 1 677 2207 Fax: +32 2 29 68364 e-mail: dudley.dolan@cs.tcd.ie Brice Lepape |