MEDIA RELEASE

ACS Launches International Computer Driving Licence

ICDL Welcomed as Initiative to Boost Computer Literacy

Thursday 6 May 1999 - The Australian Computer Society (ACS) today launched the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), an initiative aimed at raising the level of computer literacy across Australia.

Based on the internationally recognised European Computer Driving Licence, which operates in 21 countries around the globe as either the ECDL or ICDL, this qualification is designed to help a person 'drive' a computer with the same ease as they might drive a car.

ACS President, Prins Ralston, said the ICDL program offers benefits both for individuals wanting to enhance their PC skills as well as employers seeking to increase the value of their staff.

"Most Australian computer users are either self-taught or have attended courses that equip them to use a single product but fail to teach any of the skills needed in other application areas or general computing," he said.

"The ICDL represents a practical, flexible and cost-effective way of teaching and testing the full range of basic skills needed by anyone who uses IT as part of their job, is involved in study or community activities, or who simply wants to make better use of their home PC. This is relevant for the entire community of computer users, from young school students right through to senior citizens who will need these skills to enjoy a quality lifestyle in the information age.

"Individuals gain a recognised qualification to demonstrate their ability with computers while employers can enhance the skills and confidence of their staff, leading to higher productivity and reduced user support costs," said Mr Ralston.

NSW Minister for Technology Encourages Adoption of ICDL

The official launch in Sydney was performed by NSW Minister for Information Technology, the Honourable Kim Yeadon, who said the ICDL had a significant role to play in equipping Australian workers for the information age.

"Ensuring employees already in the workforce have access to new learning techniques and practices is a key factor to creating an IT literate society and it is here that the ICDL can provide valuable support. Not only will it raise computer literacy, but it will enable greater mobility of employees across the country," he said.

"As Minister for Information Technology, I believe it is the role of government to provide an environment conducive to expansion by providing leadership in use and management of new technologies.

"I have asked the Director General of the Department of Information Technology and Management to advise public sector CEOs of the availability of this computing qualification. He will also hold discussions with the Public Sector Management Office about its potential introduction across the public sector," said Mr Yeadon

Federal Government Supports ACS Initiative

The Federal Government was also represented at the ICDL launch in the form of a pre-recorded endorsement by the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Richard Alston.

Senator Alston commended the ACS for its initiative, saying the introduction of the ICDL had potential to "play a significant role in raising the basic level of computing skills of many Australians".

"We want to use information and communications technology to provide better education and training for all Australians; and to meet the information technology skill needs of industry and individuals. The introduction of the International Computer Driving Licence has the potential to help us achieve our goals in this area," he said.

ITAB Recognises ICDL Qualification

The National Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) covering IT&T has recognised the value of the ICDL. ITAB Chair, John Price, said the ACS should be applauded for its initiative in launching the ICDL in Australia.

"The IT skills crisis is common knowledge, but we also have an urgent need to lift the broader level of computing usage amongst people in all levels of commerce and industry," said Mr Price, who also chairs the AIIA's Education and Training Forum.

"The ICDL has the potential to play an important role in helping to address this situation, and we also hope it will increase awareness of the diverse range of careers available within the IT&T sector, not all of which are technical in nature.

"This initiative will enable individuals to gain basic computing skills, giving them a leverage point to then build greater competency and to consider whether this is a career area they want to explore further."

Mr Price said the ICDL should complement the new Training Package being released by the ITAB which will incorporate 16 national qualifications.

How the ICDL Works

The ICDL was conceived and has been extensively developed over a significant period by the ACS' sister IT professional societies in Europe and further afield. These societies have received funding and support from the European Union to establish the ECDL Foundation, of which the ACS is now a member.

As the organisation responsible for ICDL Australia, the ACS awards Driving Licences to successful candidates. Training will be available through professional training providers located around Australia, following a uniform syllabus of seven modules:

Basic concepts of IT
Using the computer and managing files
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Databases/Filing Systems
Presentation and Drawing
Information network services

All testing is carried out by authorised testing centres which have been accredited by the ACS.

People undertaking the ICDL receive a Skills Card, which is used to record their progress through the various modules. Once they have successfully completed all seven modules, their card is sent to the ACS to be exchanged for an ICDL Driving Licence.

The expense involved in completing an ICDL will vary, depending on the fees charged by providers for training and testing. The ACS has set the cost of a Skills Card at $60.00.

For more information on the ICDL see the ICDL Web site.

This media release is located on the ACS Web site at http://www.acs.org.au/news/icdl.htm

ENDS

The Australian Computer Society is the recognised association for information technology (IT) professionals, attracting a large and active membership from all levels of the IT industry and providing a wide range of services to its members. It is the public voice of the IT profession, the guardian of professional ethics and standards in the IT industry, with a commitment to the wider community to ensure the beneficial use of IT. See the ACS Home Page for more information.

Media Enquiries:

Prins Ralston, ACS President, Tel: (0411) 755 069, Email: prins@bmconsult.com.au

Arthur Dyster, ACS CEO, Tel: (02) 9299 3666 or (0419) 610 613, Email: arthurd@acslink.net.au

Caroline New, Caroline New PR, Tel: (02) 9980 8060 or (0411) 889 456, Email: cnew@acslink.net.au