Information and communication technology (ICT) users generally use applications like word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation software, and applications designed to access e-mail and the internet. If your job role requires you to know how to use IT applications or help others use IT application as a part of their work, this is where you will find links to further information.
Assessment tools
Certiport self assessments - offers free assessment and practice exams. Additional materials can be purchased. Register to access the materials.
Microsoft Skills Assessments for Individuals - this website is good for those who are quite confident using ICT and who may want to brush up on their skills.
ICT training providers
ICT training can be provided by commercial or academic training providers. Factors that might influence your choice of training provider may include your age, employment status, the type of learning required, eg short intensive courses or an extended learning period, your eligibility for obtaining funding to help with the cost of training and the need for self-paced learning at home.
The following links can provide some guidance to help you select a training provider:
Learndirect – the government's post-16 education service.
ITQ - selecting a training provider.
e-skills UK - employer guide to training providers.
Free/cheap/subsidised training or learning materials
BBC webwise - the BBC’s guide to using the internet.
European Computer Driving License (ECDL) Foundation - a non-profit organisation dedicated to helping to raise the general level of computer skills in society.
Digital Literacy UK - free foundation level resources.
Microsoft Learning Academic Instructor Resource Center - access to instructional materials and information updates.
Innovative Teachers Network - free resources if you join the Innovative Teachers Network.
Microsoft IT Academy - free courseware for Microsoft Office Specialist and the professional certifications provided to IT Academies.
Learn about interactive whiteboards
SMART: Technologies training centre – provides interactive whiteboard training
Promethean: Professional development – a UK learning technologies company
Learn about videoconferencing
National Education Network (NEN) - find your local regional broadband consortia.
JANET - provides technical advice, support and videoconference booking services.
Teacher Training Resource Bank – Videoconferencing Awareness event - the page offers links to further resources.
Where can I get more advice?
e-Skills UK - the employer-driven, sector skills council for IT and telecommunications – a comprehensive site that provides information but not advice.
e-Skills: Standards and skills framework - Awarding bodies - offer qualifications that are normally contained in the national qualifications framework. This means that the training required to obtain the qualification may be supported by government funding. Vendor qualifications like Microsoft Cisco, Comptia, Certiport, Microsoft or Oracle are often contained within qualifications offered by awarding bodies, for example, you can learn about Microsoft Word by taking City and Guild e-Quals.
e-Quals - the City and Guilds suite of IT qualifications for computer users and IT professionals.
Microsoft in Education - guide to Microsoft education solutions and products.
Becta ICT resources - provides advice and guidance on managing ICT resources.
JANET(UK) is has recently launched JANET Collaborate, a new online prototype service for education. This free service is aimed at teachers who want to find others with whom they can collaborate. It also embraces national and regional museums, galleries and archives, enabling these content providers to advertise their live sessions in one place and teachers to find and schedule them into the timetable easily.
The prototype will be piloted for around a year, with the intention of developing a full production service to reflect the needs of the education community.
Visit www.janetcollaborate.ac.uk to register and try out the prototype.
