[senco-forum] Microsoft & SEN

Does the same apply to the ECDL qualification?
Cheers
Judith

-----Original Message-----
From: senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk
[mailto:senco-forum-bounces at lists.becta.org.uk] On Behalf Of Gillian
Clayton
Sent: 05 September 2006 10:49
To: SENCO Forum
Subject: [senco-forum] Microsoft & SEN

I am currently considering  preparing 1 of my pupils (Reintegration  
Service) who has various social and emotional difficulties for the  
CLAIT exam.  (This is a driving-licence for computer use.  It's  
usually taken by adult learners.)  He is keen on IT and well up on  
things like word-processing & presentations,  having been using my  
personal laptop during lessons.  I am somewhat miffed to find that  
only Microsoft applications are acceptable for this exam.
I accept that there is disagreement over whether Apple or Windows is  
superior.  Those of us who find it possible to enthuse SEN students  
on Apples will just have to accept they will be disadvantaged.
  There seems no disagreement that Apples are vastly superior for  
visual and creative applications (eg video-editing).  It is therefore  
those whose strengths lie in those fields - as well as those who  
appreciate functions like text-to-speech as standard - who will be  
hardest hit.
It could be argued that the CLAIT qualification has to prepare people  
for life in employment,  where the majority of computers use  
Windows.  THis is true - except in fields like design, architecture,   
advertising etc. Fortunately,  I can get access to a Windows computer  
at the public library and train my pupil on it.
   I am considering a report to the Competition Commission. Am I just  
being a neurotic Apple fan? Jill 