ECDL Modules

Computer Training Courses

Module 1 - Basic Concepts of IT

Identify the component parts of a computer, input and output devices
Understand the concept of an operating system
Understand the function of a computer program
Understand the concept of storage and memory
Understand the relationship between the basic units of stored date - data, bit, byte, record and file
Understand how computer-based systems are developed
Understand the functionality and use of a graphical user interface
Understand the concepts of multimedia,

Recognise and understand the importance and growing use of computers and the opportunities offered by their use
Identify the types of computer-based systems used in business
Identify the types of computer-based systems used in industry
Identify the types of computer-based systems used in education
Identify the types of systems used in the home -for hobbies, household accounts, working at home
Identify the types of systems encountered in everyday life - for example - in supermarkets, libraries, in the doctor's surgeries, the use of smart cards Distinguish between systems software and applications software

Understand the impact on society of the increased use of computers.
Understand the concept of the "Information Society".
Express an opinion and reason about the use of computers in circumstances where the computer might be more appropriate than a person, and vice versa
Be conscious of and apply good practice in the use and care of computer equipment.
Know what to do if the computer breaks down.
Recognise and avoid potential dangers to health and safety - e.g. ensure that cables are safely secured, power points not overloaded.

Understand software copyright and the security and legal issues of copying, sharing and lending diskettes (removable discs)
Be aware of privacy issues - Responsibility to protect data to which the candidate has access, legitimate uses of such data
Outline the main points of the Data Protection Act (or relevant Act in your country)
Be aware of security issues - Protecting the computer, data and passwords. Taking back-ups of data
Understand viruses and anti-virus measures - the candidate must understand how viruses can enter a computer system, what they do, and how to avoid them
Understand what happens within the computer if there is a power cut.

Know the difference between hardware and software
Distinguish between various type of computer memory, e.g. RAM and ROM - say why they are used
Understand the purpose of backing store - describe this, and understand storage capacity
Understand the functions of input and output devices - name some of these and their purpose
Understand the different types of printer and where they are used in different situations
Discuss what effects the speed and capacity of the computer; e.g. clock speed, memory, and processor
Understand the problems, which can occur due to a bad working environment and know what to do about them. For example repetitive strain injury, glare from screens, bad posture.

Next - Module Two Using the Computer and Managing File

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