ITQ - The Next Generation
Feedback from workshops
Presentations from the workshops are now available for download from '2008 downloads now available'.
On this page you can read the summaries of each session.
Break-out sessions A
A1 The ITQ for Life: a gateway for Numeracy and Literacy?
The workshop examined the ethos behind this new ITQ pathway which incorporates Literacy at level 1, Numeracy at entry 3 and the draft of the new IT user NOS at level 1, and is currently in pilot.
It looked at the curriculum support material, the potential benefits and problems of integrating Literacy and Numeracy with IT, and the innovative CPD opportunities. There was also a brief update on qualification and funding developments.
Q – The qualification is based on Literacy level 1, Numeracy Entry level 3 and ITQ level 1. Is there any flexibility?
A – This is the minimum requirement so any element at a higher level is acceptable.
Q - Do the numeracy and literacy skills for life standards map to the Functional standards?
A – Yes they map, there are no conflicts but there are a few caveats.
Q – What skills diagnostics were used?
A – A range of tests were used. There was no stipulation that a set test must be used.
Q – Will there be a need to do three separate tests?
A – In the pilot the learner did 3 tests but after the pilot phase is complete the tests will be interlocked so only one test will be required.
Q – When will the ITQ for Life be available?
A – at the moment it is being piloted. A date has not yet been set for general release
Q – will the qualification be on the NQF?
A – No it has been developed to fit with the QCF
Presenters: Peter Robinson, John Hammond
A2 Using ITQ for Success – building an effective ITQ implementation plan
This workshop focused how to engage with employers and organisations on the importance of developing the right IT user skills within the workforce to increase business productivity and competitiveness. The seminar took the form of a series of short employer case studies to explore the link between productivity and IT skills. It showcased new provider resources to help build an effective ITQ implementation plan under Train to Gain.
This workshop was the culmination of a successful West Midlands based ITQ project which brings together best practice and success stories from 13 providers from across the region. There was lots of interest in the West Midlands ITQ Network events. Visit www.itqwetmidlands.co.uk for more details.
Delegates found the session offered practical help and illustrated the benefit of providers coming together and sharing best practice, which was one of the key benefits of the West Midlands project. The workshop was very popular with all seats filled and more people standing at the back.
Presenters: Jackie Cook and John Keegan, Warwickshire College
A3 Making ITQ work for employers
QCF tests and trials in the East of England have opened up new ways of working with local employers. The workshop explored the ways in which ITQ can deliver measurable business benefits and improved performance.
Presenters: Paul McCloskey, City and Guilds; John Pritchard, Cambridgeshire Regional College; Hedda Bird, ROI Academy
A4 Next generation user skills – looking to 2013 and beyond
The workshop took the form of a debate to gather thoughts on the shape of IT qualifications for the future. What skills will be needed? Will it all be about social networking and working collaboratively? How do we assess and measure those skills? How do we see the development of learning technologies? How do they fit with ITQ?
Walter Patterson, of Sero Consulting, led a ‘goldfish bowl’ debate, in which 4 other invited guests spoke for a few minutes each about their vision for the shape of IT User skills and qualifications for the next 12 years to 2020.
Laura Overton (Towards Maturity) spoke of a changing learner-teacher relationship with embedded performance support, learning at the point of need targeted to business need, business survival courses and qualifications being acquired ‘by stealth’.
Sharon Retson (Tektra) looked at how the learner would be in charge of their own learning – using a mobile device which could provide an individual learning plan for life, a learning record, access to learning and instant feedback. Terry Killer (Microsoft) considered the essential skills of using IT – create, connect, communicate, collaborate, invent, manage – the same skills needed for business. True credentials (not qualifications) being aggregated from smaller pieces over a period of time.
Mike Baker considered the effect that personalisation and digitalisation and a move to more home based learning would have on the social and other skills acquired by being at school, and questioned the jargon we use around students as ‘customers’, delivery not teaching. He warned of the risk that stressing the importance of ‘economically valuable’ skills has for older learners.
An interesting debate followed in which speakers from the workshop gave their perspectives. Issues that were discussed included the rise of mobile learning, importance of ‘soft’ skills, a shifting emphasis away from technological skills, the support for tutors, the need for skills to be formally recognised and assessed, the shape of the learning centre and teaching resources for the future, employer engagement in curriculum design and the demand for vendor qualifications.
Chair: Walter Patterson, Sero Consulting
A5 Using Bespoke applications/units within the customised current and 'new generation' ITQ solution
This session will outline how bespoke applications/units have been used to deliver a tailor-made ITQ solution to learners/organisations, how this can be maximised via the 'new generation' ITQ and how BCS are working with the NHS to enable this. We will also consider how the Sector Specific Unit has been used, and the role of contributing qualifications.
Presenters: Pam Hunt, BCS
A6 Functional Skills: Keeping you informed
Claire Graham, National Manager (ICT & Functional Skills), UK Education, Edexcel delivered a generic presentation of the latest news and headlines about Functional Skills and an overview of possible assessment models.
The resources and support specifically available from Edexcel, and how to access them, were also described.
Presenter: Claire Graham, Edexcel
Breakout session B
B1 Qualifications & Credit Framework, Progression Pathways, Employability & ITQ for Life
This workshop gave an overview of the Qualifications and Credit Framework and the emerging Progression Pathways as part of the Foundation Learning Tier. It considered how ITQ units contribute to and enable learners to progress and demonstrate employability skills and explore the ITQ for Life as a progression pathway.
There was a presentation demonstrating how the QCF works and the opportunities it gives providers to offer employers and learners a flexible programme of learning within the Qualifications and Credit Framework
This workshop was very popular with all seats filled and lots of post workshop questions
Presenters: Suzanne Jones NOCN Business Development Manager and Linda Wyatt Regional Director OCNEMR
B2 ITQ – Keeping IT Real
What is real work? What makes a task straightforward, comprehensive or substantial and complex? How much evidence do I need? What if my candidate has already achieved an IT qualification? What if there’s a need for training? How can we make assessment cost-effective? What about quality assurance? Where do e-portfolios fit in?
Jackie Boyes, lead EV for OCR discussed a number of ITQ related issues including: What is real work? What makes a task straightforward, comprehensive or substantial and complex? How much evidence do I need? What if my candidate has already achieved an IT qualification? What if there’s a need for training? How can we make assessment cost-effective? What about quality assurance? Where do e-portfolios fit in?
Denise Candy, Chief Executive of SLH presented their experiences in the delivery of ITQ, offering flexible and pragmatic solutions to the challenges face in order to keep both the evidence and the assessment process real.
Presenters: Denise Candy, MD of SLH and Jackie Boyes, John Deacon, OCR
B3 Making ITQ work for employers
As workshop A3
B4 Implementing ITQ and the e-skills Passport with hard to reach communities
In this group we looked at three diverse case studies highlighting the different experience of project managers when implementing the e-skills Passport and the ITQ with employers who haven’t previously invested in IT Training.
Presenters: Department for Work and Pensions and Union Learn, ITQ in Care Homes, ITQ and the Yorkshire Tourism Industry
B5 Collaborative technology – the ITQ Learning and Skills
Prior to full transition to the QCF in summer 2009, e-skills UK are reviewing the NOS to clarify progression routes from ICT Skills for Life and Functional Skills, and ensure that new and emerging technologies are reflected in the content. The ITQ Learning and Skills will be using the QCF ITQ units developed as part of this revision, to provide an enhanced CPD programme for e-Guides.
Angela Sanders, project manager at NiACE introduced the pilot pathway for the ITQ Learning and Skills which 20 e-Guides are undertaking. Di Dawson and Terry Loane then led a discussion on the range and purposes of the Web 2.0 technologies and products which teachers are using to support teaching and learning. Just some of these possibilities are found on www.gotoweb20.net. This led to a discussion of the skills which are required to make use of these technologies – both IT skills relating to the use of hardware and software, and the non-IT or ‘soft’ skills of communication, negotiation and team-working.
Presenters: Angela Sanders, NIACE; Di Dawson and Terry Loane, DawsonLoane
B6 Using Bespoke applications/units within the customised current and 'new generation' ITQ solution
As workshop A5
Last modified: 03 Jun 2008