August 2002 — Features
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Certification of Computer Literacy
The International Computer Driving License Provides Standards That Let Individuals Participate in a Global Digital Society.
Today's business teachers are also today's technology instructors. As such, business teachers are always searching for ways to both increase the technology skills of their students and the marketability of those skills. In Europe, job seekers can prove their mastery of many basic computer skills by showing employers their "computer driving license." Although new to the United States, the European Computer Driving License has created a recognizable computer literacy standard for employers and job seekers throughout Europe.
The European/International Com-puter Driving License (ECDL/ICDL) is an internationally recognized computer literacy training and certification program. Known as the ICDL in countries outside of Europe, the program is achieving worldwide recognition and growth in becoming the global computer literacy standard. Its mission is to provide every individual with computer literacy training and qualifications required to participate in a global digital society. The ECDL/ ICDL began in 1997 with participants from more than 50 countries. It is now considered the leading global IT certification program. According to the ECDL Foundation Ltd., this license has become "the leading formal computer skills certification sought by students, workers, employers and the general public. Achievement of this qualification is being seen more and more as the standard by which employers can benchmark the computer competency of both current and potential staff, and by which staff can increase their job prospects and future opportunities" (ECDL Foundation Ltd. 1997).
The ECDL/ICDL is endorsed by government agencies, educational institutions and industry, as well as international, scientific and compu-ting societies around the world. As a result of its success in Europe, the ICDL is now available in the United States. The ECDL/ICDL has nearly 2 million registered participants and more than 1 million participants already certified.
What Is Computer Literacy?
Computer literacy usually refers to the ability to use a few commercial applications and touch-type smoothly (Rothstein 1997). Computer literacy can be defined as "having a basic understanding of what a computer is and how it can be used as a resource" (Nichols 1998). Requirements for computer literacy vary, but may include an understanding of the basics of hardware, computer systems and ethics as necessary skills. In 1996, former President Clinton introduced the Technology Literacy Challenge for schools. He said: "Every single child must have access to a computer, must understand it, must have access to good software and good teachers and to the Internet, so that every person will have the opportunity to make the most of his or her own life" (Rothstein 1997).
Some universities are now requiring students to demonstrate computer literacy before graduation by taking a computer literacy exit exam. Students at New York University must master five computer skills: word processing and spreadsheet programs, the school's online library research services, e-mail, and conduct Internet-based research.
