Why reinvent the wheel if you have Google Docs templates!

Checking up my Google Docs today found this interesting red link that tells about New! Submit a template - a link to vast resource of document templates (Document, Spreadsheet & Presentation).

Different formats of doc resume, planners, calendars, business forms and a lot more.

Normally I look for the MS Office Online for these types of template but it's a lot quicker to use the Google Docs because it's already part of the site, no need to download anything!

Goodbye Google Page Creator!

It has been couple of years now that I've been using Google Page Creator, and it's disappointing to hear the news that Google is pulling the plug to this very easy to use and quick web publishing app.

I have created a number of sites using the Google Apps interface to manage and maintain different page templates that incorporates flash banners, calendars, picasa galleries and forms.

Sample websites like - Radio Larrakia, The Arch Rival & Balmac House.

Google Page Creator enables you to run or embed Javascripts (to create dynamic navigation) and flash banner animations (not only Picasa or Youtube videos) that can make the look&feel more exciting that the default templates.

Migrating to use the Google Sites is not very easy to do, due to the limitation to add these scripts and inline embedding is quite impossible.

I'm hoping that this is not totally the end of the line for a not-so-famous but very useful app like Google Page Creator.

Back to blogging again!

It might already been a year since I posting something on this blog and I'm happy to get back to blogging again. Ofcourse with some fresh and new ideas to share coming from different news feeds and blog of interest.

With everyone tweeting these days, I've started to create a twitter account and possibly start tweeting as well, but to tell you frankly I'm still struggling to find the real value of putting every minute - moment of your life as tweets for other people to read and gossip on any story or news you posted on your twitter.

Finally! I have received my TAA40104 certificate today...

It has been a couple of days that I've been following up DHRCA regarding my TAA40104 certificate and today I've finally got it. Four months ago I'm only dreaming of actually getting to this day to see my name printed on a piece of paper validating my competency in training and assessment under a nationally recognised Vocational Education Training (VET) course.

Looking at all the folders I've compiled and put together over time, I can say that I have accomplished something for myself, learning to organise well, structuring my notes and ideas, including writing journals and blogs. I've also met some great people in the class that inspired and challenge me to finish all the assignments just like when you're back at school in the early days. I've also realised the importance of summarising my notes after the class, saved me a lot of time later on when I'm compiling my Cluster folders. I would say I have improved my note taking and listening skills particularly in understanding the unfamiliar VET concepts and terminologies. As a technical person coming from an IT background, trying to understand the practically of the methodology and approaches used in gathering proof and evidences can be a real stretch to my patience as suppose to just the actual training delivery which I have done many times before.

At the start, I'm a little bit apprehensive on how I can manage my time well and let alone demonstrate competency on this unfamiliar course but after attending the regular sessions every week for 11 days and seeing the motivation from my classmates and teacher, I started to appreciate the learnings and the skills that I can improve in the process. The presentation in front of the class, the planning and facilitation exercises gave me the boost that I need to build confidence and understanding of the concept of the VET framework.

Thanks to Carole Buck (mentor & teacher) and to my classmates for the inspiration to finish!

Last day in class at the Darwin Computer Academy

Feels great to finally reach the 11th day of my CertIV class at the Darwin Human Resource and Computer Academy (DHRCA) and

wrapping-up some of the final assessment exercises under Cluster 4. I had a great time taking up the course and meeting great people who shares interests in training and assessing other people in the workplace, coming from different backgrounds and industries.

After 3 months compiling evidence documents and resource materials for the Cluster folder(s), I finally realised the importance of preparation and planning in the delivery of any workplace training as well as being organised in collating reports and evidences in order to prove your competency in delivering and facilitating training.

Below are some of the photos taken at the DHRCA classroom on our last day...

From left to right - Mark, Suzie, Sharon, Kelly, Dave, Rilda, Carole, John, Venjie, Scott & Rebecca.

Other photo links below courtesy of Mark & Kelly -

• Mark's picasa album - click here
  


• Kelly's photos at the Saturday night party at Carole Buck's place in NAKARA - click here

For human resource and computer training courses visit the DHRCA website - click here

'Train the Trainer' - IT Training Workshop

Last 30th of April, I was requested by my colleague at LGANT to facilitate a half-a-day training session to the participants of the 'Train the Trainer' IT Training Workshop held at the Darwin Wharf Function Centre.

The aim of the workshop is to train adult learners from a wide range of backgrounds and literacy and are willing to train other people in community on IT related issues, a way of transferring their own knowledge and skills to other people in the remote communities.

After the workshop, the learners are expected to be able to start-up their own computer workstation. Locate and manage their own files including the running of some basic office applications like Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Able to surf the internet on topics of their interest.

Attended by at least 13 delegates from the communities of Yirrkala, Galiwin'ku, Angurugu, Milingimbi, Warruwi and Walungurru (Kintore).

Future Leaders - Forum 2008

Mal Nairn Auditorium, Charles Darwin University, 4 June 08

A couple of days ago, I received a call from Helen Sykes (Future Leaders) about the possibility of delivering a talk to year 12 students (graduating class) to learn more about the career prospects in IT industry and some work experiences worth sharing at the forum. I said Yes, so yesterday night I put together a simple powerpoint presentation to cover some of the issues as noted by Helen earlier. I would have love to add some multimedia stuff into it but ran out of time to do so but anyway, I thought the best way to present my idea and experience is through the use of own photos to guide me through my presentation.

I've started my session by displaying (slideshow) some of the photos I have taken over the years working with LGANT. Some aerial shots, wild horses/animals and some remote scenic shots of the top-end, a couple of these photos have already been shown at the WeatherPixNT section at ABC's 7pm news.

My presentation is called the 'The Journey...to the next thing ahead'.

It is all about my own journey of discovery into my career path and the challenges I've faced over the years. By explaining to the students that you can finish any qualification (or degree) that you want and still get a different job afterwards depending on the circumstances and opportunities available at the time. You can find yourself doing different jobs from time to time but the important thing to remember is that through these events you'll learn how to adapt (be flexible) and always take a proactive approach to the changed environment and always looking for ways to improve the situation, it can be through self-evaluation of your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as your own passion to achieve something for yourself.

Finding that PASSION in anything you do, will make a big difference to your own success!

I can seen how the student were very attentive to advices and willing to take on the challenges presented to them. I finished off by raising the following issues noted in my final slide;

• Develop Socially Responsive Websites
• Bridge the Technology gap amongst people from different backgrounds
• Inspire future leaders in the area of their expertise!

I am privileged in witnessing and inspiring the future leaders of this country.

For more information on Future Leaders - Forum 2008 website - click here

or/ request for a copy of the PowerPoint presentation used at the Forum, by sending an email to info@itsatp.net.

Other Speakers at the Forum (in alphabetical order)

• Ngaree Ah Kit, Executive Assistant, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services & Indigenous Affairs.
• Justin De Zylva, Electrical Engr, Power and Water Supply
• Lucia Ku, Law Officer Department of Justice
• Ben Langford, Journalist, NT News
• Dr Pippa Wilson, Medical Doctor, Royal Darwin Hospital