An ICDL Experience Is it the answer?

ACU Canberra Campus

Leslie McInnes

Background:• Identified need

• Collaboration - Campus Operations- School of Education- ITCS

• Why ICDL?• Other motivating factors

Relevance of the Content:• Windows desktop environment • Computer hardware/software concepts• Principles of operating systems• Skill building in common software packages• Utilising the Internet

Inducements:• Seven modules match requirements • Available in electronic format• Flexible delivery options

web basedserver basedtake homeclassroomself paced

• ACS backing/credentials/saleability

Implementation• ACS registration – testing centre status• An electronic courseware solution • Server based and take-home option• Classroom and self-paced flexibility• Cost recovery approach to in-house pricing• Marketing to widen potential client base

Outcomes – A Mixed Bag• + Administration – straightforward and low overheads• + Product – user-friendly & comprehensive• + Student results excellent in the classroom• - Self-paced take-up disappointing• - Marketing – lack of follow through• - Software and licensing costly

So is it the answer?• Yes – it is a viable answer• Positive outcomes were achieved• Further support from experience of large corporations (productivity gains)

Skanska Severige, HDL, Islington Council• Recommendations for future implementations

mixed-mode offeringsadequate resourcing

Addressing Stated Aims• Outlasting technological change • Integrating with Information Literacy standards• Representing a useful benchmark• Providing a basis for development of skills