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Secondary schools and employers keen to circumnavigate shortcomings in the secondary school computing curriculum can now turn to the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL). Modelled loosely on the concept of gaining a car driver's licence, ICDL students pass a test based on IT course content before certification is awarded.
Although there is some overlap with content in the more computer science-focused NCEA Level 2 computing curriculum, the ICDL process is considered more rigorous and challenging and is designed to test practical skills rather than information recall. ICDL champions say employers can be sure an employee with an ICDL knows how to use email and the internet, how to protect the data integrity of an organisation and how to conduct a backup. For school students, the ICDL is worth 19 NCEA Level 2 credits (only applicable if there is a Level 2 credit shortfall) and involves seven certification tests.
The modules tested include using a computer, managing files, using core applications, databases, and information and communication tools.
Pam Martin, managing director of ICDL test centre Extra Mile Training, says employers want meaningful IT qualifications.
"At present there is an assumption that all students leave school with sound computer skills. Unfortunately, this isn't the case and many employers have limited computer skills themselves so find it difficult to gauge how competent job applicants are," says Martin. "An ability to look confident and push buttons doesn't mean an applicant has the skills required in a work situation. Using a chat room isn't the same as writing a business letter or managing business email."
Walter Chieng, director of ICT for Saint Kentigerns College, says the ICDL can also be used to challenge IT-literate primary level students.
"The [secondary] computing curriculum is very light to our thinking. When our kids set foot on campus they tend to be about three years ahead of the computing curriculum. ICDL certification delivers proof of skill, is internationally recognised and can be attempted at any age," says Chieng.
Rebecca Boyce, general manager for Computing New Zealand - which introduced the ICDL to New Zealand, says more schools have become interested in the ICDL since NZQA approved using ICDL tests as a means of assessing relevant NCEA unit standards.
"Schools can now have ICDL testing and training facilities on site. The ICDL is about enabling all New Zealanders to realise the benefits of being computer literate and getting on with it," says Boyce.
Marshall Gass of De La Salle College in Mangere, says his school introduced ICDL in 2006 and one student would turn up at 5.45am each morning to sit ICDL courses.
"When university enrolment [time] came around he was short of a few credits to get into the Bachelor of Information Systems at MIT and I advised the only saviour was to complete the ICDL course and gain the credits and Certificate. The ICDL was better [preparation] than any [NCEA] Level 2 or Level 3 certificate because it had a wide sweep of the subject," says Gass.
Current ICDL testing centres in New Zealand include private training organisations, like Ace Training and Extra Mile Training, secondary schools, universities and polytechnics.
The latter includes Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, which implemented ICDL testing in 2004 and noticed local businesses encouraging staff to enrol.
Fiona Alexander, head of the IT department for Pakuranga College, says ICDL is a normal part of its Year 12 Computing and Information Management course.
"For our students, over half of whom were born outside of New Zealand, this is a wonderful opportunity to gain an international qualification," says Alexander.
"Many of them return to their homelands and ICDL is so transportable. It gives them a wide range of skills to a reasonable level of expertise."
Samuel Marsden Collegiate School offers the ICDL at Year 10 and Year 13 and spokesperson Gill Daisey says it delivers a solid grounding in the correct use of applications, internet use, email and file management.
Daisey says gaining the ICDL also helps Year 11 students with the NCEA Level 2 computing curriculum.
"They are able to concentrate on the content instead of trying to work out how to use software as well. We also offer the ICDL course to staff so they are able to integrate ICT into the curriculum with a greater degree of confidence," says Daisey.
Linda Brown, HR trainer for the Tauranga City Council says taking five of the seven ICDL modules is now mandatory for permanent staff members.
"We link it directly to performance reviews. It is imperative that our staff keep up to date in order to make the best use of our computer systems and that we are seen to obtain value for money in the use of our computer technology," says Brown.
She says noticeable benefits include improved communication, team support, skills sharing, problem solving, less reliance on the IT help desk, improved customer service delivery, an improved work culture and a feeling that the employer takes an interest in and generally cares about staff.
