European Computer Driving License Research Articles

A study on the readiness and attitudes of Sri Lankan Tamil medium teachers towards the use of ICT in teaching and learning

Information and communication technology (ICT) in education refers to the utilization of information and communications technology to support, enhance, and optimize the delivery of information within the educational field. As the global landscape continues to expand, the significance of incorporating ICT in education has grown exponentially. It is crucial for teachers to possess the ability to employ ICT effectively in order to integrate their students' learning experiences and adequately prepare them for the challenges they will face in the future. While the integration of ICT in education offers benefits such as the creation of effective lessons, classroom management, and improved stakeholder communication, its successful implementation hinges upon teachers' possession of the requisite skills, knowledge, and willingness. The objective of this study is to evaluate the attitudes and preparedness of Tamil medium teachers in Sri Lanka with regard to their utilization of ICT in teaching and learning. Various previous studies have examined the use of ICT in education, encompassing investigations into teachers' attitudes and integration of ICT, training in International Computer Driving License (ICDL), and factors that influence teachers' adoption of ICT. However, this study focuses specifically on the readiness of Tamil medium teachers in Sri Lanka, an area that has yet to be thoroughly explored in previous research. A survey was conducted among 400 teachers, revealing that the majority exhibited a positive outlook toward the adoption of ICT and displayed a willingness to incorporate it into their teaching and learning processes. Nevertheless, teachers encountered difficulties when attempting to integrate ICT due to the economic crisis prevailing in the country. Consequently, it is imperative for the government and pertinent authorities to ensure the accessibility of affordable ICT equipment for both teachers and students. This study emphasizes the significance of assessing teachers' readiness and attitudes toward the implementation of ICT in their teaching and learning practices in order to ensure its successful integration.

Implementation of a hybrid certificate approach: enhancing efficiency and credibility in ICDL certification process

In today's rapidly evolving job market, qualification certificates play a crucial role in validating an individual's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This article explores the importance of qualification certificates in the modern workforce, their impact on employment prospects and professional development, and the emerging trends shaping their future. It highlights how qualification certificates bridge the skills gap and enhance employability by providing standardized evidence of an individual's proficiency in a specific field. Moreover, it emphasizes the benefits of certifications for professionals in staying relevant and competitive in rapidly changing industries. The article mostly discusses the significance of the printed form of qualification certificates, their role in authentication, credibility, and portability. It explores the emerging trend of digital alternatives to printed certificates and the challenges associated with verifying their authenticity. The proposed solution is a hybrid approach that combines electronic certificates with printed versions, allowing for easy verification of authenticity in both formats. The article presents a detailed description of this approach, focusing on secure QR codes with extended unique identifiers for efficient verification. It further examines the implementation of this approach within the context of the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) Certification Program in Poland. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the hybrid certificate approach in simplifying the verification process while maintaining credibility and facilitating lifelong learning.

E-learning Difficulties Facing Arabic Language Teachers in the Directorate of Education in Damascus: صعوبات التعلم الإلكتروني التي تواجه معلمي اللغة العربية بمديرية التربية والتعليم في دمشق من وجهة نظرهم

This study aims to reveal the obstacles in using the E-learning from the viewpoint of Arabic language teachers in the Directorate of Education in Damascus. It also aims to identify the impact of academic specialization and attainment of the international Computer Driving License (ICDL) on these difficulties. In order to achieve this goal, the researcher followed the descriptive analytical method, where a questionnaire of 24 items developed after revealing its reliability and validity. Where this sample was composed of 390 teachers who worked at the Directorate of Education in Damascus. Relevant statistical tests conducted, where the survey of items discussed established the difficulties faced by Arabic teachers while using E learning. The majority of difficulties faced by these teachers related to administrative and financial problems, followed by difficulties of using E- learning itself, whereas the last third part in difficulties is related to schools and learners. The results of the study show that, there are no statistically significant differences between the difficulties faced by Arabic teachers while using E-learning for each dimension of the study, and on the dimensions as a whole. The results also show that there are no statistically significant differences between Arabic language teachers who obtained the (ICDL) and Arabic language teachers who did not obtain it on the difficulties of using E-learning for each dimension of the study, and the dimensions as a whole so both are the same. Therefore, in light of the study results, the researcher presented a number of suggestions.

Exploring the Level of Computer Literacy for Candidates in Higher Education: ICDL Programme at Bahrain Polytechnic

Bahrain Polytechnic is a Higher Education technical institution established in 2008 (by Royal Decree No. 65 for the year 2008). Its main mission is to supply the Bahraini economy with a skilled Bahraini labour force aiming to contribute to economic growth and diversification. The Polytechnic ensures that its values of excellence, learning and innovation are achieved by designing curricula that meet international standards as well as national and individual needs through continuous consultations with the industries and international education institutions. The development of computer and technological literacy is a significant predictor for success in the workplace and is also one of the key skills that the polytechnic provides through its programmes to students and faculty. This paper explores how computer literacy and skills are acquired by educators and students through International Computer Driving License (ICDL) tools employed at Bahrain Polytechnic. The study also considers the challenges that hinder learners from completing the requirements of ICDL. If adequate numbers of faculty and students have already learned basic computer skills, then the question facing the polytechnic is if computer literacy should continue to be taught at all levels. To answer this question, ICDL tests were administered to ascertain the computer literacy level of existing faculty and students. The results of the tests will determine which ICDL tests students and faculty should be placed on in order to address their computer literacy needs.

The impact of international computer driving license training on the use of information and communication technologies in the classrooms by teachers in the zambezi Region

The Namibian Government, through Ministry of Basic Education, Arts and Culture chose International Computer Driving License (ICDL) literacy training as a pathway for equipping teachers with basic ICT literacy skills. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of ICDL literacy training on Zambezi Region teachers and their use of ICTs in their classroom practices. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used for this study and targeted teachers who received ICDL training between 2007 and 2011. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 198 teachers for the quantitative phase and eight for the qualitative phase. One hundred and twenty questionnaires were returned with ninety-six completed and twenty-four blank. An adapted Becker survey and structured interviews were used to collect data. The results revealed that fifty percent of participants did not acquire the minimum requirements of four modules to be eligible for the ICDL certification. Although ICDL training empowered participants with confidence to use PowerPoint, Word processing, Excel and internet skills, it failed to translate into teacher’s ability to determine the relative advantage of appropriate technology to use in the classroom for effective integration practice.

Retracted: Adaptive e- learning system based on personalized learning style

Adaptive learning systems has attracted many researchers in the field of E-learning. The concept of adaptive learning is initially introduced to modify teaching strategy based on learner’ needs. The aim of this paper is to identify the learning style of the learner and provide the recommended learning strategy that fits each learner individually. Learning strategy design includes learning object type and sequence of study. The motivation to this research is to improve the learner performance and achieve the ICDL certificate with the minimum number of failure in exam. International Computer Driving License ICDL program is well known certificate that is necessary for ensuring computer skills. Learning Style, Adaptive E-Learning, Learning Strategy, ICDL, WEKA

Effects of Multimedia Videos Designed for Computer Package Software Training on Learning

Use of videos as multimedia materials in class and integration of these materials into education increase the quality of education. This study was conducted with 219 students attending the departments of Elementary School Teaching and Pre-School Teaching at Education Faculty in the academic year of 2011-2012. In order to determine their level of background knowledge, the students were given an achievement pre-test regarding educational subjects. The test questions prepared by the Ministry of Education and private courses given by companies like European Computer Driving License (ECDL) and Microsoft were used to determine the students’ levels of knowledge about the package software regarding which training would be given. The results of the study revealed that the courses given using multimedia videos were more successful than those given based on traditional methods. Keywords: internet; educational videos; multimedia; package software;

Effects of Multimedia Videos Designed for Computer Package Software Training on Learning

Use of videos as multimedia materials in class and integration of these materials into education increase the quality of education. This study was conducted with 219 students attending the departments of Elementary School Teaching and Pre-School Teaching at Education Faculty in the academic year of 2011-2012. In order to determine their level of background knowledge, the students were given an achievement pre-test regarding educational subjects. The test questions prepared by the Ministry of Education and private courses given by companies like European Computer Driving License (ECDL) and Microsoft were used to determine the students’ levels of knowledge about the package software regarding which training would be given. The results of the study revealed that the courses given using multimedia videos were more successful than those given based on traditional methods.Keywords: internet; educational videos; multimedia; package software;

أثر حصول معلمي التربية الإسلامية على شهادة الرخصة الدولية لقيادة الحاسوب ( ICDL ) في التطبيقات الحاسوبية في المدارس بالأردن

شهادة الرخصة الدولية لقيادة الحاسوب ( ICDL ) | معلمي التربية الإسلامية | التربية الإسلامية | التطبيقات الحاسوبي | International Computer Driving License ( ICDL ) | Islamic Education Teachers | Islamic Education | Computer Applications

The Effect of Islamic Education Teachers Obtaining of International Computer Driving License (ICDL) in Computer Applications at Their Schools in Jordan

This study aimed to describe the impact of Islamic education for teachers on ICDL International Computer Driving in computer applications in their schools in Zarka governorate in Jordan. The study sample consisted of (104) males and females. The study used a descriptive approach.The study revealed the following: There were no statistically significant differences in the use of computer applications due to gender in all domains. There were no statistically significant differences due to the variable of experience. There were no statistically significant differences due to the variable of academic qualification in all domains except for the two domains: spreadsheets and using databases, in favor of bachelor and diploma.

The Effect of Islamic Education Teachers Obtaining of International Computer Driving License (ICDL) in Computer Applications at Their Schools in Jordan

This study aimed to describe the impact of Islamic education for teachers on ICDL International Computer Driving in computer applications in their schools in Zarka governorate in Jordan. The study sample consisted of (104) males and females. The study used a descriptive approach.The study revealed the following: There were no statistically significant differences in the use of computer applications due to gender in all domains. There were no statistically significant differences due to the variable of experience. There were no statistically significant differences due to the variable of academic qualification in all domains except for the two domains: spreadsheets and using databases, in favor of bachelor and diploma.

Computer literacy levels of teachers

The purpose of this study is to determine the levels of teachers’ computer literacy, which is a need for teachers especially in both reaching information and making the process of learning and teaching more effective. With this aim in mind, an inventory developed by the researcher was administered to 506 teachers in Malatya, Turkey, in the 2008–2009 academic years. The obtained results were analyzed using t test and one-way analysis of variance. At the end of the research, in terms of computer literacy levels, significant difference was found between the levels of male teachers and female ones, and teachers with high teaching experience and those with low teaching experience, and also teachers with high education level and those with low education level. In order to increase the computer literacy levels of teachers; a standard such as European Computer Driving License (ECDL) and the like must be determined, and teachers must be encouraged and supported to get this certificate.

Constructing a Scale of Teachers’ Attitudes Toward the International Computer Driving License

Constructing a Scale of Teachers’ Attitudes Toward the International Computer Driving License

E-learning Competencies for Teachers in Secondary and Higher Education

Teaching and learning with ICT requires specific competencies for teachers and lectures. Too much attention was given to the technological aspects. Teachers learned to work with hard- and software. A typical example is the European Computer Driving License (ECDL). A lot of people attend courses on text processing, spreadsheets,â?¦ but using a Virtual Learning Environment like e.g. Blackboard or Moodle demands more didactical than technical skills. Especially e-learning and blended learning is too demanding to let teachers learn to use these tools only by experimenting. More and more is generally accepted that the e-learning competencies for teachers require a longer course. Which competences and how these can be realized is the main focus of this paper? Besides the theoretical background, two examples will be showed.

Online courses on open source software usage by an academic library

Until recently, academic libraries were viewed as a supportive factor in the learning process and their role was restricted to material provision. Over the last few years, though, the role of libraries in the learning process is being re-evaluated. One area in which libraries are expected to play an active teaching role is information literacy skills. The main purpose of information literacy programs is to enable students to evaluate information and its sources critically and incorporate selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system. During the last few years, the world has also witnessed major changes in teaching and learning paradigms. In particular, asynchronous e-learning has emerged as the learning method of choice in many education scenarios. The widespread adoption of this teaching technique is fueled by the global connectivity provided by the Internet which allows students to access material and tutors virtually anytime and from any location. Combining the trends and requirements described above the Library and Information Center of the University of Macedonia (UOM) created a virtual learning environment called Telemathea (http://telemathea.uom.gr) using Moodle, a freely available open source course management system. In the context of the 3rd Community Support Framework and the PLOEGIS project in particular, the UOM Library embarked on the development of online courses with the help of University Professors. The topic of the administered courses was selected to be computer usage with free and open source software. This choice was motivated on one hand by the importance of basic computer skills as a component of information literacy and on the other hand by the intention of both the Library and the University to promote free and open source software. Separate courses were created for both Linux and Microsoft Windows users with different content depending on the operating system. All teaching and learning was performed asynchronously via the Telemathea virtual learning environment and did not require the presence of students in a classroom at any point. The selected audience was not restricted to Library users but instead encompassed people of various ages and occupations located in several Greek cities. The course content was based on material granted by the ICDL (International Computer Driving License) Foundation. The audience was selected after a public call. Course design and preparation was handled by Library personnel in cooperation with University of Macedonia Professors. This paper describes the e-learning seminar conducted by the UOM Library during the first semester of 2007 which included the courses on web browsing and e-mail. During a period of 2 months, 47 people (30 Windows users and 17 Linux users) “attended” the online courses. Among the issues covered in this paper is the design and construction of online courses, the supervision of courses while they were offered to students, the statistics of student activity and the conclusions of the evaluation of both the courses and the learning environment from the viewpoint of students. Several interesting conclusions that were drawn during the evaluation process are presented, including the creation of a virtual classroom, the social interaction between learners, and the communication of learners with teachers.

Models and Instruments for assessing Digital Competence at School

How digital competence can be defi ned and assessed? One of the most known instruments to certifi cate IT skills is the European Computer Driving License (ECDL), but it focuses on the mastery of specifi c technical skills while neglecting dimensions which are pedagogically signifi cant. In such a context, our research group developed a conceptual model for the notion of digital competence based on three dimensions: technological, cognitive and ethical. Grounding on this model, we worked out and tested an instrument (Instant DCA) to assess digital competence in students aged 15/16 years.

Variations in the application procedures for the specialist registrar post in otolaryngology

Objective. To compare the application process and person specification requirements for each deanery in the United Kingdom for a Type I specialist registrar post in otolaryngology. Method. All 18 deaneries listed by the Joint Committee of Higher Surgical Training were contacted by email to send their most up to date person specification, job description and details of their application process. Those deaneries that did not respond were contacted by telephone. The person specification, application process and content of the application forms from each deanery were critically reviewed and compared. Results. 14/18 deaneries responded; four classified the information requested as confidential. Results included (number of deaneries in brackets): Application method: application form (8), curriculum vita (3), both (3). Submission method: post (13), e‐mail (1). Examples of the variable degree of objective assessment of achievements included: prizes (9), temporal bone course (2), validated logbook (6), peer‐review publications as essential (3), European Computer Driving License (2). Publication, presentation, audit, medical/surgical courses, management and Membership of a Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) were the only common themes amongst all deaneries. Conclusions. There was a wide variation in the application process and the information wanted by different deaneries. Many criteria within the person specification were not objectively assessed. With the introduction of modernising medical careers (MMC) and the change in higher surgical training, deaneries will need to re‐examine their application process and criteria. A nationally agreed application form and process should be considered to provide a more objective measure of distinguishing between applicants.

Variations in the application procedures for the specialist registrar posts in otolaryngology

Objective. To compare the application process and person specification requirements for each deanery in the United Kingdom for a Type I specialist registrar post in otolaryngology. Method. All 18 deaneries listed by the Joint Committee of Higher Surgical Training were contacted by email to send their most up to date person specification, job description and details of their application process. Those deaneries that did not respond were contacted by telephone. The person specification, application process and content of the application forms from each deanery were critically reviewed and compared. Results. 14/18 deaneries responded; four classified the information requested as confidential. Results included (number of deaneries in brackets): Application method: application form (8), curriculum vita (3), both (3). Submission method: post (13), e-mail (1). Examples of the variable degree of objective assessment of achievements included: prizes (9), temporal bone course (2), validated logbook (6), peer-review publications as essential (3), European Computer Driving License (2). Publication, presentation, audit, medical/surgical courses, management and Membership of a Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) were the only common themes amongst all deaneries. Conclusions. There was a wide variation in the application process and the information wanted by different deaneries. Many criteria within the person specification were not objectively assessed. With the introduction of modernising medical careers (MMC) and the change in higher surgical training, deaneries will need to re-examine their application process and criteria. A nationally agreed application form and process should be considered to provide a more objective measure of distinguishing between applicants.

Protecting the patient by promoting end-user competence in health informatics systems—moves towards a generic health computer user “driving license”

The effectiveness and quality of health informatics systems’ support to healthcare delivery are largely determined by two factors—the suitability of the system installed, and the competence of the users. However, the profile of users of large-scale clinical health systems is significantly different from the profile of end-users in other enterprises such as the finance sector, insurance, travel or retail sales. Work with a mental health provider in Ireland, who was introducing a customized electronic patient record (EPR) system, identified the strong legal and ethical importance of adequately skills for the health professionals and others, who would be the system users. The experience identified the need for a clear and comprehensive generic user qualification at a basic but robust level. The European computer driving license (ECDL) has gained wide recognition as a basic generic qualification for users of computer systems. However, health systems and data have a series of characteristics that differentiate them from other data systems. The logical conclusion was the recognition of a need for an additional domain-specific qualification—an “ECDL Health Supplement”. Development of this is now being progressed.

Moksleivių kompiuterinio raštingumo standarto metodologinis pagrindimas

This paper discusses the computer literacy standard of students with respect to the European Computer Driving License (ECDL) and general informatics curricula of comprehensive schools. Some aspects of relations to ECDL Start modules are analyzed. The main attention is paid to discuss the virtue attitude of using the information and communication technology as well as to general capabilities related to computer literacy. The main propositions are presented and motivated. The paper also deals with the main fields of computer literacy topics: Basic principles and concepts of applying computers (1), Basics of information processing (2), Text handling and information presentation (3), Web and electronic mail (4), Introducing spreadsheet and data base (5), Social, juridical and ethical aspects (6).