In more than 70% of the countries across the globe, the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) that is recognized as the world’s leading end user computer skills qualification is providing better futures to its citizens. Known as the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in Europe, the qualification is governed by the ECDL Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that provides vendor neutral certification. As the global standard for end-user computer skills, ICDL maintains same standards and requirements immaterial to country or location, providing identical qualification and recognition whether one takes the assessment in Asia, US or Europe. It is considered to be the fastest growing IT qualification, with over five million candidates registered in over 15000 test centres.

In Sri Lanka too, where the qualification has been offered for almost seven years, many citizens are experiencing the benefit of obtaining ICDL. Given below are experiences of two successful candidates, who participated in the ICDL Better Futures competition. The articles are presented with their own writing.

Mrs. Asoka Peiris, a teacher from Panadura writes:

As a teacher, I strongly believe that my students are my future. If I lead them to the path of success, my future will definitely be brighter. Hence, I take care when I plan my lessons, which are targeted on helping the students to change their behaviour according to the demands of the constantly changing world.

Please be patient enough till I tell you how “ICDL” has become a partner of my “Business venture – Student’s Success”. It is not so long, but definitely a wonderful journey.

I got a letter from the Ministry of Education of Sri Lanka, informing that I had been selected as a scholarship recipient to get the qualification of “International Computer Driving License”, at Gateway. The letter further stated that ...”ICDL is a qualification awarded by the ECDL foundation in Europe, and most recognized international IT qualification. ICDL is recognized in over 131 countries with over 5 million candidates registered. ICDL is the fastest growing qualification, in the world. Award of ICDL includes in seven modules. All tests are from U.K and are fully automated…..” I was not impressed by the letter, as the haunting memory of an unsuccessful computer course I had followed previously, disturbed my calm mind. However, I was determined to get more information about ICDL.

When I set foot at Gateway – Panadura branch, I got a warm welcome, which helps to ease my inner conflict. I was introduced to a young lady with a gleaming face, named Nazliya, who was my instructor. She gave me required instruction and I sat opposite an “Electroniic Monster”. My previous encounter with the computer flashed in my mind. But, the courseware, which is very clear and simple eased my position- I acquired knowledge practicing at my own pace. While getting qualification for my teaching career, I applied my practical knowledge for the betterment of my students.

Using my knowledge on “Word Processing” and “Presentation”, I took my Grade six students on a “great voyage” by computer to the “Territory of Grammar” as the lesson “Articles” as the destination. The applause of the students proved that I steered the vehicle successfully. Final assessment gave evidence that the students have approached the level of competency. ICDL helped me to prove that any boring lesson can be changed into an interesting one if the teacher has a little bit of dedication. I have reached the position to gain my profit in the “Business Venture Students Success” where ICDL is a partner.

As taking the initiative in using computer as a teaching aid, I have become a significant member of the staff. The student’s attitude towards the subject “English as a Second Language” has been changed. As a result of computer based activities they come to the class with enthusiasm.

“The Electronic Monster” is a friend of mine, “Mouse” is a piece of chalk and “Monitor” is the blackboard, for me.

So, don’t you think ECDL/ICDL has given “A Brighter Future” for me?

Mr. O.P. Santhaweera an MIS Officer from Diuldeniya, Kurunegala writes:

I am a rural development officer. I worked in a very remote area of my country. It was a very joyful vocation in the early stage when I joined employment. It was an adventurous motorcycle ride through the gravel roads in the jungle areas where elephants and other animals were passing. I was very happy to keep companion with the rural people in isolated villages. In my duties I helped them improve their life standard. I have been working in all the remote areas in my country except the war zone.

I have been working for eighteen years. I was suffering from fatigue from my duties. Perhaps it was because I have been engaged in the same job for a long period. I wanted a change. Several times I appealed to my superiors to change my position. They asked a question which I was unable to answer. The question was “What you can do other than your current duties?” I had no answer. I thought, “What I can do? Nothing!” I had no any idea. Always I struggled in my mind. I failed from the struggle. I decided to resign from my job and find another one.

One day when I was walking along the street towards the bus stand. There were some persons distributing leaflets by the side of the street. One person gave me a leaflet. I just took it and put into my pocket. I got into the bus and sat down. I felt like reading the leaflet. There was a new massage for me. “A college called Gateway conducts an international computer course with an online exam.” A course named International Computer Driver License (ICDL). I got a marvelous idea. I negotiated with my superiors again. I managed to convince them about the course and what I can do with computer studies. They agreed and gave me the financial support to follow the course.

It was really interesting and excellent. I was able to harvest full of theoretical and practical knowledge of basic information technology from this course. I sat for seven online tests. I got through them successfully. Now I have my own colours to show others. I performed my IT skills in the presence of my superiors. They gave me a new responsibility. It’s called Management of Information System. My duty is to collect data from other field officers, process them as information, save in the storages and distribute to relevant authorities.

I gave up my idea of resigning. Now there’s no more riding through the jungle roads in the burning sun over dry areas. Now I am working with a computer reserved for me in an air-conditioned room. My occupation has changed totally. Now I’m no more a dusty suit employee. I am called a MIS coordinator.

Last modified: 12 September 2008