ECDL on StarOffice 8 Talking Points

Section 1: Overview

What is ECDL on StarOffice 8?

• In short, ECDL on StarOffice 8 Training Materials are a practical approach to learning how to use software on a computer.

• It combines the globally recognised computer competence certification with the award winning fully featured office productivity suite by Sun Microsystems.

• The materials come in two types of media – print and the online Training Room.

• Both follow the ECDL syllabus and can be used independently of each other.

• It creates a positive learning experience for both teacher and student.

• The Training room is a fantastic approach to learning. It allows students to log on anytime from anywhere. This is what is known as asynchronous teaching.

What is ECDL?

• ECDL is a globally recognised certification of competence with using a personal computer and common computer applications.

• It is used in over 146 countries.

• The syllabus has been translated into 40 languages.

• To date there have been over 6 million candidates taking 20 million tests.

• There are over 20,00 test centres globally.

What is StarOffice?

• StarOffice 8 is a full featured office productivity suite that is created and distributed by Sun Microsystems.

• It has the same features as Microsoft Office:

  • Word processing

  • Spreadsheets

  • Database

  • Presentation

  • Drawing Software

What Platform is used?

• ECDL on StarOffice 8 uses the Windows XP platform.

• Windows XP is the world's most popular operating system, with an approximate market share of 75%.

Why was XP used as the Platform for ECDL on StarOffice 8?

• StarOffice 8 on Windows XP is the ideal learning platform.

• Windows XP has mass appeal while StarOffice is free for educational licensing.

• Sun Microsystems directly supports StarOffice through it's delivery and training partners.

Section 2: StarOffice & OpenOffice.org

Why use ECDL on StarOffice?

• StarOffice is free for educational purposes.

• StarOffice is supported by Sun Microsystems through its training partners.

• ECDL is a globally recognised certification.

• It is the first Open Source training materials certified by ECDL.

• It is the first non-Microsoft training materials certified by ECDL.

Will the materials be used for OpenOffice.org?

• OpenOffice.org 2.0 is functionally the same as StarOffice 8.

• They are often used interchangeably.

• The priority for OpenApp and Tof-e is to use StarOffice initially as Sun Microsystems have taken the materials as their own and will use them as training material within their own organisation.

• However, The ECDL on StarOffice 8 Sales Information Sheet will be adapted for openoffice.org 2.0.

Section 3: Benefits of the Project (ECDL on StarOffice 8 Training Materials)

What are the Key Competitive Benefits of ECDL on StarOffice 8?

• Expert knowledge by OpenApp of the features of StarOffice.

• Understanding of the advantages of using StarOffice 8 in an Office environment.

• Globally recognised certification.

• Innovative approach to training and assessments.

What are the Benefits to Users of ECDL on StarOffice 8?

• Globally Recognised Certification

ECDL is the leading end user certification in over 146 countries and is available in over 40 languages.

• Cost-Effective

  As StarOffice is free for educational purposes, your entire organisation can gain certification of competence with using a personal computer and common computer applications for a small fee for the materials only.

• Choice of Educational Materials

You can choose to have the materials either printed or online or both, each following the ECDL syllabus. The printed material is an easy to follow bound book and the online Training Room is interactive with flash movies and online assessments.

• Self -Monitored Progress

Students can monitor their progress online through Training Room through the use of a multiple-choice questionnaire at the end of each section. They can quickly see their score and the level of understanding they have taken from the section.

• Regular Guidance from Trainers

  Trainers or managers can view the users progress and offer assistance and guidance where necessary. Students can also upload files with samples of their work for review to trainers.

• Asynchronous Learning Environment

Students can access the Training Room at a time that suits them rather than logging in at the same time as their fellow students or instructor. This 'Attend Class anytime, anywhere' approach allows for a more positive and productive learning environment.

Why is ECDL on StarOffice 8 newsworthy?

• It is the first Open source training material to be certified by ECDL.

• It is the first non-Microsoft training materials to be certified by ECDL.

• It validates the growing market of StarOffice and OpenOffice.org in Europe and globally.

• It recognises the market need to have certification in StarOffice competence.

Section 4: The Training Room

What is the Training Room?

• 'The Training Room' is designed to act as both a self paced computer based training tool and a resource for trainees to run through the tasks called out in the book.

• It will be delivered through a user friendly Web based structure.

• It presents the materials in same structure as the book, mapping exactly to the ECDL syllabus.

What's so different about the Training Room to other computer based training?

• Other computer based training are often too flash heavy. They take up the entire screen making it difficult to work on practical examples.

• The training room allows for flash movies to be played to supplement practical examples.

• The ECDL syllabus is a combination of theoretical and complex functions so the training room is designed with this in mind.

• As users progress through the course the are presented with the information in standard text and images that can be read from the screen.

• They are also given the option of clicking on a 'Show Me' button.

• That will launch in a separate window a Flash movie demonstrating the topic currently being discussed.

How can you access the Training Room?

• Initially from Tof-e Portal

What are the Features of the Training Room?

• Individual user name and login

• Choose whether to read the book online, view the flash files or take an assessment

• Accessible from anywhere at anytime

• Flash movies in separate browser window allowing for students to move between learning environment and practical work

• Complete tests on materials

• Store and deliver tests results for individuals and classes

• Upload student reviews for tutor review

• Interact with tutor on work submitted

Section 5: The Book

What is the ECDL on StarOffice 8 Book?

• The ECDL on StarOffice 8 book is a comprehensive and practical 500-page manual

• It is wire bound for easy use

• It comes complete with screenshots and assessments

• It follows a well established and proven format for educational materials

What are the Features of the Manual?

• It follows a well established and proven format for educational materials

• Contains images and screenshots of all sections and buttons that users can relate to

• Regular practice sessions through the sections

• Follows the ECDL syllabus clearly and concisely

How can you buy the Manual?

• ^{It can be bought through OpenApp directly.}

• ^{Call 01 614 5978, email training@openapp.ie or visit www.openapp.ie for more information.}

About OpenApp

OpenApp provide development, support and training for Open Source technologies and applications based on Zope, Linux, StarOffice and related technologies. It is also a Sun training partner.

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