ECDL Extra

Course Information

ECDL Extra leads to the British Computing Society's (BCS) Level 2 Certificate in IT
User Skills and a full level 2 ITQ. The qualification is based on the National Occupational Standards for IT Users defined by e-skills UK (http://www.e-skills.com).
This means that your achievements are benchmarked against national standards recognised by all employers.
ECDL Extra is also part 2 of the internationally recognised European Computer Driving Licence. To gain the whole ECDL you will need to complete ECDL Essentials and ECDL Extra.
The course is split into 4 units, Word Processing Software, Spreadsheet Software, Presentation Software, and Improving Productivity Using IT.

Course Entry Requirements

Idealy you need to have completed either an ECDL Essentials or New Clait course. ECDL Essentials will give the confidence to use computers whilst New Clait will give you the skills at level 1 in word processing and spreadsheets to be ready for the challenge of ECDL Extra. If you are unsure please contact our advice and guidance team.

What Will I Learn?

Word Processing Software
You will learn how to
enter and combine text and other information accurately within word
processing documents (including combining and merging information
from other documents and/or software sources and the use, storage
and retrieval of templates)create and modify layout and structures for word processing documents (including the use of columns, tables, forms and styles)
use word processing software tools to format and present documents
effectively (including the use of page and section layout features and
tools to check for accuracy and meaning)

Spreadsheet Software
You will learn how to
use a spreadsheet to enter, edit and organise numerical and other data
(including the linking and combining of data across worksheets)
select and use appropriate functions, formulas and data analysis tools
to meet requirements
select and use tools and techniques to present and format spreadsheet
information (including the selection of appropriate and appropriately
formatted charts and graphs to suit the data being displayed, the use of
page layout tools to display and print data, and the use of tools to check for accuracy)

Presentation Software
You will learn how to
input and combine text and other information within presentation slides
(including the use of charts, tables, images, videos and sound files)
use presentation software tools to structure, edit and format slide
sequences (including the use of themes, templates, animations, and
slide transitions) prepare a slideshow for presentation

Improve Productivity Using IT
You will learn how to
plan, select and use appropriate IT systems and software for different
purposes review and adapt the ongoing use of IT tools and systems to make sure that activities are successful
develop and test solutions to improve the ongoing use of IT tools and
systems

Assessment and Accreditation

Improving Productivity Using IT will be assessed by a 1-hour BCS-set test. The 3
remaining units will be assessed by 45-minute BCS-set tests.
All units are tested by a mixture of multiple-choice questions and practical tasks on a PC. Test papers are marked by the tutor and you will normally have results and feedback within 2 weeks of the test date.

What Should I Bring?

A pen and a note pad. Previous course notes.

What Can I Do Next?

You can move on to a more advanced level 3 course or try a new skill area like digital imaging or one of our short first step courses. Your tutor will discuss this with you nearer the end of the course.