I have just learned about the existence of a new type of IT qualification called the INGOTS. I got my computer driving licence the ECDL in the late nineties and went on to teach it, or more exactly to supervise students working through the prepared materials leading to the online multiple choice tests which determined whether you were awarded the so-called licence or not. I worked alone and never felt the need to contact anybody about any aspect of the ECDL. It was completely mechanical and I could usually work things out for myself.
The INGOTS by contrast do seem to be a very great improvement in that they highlight those areas of IT which require reflection such as appropriate use, copyright, online behaviour and so on. I am very impressed and am intrigued to see whether they will catch on in the UK, their country of origin as far as I can see, and further afield in Europe and beyond which seems to be the intended objective.
