New Certification aim is to spread practical skills and Knowledge of effective and safe use of Social Media among all
Dubai, UAE - ICDL GCC Foundation, the regional governing body and certification authority for the world renowned ICDL certification program, announced today its endorsement of a new international certification program named SM4A 'Social Media for All' that aims to provide individuals across the GCC and Iraq with practical knowledge and skills of how to leverage social media platforms to meet social, educational, informational or organizational objectives. ICDL GCC took a rigorous consultation role in the development of this new certification based on its long years of experience in promoting basic ICT skills in the region.
The 'SM4A' certification program is designed to address the needs of government and educational sectors as well as individuals to learn the essential features and applications of social media, networking and blogging websites such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube and LinkedIn for social, informational, educational and professional purposes.
Social Media influence in the Arab world has been pervasive and positive. According to MENA Internet, there are more than 36,000 new Facebook users every day from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and 100 million YouTube videos playbacks daily. The Arab Social Media Report of the Dubai School of Government revealed that Facebook penetration in the UAE is the highest in the Arab world and among the top 10 in the world. Another study by e-Consultancy highlighted that Facebook has 96% penetration among internet users in the Gulf states while YouTube has 71% penetration, According to the same study, almost quarter of the Internet users (24%) in the region are using LinkedIn with highest penetration in the UAE. In general, number of MENA social media users has grown by a third in the year 2012 with over 70% of internet users on social sites according to a survey by eMarketer.
Social Media is exerting a dramatic impact on job creation and employment opportunities in the region as evidenced from the 'Arab Social Media Report' which revealed that 80% of respondents to their survey rely on social media to find their next job. The report hails social media as a vital tool for start-ups in the Arab world, with 86% respondents agreeing it contributed to success of any new business. Social Media's role as a facilitator of educational advantages is predominant with 84 percent respondents saying students would benefit from utilizing social media in developing entrepreneurial skills.
Jamil Ezzo, Director General of ICDL GCC commented, "The use of social media and networking websites in the Arab World is exponentially growing! The last couple of years have been a particular witness to that and there is no turning back. This region can be a leader in this space by applying best practices in the most effective use of it in accordance to our cultural values."
"The 'SM4A' program attempts to provide all individuals with the necessary social media skills from the ground up to best use this medium. We want to create a 'Smart Safe Society' and towards that end we have been working tirelessly with educators and experts to create a unique program for the GCC region that empowers students, teachers and parents to get the most out of social media and social networking," added Ezzo.
David Carpenter, CEO of Digital Marketing Institute ME - the content development partner for the program - added, "No doubt social media is revolutionizing the way we learn, communicate, and make purchasing decisions. It took radio 38 years to reach 50m users, TV 13 years whereas 1.2 billion people are already on Facebook, . It is imperative for people to know how to use this powerful media effectively and safely. We have collaborated with ICDL GCC to introduce this unique program and are confident that it will serve as a solid foundation for the benefit of all."
The SM4A certification program will be mapped in line with the QCF (Qualification & Credit Framework) regulated by OfQual, a regulatory body for Awarding Organizations in the United Kingdom.
The program will be divided into three core modules: Social Media Skills, Search Skills and Online Safety. The Social Media Skills module helps participants understand the evolving landscape of Social Media and acquire a toolkit for using social media for their organizations and their own development. The Search module provides practical knowledge on how to search effectively and safely on the Internet. The Online Safety module provides a deep dive into safety measures on the social media and provides participants with the necessary skills and tools to stay safe and responsible on the social networks.
The 'SM4A' will be launched Q2 2013 and will be delivered by selected partners in the region through the ICDL accredited network of partners (schools, universities, training centers and government organizations across the region) through an interactive, hands-on training methodology. The program is fully endorsed by ICDL GCC Foundation, hence guaranteeing an internationally recognized qualification standards.
The International Computer Driving License (ICDL) is a global computer literacy initiative developed to provide knowledge about Information Technology (IT) and enhance competence of using personal computers and common computer applications for all the citizens of the world. The ICDL GCC Foundation is the sole body to implement and disseminate the program across the GCC States and Iraq with the support of leading educational institutions and accredited bodies. The Foundation mission is to enable proficient use of Information and Communications Technology that empowers individuals, organizations and society, through the development, promotion and delivery of quality certification programmes around the world.
For more information, please contact:
Bahaa Fatairy
PR Manager at Genesis ME Consulting
Mobile: 00971553449341
Email: Bahaa.fatairy@genesis-me.com
Website: www.genesis-me.com
Genesis Consulting ME
www.genesis-me.com
© Press Release 2013
