ECDL or GCSE for computers?

luv_or_h8_me

I have both qualifications but the ECDL has been far more benfical to me, it was recognised by the university I attend and its also recognised in outta mongolia!!! Litterally.

D4n13l

I took GCSE IT and an ECDL qualification. The ECDL qualifiction IMO was a pretty basic concept and i walked it:D . If you did not take it for GCSE, i advise that it should be done as an ECDL qualification because thats what it is, its a qualification:rolleyes: - that will be beneficial on CV's and universities in the near future. ECDL is proof that you can use Microsoft Office effectively.

P.S. we had an electronic software test that was done on the computer and was recorded on schools computer - really easy to use IMO and we found out that our teacher actually FAILED one of the 8 modules you need:o :rotfl: (Excel, e-Mail, Word, Publisher all come under different units) so that gave all the pupils great confidence.
Btw, the ECDL qualification is equivalent to a GCSE grade B if all 8 modules are passed.:T

Hope this helps,

D4n13l

nidgynadj

Excuse me for sticking my oar in but this is a common mistake made by schools, parents and FE colleges. All young people have been required for some time now to have a level 1 qualification in numeracy, literacy and IT in order to 'graduate' from GCSEs. Students with Grade C or better in Math, English and IT are not required to sit these qualifications separately. Students who do not have a Grade C or better in numeracy, literacy and IT - ie your son are required to prove competence to level 1 before progressing above GCSE. Therefore he has to a) produce a portfolio of evidence and b) take the IT keyskills level 1 exam. The waste of time comes from schools not ensuring that students & parents have had this simple fact explained - they only had him for 5 years in secondary school! The evidence for his portfolio can come from other subjects he is sitting. He can take the exam as often as he likes - tho most colleges will only pay for 2 attempts. Yes ECDL is a superior qualification for end users and completing all units is equivalen to a Grade B but largely irrelevant if all he wants is to prove that he has level 1 competency. The keyskills test is straight forward, tho he may have to brush up on his knowledge of databases.

Mee

Do take a closer looks at the BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT's website information the ECDL @ http://www.bcs.org/server.php?show=nav.5829

It includes syllabus and test examples/scenarios so may give you a better idea of what's involved. Some ECDL courses are run via public libraries with open access PC facilities.

You/he could always dicuss options with his career advisor?

Having done the ECDL some years ago, I certainly would recommend it and I'm considering working towards the ECDL Extra.

These review might help too:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/professions-occupations/the-european-computer-driving-licence-ecdl/reviews/

http://www.comp.leeds.ac.uk/martyn/research/lncs.pdf

Owain_Moneysaver

It may have changed since, but the 'standard' ECDL changed from being book-based to interactive exam. The Advanced ECDL was still a book-based course with a practical exam when I did it - it's fewer modules (only Word, Excel, Access and Powerpoint or their Open Source equivalents) and I did one module a month. Get all 4 modules and you qualify as Expert ECDL and are allowed to pay the BCS and get AMBCS after your name. Kewl.

ECDL will help him use computers more effectively in his studies and be more attractive to employers if he wants a summer job or placement.

Oldernotwiser

This thread is over 2 years old - the OP's son will have finished college last year!