Update on developments

I thought that this might be a good time to post an update on developments.

So far, 38 centres have volunteered to pilot the qualification from August - which is more than I would like for the pilot but we're hoping to accommodate everyone who wants to be involved. The volunteers range from secondary schools to training centres so it looks like a good cross-section of the education community will be involved.

Some time ago, we produced the paper assessments for the unit and we're currently busy developing the teaching and learning material. A number of practicising teachers and lecturers are working on this material. I'm hoping that it will be finished by the end of this month.

I'm talking to a number of online assessment companies to find one to host the questions. Once one is selected, we have to get the questions onto the system so that they are available to schools and colleges for the start of term.

We're also planning the launch event, which will provide pilot centres with an opportunity to test the teaching and learning material, and try to online assessments.

And, finally, we are about to arrange another Steering Group meeting so that the partner organisations know what's going on.

We're in the news

Today's Herald has an article on this project.

Ofcom report on Online Protection

Ofcom has recently produced a report [PDF] on how best to protect consumers from potential abuses on the Internet. The key findings make interesting reading.

Parents warned over computer use

Internet safety FAQ

The first version of the FAQ for this project is now available. It answers the most commonly asked questions about the project in general and the qualification in particular. You can download it here - or here if the last link doesn't work.

This is the first version of the FAQ and it will grow over time so please provide feedback if there's anything you would like changed or added.

Older people 'missing out' online