European Computer Driving Licence Course

ECDL is fast becoming a requisite on CVs. It is the mark of really knowing your way around a computer. It covers IT user fundamentals as well as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations, web browsing and communication. This course has everything to take someone who is not IT literate to become a comfortable IT user.

Distance Learning Support

At Start Learning we pride ourselves on our friendly and supportive tutors. Your tutor support will start as soon as you receive your course and will be valid for 12 months. All our tutors are highly qualified with extensive experience in supporting distance learning students. You contact your tutor via email and they are responsible for marking assignments answering your questions and guiding you through the course.

Home Study Entry Requirements 

At Start Learning we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and study further, so we try to keep our entry requirements to a minimum.      

Recommended Hours of Study

We recommended you spend approximately 110 hours of your time studying for the European Computer Driving Licence course. The pace of study is completely up to you. To give an example, if you dedicate 2 hours a week to the course it would take you a year to complete but if you could spare 4 hours a week you could complete it in six months. 

Course Contents

Module 1 - Security for IT Users: Know what ‘spam’ and how to protect against unwanted messages - Malicious programs are, such as viruses and spyware - How to protect against malicious programs and intrusions - Passwords and PINs help to protect information from the risk of unauthorised access - What a public network is and the best practices when using an unsecure network - Bluetooth and understand how to prevent unauthorised access to a Bluetooth device by others - Vulnerability of  portable storage devices  - IT security guidelines and privacy policies within your organisation - The need to, and importance of, backing up data, and how to store data securely

Module 2 - IT User Fundamentals:  Use the main features of the operating system including adjusting the main computer settings and using built-in help features - Operate the computer desktop effectively and work in a graphical user environment - The main concepts of file management and be able to efficiently organise files and folders so that they are easy to identify and find - Health and Safety practices when using a PC - Main purposes of data protection

Module 3 - Word Processing: Work with documents and save them in different file formats Built-in options such as the Help function to enhance productivity - Create and edit small-sized word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute - Apply different formats to documents to enhance them before distribution and recognise good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options - Insert tables, images and drawn objects into documents - Prepare documents for mail merge operations - Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before finally printing documents

Module 4 - Spreadsheets: Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats - Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity - Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists; Select, sort and copy, move and delete data - Edit rows and columns in a worksheet; Copy, move, delete, and appropriately rename worksheets - Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions; Use good practice in formula creation and recognise error values in formulas - Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet - Choose, create, and format charts to communicate information meaningfully - Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spreadsheet content before finally printing spreadsheets

Module 5 - Using Databases: Understand what a database is and how it is organised and operated - Create a simple database and view the database content in various modes - Create a table, define and modify fields and their properties, and enter and edit data in a table - Sort and filter a table or form and create, modify, and run queries to retrieve specific information from a database - Understand what a form is and create a form to enter, modify, and delete records and data - Create routine reports and prepare outputs ready for distribution    

Module 6 - Presentation: Work with presentations and save them in different file formats - Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity - Different presentation views and when to use them, choose different slide layouts and designs - Enter, edit, and format text in presentations. Recognise good practice in applying unique titles to slides - Choose, create, and format charts to communicate information meaningfully - Insert and edit pictures, images, and drawn objects - Apply animation and transition effects to presentations and check and correct presentation content before finally printing and giving presentations

Module 7 - Using Email and the Internet: What the Internet is and common terms associated with it, and be aware of some security considerations when using the Internet - Accomplish everyday web browsing tasks including changing browser settings - Search for information and complete and submit web-based forms - Save web pages, download files from the web, and copy web content into a document – Email; advantages and disadvantages of its use, and be aware of other communication options - Awareness of network etiquette and security considerations when using email - Create, spell check and send email; Reply to and forward email, handle file attachments and print an email - Be aware of ways to enhance productivity when working with email software and to organise and manage email

Qualification

This is a self-study course which comprises of the approved earning materials which covers the entire ECDL V5 syllabus, when you have completed the course you can then sit the exam in one of the many assessment centres across the UK.

Language of Examination

English

Exam Fees

Please note exam fees are not included in the price of the course. You need to go to www.ecdl.co.uk and arrange to take your exams at a local centre. A fee is payable.

Please note exam fees vary with each test centre

It pays to shop around as most students pay £10 per module for the ECDL exams plus a registration fee of about £25.00.