The prospects for large scale implementation of government and public sector International Computer Driving License (ICDL) programmes in the Arab world came under the spotlight at a conference in the Hilton Hotel in Algiers earlier this month. The ICDL is an internationally recognised qualification in basic computer skills undertaken by 11 million candidates worldwide since 1995.

The event was hosted by ICDL-AMR, the organisation which promotes the qualification and organises training partnerships across the Maghreb region, which includes Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Mauritania. Leading government and private sector figures in ICT and education sectors participated in a day of seminars and discussions sponsored by MindLeaders ThirdForce, the main technology partner for ICDL national operators.

“IT Literacy for the masses as embodied in ICDL requires an ecosystem of partners to make it happen, including the crucial role of elearning and automated testing providers,” said organiser Dr. Ali Guidoum, the chairman of ICDL-AMR. “We are very pleased with MindLeaders for supporting the efforts of ICDL-AMR in this respect. The workshop on large scale government and public sector ICDL projects was very successful, and the contribution provided by MindLeaders ThirdForce was very much appreciated by the high profile participants.”

Digital literacy is a key driver of workforce productivity, an enabler of economic development and often a gateway to employment. Mirroring the success of the European Computer Driving License in the UK, several Arab countries have already been implementing large scale ICDL programmes but the Maghreb region has lagged behind so far, with just 2,000 ICDL qualifications awarded in Algeria.

Attendees heard about the example offered by Egypt, where a successful five year ICDL programme between 2006 and 2011 undertook to reach over 1 million students, public sector employees and unemployed graduates through a network of training and testing centres. 35% of unemployed candidates subsequently found work after gaining the qualification.

“This kind of dialogue marks a significant step forward for ICDL plans in the Maghreb region,” said Susan Moore, ICDL director for MindLeaders ThirdForce, who presented on the day. “There’s a clear aspiration by governments in the region to boost digital literacy to assist economic development and we’re confident our solutions and support will continue to play a central role in that process.”

Along with advocacy work to drive digital literacy, MindLeaders ThirdForce has also invested heavily in developing its e-assessment technology. “We’ve upgraded our ICDL AutoTest solution to Syllabus 5.0,” said Susan, “and by migrating the courseware and test management system onto the MindLeaders Central learning management system we’ve enhanced security, reporting and ease of use through a single sign-on system.”