Compulsory ECDL: a scam!

K.O.Kiki

I'm just after sitting, and passing, my ECDLs this week.

And I'm proud to admit that I did less than the bare minimum of "study" for it.

But now I'm 200 euro out-of-pocket.


Has the NUIM SU ever looked into why the ECDL has become "compulsory" for some? I honestly have no idea why I would need it, ever.

Studying: Product Design.

Liber8or

My girlfriend was told she HAD to do the ECDL for her Biological and Biomedical Science Degree.

She didn't bother doing it. Graduated with a 2.1.

So, yes you are right - its bullshít.

banquo

Fire off an email to communications@nuimsu.com

rcaz

Any sort of ECDL is a scam though... It doesn't teach you how to work a computer, it teaches you how to work one particular edition of one particular software package. I know a few people who did it, and they can use the old version of Microsoft Office no problem. The current version, or any other application? Nope. And any sort of idea how anything on the computer outside Office works? Nope.

JellyBeans92

Yeah it's mad like, I think some other degrees have to do it too, like Finance I think?..

Absolute scam, and totally unnecessary for most people in college who already know how to do the PC basics these days?!

I know I did it back in TY, but it's an absolute rip off for a piece of paper telling us we know how to use Word, Excel etc..

mp3guy

We were made do it in secondary school. I failed it and didn't retake it since I was going to be studying Computer Science anyway. It should be renamed the Microsoft Software Driving Licence.

ArseBurger

Considering that most grads can't write an email without spelling or grammar mistakes perhaps being able to use Office is irrelevant.

mp3guy

ArseBurger wrote: »

Considering that most grads can't write an email without spelling or grammar mistakes perhaps being able to use Office is irrelevant.

Spelling and grammar have nothing to do with computers.

jubella

I had to do it too, but to be honest I didn't even learn anything new from it. I basically paid 180 euro just to prove to someone that I could use a computer! It was a huge waste of time and money for me.

AdmaialNimitz

mp3guy wrote: »

We were made do it in secondary school. I failed it and didn't retake it since I was going to be studying Computer Science anyway. It should be renamed the Microsoft Software Driving Licence.

Did mine with Open Office... :P

xOxSinéadxOx

It's actually such bull**** for so may reasons. And so expensive. Worst 200quid I've ever spent.

shamtastic

Yeah the real scam for us last year was doing it on 2003 programs then coming home and not being able to do anything on newer editions.

Duddy

Liber8or wrote: »

My girlfriend was told she HAD to do the ECDL for her Biological and Biomedical Science Degree.

She didn't bother doing it. Graduated with a 2.1.

So, yes you are right - its bullshít.

Was told I had to do it in first year (biomed too).
Didn't bother, never heard anything about it since!

MoyVilla9

Where does the 180 euro go and why is it so expensive? Anyone know?

180

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

Where does the 180 euro go and why is it so expensive? Anyone know?

No idea but guess it might go towards NUIM because of the accumulated deficits that the country’s seven University’s have had to deal with over the past couple of years i.e. €20m. This might explain why the registration fee has been increased by €500 to €2000. In 2008 the Irish Independent wrote that non-pay spending for all departments at NUIM was being slashed by at least 15pc and investment in research support was being reduced by €200,000. Paying €180 towards a worthy cause isn’t a problem. It has to do with having to do the 23 exams i.e. 6 in semesters 1 and 2=12, MCQ’s etrec=4, ECDL=7 and lets not forget all the assignments. This loaded burden is unwelcome and can be avoided i.e. el president: dear students due to the accumulated deficits that the country’s seven Universities’ have imposed on them the student levy fee has been increased from €87 to €267. This is a fairer system that loading an unnecessary and unwanted workload on us students.

LeixlipRed

Or scrap it and don't increase fees? Why does anyone need this rubbish? You can use the fecking help function during an exam ffs.

jubella

MoyVilla9 wrote: »

Where does the 180 euro go and why is it so expensive? Anyone know?

Well it's done through ics-skills, so I assume some money goes to them

leopoldbloom

We have indeed looked into, and lobbied for a major overhaul of the ECDL course.

Due to our efforts the Computer Centre is seriously considering its position on the matter and we are continuing to pressurise the various departments which enforce compulsion to reconsider their attitude to what is an expensive and ultimately inadequate course.

If anyone wants to see minutes of the Teaching & Learning Committee where it was discussed at length I can PM.

Much Love,
AE

Seren_

Why do some departments need people to do the ECDL anyway? It makes no sense

How so Joe

ECDL is a scam. Certain departments require you to have it before they'll let you progress into whatever year, but others don't - I had to do the ECDL to get into third year law, and it was the biggest pain in the butt - I didn't learn anything, just sat the exams in the space of a week and ended up a lot worse off for it. =(
The thing about ECDL is that for the majority of students, it doesn't teach you anything. And the disparity between departments is really, really annoying.

Vojera

I did it as part of my degree (back when it was Biological Sciences without the Biomed part) and the biology dept paid for it, which I think is only right if they're forcing you to do it. Saying that, half the people on the course didn't bother with it and were no worse off for it. I honestly believe that the people who make it compulsory have no idea what the course actually entails. There's nothing on the course you couldn't figure out by clicking "Help" or using google.

freeze4real

I have spent up to 280 on my ecdl and its not even completed.

how strict are they on completing this before progressing to next year ?

Ana36

Liber8or wrote: »

My girlfriend was told she HAD to do the ECDL for her Biological and Biomedical Science Degree.

She didn't bother doing it. Graduated with a 2.1.

So, yes you are right - its bullshít.

Hi, I am starting that course that your girlfriend did in September. I've already done the ECDL (long time ago mind, but still have certificate). Would you mind asking her for me if she knows if its already done does it need to be repeated.Much appreciated, thanks a mill!

jubella

You won't have to do it again as long as you bring your cert to the computer centre

Ana36

jubella wrote: »

You won't have to do it again as long as you bring your cert to the computer centre

That's great, thanks a mill!:)

thebman

If you are doing any Computer course it is a waste of time. Waste of time anyway but my brother hires programmers and said any degree with ECDL on it was immediately thrown in the bin.

mp3guy

thebman wrote: »

If you are doing any Computer course it is a waste of time. Waste of time anyway but my brother hires programmers and said any degree with ECDL on it was immediately thrown in the bin.

I agree here. I failed my ECDL in secondary because I knew I was going to be studying CSSE in University.

No software company of any kind looks for it.

Alt_Grrr

mp3guy wrote: »

I agree here. I failed my ECDL in secondary because I knew I was going to be studying CSSE in University.

No software company of any kind looks for it.

This is true, It wasn't a personal vendetta against the ECDL or the applicant.
It was just hiring policy.

If you put ECDL down on your CV,
We put it in the secure shredding bin.

The requirement to have it is silly and outdated,
Maybe there should be a Computer Skills course run in the university (correct me if this actually exists)

which would give students who have never used a computer or are really bad with them, the basics they'll need to survive the academic jungle.

xxshebeexx

What about office jobs, etc? If you were applying to be a secretary or admin or something along those lines, would having ECDL on your CV still be bad?

thebman

xxshebeexx wrote: »

What about office jobs, etc? If you were applying to be a secretary or admin or something along those lines, would having ECDL on your CV still be bad?

Probably not. It really depends on your CV/Experience/Education for other roles outside of IT.

If you have so much experience, you are wondering what you can take out then you can probably take out ECDL since from the roles/responsibilities you had in other jobs will probably make it clear that you have that level of capability with a computer.

Bergkamp 10

This crap is still going on! Been told I have to do it to get into second year?
Seen others saying they didnt do it and still got through, are they strict on it?

I'm doing a business course and from what I've heard/read its a complete waste of time, you learn nothing and it is daylight robbery!

Tbh I dont have money to piss away 200 euros on something like this if it doesnt help me in any shape or form.

Effluo

I know lots of people who were supposed to do it, but never did...

I'm guessing it's no big deal.

8k2q1gfcz9s5d4

El Pr0n wrote: »

Any sort of ECDL is a scam though... It doesn't teach you how to work a computer, it teaches you how to work one particular edition of one particular software package. I know a few people who did it, and they can use the old version of Microsoft Office no problem. The current version, or any other application? Nope. And any sort of idea how anything on the computer outside Office works? Nope.

100% correct. Thats why everyone hated office 2007, even though it was far superior interface wise compared to 2003.

dillo2k10

Hey,
If any of you know who your class rep is ask them to bring this up in the meeting this Saturday.

LeixlipRed

Or ask their class rep not to attend the meeting as it's costing €5,000 euro

dillo2k10

LeixlipRed wrote: »

Or ask their class rep not to attend the meeting as it's costing €5,000 euro

Yes but that €5000 doesnt increase the amount of contribution we have to pay (€91ish) and it won't cost less if they don't go.

LeixlipRed

No but did any of these class reps ask their classes if they'd like the money spent on this junket? And saying it won't cost less if they don't go isn't really an argument at all is it?

dillo2k10

LeixlipRed wrote: »

No but did any of these class reps ask their classes if they'd like the money spent on this junket? And saying it won't cost less if they don't go isn't really an argument at all is it?

I don't think the class reps had a say in the matter. The council organized this way before there were any Class Reps.
So what is the sense in them not going? They just won't be able to complain about any problems. It wouldn't help any situation.

Seren_

They won't be able to complain about problems like that at the training anyway. That's what Union Council is for. And then you can't just bring random stuff up anyway I think.

LeixlipRed

dillo2k10 wrote: »

I don't think the class reps had a say in the matter. The council organized this way before there were any Class Reps.
So what is the sense in them not going? They just won't be able to complain about any problems. It wouldn't help any situation.

Hmmm, what council? The council is the class reps.

Secondly the union only exists with the mandate of the students. It's meant to be democratic.

Thirdly, they shouldn't go because some students would like their money spent on worthy causes, not 5,000 quid on unnecessary accommodation. If they refuse to go they can simply attend the next union council. There won't be a union council without the class reps.

squishykins

dillo2k10 wrote: »

Yes but that €5000 doesnt increase the amount of contribution we have to pay (€91ish) and it won't cost less if they don't go.

Yeah but the €5000 would go to better things to help the student body. Wouldn't cost us any less but we'd be getting value for our money.

Mastroph

I suggest you guys continue this in the junket thread: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056410598

DB10

Well I haven't done it yet and I don't intend to . Just wondering how strict they are on it though.

It says on moodle it's compulsory for my course but then it also says :

For administrative reasons, students will not be prevented from progressing or graduating if they have not obtained the ECDL but please note that you cannot register for certain modules in second and third year of your degree if you do not hold the ECDL License.

That sounds good. Don't know what tot think though really?

How so Joe

I've never heard of anyone not being allowed to progress/graduate because of it.
But if it says that on moodle, perhaps they will stop you from taking certain modules. I wonder which modules they'd stop you from doing, though?

Also, ECDL License? Who wrote that? Tautology. :rolleyes:

DB10

It mentioned E marketing, project management and social media.

I might seem ignorant here, but if the choice is forgoing those modules versus doing and paying for the ECDL, then I know what I'm going to do!

Just hoping that moodle message is for certain. Most people I know have it done or are doing it, so i suppose I'm taking a risk.

unclejunior

no sh1t, whos the genius that discovered this?

its blatantly obvious that its a scam but it doesnt prevent the masses of idiots from doing it.

you know what they say, 'a fool and his money are easily parted' :pac:

dillo2k10

Just so you know the Finance, Economics and Accounting Department dont require the ECDL anymore.