e-Citizen

 

Governments and organisations have moved towards the online provision of information, products and services, changing the way we interact with them. This shift presents a challenge for a large number of citizens who currently lack the necessary skills to access these online services and for the government departments and organisations who find that these services are largely underutilised because people lack the necessary skills set to access and use them.

e-Citizen enables those with limited knowledge of computers to get the most out of the Internet and email by explaining the basics of computing and Internet-based communication.

• It is a certification programme that enables people to learn how to use computers and the Internet.
• It has been designed to help people get the most out of the Internet by explaining how it works.
• It provides the essential skills that people need to actively access and engage in the information society.
• It is the solution for anyone who feels like they are losing out because they lack Internet skills.

e-Citizen is specifically developed for people with a limited knowledge of computers and the Internet. The e-Citizen certification programme is open to everyone regardless of status, education, age, ability or understanding; it is helpful (but not essential) to have a little knowledge of computers before enrolling in this programme.

How is e-Citizen taught?

The e-Citizen certification programme is designed to be as simple and straightforward as possible. Candidates generally work in an instructor-led classroom environment. The instructor follows the e-Citizen syllabus using the e-Citizen syllabus guide, which requires candidates to practice core tasks that are designed to give practical experience of using the fundamental elements of the Internet.

The e-Citizen syllabus is structured in a clear and logical manner which enables a smooth progression through the programme. The e-Citizen programme involves some independent study. Typically learning on an e-Citizen programme is supported by class notes and/or use of a published e-Citizen text book.

The programme is designed to be flexible and allows people to learn at their own pace, but typically will take about 30 hours of training.

At the end of the e-Citizen training there is a straightforward 45-minute test.

Syllabus

The e-Citizen certification programme is divided into three learning blocks:

Block 1: Foundation Skills

The Foundation Skills block gives the candidate the necessary skills and knowledge for basic computer and Internet use. This block covers:

- The computer
- Files and folders
- Simple applications
- Internet basics
- Email basics

Block 2: Information Search

The Information Search block makes the candidate aware of the nature and extent of information available on the Internet in the areas of news, government, consumer, travel, education / training, employment, health, interest groups, and business. This block covers:

- Searching - wide range of Internet sources
- Precautions - issues & risks
- Reliability of information

Block 3: e-Participation

Building on the computer and search skills already acquired, this block completes the skills set necessary for the candidate to become an e-Citizen. This block covers:

- Online services
- Practical applications

The e-Citizen Syllabus & Guide and Syllabus Guide are available in PDF format.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDF files on your system.

Tests

• The e-Citizen test is undertaken at the computer at an accredited ECDL Test Centre. Candidates are provided with a test paper that contains a set of questions. Candidates work through these questions on the computer.


• The duration of each test is 45 minutes. No books or other help may be used during the test.


• The test is marked externally by ECDL Malta.


• The pass mark is set to be 75%.


• Candidates failing the e-Citizen test are allowed to retake the test at the same Test Centre.


• Candidates who are not satisfied with the assessment process of their e-Citizen test are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the Test Centre. If they are not satisfied with the outcome of these discussions, they are encouraged to send an email/letter to ECDL Malta explaining their concerns. A fee will be charged for revision of tests.

Certification

The e-Citizen certificate is awarded when a Candidate successfully passes the e-Citizen test. The certificate will NOT be issued immediately by the Test Centre. ECDL Malta will issue the certificate and pass this on to the Test Centre where the test was held. Candidates will collect the certificate from the Test Centre where they had sat for their test. The fee involved in issuing the e-Citizen certificate is incorporated in the cost of the Registration Number.

How to get Started

Contact one of the locally accredited e-Citizen Test Centres.