Karmeta Hendrickson Manager of Academic Technology Services Certifications Earned Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³)   Employer Bermuda College Location Bermuda

In her own words: "IC³ is a standard everyone in the workplace should meet."

Bermuda College Now Uses IC³ to Certify Staff Computing Knowledge
Benchmark and Mentor tools prepare college employees and students to earn the world's only globally recognized standards-based certification for basic computing skills

MAY 2007
Bermuda College recently upgraded its internal computer literacy evaluation to Certiport Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³®), the world's only certification that confirms knowledge of the critical computing and Internet skills valued in today's academic and professional environments. Previously, the college used the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL), a test of computer theory and practice consisting of seven separate modules, to assess staff computing skills.

"We found that one ICDL module prevented people from completing the assessment," explained Karmeta Hendrickson, manager of academic technology services at Bermuda College. "When we evaluated IC³, we discovered it includes all of the material we need. I liked the idea of IC³'s three more-intense components rather than ICDL's seven not-as-intense ones. IC³ is ideal for workplace assessment."

Because Hendrickson and her staff support the college's faculty and staff in their computing endeavors, Hendrickson was motivated to implement a certification program that will attest to users' abilities. "I find that just because people use computers doesn't mean they understand them. We know because we support them, and we see it over and over again," she said.

"We need to cross the digital divide," Hendrickson continued. "We need a certification that addresses all of the reasons people call the helpdesk and all of the key requirements all computer users should know. We need more efficient workers. When someone sits at a computer every day, they may know the basics but not necessarily anything more. IC³ is a standard everyone in the workplace should meet."

GETTING STARTED
After teachers from two high schools and several administrators from Bermuda College attended a two-day master training session, Bermuda College became the first educational institution on the island to offer IC³.

Master training participants used Certiport Internet & Computing Benchmark™ to evaluate their knowledge before taking IC³ exams. "The exams weren't easy," Hendrickson said. "They were really intense, and we are educators who know the material." Seven training participants—including Hendrickson—earned IC³.

In a pilot IC³ program currently in progress, Bermuda College has coordinated efforts with its human resources department to train and certify all college staff, including executive and administrative staff, facilities management and security personnel. Faculty members may also participate in the program, and students will be encouraged to earn IC³ before they graduate.

Bermuda College's IC³ program uses Benchmark, a powerful new tool that helps educators and employers identify the level of digital literacy in individuals, develop effective training programs and prepare people to efficiently use technology. "It is extremely helpful," Hendrickson said. "The results surprised our instructors and were a real eye opener. Although it's a long process—100 questions—Benchmark gives you an idea of what you need to know. It's a great awareness tool."

After current skills are assessed, Hendrickson and her staff of IC³ Authorized Instructors will provide training sessions focused on the areas identified by Benchmark.

Mary Jane Filson, academic computing and audiovisual technician, is primarily responsible for technology training at Bermuda College. "Benchmark is fantastic," she said. "First, it's a great tool to help us identify the people who need IC³ training and certification. Then, it helps identify the areas on which we'll focus our training. It gives a score, discovers where individuals need help and really minimizes the length of the training process. We don't have to spend time on things they already know. Instead, we can tailor training to exactly what they need."

Bermuda College also uses Certiport Internet & Computing Mentor™ to help individuals increase confidence and comfort with the subjects in which they need help. "It certainly helps train them, based on their needs," Hendrickson said.

Filson set up office hours in the college's faculty computer lab to provide a self-paced learning environment focused on the three IC³ exam components—Computing Fundamentals, Key Applications and Living Online. When they are ready, employees will be given IC³ exams at Bermuda College, a Certiport testing center.

Bermuda College plans to certify its entire staff as soon as possible. "We constantly assess the calls that come into our helpdesk," Hendrickson said. "We know who knows what they're doing. So far, we've had a lot of interest in the certification."

Filson looks forward to seeing the many ways college faculty and staff will use the computer knowledge and skills developed through the IC³ program to enhance their work. "If they have better computer literacy, they can teach at a higher level and use the advanced computer technology we have available," she said. "The more they know, the better they'll be able to instruct."

In time, IC³ will be available to the public through the college's Centre for Professional and Career Education and degree programs.