IC3 – Building a Computer and Technology Literate Future

Roughly 20 years ago, somewhere in 1997-98 or perhaps, a bit earlier than that, LOGO and DOS used to form the then latest forms of technologies being taught for around 30-45 minutes during the week in some of the schools. However, since then, computers and technology have undergone several transformations. Today, computers have become a routine, and most of the teenagers are well adept at computers and the Internet. However, in order to be globally recognized and to get endorsed for your technical skills to match the ones required for an entry-level employee, IC3 is the training program you need to undergo. Here’s a blog that talks quite a lot about IC3.

The inclusion of computer learning in the educational routines of schools and colleges has now reached almost each and every corner of the nation. As said earlier, it was roughly two decades ago when the first computer sessions were conducted in the urban schools of the country. However, as they say, what brought you here, would not take you there! Although there have been considerable upgrades over the years, yet, there is a lot scope for improvement through the adoption of innovative training techniques, including subject-matter relevant in the modern context and organizing global certifications for students who would carve the future of this nation.

In view of creating a comprehensive literate generation native to the use of technology and computers, the IC3 program was designed and introduced. The IC3 program is comprised of three certification programs namely, IC3 Digital Literacy Certification, IC3 Spark, and IC3 Fastrack. These certifications are further classified into three types, IC3 Computing Fundamentals, IC3 Living Online, and IC3 Key Applications. We will be looking at all these three types in brief as we proceed with this blog.

IC3 Digital Literacy Program

IC3 is creating digital literates across the globe by currently operating in around 78 countries, in 12 languages, and by having conducted more than 3 million examinations.

The IC3 GS4 level exam aims at the below.

Computing Fundamentals	Key Applications	Living Online
What is an OS and what does it do?	Common Application Features	Internet, Browsers, and WWW
Manage computer files and folders	Basic Text Formatting	Navigation on the internet using a browser
Computer Configuration, OS drivers, Control Panel	Navigating Folders and Files	Internet Connection
Common computer terminology	Working with multimedia files	Network types and features, capabilities
Types of Computers & Mobile devices	Word processing activities and methods	Network connection troubleshooting
Computer performance	Tables & Lists	E-mail communication
Installing/Uninstalling Software	Page Layout	Real-Time communication
Understanding SW licenses	Spreadsheet components	Digital citizenship /“NETIQUETTE”
Types of software applications & tools	Worksheet Layout	Communication standards
Troubleshooting basic software problems	Working with Data	Legal and responsible use of computers
Troubleshooting basic hardware problems	Presentation activities	Secure online communication or activity
Devices and Peripherals	Inserting content	Ergonomics
Backup and Restore	Slide Management	Research fluency
	Slide Design	Using Search Engines
	Basic Database Interactions	Evaluate search results
	Record Managements	Using advanced features of search engines
	Collaboration
	Sharing files

Besides the above, as a result of some upgrades in the certification program, some concepts such as Cloud Computing, Database, working with multimedia files, Digital Citizen, Safe Computing, Critical Thinking, etc. have been newly added.

Let us now look at some of the IC3 GS5 objectives.

Computing Fundamentals	Key Applications	Living Online
Mobile Devices	Common Features (selecting, copy, cut, paste, etc.)	Internet Navigation
Hardware	Word Processing	Common Functionality
Computer Software Architecture	Spreadsheets	Email Clients
Backup and Restore	Databases	Calendaring
File Sharing	Presentations	Social Media
Cloud Computing	App Culture	Communications
Security	Graphic Modification	Online Conferencing
		Streaming
		Digital Principles/Ethics/Skills/Citizenship

Global Digital Literacy Council (GDLC)

The training and certification standards of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certification are governed and controlled by the Global Digital Literacy Council. This council is comprised of experts all over the world from different parts of the educational chain such as education, the industry, and the government. Moreover, IC3 Digital Literacy Certification is approved by GDLC chapters across the globe.

IC3 Spark

The IC3 Spark Certification is a global certification program aiming at educating middle school-aged students. It is considered to be a solution to the ‘Digital Natives’ myth and empowers students with the fundamental knowledge required to excel in every environment that demands an individual to be well-versed with the use of computers and the Internet.

The IC3 Spark Certification is a 50 minutes examination comprised of 60 questions covering objectives entailing the basic computing skills, key applications and the use of the Internet, or in other words, called as Living Online.

Living online consists of learning skills to be able to work in an Internet or a network environment. Key applications include working on word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, and the common features of all the applications. Computing Fundamentals involves the fundamental understanding of computing.

The objectives of IC3 Spark are almost similar to IC3 Digital Literacy Certification GS4.

 IC3 Fast Track

IC3 Fast Track, as the name suggests, is a digital literacy assessment technique or program, used to vet the skill set of the job candidates or the incoming students. It is useful in assessing the individual’s computer and Internet skills, and therefore his/ her ability to perform in an Internet or network governed environment. IC3 Fast Track is the best way to measure the efficiency of the incoming students and employees, and ensuring that they are quick enough to thrive and excel in the Internet and computer savvy modern world.

Hope, the blog was useful enough for you to get an idea of the IC3 Certification Programs and the subject-matter that contribute to building the awareness about different computer and Internet applications used in diverse business domains. Besides, the global certification and global recognition offered on the successful completion of these certification programs is simply a cherry on the cake!