This issue of news contains the following information:

• e-Quals 07 for IT Users
• How does it work?
• What else has changed?
• Changes to assessments
• The e-Quals 07 units

e-Quals 07 for IT Users

e-Quals 07 is the brand new suite of IT qualifications, with revised and refreshed units for IT User.  The units are based on the skills that employers really want and they cover everyday computer skills.  So whatever careers our learners are interested in, we can help.

The e-Quals 07 IT User qualifications are available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, with units ranging from the standard office applications (eg word processing) to the more creative units, such as desktop publishing.

How does it work?

The e-Quals 07 IT User qualifications are two-tiered.  Learners can choose to complete a three unit qualification, or show that they have a greater range of skill by completing five units.  For learners to achieve the Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma, they will need to successfully complete the core unit and at least two optional units.

What else has changed?

There are also new optional units in e-Quals 07.  The two PC Maintenance units, from Level 1 Systems Support, have been included in the IT User qualification.  This helps provide a stepping stone to more advanced units and to the IT Practitioner qualifications.  Creative units such as Website Design, Web Animation and Web Graphics are also available in IT User. 

Some of the IT User units, from all three levels, are also available for use in the IT Practitioner qualifications.  So as well as providing opportunities for progression within the IT User range, they can also help to make the more across to professional IT qualifications.

We’ve also made sure that all our e-Quals 07 IT User units map 100% to the relevant ITQ units.   This means that if e-Quals is being used as part of a training programme, those units can be used to show competence, without having to repeat the evidence.

Changes to assessment?

As part of the revision to the qualifications, we have ensured that the assessments are completely relevant to the content of the unit being tested and that assignments reflect actual job roles.  By tightening up the assignments, there will be improved opportunities for learners to gain credits and distinctions and we’ve ensured that the marking will be specific which will remove the chances for subjective marking occurring.

The e-Quals 07 units

Level 1
Word processing; Spreadsheets; Databases; Presentation graphics; Using the Internet; Using e-mail; Office fundamentals; Communication through IT; Desktop publishing; Website design; Dismantle, assemble, install and maintain a computing system; Fundamentals of computing systems and customer care

Level 2
Word processing; Spreadsheets; Databases; Presentation graphics; Using the Internet; Office fundamentals; Computerised accounts; Integrated applications; Multimedia; Electronic communication using Outlook; Desktop publishing; Website design; Digital Imaging; Design through IT

Level 3
Word processing; Spreadsheets; Desktop publishing; Integrated applications; Relational databases; Website design; Web graphics; Web animation.