Customising ITQ

ITQ can be tailored to meet the needs of the organisation and individual. This flexibility is illustrated here by examples of how ITQ can be used in different situations.

Example A

Candidate A works in a small manufacturing business, with responsibility for sales and purchase order processing, payroll and banking, producing regular business performance reports for management. "A" had previously taken 2 modules towards an ECDL, in Word Processing and Spreadsheets. Following an initial visit and discussion with both "A" and the business manager, a skills gap analysis was done using the e-skills Passport.

It transpired that "A" seldom used the office word processor software as most of the correspondence and reports required could be produced from the specialist accounting package. With only the one office computer shared by different users at different times, and plans to implement online banking and ordering it was essential that "A" was able to keep the systems secure and in good order.

The local college recommended ITQ at level 2 with the following structure:

Level	Points	Units
2	25	Make selective use of IT (mandatory)
2	15	IT security for users
2	15	Internet and intranets
2	20	Spreadsheet software
2	20	Specialist or bespoke software
1	5	IT maintenance for users

 

Training

Some training was identified for the Specialist accounting software - for which "A" attended a college-based short course. City and Guilds eQuals unit 025 using the internet was selected to train and then assess the skills in Internet and Intranets at level 2, for which "A" attended an evening class at College. "A" used a distance learning course from the College in IT security and maintenance.

Assessment

The assessor registered "A" onto their e-portfolio system so that evidence could be gathered online. An initial visit set out a learning plan and identified tasks for assessment. Accreditation of Prior Achievement could be shown for ECDL M4 and M7. 4 complex tasks were decided for the Mandatory Unit, which would need to apply and demonstrate both the existing Spreadsheet and new-found Internet skills. "A" was able to discuss and demonstrate the ways in which security had been improved as a result of new skills, and this evidence was videoed by the assessor. The remaining units were assessed in the workplace using evidence obtained naturally in the course of "A"'s job.

Example B

Candidate "B" works part-time whilst attending College 3 days a week. The job is in the warehouse and the employer is keen for "B" to learn the business stock control system software. "B" enrols for ITQ incorporating ECDL and a Maths improvement course at College.

The college recommended ITQ at level 2 with the following structure:

Level	Points	Units
2	25	Make selective use of IT (mandatory)
2	20	Operate a computer
1	5	Internet and intranets
2	20	Word Processing software
2	20	Specialist or bespoke software
1	10	Spreadsheet software

Training and Assessment

"B" attended an in-house training course for the Stock control software offered by the software supplier, and was assessed on completion by a company superviser acting as Expert Witness. "B" completed the College ECDL modules 1, 2, 3 and 7, and covered the underpinning knowledge for the Spreadsheet module, but then undertook additional tasks in the workplace to demonstrate level 2 skills in Word Processing and level 1 skills in Spreadsheets.

Last modified: 11 Jun 2007