From April 2010 onwards OMTI will be delivering the Microsoft Digital Literacy Cirriculum. This is a 10 week course covering all the basics of using a computer and Microsoft Office application.

It is at the beginners level, so it can suit anyone. It covers the following topics Computer Basics, The Internet and World Wide Web, Productivity Programmes (office), Computer Security and Privacy, and Digital Lifestyles (Media such a photography & Video).

The course is certificated but there is no charge for the course or the certification. It is an excellent for-runner to taking an ECDL as it covers simular topics but in less depth. The course lasts for 10 weeks and each class is 3 hours in length. 

Windows 7

Computer operating systems seem to change every 5 minutes these days.  You just learn one and then another arrives.  With this new course OMTI hopes to help you on your way to learning about Microsofts new Windows 7 operating system.  Its has got all the plaudits but how does it work?  whats new?  Come to this course and find out.

The course is free and lasts for 3 weeks and each lesson is 2 hours long.

ECDL Qualification Updated

The British Computer Society (BCS) oversee the ECDL in the UK.  On 01/09/09 they updated the syllabus to version 5.  This reflects new challenges in ICT and brings it right up to date with current technology and qualification framework.

Module 1 has changed from Basic concepts of IT to IT security.  This module is much smaller than the old one, however, most of the basics stuff such as acronyms, hardware and software have been added to module 2.

Module 2 is now called Using the Computer and Magaging Files.  This replaced the old Managing Files & Folders module.  Its quite simular to the old module 2 but with the added basics from module 1.

Modules 3 through 7 remain the same but are updated for todays technology.

Unit-E (module 8) has been discontinued as this information is now included withing the other modules.  So one mess module and exam to complete.

Other changes include module 1 exam is now a written multi-choice exam and not and online exam as there is no need for any external exam marking in the new qualifications framework.

BCS IT User Level 1 is still there and is called ECDL Essentials and is awarded on completion of modules 1,2 and 7.

BCS IT User Level 2 is still the present as well and is also called ECDL Extra.  It is awarded on Completion of modules 3,4,5, and 6.

ECDL course start 13th October

ECDL Advanced Qualification Updated

As with the standard ECDL, the BCS has updated the ECDL advanced to bring it up to date with new technologies.  Syllabus 2.0 replaces syllabus 1.5.  Each of the modules is fairly simular to the old one with just a few changes. 

Each modules still comes with its own certificate but they are replacing the name, ECDL advanced, with BCS IT User Level 3.  This is to fit in with qualification frameworks.  You need to complete all 4 advanced modules to acheive BCS IT User Level 3 certification.

Checkout the BCS IT User Level 3 website for full details and syllabus.

Photoshop Elements Extended

OMTI has updated its Photoshop Elements software to the latest version, which is version 7.  As a result of the extra features within the new version we are once again extending the course.  It is now 10 weeks in length.  This course starts off where the digital photography course ends with regard editing.  If you are interested in taking this course then it starts on 21st October.

New Computer Equipment

Along with our refurbishment we are also replacing most of our computer equipment.  We have bought 23 new computers which have the new Core i7 processors, 6GB RAM, and 20 or 22 inch monitors.

To go with our new computers we have replaced a great deal of our software with the latest packages.  We now have Microsoft office 2007 to go with office 2003, Adobe Photoshop Elements 7, Adobe Premiere Elements 7, Pinnacle Studio 12, and Adobe Photoshop CS4.

Upgraded Broadband Connection

OMTI has upgraded its broadband connection to the highest speed possible at present, 20Mb/s. Downloads are now super quick. Don't forget you can use the connection free of charge in our drop-in room, along with our new computers and software.

Funding

OMTI has received funding from Coalfields Regeneration Trust and Barnsley Council through Area Based Grant.  This will keep OMTI open and teaching until at least March 2011.  OMTI management would like to thank them both for supporting us.

Just as this website is being updated news has come through that Coalfields Regeneration Trust has agreed to fund OMTI for a further 2 years 6 months.  Add this to Barnsley Council funding OMTI for the 6 months to March 09 and OMTI's future looks healthy.

We will be able to continue and even enhance our current provision for ICT tuition and access.  Better still much of it will remain free of charge.

As more details come in more information will apear here.

New Word Processing Accreditation

OMTI is proud to announce that we are offering a new accreditation from July 2008.  The course is a stand-alone accreditation for Word Processing at Level 1 which is accredited by the British Computer Society.

The course covers the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word.  It covers things like opening word and documents, entering text, formatting text, tables, inserting pictures and objects, printing and much more. There is a short exam at the end to get the accreditation.

The course lasts for 8 weeks and costs £25 which includes all lessons, exams and certification fees.

Its a great starter course which also gives you and accredition and could lead onto a full ECDL.

Click here for course content of all non-accredited courses

Accredited courses include Word Processing Level 1, ECDL, Equalskills, ECDL Advanced, and E-Type

Click here for course content of all accredited courses

For a full list of all new courses, and time Click here

Digital Photography Course Extended

Following requests from previous students of the digital photogrpahy course the tutor has extended it from 5 weeks to 6 weeks.  This will give more time for practicing the editnig side of the course.

£20 Deposit on Leisure Courses

Due to changes in funding and income, OMTI has now introduced a £20 refundable deposit on our leisure courses.  If you complete the course and paperwork then they will still be FREE!!

To fulfil the critera for a refund you will need to complete a minimum of 80% of the course and complete all relevant paperwork which is done within the lessons.  If you fail to fulfil those critera then you will lose your deposit.

The courses effected by the deposit are Introduction to digital Photography, Video Editing, Preperation for ECDL, Photoshop Elements, and Web Design.

All other courses will remain free as normal.

Free ECDL for Kendray Residents

OMTI now has the funding to provide the ECDL free of charge to the residents of Kendray only.  OMTI normally charges £50 for an ECDL, which is exceptional value in itself, but if you live in Kendray, then it will be free from 1 July 07.

There are no restrictions on employment, or disability or income, it is free to all.  You must live in Kendray, Barnsley, South Yorkshire.  If Kendray is not in your address then you dont qualify, sorry. 

How it works is this.  You pay your £50 at the beginning of the course like everyone else, but when you complete modules 1,2 and 7 you receive £25 back.  When you complete all the course (all 8 modules and pick up your certificates) then you will receive the other £25 back.  So, complete the course and its FREE!!

Ask a member of staff for details, click here for contact details

Latest Newsletter 

 Download the latest OMTI newsletter here

New Qualifications Launched by BCS

The British Computer Society has just launched the E-Type Qualifiaction

OMTI is your local delivery and testing cente.

E-Type is a level 2, touch-typing  qualification with 3 possible awards. They are Bronze, Silver and Gold. The course is designed to increase your speed, efficiency and accuracy on computer keyboards.

You learn at your own pace from learning materials provided by the BCS, but you have to come into OMTI to study and take the tests.  You don't need appointments to study, just come in when you have some spare time.  It would be best to book the test so you can have a quiet environment.

To achieve a Bronze award you need to achieve 98% accuracy and 20 words per minute

To achieve a silver award you need to achieve 98% accuracy and 40 words per minute

To achieve a Gold award you need to achieve 98% accuracy and 60 words per minute