This was announced by the iSchools Project, which helps put up computer labs in public high schools using non-proprietary platforms and applications.

The Open International Computer Driving License (ICDL) certification examination was held on October 9, 2010 at the seminar room of CICT-NCC building from 7:30 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

Participants included instructors from Western Philippine University, Aklan State College, Don Honorio Ventura Technological State University, and Cavite State University, all of which happen to be partners of the iSchools Project.

However, unlike most ICDL exams, the version tested the examinees’ expertise in using the FOSS platform.

The five exam modules, which were administered using laptops loaded with Ubuntu/ Edubuntu operating systems, covered topics on ICT concepts, computer file management and basic user operations for OpenOffice Writer, Impress, and Calc.

The ICDL exam will also help provide opportunities and build the ICT capacities of its partner state universities and colleges.

The iSchools Project, through its Training component, coordinated with the Digital Data Corporation (DDC) to conduct the certification exam.

DDC is the exclusive sub-licensee of the ICDL examinations in the Philippines.

Dr. Francisco Sarmiento III, a former programme manager for Southeast Asia of the International Open Source Network (IOSN ASEAN + 3), was present to observe the conduct of the exam.
Those who will pass the exam can become Resource Persons for the Computer and Internet Literacy Course (CILC) training to be undertaken for the various iSchools recipient schools nationwide.

“I have full hope that passers will help schools, especially in the training aspect, because this really jives with the vision of iSchools Project – to build the capacity of teachers so that they are best enabled to teach the youth,” said Joed Alcid, iSchools training lead.

“In building teacher capacities through this effort, it actualizes our vision for ICT integration in education which will benefit our country,” Alcid said.

Source:

Newsbytes Philippines