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For Immediate Release
Unlimited and BBC Worldwide Learning launch courseware to deliver new universal computing standards accreditation
[Europe] (November 18, 2002) — Courseware to deliver the new global industry standard for PC skills has been launched in a joint initiative from BBC Worldwide Learning, part of the BBC's main commercial arm—BBC Worldwide, and Unlimited, one of Europe's fastest growing e-learning companies. Known as the Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³), the standard will establish a universally-accepted validation of PC skills and productivity in the workplace. The courseware will provide businesses and consumers with an effective method of self-study to enable them to achieve the certification.
As education and business become more mobile, a worldwide computing standard is increasingly critical. This is the first courseware in Europe and Asia Pacific to be developed specifically for the IC³ programme and follows a vendor agreement with Certiport, the exclusive global provider of the IC³ programme. Delivered via the internet or on an easy to use CD-ROM the courseware contains 35 hours of training.
The IC³ certification is a standards-based vendor-neutral certification. Within the programme the three modules of the course cover basic computing ('computing fundamentals'), use of common applications Word and Excel ('key applications'), email and Internet literacy ('living online'). It has been designed to get individuals, both inside and outside the workplace, onto the pathway of learning and certification by addressing the most commonly used PC applications. IC³ certification can then lead to other, more advanced certification programmes including Microsoft® Office Specialist enabling learners to further specialise in their most frequently used applications such as PowerPoint® or Access.
"The computer is the primary tool of the Information Age, yet far too many people do not understand computers and are unable to use them effectively, even though they may work with them every day", comments Emmett Hedigan, Chief Executive of Unlimited. "Proof of the required computer knowledge and skills—which are now as basic and critical as reading and arithmetic—is provided by the IC³ certification, whereby students can prove their competency in the core skills and knowledge needed to effectively use computers, software applications and the Internet."
Jonathan Drake, Head of Lifelong Learning, BBC Worldwide, added: "IT Departments and Educators throughout the world can now set a standard for computer training and advancement and have an accepted benchmarking tool to support that standard. We are confident that both businesses and individuals will recognise the benefits of a global accreditation and that this courseware will provide a valuable tool for those aiming to achieve it."
Creating an industry standard for measuring basic computer literacy for education and the workplace, IC³ exam objectives were built strategically by professional researchers, test developers, psychometricians and more than 270 subject matter experts in 19 countries, all of whom contributed content and feedback and validated the certification requirements.
A standard set of three exams authorised by Certiport worldwide are taken at 9,000 Authorised Certiport centres in 114 different countries. Exam results and certification are administered via a global database. A student/employee may take their online exams in any Certiport centre worldwide—Dublin, London, Lyon or Chicago and in each case the results will be fed back to a central database.
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About Unlimited
Unlimited is one of the fastest growing e-learning companies in Europe. The company has grown its customised e-Learning and Contact Centre e-CRM training portfolio to include developing branded products and expanding its Research and Development Division.
Unlimited partners with clients to scope, develop and implement customised training programmes, delivering tailored content using the e-learning platform that matches the individual learner and organisation needs. The company's Development Centre, located adjacent to Dublin's Digital Hub, is home to a team of multimedia developers with expertise to develop every facet of e-learning, from content to design, including 3D animation, video and sound.
Unlimiteds' offices are located in Dublin, Wicklow, Cork, Belfast, Cheltenham and Edinburgh. www.youareunlimited.com
About BBC Worldwide Learning
BBC Worldwide Learning provides lifelong learning opportunities in four main categories - business, studies, languages and interest - to both corporate and consumer audiences via a variety of channels: BBC Learning TV represents the market-leading brand in broadcast-based learning and personal study resources from the world's largest public broadcaster provider, while www.bbclearning.com is a global consumer portal offering a range of online resources, courses and e-learning solutions.
About Certiport
Certiport, Inc. is the leading provider of global, performance-based certification programmes and services designed to enable individual success and advancement through certification. Certiport is the exclusive administrator of the Microsoft® Office Specialist programme worldwide, responsible for the development, marketing and administration of certification tests for the Microsoft Office suite of products. In addition to Office Specialist, Certiport offers Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3) to certify individuals in broad-based computing and Internet knowledge and skills.
For further information contact
Mary Sweetman, Sweetman Communications,
Ph: 00 353 1 8205937, Mobile: 00 353 86 8560425
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