ECDL/ICDL Courseware for Open Source

InWords is currently developing a range of courseware suitable for training students for the International Computer Driving License certification on GNU/Linux-based distributions.

At present we are developing courseware for the following distributions:

• Ubuntu
• Kubuntu
• Fedora
• SuSE
• Mandriva

If you would like more information about these courseware products, please contact Sean .

Courseware Structure

Courseware for all distributions corresponds with the structure and objectives of the ECDL/ICDL training outline.

• Module 1 – Basic Concepts of IT
• Module 2 – Using a Computer and Managing Files
  
• Module 3 – Word Processing
  
• Module 4 – Spreadsheets
  
• Module 5 – Database
  
• Module 6 – Presentations
  
• Module 7 – Information and Communications

Packaging

Courseware packages are comprised of the following items:

• Ring folder
• Course modules (1-7)
• Notepad
• Pen
• CD/DVD copy of distribution software

Custom Products

ECDL/ICDL modules 2 - 7 cover how to use the following types of software:

• Desktop environment
• Office suite (Word Processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Database)
• Email and Personal Information Management
• Web browser

By default, all distributions install at least one piece of software of each type. However, not all distributions install the same software for each purpose. For example, Ubuntu installs Evolution for email and personal information management, Kubuntu installs Kontact. Our courseware packages correlate with the default package list for each of these software types as installed by default for each of the above mentioned distributions.

In some cases, especially within business type environments, the organization chooses not to use one or more of the default software packages. To cater for this, all course modules are developed in a modular structure. This means that we can assemble any combination of modules to supply a custom courseware product.

Modules based on the following software are planned:

• Desktop Environments
  
• The K Desktop Environment (KDE)
  
• The GNOME Desktop
• Office Suites
  
• OpenOffice.org Writer
  
• OpenOffice.org Calc
• OpenOffice.org Impress
• OpenOffice.org Base
• KWord
• KSpread
• KPresenter
• Kexi
• Email and Personal Information Management
• Evolution
• Kontact
  
• Web Browsers
• Firefox
• Konqueror
• Opera

Custom Development

In addition to producing custom products, InWords can assist customers to enhance existing modules for their specific purposes or develop new course modules. In order to fit with the EDCL/ICDL training program enhanced or new modules should adhere to the software types used and meet or improve upon the objectives of each ECDl/ICDL course module.

If adherence to the ECDL/ICDL training program is not an issue, InWords can development any courseware customers require.