[Sussex] ECDL (a rant about an exam I don't plan on taking...)

[Gareth Ablett]

Matt Wrote
> All,
> 
> My dad is currently studying for the ECDL (MS Word) and it has questions
> along the lines of:
> 
> 1. Create a word document in which to store names and addresses for a
> mail merge
> 2. draw a graphic using the tools on the "draw" toolbar
> 3. Create a slide for a presentation with the following headings...
> 
> I have been wondering for ages why people use Word for everything, and
> now I know it is because they are taught to do so whilst taking an exam.
> 
> Surely it's not too much to ask that they are taught to use a word
> processor for word processing, a spreadsheet for numerical data
> evaluation, a database for applications such as contacts and products
> and a presentation package for presentations?
> 
> I realise that the ECDL is recognised and valued by employers, but it's
> teaching people to use a screwdriver to put in a nail.  It only works if
> you turn it upside down and use brute force...
> 
> My £0.02,
> 

I got shoved into doing this by the job center while I was unemployed how stupid are they but they said I needed to do a cause. What they try and do is teach you what the different things mean, ones out a short bit of training could let you use anything. 
I would agree for the purpose Excel or access is better for storing mail merge data.

For the record I the exams after a quick recap of M$ office and passed all of them in the same day. They were not pleased that was meant to last at least 4 weeks.

Gareth Ablett
Systems Developer

ITP Services Ltd.
http://www.itpserve.co.uk/

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