The ICDL 7 MODULES

• Basic Concepts of Information Technology (IT)
• Using The Computer and Managing Files
• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• Databases
• Presentation
• Information and Communication

MODULE 1

Basic Concepts of Information Technology (IT)

• Understanding IT
• Understanding Software and Hardware
• Learning about the different types of computers
• Understanding the main parts of a PC system
• Knowledge about PC hardware
• Understanding ways to store data

The module requires the candidate to know about the physical make-up of a personal computer and to understand some of the concepts of IT such as data storage and memory, the context for computer-based software applications in society and the uses of information networks within computing. The candidate will also appreciate how IT systems are found in everyday situations and how PCs (personal computers) can affect health. The candidate should be aware of some of the security and legal issues associated with computers.

MODULE 2
 Using the Computer and Managing Files

• Working with folders and files
• Managing files and learning how to use them
• Understanding Windows XP as an operating system
• Knowledge of PC software
• Understanding computer networks
• Learning how to use computers in everyday life
• Tuition about security and legal issues affecting PC use
• Recognising the parts of a PC system
• Moving around the Windows desktop
• Using Windows Explorer to manage files
• Using a text editor
• Changing PC display and time settings
• Discovering how to add hardware/software to a PC
• Learning how to protect files from a virus and being deleted
• How to take care of a PC

This module requires the candidate to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the basic functions of a PC and its operating system. The candidate should be able to operate effectively within the desktop environment. He or she needs to be able to manage and organise files and directories/folders and know how to copy, move and delete files and directories/folders. The candidate will demonstrate the ability to work with desktop items and manipulate windows and use search features, simple editing tools and print management facilities available within the operating system.

MODULE 3
Word Processing

• Tuition on how to write a letter or document effectively
• Learning about tables
• Mail merge and labels
• And much more

MODULE 4
Spreadsheets

• Opening and saving spreadsheets
• Inputting and formatting data
• Entering basic formulae and functions
• Editing and organising data
• Creating charts
• Customizing a spreadsheet
• Using advanced formulae and functions
• Import text and graphics
• Print a spreadsheet

The module requires the candidate to understand the essential concepts of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application on a PC.  He or she will understand and be able to accomplish the operations associated with developing, formatting and using a spreadsheet. The candidate will also be able to accomplish standard mathematical and logical operations using formulas and functions. The candidate will prove their competence in using some of the more advanced features of a spreadsheet application such as importing objects and creating graphs and charts.

MODULE 5
 Databases

• Open and navigate a database
• Set up a new database
• Create and use data tables / data forms
• Sort and filter data
• Create and edit data search criteria
• Create a simple relational database
• Format and print reports

The candidate must understand the basic concepts of databases and demonstrate competence in using a database on a PC. The module divides into two sections: the first tests the candidate's ability to design and plan a simple database using a standard database package; the second section requires the candidate to show he/she can retrieve information from an existing database by using the query, select and sort tools available in the database. The candidate will also be able to create and modify reports.

MODULE 6
Presentation

• Open and save your presentation
• Create and format text slides
• Edit the design of slides
• Apply transitions and animations
• Insert and format charts
• Insert and manipulate graphics
• Import data
• Print a presentation

MODULE 7
Information and Communication

• Understand the terms used to describe the internet
• Use a browser to access the WWW
• Know how to use a WWW search engine
• Know how a scheduler can be used to manage your time
• Print and save WWW pages
• Send and receive e-mail messages
• Follow good practice in e-mail
• Know how to print e-mails
• Open and customize an e-mail package

This module is divided into two sections. The first section - Information - requires the candidate to: complete web search tasks using a web browser and search engine tools; to bookmark search results, and to print web pages and search reports. In the second section - Communication - the candidate must show their ability for using electronic mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents/files to a message, and to organise and manage message folders or directories within electronic mail software.

In order to be awarded this certificate, the candidate must successfully pass seven tests covering the above syllabus. For more details, see: www.ecdl.co.uk