The European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is a European standard for competency in computers. Castlebar is the first town in Ireland to vigourously promote ECDL in a whole-town context. This qualification is recognised right across Europe and certifies that the person holding it has a basic familiarity and competency when dealing with computers. It gives prospective and existing employers a feeling of security - they know a person holding the EDCL can 'drive a computer'. The hope is to raise the level of computer literacy in Castlebar to a standard which is well above the national average. This will have many benefits as we enter the Information Age, including giving Castlebar an edge over other regions when it comes to attracting knowledge-based businesses.

The Travellers Friend Hotel was packed out on Wednesday 16 Sep at the launch of the Castlebar ECDL Initiative which was promoted by the Castlebar Information Age Town committee. Interest in the initiative was very keen indeed following a full page publicising the event in the Connaught Telegraph. The meeting was highly successful (and indeed we were very pleased to hear the Castlebar web pages being singled out for praise from the platform).

The meeting was addressed by the Mayo County Manager, Des Mahon who is putting the weight of Mayo County Council behind this Castlebar initiative. Speakers included Mr. Jim Friars of the ECDL Foundation who is responsible for coordinating the ECDL programme in Ireland, Mr. Hugh Skinner Electric Paper Company and several of the local course providers (see below). Castlebar is set to become the leader in computing and information technology awareness, setting the standard throughout Europe. While the European Computer Driving Licence has been adopted by several organisations such as IBM, RTE and several of the main banks, Castlebar is the first town to adopt the European standards for competency in computing in all areas of society. As a result it is now set to become a flagship in this area.

The ECDL examination may be undertaken by anyone - there are no prequalifications needed. The ECDL covers 7 principal areas of computer usage - it is not too difficult if you have some experience already. There are a number of courses available in Castlebar plus a self-teaching CD-ROM for those who need to brush up or start from scratch. The seven course/exam topics are:

1. The Basic Concepts of Information Technology
   - (Explaining how computers work in theory). The first basic requirement of competence in computing is to understand the key elements of computers and associated information technologies and their importance in modern society.
2. Using the Computer and Managing Files
   - (Demonstrating how it works in everyday use) It is important to understand the basic housekeeping functions required for the efficient use of the computer.
3. Word processing
   - (Demonstrating how to preparing documents using the computer) Using the computer for the creation, editing, formatting, storing and printing of a document. Most documents used today are produced by word processing applications.
4. Spreadsheets
   - (Use of one of the most popular computer applications) This is similar to a manual spreadsheet, with the ability to perform calculations rapidly. It is used in preparing budgets, producing forecasts, business graphics and financial reports.
5. Databases/Filing Systems
   - (How to make the best use of databases for storing information) Databases are used for efficient storage of large volumes of information organised for fast retrieval and preparation of automated reports.
6. Presentation
   - (Demonstrate how the computer can be used to present information to other people) Graphics have always been an important tool for architects, engineers, illustrators and designers. The use of computer-based presentation and drawing tools has grown in many application areas to support effective communication. These tools are also used extensively in business and in teaching.
7. Information Network Services
   - ( Demonstration of how computers can be connected whether physically or over the Internet) The use of networks has grown from a desire to share resources and to communicate with others. Today, millions of computers are connected together around the world. It is important that ECDL holders can make effective use of the "Information Super Highway".

The ECDL organising sub-committee of the Information Age Towns Committee comprises:

• Jerome Quinn, Data Dimensions
  
• Martin Waters, Telecom Eireann
  
• Annette Joyce, Baxter Healthcare
  
• Tony Mannion, Baxter Healthcare
  
• Finian Joyce, Mayo Ass. Chief Fire Officer
  
• Rory Casey, Volex.
  

• 21st Century Computer Training, Barcastle Industrial Park and The Courtyard, Old Bond Store, Ballina. Booking 094-26663 day or 094-25335 evenings or email: 21century@tinet.ie
• National Training and Development Institute, Breaffy Road, Castlebar. Tel (094) 22770/26813. Fax (094) 26190
• Akad Computer and Technical Services Ltd., Ellison Street, Castlebar. Tel (094) 25562. Fax (094) 26199. e-mail: akad@iol.ie
• Galway Mayo Institute of Technology, Tel: (094) 25700
• Mayo VEC, Adult Education Centre, Newtown, Castlebar. Tel (094) 23134
• Maigh Eo Teic, Community IT Resource Centre, Carey Walsh Building, Georges Street, Newport, Co. Mayo. Tel/Fax (098) 42030, e-mail maigheoteic@anu.ie
• Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar - Provides training for teachers. Contact Adrian Keena for details.

The electric paper company has developed a CD-ROM which provides a computer-based training programme for the ECDL. Copies of this are now available from the Information Age Committee

The exam is separate from the courses. Thus, in theory you can take the exam without attending courses although obviously some preparation is required before taking the examination. The exam comprises a theoretical paper covering topic 1 above and six practical tests covering the remainder of the programme from wordprocessing to networks. The exams can be taken individually over an extended period of up to 3 years, if necessary. The examination must be taken at an accredited ECDL centre. There is a once-off fee of £25 for a skills card plus £10 per module for each exam taken, i.e. £95 in total to take all the exams. Remember that this does not include the cost of any courses.