My hosting company increased my space from 50MB to 150 MB free! Besides, it also install MOODLE so that I can run it from my site.

It's going to be exciting to see the integration of the LMS into the existing site. At least I don't have to depend on the college's site which is down more often than not. For example, as soon as there is power failure, the server will be down. No back up generator.

Must say thanks to Lee and eternalsolutions!

Yesterday, my department was given a Moodle account to initiate elearning or at least put the learning materials of the department in cyberspace. Learning materials here refer to the semester teaching plans, notes and subject syllabus. It seems that the TP wants every department to be involved in integrating ICT in teaching. By successfully doing so, it will elevate the Admin to a higher plane.

From the first impression, Moodle is a powerful LMS platform. It’s complete and user friendly. Most of the features of other expensive LMS are included in this free system. Examples: forum, chat, mail, testing, and even logging the usage of teachers and students.

If it’s so wonderful is it being used extensively in other colleges? Obviously, it’s not. The reasons are as clear as daylight. Infrastructure, online access, and most important of all human resource. What about the politics and sociological aspects? One person can set up the system but can others follow up and follow through? Further more, there is question regarding policy. Will e-learning be allowed to replace classroom interaction?

If the P insists that all lectures must be delivered in the traditional manner why bother to do e-learning? Basic question: what’s there in for me? Every time, praises and accolades are given to the JTP but not to the content providers or subject matter experts. If I provide the content and crack my head thinking of the lesson design I will just be a springboard for others to soar and score points. The more I do the better they become, the greater they are. Is it worth the trouble? Guess not.

The JTP person even has the cheek to suggest that we (the stepping-stones) write in to complain about the slow server and inadequate infrastructure so that he can get more tools to play with. He’ll get a bigger server, more hard disk and better computers. To me is pouring oil into fire. I remember the other day when I suggested that the ICT lab be opened in the evenings, he said he must study it first and it depends on the number of users. If the number of users is less than 10 he would close the labs? As if he owns the labs! And this afternoon he bragged about the dedication of his staff and how the ICT labs are opened even in the evenings.

Now I pity the young man who is servicing the computers and the networks. Every day for the past week, he has to come around our rooms configuring the computers. Frankly I think this is caused by the amateurish set up of the networking. There must be specialized staff manning the servers and servicing the terminals. I hope he has the stamina and resilience to continue a vain attempt to do laborious job. Long live Rasman!

Project Based Learning: iEARN

USM SES 15 – 18 August 2004

What do you expect from your students?

Expectation No.1:

To be self motivated life long learners, being independent and able to collaborate with other learners. Thus moving towards self actualization.

Expectation No.2:

To have a sense of mission to help their students to achieve their best in life. To be able to do that, my students should master the skills, knowledge and networking to soar in themselves and society.

When do you feel happiest as lecturer / teacher?

When I am no longer needed. When my students are on their own able to carry on learning on their own.

What do you expect from this workshop?

Fun, Friendship & Food.