e-CITIZEN: CONFIDENCE TO EXPLORE THE WONDERS OF THE WORLD WIDE WEB

January 2005 will see the launch of a brand new IT qualification from the British Computer Society (BCS) that aims to introduce an entire generation of adults to the Internet. The e-Citizen qualification will allow adults of all ages to confidently and safely explore the World Wide Web and develop an understanding and experience of the Internet and the role it plays in today's online culture.

People can expect to finish the qualification feeling confident to use search engines to find useful information on subjects ranging from local council services to information on family history or gardening. The opportunities that the Internet can offer this generation are endless: they can purchase online and get groceries and clothes delivered to the door, complete their banking online or even book a dream holiday, a theatre trip or cinema seats.

Peter Leavy, Marketing Campaign Manager at the BCS, feels that the qualification could also aid economic growth: "It is vital to increase the levels of skills with the Internet, intranets and e-mail as these processes are central to how organisations and businesses work. As economies move towards high-end innovation economies, the skills levels of the general population will also have to rise to participate in and engage with innovation."

Supplied by- The British Computer Society 4th Floor Minton Place Station Road Swindon SN1 1AB 01793 417530 ecdlenq@hq.bcs.org.uk