Overview

Nurturing future-ready students for the modern workplace

National Digital Explorer (NDE) is a nationwide digital literacy initiative designed to empower Singapore students to learn real-world skills that enable them to think critically and be more productive learners. 

Aligned to the latest Ministry of Education, Singapore’s EdTech Plan, this Student-Initiated Learning (SIL) initiative will focus on equipping students with key skills and knowledge on the effective use of office productivity tools, online collaboration and emerging technologies. 

The NDE 2023 programme is targeted at upper primary (P4-6), secondary and JC students.

First launched in 2022, this initiative was participated by over 10,000 students from 47 Primary and Secondary schools in Singapore. The strong support we received from MOS Gan Siow Huang, Ministry of Education and our NDE partner schools is a testament to the success of the programme and ICDL’s ongoing commitment in nurturing future-ready and digitally-skilled students. To find out more about last year’s project, visit https://icdlasia.org/nde2022/.

Schools can sign up for 3 tracks under NDE 2023: 

LEARN

Students will engage in one interactive ICDL eLearning module to build their digital skills and knowledge progressively.

Schools can choose one of the following modules:

Upper Primary

  1. Application Essentials
  2. Computer & Online Essentials

Secondary / JC

  1. Documents
  2. Spreadsheets
  3. Presentation
  4. Big Data
  5. Cloud Computing

CERTIFY

Students will take the ICDL certification test after completing the eLearning module. Upon passing, students will receive the internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges.

Diagnostic tests will be assigned to each student to prepare for the certification test.

Scores from the certification test will be used to qualify students for the NDE 2023 National Round. ​

COMPETE

This is a nationwide student competition which invites students to compete and demonstrate how digital skills can be applied in the new digital economy. 

Top students in the CERTIFY category will be invited to participate in the NDE 2023 National Round.

Competition Levels:

  1. Primary Level
  2. Secondary & JC Level

Learn

Under the LEARN track, schools can choose one of the following modules:

Upper Primary

  1. Application Essentials
  2. Computer & Online Essentials

Secondary / JC

  1. Documents
  2. Spreadsheets
  3. Presentation
  4. Big Data
  5. Cloud Computing

Benefits

Develop digitally-fluent students

Through this programme, students gain key knowledge and skills on online collaboration, office productivity tools such as Documents, Presentation and Spreadsheets, as well as emerging technologies such as Big Data and Cloud Computing.

Enrich eLearning experience with interactive content

After learning the concepts, students will be able to apply and practise their skills using the office applications on their devices. There are also ample interactive activities, knowledge check exercises and case studies to reinforce students’ understanding through application and testing.

Flexible implementation for schools

Schools may adopt this programme as a self-directed learning activity or complement it for classroom-based teaching. Schools may choose to implement this programme as a post-exam activity. The expected duration to complete this programme is 8 hours. 

NDE Certificate of Completion

At the end of the programme, all students will receive an ICDL certificate of completion. All participating schools should complete the LEARN track by November 2023. 

Primary

The Application Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed to start using common office productivity applications — documents, spreadsheets, and presentations — effectively.

CategorySkill set
Office productivity applications– Overview
– Common tasks
Word processing– Getting started
– Formatting and alignment
– Objects Outputs
Spreadsheets– Getting started
– Formatting
– Managing worksheets
– Formulas
– Charts
– Outputs
Presentation– Getting started
– Text and formatting
– Objects and effects
– Outputs

The Computer & Online Essentials module covers the main concepts and skills needed for using computers and devices, file and application management, networks, online information, online communication, and safety.

CategorySkill set
Computers and devices– Hardware
– Software
Managing files and applications– Introducing file management
– Introducing file management
– Storage
– Managing applications
Networks– Network concepts
– Network access
Online information– Finding information
– Managing information
– Web browser settings
– Outputs
Online communication– Communication tools
– Sending email
– Receiving email
– Email tools and settings
– Organising emails
– Using calendars
Safety– Computers, devices and data
– Wellbeing and accessibility
– Environment

Secondary / JC

The Documents module covers the main concepts and skills needed for common word processing tasks, such as creating, formatting, and finishing letters and other everyday documents.

CategorySkill set
Using the application– Working with documents
– Enhancing productivity
Document creation– Enter text
– Select, edit
Formatting
– Text
– Paragraphs
– Styles
Objects
– Table creation
– Table formatting
– Graphical objects
Mail merge
– Preparation
– Outputs
Prepare outputs– Setup
– Check and print

The Spreadsheets module covers the main concepts and skills needed to use spreadsheets, such as tasks associated with developing, formatting, modifying, and using a spreadsheet.

CategorySkill set
Using the application– Working with spreadsheets
– Enhancing productivity
Cells– Insert, select
– Edit, sort
– Copy, move, delete
Managing worksheets– Rows and columns
– Worksheets
Formulas and functions– Arithmetic functions
– Functions
Formatting– Numbers/dates
– Contents
– Alignment, border effects
Charts– Create
– Edit
Prepare outputs– Setup
– Check and print

The Presentation module covers the main concepts and skills needed to work with presentation software to create and use presentations.

CategorySkill set
Using the application– Working with presentations
– Enhancing productivity
Developing a presentation– Presentation views
– Slides
– Master slide
Text– Handling text
– Formatting
– Tables
Charts– Using charts
– Organisation charts
Graphical objects– Insert, manipulate
– Drawing
Prepare outputs– Preparation
– Check and deliver

This module introduces Big Data, a term which relates to the management and analysis of sets of data that are typically too large for traditional data-processing software.

CategoryContent
What is big data?– Definition of big data
– Key stages in the evolution of big data
– Key characteristics of big data, like: volume, velocity, variety, variability, veracity, value
– Trends driving the expansion of data, like: online, consumer and organisational activity, IoT
– Potential of big data for organisations
The big data environment
– Common big data storage techniques and approaches to big data analysis
– Common approaches to big data visualisation
Big data in practice– Approaches to implementing big data in a variety of sectors
Big data adoption– Investment in resources and competences
– Challenges such as data quality and consistency, system compatibility
– Potential of providing big data as a service, selling analysis
– Ethical considerations such as governance, data protection
– Steps for exploiting big data in a given scenario

The Cloud Computing module introduces the use of Internet-connected remote servers to store, manage, and process data, instead of using local servers or computers.

CategoryContent
What is Cloud Computing?– Definition & origins of cloud computing
– Key services like: Infrastructure as a
Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS)
Infrastructure as a
Service (IaaS)
– Components
– Common examples
– Benefits
– Limitations
Platform as a Service
(PaaS)
– Components
– Common examples
– Benefits
– Limitations
Software as a Service
(SaaS)
– Components
– Common examples
– Benefits
– Limitations
Serverless, Function as
a Service (FaaS)
– Features and purpose
– Common examples
Deployment Models– Features of private cloud models
– Features of public cloud models
– Features of community cloud models
– Features of hybrid cloud models
Adoption– Key challenges to adoption of cloud computing
– Appropriate services and models for a given scenario
Certify

Under the CERTIFY track, students will take the ICDL certification test after completing the eLearning module. Diagnostic tests will be assigned to each student to prepare for the certification test.

Upon passing the module, students will receive the internationally recognised ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges. Scores from the certification test will also be used to qualify students for the NDE 2023 National Round under the COMPETE track.

Benefits

Internationally recognised digital skills certificate

Successfully completing an ICDL module is an achievement that is recognised internationally and valued by academic institutions and employers across the globe.

Digital credentials made for sharing

Your digital credentials can be easily viewed, verified, and shared on social media. Adding your digital credentials to your LinkedIn Profile is a great way to showcase your knowledge and professional achievements which helps to boost your personal brand value and stimulate professional networking opportunities.

Compete

Under the COMPETE track, students will participate in a nationwide student competition organised by Crescent Girls School and ICDL Asia which invites primary, secondary and JC students in Singapore to compete and demonstrate how digital skills can be applied in the new digital economy. 

Students will compete based on the following three categories:

Categories1. Business Track (PRI)2. Business Track (SEC/JC)3. Emerging Technologies Track (SEC/JC)
Certification Round
Venue: In respective schools
Application Essentials1) Presentation
2) Spreadsheets
1) Big Data
2) Cloud Computing
National Round
Venue: Crescent Girls’ School
1) Spreadsheets
2) Presentation
1) Presentation (Advanced)
2) Management Spreadsheets
1) Artificial Intelligence
2) Internet of Things
DC 2023 Grand Finals
Venue: Virtual session by ICDL Asia

Top 2 Sec/JC winners from each track
will represent Singapore in DC 2023
N/AData AnalyticsEmerging Technologies Project

Participating students will take ICDL certification tests and go through 2 rounds of competition from March to August 2023.

01 March – 31 May 2023

Certification Round

All contestants are required to complete an ICDL certification test based on their competing categories. Top students who emerge from this round will be notified via email to represent their schools in the National Round.

01 March – 31 May 2023
July 2023

National Round

Hosted by Crescent Girls’ School, contestants are required to complete the ICDL module test based on their respective categories in this round.

July 2023
July 2023

Prize Presentation Ceremony

The Primary, Secondary and JC school winners will be announced during the prize presentation ceremony at Crescent Girls’ School.

Top winners in the Secondary & JC Level will fast track to the Grand Final of the regional ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2023. They will represent Singapore to compete against students from other countries in the Asia Pacific region. 

July 2023

Students who passed the ICDL certification tests will receive the corresponding ICDL Profile Certificates and eBadges.

Winners will receive an additional Gold / Silver / Bronze medals.

Registration

Participating Schools

School list as per alphabetical order.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

JUNIOR COLLEGES

  1. Alexandra Primary
  2. Anchor Green Primary School
  3. Bedok Green Primary
  4. Catholic High School (Primary)
  5. CHIJ (Our Lady of Good Counsel)
  6. Chongzheng Primary
  7. Elias Park Primary
  8. Gongshang Primary School
  9. Greendale Primary
  10. Hong Wen School
  11. Kheng Cheng School
  12. Kranji Primary
  13. Monfort Junior School
  14. Naval Base Primary
  15. North View Primary School 
  16. Pei Chun Public School
  17. Pei Hwa Presbyterian Primary School
  18. Princess Elizabeth Primary
  19. Punggol Green Primary
  20. Qifa Primary
  21. Rivervale Primary
  22. Rosyth School
  23. Seng Kang Primary
  24. St Anthony’s Primary
  25. St Stephen’s School
  26. Tampines Primary School
  27. Tao Nan School
  28. Temasek Primary School
  29. Woodgrove Primary
  30. Xishan Primary School
  31. Yuhua Primary School
  32. Zhangde Primary School
  1. Anglican High School
  2. Bendemeer Secondary
  3. Bukit Batok Secondary School 
  4. Bukit Merah Secondary
  5. Bukit View Secondary
  6. Canberra Secondary
  7. Chung Cheng High School (Main)
  8. Chung Cheng High School (Yishun)
  9. Compassvale Secondary
  10. Crescent Girls’ School
  11. Edgefield Secondary School
  12. Gan Eng Seng School
  13. Greenridge Secondary
  14. Hougang Secondary
  15. Kent Ridge Secondary
  16. Naval Base Secondary
  17. New Town Secondary School
  18. Ngee Ann Secondary
  19. Peicai Secondary
  20. Queenstown Secondary
  21. Queensway Secondary
  22. Riverside Secondary
  23. St Joseph Institution
  24. St Patrick School
  25. Westwood Secondary
  26. Woodlands Ring Secondary
  27. Yio Chu Kang Secondary
  28. Yishun Secondary
  29. Yuan Ching Secondary
  1. Catholic JC
  2. St Andrew’s JC
  3. Millennia Institute

Registration

Interested schools may register now via NDE 2023 Registration Form. Registration closes on 31 March 2023.

Resources

Access eLearning Content on Moodle

Student’s Guide

Teachers’ Guide

FAQs

1. How does this programme benefit my school?

Through participation in NDE 2023, students will be equipped with essential skills and knowledge to use office productivity tools effectively and develop an understanding on emerging technologies. The self-directed/self-initiated aspect of the programme empowers students to build on their knowledge progressively at their own pace. In addition to this, the programme develops future-ready learners and gives students the opportunity to apply what they have learnt and connect with students beyond their community when they participate in national and regional competitions.


2. What if students do not complete the entire programme?

Learn

The digital NDE Certificate of Completion will only be awarded to students who completed all the lessons in the programme.

Certify

Students will need to take the ICDL certification test after completing the e-Learning module. The ICDL Profile Certificate and eBadges will only be awarded to students who passed.

Compete

ICDL Asia will be coordinating with participating schools on the certification round to be held in respective schools. Selected students will be invited to participate in the National Round which will be held in Crescent Girls’ School in September 2023. Only the NDE finalists and winners of the competition will receive their prizes.


3. Can I take a look at the contents before I sign my students up?

Please refer to the information provided in Learn, Certify and Compete tab in this webpage. Please contact us at nde@icdlasia.org if you need more information.


4. Who will be monitoring the progress of students?

The teacher-in-charge of participating schools will be provided log-in access to the admin portal where he / she will be provided with an overview of their students’ progress for the e-Learning modules. Teachers-in-charge are encouraged to have milestone check-ins with students to ensure students are on-task and complete the modules within the timeframe provided.


5. How will I know if my students qualify for the digital certificates?

The online portal will be generating the digital certificates for students upon their completion of all the eLearning modules.


6. Do students need Windows-based devices to access the content?

Learn

Students will need an internet-enabled device (laptop, iPad, chrome book etc.) with internet browser to access the eLearning portal to complete the eLearning modules.

Certify & Compete

Students will need an internet-enabled device (laptop, iPad, Chrome Book etc.) with internet browser to access the e-Learning portal to complete the eLearning modules.

Students will need a Windows-based device for the certification round held in respective schools. It is recommended for schools to use ACAD devices for the certification round. Crescent Girls’ School will be preparing the Windows-based device for the National Round in September 2023.

NDE 2023 Registration

Interested schools may register now via NDE 2023 Registration Form. Registration closes on 31 March 2023.

Contact Us

Interested schools may contact us at nde@icdlasia.org for more details!

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