ICDL Ireland’s look back at the year in digital skills
15th December 2022
2022 has been a busy year at ICDL Ireland. We’d like to share some of the highlights with you so please read on below to see what we were up to this year and events across the digital skills landscape in Ireland and beyond. Spring 2022 Spring 2022 was the season when we emerged from …
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Over 80% of workers looking to improve their digital skills
7th June 2022
Recent research from Salesforce has shown that only 32% of Irish workers are confident that they have the skills they need for the digital workplace, but that the vast majority are planning to upskill in this area. The top workplace digital skills for employees in Ireland are skills to use collaborative technology, digital administrative skills, …
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Free access to new ICDL emerging tech modules for schools
5th January 2021
We’re pleased to be able to offer schools with the ICT bundle free access to 4 brand new ICDL modules. ICDL Insights These short, introductory modules provide conceptual understanding of emerging technology to those who are not IT professionals. The modules you now have access to are: Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. …
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ICDL Ireland has you covered
1st December 2020
Updated: June 2021 As Covid restrictions are now starting to ease, we wanted to remind you that ICDL Ireland is still here to help. Find out more below about making the best of ICDL in this different learning environment. Covid-proof digital learning and testing Covid has challenged you all to think differently about how learners …
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Looking to kickstart your career? Women4IT can get you ready for a digital job
31st August 2020
ICDL Ireland is a partner in an innovative and ambitious project to develop the digital competences of young women who are at risk of exclusion from the labour market, by improving their employability. “Women4IT” is a multi-stakeholder partnership funded by the EEA Grants and the Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment. We aim to select …
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COVID-19 is a significant risk to progress on educational disadvantage
19th August 2020
Education systems across the world are being impacted by COVID-19. Almost 900 million children and young people are affected by interruptions in their education and this number is growing. The response from education systems across the globe has been to turn to technological solutions to continue to engage their students in learning. As education systems …
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Schools must prepare for return to remote learning
27th July 2020
The coronavirus pandemic disrupted the education and training of learners across the world. In particular, learners from a disadvantaged background risk falling further behind, as distanced learning continues and the debate rages on about how to get learners back into classrooms as safely as possible. A recent report published by Cedefop, the European Centre for the …
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€15m government funding to address student digital divide
22nd July 2020
A new scheme announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Minister of State Niall Collins TD will provide €168 million of funding for third level institutions and students. Notably, this new scheme includes €15 million to help us address the digital divide and give students the …
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Online registration for Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades now open!
25th May 2020
Please note: applications have now closed. Minister McHugh announces online registration for Leaving Certificate Calculated Grades opened on Tuesday 26 May. All 2020 Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied students were able to register on gov.ie/leavingcertificate. The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD today (Monday 25 May 2020) announced that the new online …
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Assessing IT skills with free practice tests
7th May 2020
All ICDL courses offer free online practice tests called Diagnostic Tests to help you diagnose what digital skills you need to work on the most. What is an ICDL diagnostic test? Diagnostic tests are a kind of practice or mock assessment of your skills for a specific ICDL course. They contain similar questions to the …
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ECDL/ICDL is now free from SOLAS as response to ongoing Covid-19 crisis
22nd April 2020
ECDL/ICDL is now free on fetchcourses.ie to support those affected by the ongoing Covid-19 crisis. SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority, has made ECDL/ICDL resources available for free on the SOLAS online learning service as a support to learners who have been impacted by the current containment measures. Students can now access 10 ECDL …
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ICT funding for Schools including €10 million top-up funding
22nd April 2020
The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh TD has today (Wednesday 22 April 2020) announced a special €10 million fund to support the purchase of technology and devices for disadvantaged students. A total of €7 million additional funding will be provided in the post-primary sector and €3 million in the primary sector. “Providing €10 …
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ICDL testing during the Covid-19 crisis
7th April 2020
ICDL Europe will be remaining active during the Covid-19 crisis to help support all users of the ICDL programme in Europe. While this is an exceptionally difficult time, we will be taking steps to support the continued operation of the ICDL programme in Europe. ICDL Europe is working closely with National Operators of the ICDL …
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Digital skills in an uncertain world
26th March 2020
Life has changed suddenly and the skills we need to cope with this new reality have changed too. By Mary Cleary, the Secretary-General of the Irish Computer Society, which runs Tech Week. We often talk about life skills and in “normal” times, there is little disagreement on what those are. Apart from specific job-related skills, literacy, numeracy …
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New CensusAtSchool Website
5th March 2020
The Central Statistics Office, PDST Maths, and Scoilnet have come together to re-design and launch the new CensusAtSchool website. CensusAtSchool is an online educational project that takes place every year with the aim of bringing statistics to life in the classroom. Schools take part voluntarily. Supervised by teachers, students use a variety of digital devices …
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Secure User Package for FET Students
28th February 2020
Are users an organisation’s greatest weakness? ICDL Ireland, along with The Irish Computer Society and the Association of Data Protection Officers, has launched a set of complementary modules designed to inform workers of the dangers of individual user error and resultant data breaches. ICS Secure User Certification comprises of two courses: IT Security and Data …
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€50m in ICT grant funding for schools
17th February 2020
Minister announces fourth year of funding under Project Ireland 2040 which takes total spend on Digital Strategy for Schools ICT Infrastructure Fund to €160m All schools will receive grants to purchase key technology such as tablets, cloud systems, projectors The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. has today announced a further €50million investment …
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Graduation ceremony for Athlone VTOS students
7th December 2019
Athlone VTOS students recently graduated at a certificate ceremony that was held in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel. The certification was provided by QQI (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) at Levels Four and Five and the Irish Computer Society Foundation provided certification for the European Computer Driving Licence [now ICDL] course. This year there were 48 certificates …
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ICILS Results Highlight Importance of Digital and Information Literacy Skills for Students
4th December 2019
The results of the International Computer and Information Literacy Study 2018 were published earlier this month. They highlight the fallacy of ‘digital natives’ being digitally competent through exposure to digital devices. Shockingly, only 2% of students in the study showed an ability to assess online information critically. ICILS, which is published by the International Association …
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ICDL Ireland wins European Best Practice award
13th November 2019
ICDL Ireland won for the second year in a row at this year’s European Best Practice awards for the launch of our new digital certificates for ICDL candidates. Since June 2019 almost 50,000 students have been sent their digital certificate. ICDL Ireland and Irish Computer Society CEO Jim Friars said, ‘I am delighted to see …
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How to improve your digital skills for free
17th October 2019
ICDL is the digital skills standard. We’ve worked together with SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority of Ireland, to offer you free digital skills elearning on a wide range of subjects. You can access the free elearning through your local ETB college which are based across the country. How can ICDL help me? Recent …
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Making ICDL work for the FET Sector
10th October 2019
ICDL in Further Education As you probably know ICDL comprises eLearning, webinars, online practice tests, automatically-marked certification tests and digital certificates. ICDL is a prime example of technology-enhanced learning that gives students the best chance of success while maintaining the high standards of a world-leading certification. Employers, educators and funding bodies, including Solas and the …
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Why we need flexible learning for everyone
8th October 2019
Just as today’s employees, students and citizens need to be flexible, so do the programmes on offer. Whether we are preparing students for the workforce for the first time, helping them get back into the workforce or preparing them for further study, we share a responsibility to ensure they have the right mix of competences. …
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Over 50,000 ICDL Digital Certs issued to past candidates
7th October 2019
As part of our rebrand, one of our first steps was to invite past ECDL holders to claim their ICDL Digital Certificate. Since launching in June over 50,000 Digital ICDL Certs have been issued to past candidates, meaning students can access and share their ICDL record instantly! You can still register for your digital cert …
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Up to 100% funding available to SMEs for ICDL eLearning
7th October 2019
Up to 100% funding is now available to SMEs for ICDL eLearning, testing and certification through the Skills To Advance programme. Skills to Advance is a new government initiative that offers upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees in lower level jobs. It benefits employees and SMEs through education and training. Additionally, Skills to advance can …
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Digital literacy gets students through the Junior Cycle
7th October 2019
Recent European-wide statistics have shown that a lack of digital literacy increasingly implicates one’s full potential of being a competent student, an empowered employee or an engaged citizen. By readily adopting modern technology, digital citizens must be ready to accept that to be ‘digitally literate’ is to be acutely aware of these practices, including the …
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Why there’s more to digital marketing than you think
4th October 2019
You may not have realised, but digital marketing encompasses a wide range of skills, including copywriting, editing, email marketing, social media, search engine optimisation, video production, analytics, content management, user experience and business strategy. A long list you’ll agree. This means that there is a wide variety of career options for anyone who has a …
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Women4IT one year on – promoting young women into digital jobs
4th October 2019
_ One year into the project: 2 extensive studies, 7 collaboration platforms and 8 digital job profiles have been developed. “Women4IT” partners enter the second year of the project with ambition to create innovative solutions promoting the employment of young women into digital jobs. September marks the end of the first year of the “YOUNG-ICT …
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Ireland’s IT Skills Recognised at WorldSkills Competition 2019
23rd September 2019
Team Ireland have returned home after a successful showing at the WorldSkills Competition in Russia. Ireland’s team brought the advantage of their good IT skills to win them one of the gold medals and the Best in Nation medal. At the WorldSkills Competition 2019, the Irish team, which was made up of 17 young apprentices, …
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Think you have the tech skills? Think again.
28th August 2019
There can be few people today who don’t encounter information technology in the workplace. Of course, offices started to transform in the 1980s but today everyone, from shop assistants to bar staff, will use a computing device at some point during the working day. Indeed, with the mobile revolution in full flow, even lorry drivers, …
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‘Digital Skills: New Professions’ pilot project final report now available
11th July 2019
The European Commission has published the final report of the pilot project, “Digital Skills: New Professions, New Educational Methods, New jobs”. The main action of the project was to develop blueprints for training programmes that would help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to furnish their employees with the necessary digital competences. The study has identified the most sought-after skills for SME employees, and consequently …
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Upskilling Canon employees with ICDL
29th May 2019
Digital skills training contributes to 15% growth at Canon France.
A short interview with ICDL and a Canon group company who have been using ICDL as part of their hugely successful digital transformation.
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ECDL is now ICDL!
10th May 2019
ECDL Foundation is launching a refreshed digital skills certification and brand identity that will help meet the digital skills needs of students, workers and professionals across Europe at a time when technologies are developing faster than ever before. ICDL, the new name for the programme will be launched at an event in Brussels on 10 May.
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Meet the 21st Century Classroom – Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Cork
25th April 2019
Since 2007 Coláiste an Spioraid Naoimh, Cork have been at the forefront of ICT in Education. Here we look at what has made this school so good at developing digital schools for its students.
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€50m in funding for ICT equipment for schools under the Digital Strategy for Schools
4th March 2019
Minister McHugh today (Monday March 4th) announces third year of funding under Project Ireland 2040 takes total spend on Digital Strategy for Schools ICT Infrastructure Fund to €110m. All schools will receive grants to purchase key technology including tablets, cloud systems, projectors The Minister for Education and Skills Joe McHugh T.D. has today announced a …
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ECDL Ireland and SureSkills tackle the ICT skills shortage
20th November 2018
SureSkills and the. ECDL Ireland have joined as national partners for ICDL Workforce. Technology is changing the workplace at an ever faster pace. Existing jobs are evolving and new ones are appearing. One thing is certain: digital skills are vital in the workforce.
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ICDL highlighted in UNESCO report as example of an international digital competence framework
24th September 2018
A new report by UNESCO has highlighted the ICDL programme as a significant example of a digital skills framework around the world.
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Is learning coding and computing enough? (Part 3 of 3)
7th September 2018
There is a bigger challenge when it comes to computing for everyone and in particular for young people. Even those who have an aptitude for coding may not have the maturity to discern the difference between reliable and unreliable information.
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Computing as Part of the School Curriculum or an Extra-Curricular Activity? (Part 2 of 3)
7th September 2018
Curriculum overload is an issue in Ireland. Our education system is pressured to integrate numerous subjects in already tight schedules and our teachers have to rapidly adapt to the changing needs.
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Do we all need to learn code now? (Part 1 of 3)
7th September 2018
If I were to ask you do Irish students really need to learn Geography or even Mathematics at school any more you might be shocked. How could you even ask, you might say. But what do we really remember from those subjects?
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New Computing Course for 12-16 Year olds
6th September 2018
Aimed at 12-16 year olds, the module will help candidates build and certify skills in areas like computational thinking, problem solving, algorithms and coding. It is aimed at the education sector, particularly secondary school students, and their teachers.
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Creating the Future: Computing in Education
6th September 2018
Computing and digital literacy are two sides of the same coin that both need to be included in compulsory education. The latest position paper from ICDL Foundation argues strongly that students should have the opportunity to develop computing skills and to build a strong foundation of digital literacy.
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Limerick & Clare lead the way in modern office admin qualifications
30th May 2018
Limerick & Clare ETB are leading the way in providing triple certified training for those looking for a qualification in Office Administration with their QQI Level 5 Major Award in Office Administration with Digital Marketing and ECDL.
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Tester training update
9th March 2018
As you are aware up until recently we have always run tester training on specific dates at specific locations around the country. This meant if you were looking to do training you would have to find the closest one to you and arrange the time off from work or school in order to attend. This …
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Perception & reality of digital skills: measuring digital skills gaps in Europe, India and Singapore
7th March 2018
Research by ICDL Foundation and national providers in seven countries has found that self-assessment is a poor measure of digital skills. More than 80% of 15-24 year olds worldwide are online. This gives the impression that by having access to digital technologies, people, and particularly young people, automatically learn how to use them. People tend …
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EU – New measures to boost key competences and digital skills
24th January 2018
The European Commission has adopted new initiatives to improve key competences and digital skills of European citizens, to promote common values and pupils' awareness of the functioning of the European Union.
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Meeting the challenges of tomorrow’s world: using tech in Grásta Christian School
10th January 2018
Dundalk-based Grásta Christian School is one of the first schools in Ireland, and within Europe, to use Scratch and Google CS-First Curriculum to teach their pupils how computer systems are used in real world industries.
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EU Report – “Simply improving digital literacy is not enough”
5th September 2017
A new report from CEDEFOP, the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training, has examined the skills that people will need to keep up with new digital developments.
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What skills for tomorrow’s digital world
29th August 2017
Ensuring that everyone has the right skills for an increasingly digital and globalised world is essential to create jobs and to spur innovation, productivity and growth.
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Do you remember the first time?
29th August 2017
It all seemed quite complicated, it wasn’t it just seemed that way until someone showed you how easy it actually was. The teacher took away your fear, got you started and away you went. Anyone who has ever tried to learn a musical instrument might remember this. You pick out a few notes and imagine yourself playing concert halls and football stadiums.
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Personalised Learning – Meeting the challenge
29th August 2017
The constant challenge for every teacher is how do you teach a classroom of students of different abilities and aptitudes at the same time without leaving someone either bored or left behind?
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How to Apply for ICT Infrastructure Grants for Primary and Post-Primary Schools
17th February 2017
In early January Richard Bruton, Minister for Education and Skills, announced he is investing €30m in ICT infrastructure grants for primary and post-primary schools. This announcement markets the start of the €210 million Digital Strategy for Schools.
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5 Ways to Increase Productivity in the Workplace
13th December 2016
Low motivation and poor productivity are bound to affect a business and jeopardise its sustainability. In this post we will look at the different techniques companies now use to increase productivity in the workplace.
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Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?
14th November 2016
Starting and running a business is a big step for anyone to take. Your world revolves around activities like coming up with a business plan, finding funding, building relationships with customers and marketing your products, registering with the authorities, solving day-to-day problems and handling the day-to-day administrative tasks like accounting and taxes.
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Computing Curriculum Workshop Was a Great Success
27th October 2016
Last Tuesday we completed our second 'Overview of ICS Computing Curriculum modules with a focus on computational thinking' workshop. Overall it was a great success and the feedback we got from it outstanding.
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ICDL New Blog and Website Update
27th October 2016
ECDL Ireland is inviting visitors to explore its new website, blog and join its revamped newsletter. The new website has been designed to provide a great user experience and provide our visitors with all the information they need.
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EU Awareness Raising Campaigns Result in Sharp Uptake in Digital Skills Jobs
26th October 2016
The European Commission’s e-Skills awareness raising campaigns have contributed to reduce the gap in the European Union between demand and supply of digital skills jobs.
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ICDL Guide to Staying Safe Online | IT Security | Cybersecurity
25th October 2016
October is the European Cybersecurity month, ICDL has been focusing on IT security and ways that you can stay safe online. This time last year we celebrated Cybersecurity month with the release of version 2 of ICDL IT Security. Already thousands of people around Ireland have used it to build their knowledge and skills to protect themselves online.
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The Bebras Computing Challenge
18th October 2016
ICDL Ireland is delighted to announce a new component under our education initiatives; The Bebras® Computing Challenge! The Bebras® Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking and computer science to students, by allowing them to solve interactive tasks online.
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Irish Defence Forces Highlight Benefit of ICDL
7th September 2016
The Irish Defence Forces have noted the benefits that ECDL brings to their personnel at training institutions, on Naval ships, or on overseas missions.
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Integrating ICDL Workforce into Further Education and Training
1st August 2016
Deputy CEO of the Irish Computer Society (ICS), Tom O’Sullivan, discusses how the new ICDL Workforce solution can be integrated with current course offerings in further education and training.
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ICDL Workforce Launched | New Standard for Digital Skills
1st April 2016
Reflecting the needs of the modern IT professional, ICDL Ireland has introduced ICDL Workforce, the new standard in digital skills for all workers.
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