What is the European Computer Driving License and what is the purpose of the New ECDL

In recent decades the face of society has been radically changed by the advent of new technologies and related hardware and software. The exponential growth of the Internet, the appearance of social networks, have led us into a virtual world where no one can do without using the computer. Obviously not all the same expertise is required, but is there a way to certify the individual's competence in using a PC? The answer is yes, there is the European Computer Driving License , also known as ECDL .
Let's find out, for those who don't already know, what it is. patente europea del computer

What is ECDL

ECDL stands for European Computer Driving License and is the standard for computer literacy (digital literacy) both nationally and internationally. This is a certificate that certifies that the subject is in possession of computer skills , which can be translated into the ability to use a personal computer. ECDL is a program of the CEPIS (Council of European Professional Informatics Societies), an institution in which European computer science associations meet. In Italy its validity is guaranteed by AICA , the Italian Association for Informatics and Automatic Calculation, an institution belonging to the international ECDL Foundation organization. Italian people go here  patente europea del computer
It is recognized in 148 countries and, for holders of the appropriate Skills Card (official and personal document issued by AICA essential to be able to take the various exams), the tests are available in different languages ​​in the more than 24,000 accredited Test Centers .
In non-European countries, the ECDL is called ICDL or International Computer Driving License (international license for computer use)

New ECDL: Changes and new modules

Since it was introduced in Italy in 1997, ECDL has been a great success, introducing digital skills in the school and work environment. But it must be said that over the years the technologies of everyday use have evolved radically changing and in parallel with them the required skills have also changed. To respond to this change, on 1 September 2013 , the New ECDL came into effect , a new set of certifications that gradually replaced the previous ones, expanding and updating them to make them fit with current digital standards. What sets it apart is the updating of the modules, to the 4 of the previous version, namely:

·         computer essential ( computer use and file management)

·         online essential (first approach to the network)

·         word processing ( word processing )

·         spreadsheets (spreadsheet)

3 more were added:

·         IT security (basic concepts of information technology)

·         presentation ( presentation tools)

·         online collaboration (computer networks)

This also greatly influences the structure of the European driving license, creating two main certifications: ECDL Base , for those who pass only the first 4 modules, and ECDL Full Standard , for those who pass them all and 7. All this guarantees a huge advantage in terms of flexibility , allowing everyone the opportunity to accumulate the skills that are most useful to them by combining the various modules

How to take the exams: Skills Card and Test Center

The only way to take an exam in the Test Center is to have the Skills Card , an official and personal document issued by AICA.
It is a paper card or a virtual A4 sheet, and in a sense it takes the place of the most classic university booklet in which the results of the official exams taken and passed are inserted. It can be purchased directly in the Test Center and entitles its owner to take the test in any of the ECDL examination centers, Italian or foreign. It should be specified that recently, in parallel with the entry into force of the New ECDL , the Skills Cards will be issued only in digital version, gradually eliminating paper cards. This has encouraged the development of online ECDL courseswhich issue a valid and recognized certification once the exam has been passed, in these cases the Skills Card will be provided to the student during registration .

Usefulness: does the European driving license serve or not?

The ECDL can be used for the certification of computer skills in the school. Consequently it is accepted as a formative credit in the state exams for the baccalaureate degree, beyond this numerous disputes arise about its actual usefulness. Many misunderstand the skills that this document certifies, it is not a certificate or a diploma that recognizes computer skills, it is instead the attestation of an individual's ability to know how to use a computer. More about khow here patente europea del computer.