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Kiwiskills Training Overview

Training Syllabus

Digital Literacy

• Recent research completed by KnowledgeWeaversNZ and commissioned by NZCS has found that New Zealand is losing at least $1.7 billion per year in lost productivity by not tackling digital literacy across the board. This equals around 4 full weeks per employee of wasted time.
• Digital Literacy isn't just for those that can't use computers. Those that are competent with computers often simply don't know what they don't know. We all assume we're doing things in the most productive manner, but often we're simply not.
• Are you missing out? What would your organisation do with an extra 4 weeks of productive time per person each year?

KiwiSkills in the Workplace

• The KiwiSkills Programme is part of the globally leading digital literacy qualification (ICDL) and has been designed to cover the productivity requirements for today's workers, including all aspects of the core applications used in the workplace.
• KiwiSkills has 7 modules. The KiwiSkills Qualification is gained by passing all 7 examinations.

Training vs Certification

There are two components to most good upskilling initiatives, Training and Certification.

Training is the actual learning of the material, and can often be completed at home or in the office.

All good digital literacy programmes also include a testing, or certification, component. This is an assessment of the skills you've learnt and may help to identify any gaps in knowledge.

In most cases you can successfully do one without the other, although it's not highly recommended.

Types of Training

Whether you or your team just need a short touch-up course, or a comprehensive training programme, there are various training options available.

Options generally fall into one of three categories:

• Online training (either at work or home)
• Instructor-led training
• Blended/Hybrid training (a combination of the two)

Different people learn in different ways, and no training option is better for everyone.

KiwiSkills

KiwiSkills concentrates on the world leading programmes ICDL, e-Citizen and others.

The ICDL Programme was established by information professionals and is overseen globally by the non-profit ECDL Foundation, established to improve digital literacy around the world

• Is available in 148 countries, a truly international qualification
• Has almost 10 million participants, millions more than all other programmes combined
• Is NZQA Accredited, and can count towards NCEA in schools
• Is translated into 41 languages
• Is vendor-neutral and not tied to any particular product or technology
• Is endorsed by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization • In New Zealand, is endorsed and overseen by the New Zealand Computer Society (NZCS), the non-profit professional body of the ICT sector
• Is endorsed by informatics societies, governments, international organisations, academia, and the corporate sector in many countries around the world

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KiwiSkills Training Syllabus

Module 1 - Concepts of Information and Communication Technology

This module enables candidates to gain an understanding of the different parts of a computer, as well as some of the key concepts of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), such as those relating to networks and security.

On completion of this module each candidate will: 

• Understand what hardware is, know about factors that affect computer performance and know about peripheral devices.
• Understand what software is and give examples of common applications software and operating system software.
• Understand how information networks are used within computing, and be aware of the different options to connect to the Internet.
• Understand what Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is and give examples of its practical applications in everyday life.
• Understand health and safety and environmental issues in relation to using computers.
• Recognise important security issues associated with using computers.
• Recognise important legal issues in relation to copyright and data protection associated with using computers.

Module 2 - Using the Computer and Managing Files

This module requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge and competence in using the common functions of a personal computer and its operating system.  Among other tasks, candidates will learn to operate effectively within the desktop environment and how to manage and organise files and directories/folders.

On completion of this module each candidate will be able to:

• Use the main features of the operating system including adjusting the main computer settings and using built-in help features.
• Operate effectively around the computer desktop and work effectively in a graphical user environment.
• Know about the main concepts of file management and be able to efficiently organise files and folders so that they are easy to identify and find.
• Use utility software to compress and extract large files and use anti-virus software to protect against computer viruses.
• Demonstrate the ability to use simple text editing and print tools available within the operating system.

Module 3 - Word Processing

This module enables candidates to demonstrate the ability to use a word processing application to accomplish everyday tasks associated with creating, formatting and finishing small-sized word processing documents such as letters and other everyday documents.

Candidates will be able to duplicate and move text within and between documents. They gain competence in using some of the features associated with word processing applications such as creating standard tables, using pictures and images within a document, and using mail merge tools.

On completion of this module each candidate will be able to:

• Work with documents and save them in different file formats.
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function to enhance productivity.
• Create and edit small-sized word processing documents that will be ready to share and distribute.
• Apply different formats to documents to enhance them before distribution and recognise good practice in choosing the appropriate formatting options.
• Insert tables, images and drawn objects into documents.
• Prepare documents for mail merge operations.
• Adjust document page settings and check and correct spelling before finally printing documents.

Module 4 - Spreadsheets

This module enables candidates to understand the concept of spreadsheets and to demonstrate the ability to use a spreadsheet application.  Candidates will understand and be able to accomplish tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying and using a spreadsheet, in addition to using standard formulas and functions, and demonstrate competence in creating and formatting graphs or charts.

On completion of this module each candidate will be able to: 

• Work with spreadsheets and save them in different file formats.
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity.
• Enter data into cells and use good practice in creating lists. Select, sort and copy, move and delete data.
• Edit rows and columns in a worksheet. Copy, move, delete and appropriately rename worksheets.
• Create mathematical and logical formulas using standard spreadsheet functions. Use good practice in formula creation and recognise error values in formulas.
• Format numbers and text content in a spreadsheet.
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Adjust spreadsheet page settings and check and correct spreadsheet content before finally printing spreadsheets.

Module 5 - Using Databases

This module enables candidates to understand some of the main concepts of databases and demonstrate the ability to use a database application.  This includes creating and modifying tables, queries, forms and reports, and preparing outputs ready for distribution, as well as learning to relate tables and to retrieve and manipulate information from a database by using query and sort tools.

On completion of this module each candidate will be able to:

• Understand what a database is and how it is organised and operated.
• Create a simple database and view the database content in various modes.
• Create a table, define and modify fields and their properties; enter and edit data in a table.
• Sort and filter a table or form; create, modify and run queries to retrieve specific information from a database.
• Understand what a form is and create a form to enter, modify and delete records and data in records.
• Create routine reports and prepare outputs ready for distribution.

Module 6 - Presentations

This module enables candidates to demonstrate competence in using presentation tools on a computer. Candidates will be able to accomplish tasks such as creating, formatting, modifying and preparing presentations using different slide layouts for display and printed distribution.
On completion of this module each candidate will be able to:

• Work with presentations and save them in different file formats.
• Choose built-in options such as the Help function within the application to enhance productivity.
• Understand different presentation views and when to use them, choose different slide layouts and designs.
• Enter, edit and format text in presentations. Recognise good practice in applying unique titles to slides.
• Choose, create and format charts to communicate information meaningfully.
• Insert and edit pictures, images and drawn objects.
• Apply animation and transition effects to presentations and check and correct presentation content before finally printing and giving presentations.

Module 7 - Web Browsing and Communication

The first section on Web Browsing requires candidates to understand some of the concepts and terms associated with using the Internet, and to appreciate some of the security considerations. In the second section, Communication, candidates will learn to understand some of the concepts of electronic mail (email), and gain the ability to use email software to send and receive messages, and to attach files to mail messages.

The first section, Web Browsing, enables candidates to learn about the Internet and to use a web browsing application.  On completion of the Web Browsing section each candidate will be able to:

• Understand what the Internet is and common terms associated with it. Be aware of some security considerations when using the Internet.
• Accomplish everyday web browsing tasks including changing browser settings.
• Search for information and complete and submit web-based forms.
• Save web pages and download files from the web. Copy web content into a document.

The second section, Communication, enables candidates to understand some of the concepts of electronic mail (email) and know about other communication options.  On completion of the Communication section each candidate will be able to:  

• Understand what e-mail is and know some advantages and disadvantages of its use. Be aware of other communication options.
• Be aware of network etiquette and security considerations when using e-mail.
• Create, spell check and send e-mail. Reply to and forward e-mail, handle file attachments and print an e-mail.
• Be aware of ways to enhance productivity when working with e-mail software. Organise and manage e-mail.

 

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