ELPPT 2.0: What is that?: My two pence opinion

Yesterday, I attended a briefing on ELPPT 2.0.  Why does it call as ELPPT 2.0?   It is the latest version of ELPPT.  The ELPPT 1.0 is the one being used since its implementation back in 2009.  So, what is new on the latest ELPPT aka ELPPT 2.0?  Well, to be honest, there are lots of differences.  I am still struggling to understand it well. 

But this is a adjustment phase for me.  Like a person who just learning how to ride a bicycle, I might have difficulty to balance myself but I believe that as long as I am willing to learn and allow myself to make mistakes (and not worry too much about it), In Sha Allah I will become proficient. 

One of the big differences is the 10% marks which exclusively will be given and approved by the administrator (dean/chair/director).  The way I see it, it is a means to reinforce certain behaviour which might not necessarily will contribute to healthy culture in academia.  But, if it is used accordingly with integrity and ethics in mind, it could be a powerful way to reward others. 

We need to support local talents

I got a request from my IIUM friend to vote her former PhD supervisor for a nomination of EduTech Awards 2019 (Tertiary Category).   So, some of us asked why should we vote her because we do not know her contribution in a field of Education Technology.  Sound fair right to ask such question?  But, for me, as a fellow Malaysian we need to  support our own people.  Sometimes, more often than not, we do not know their contributions to the country due to lack of awareness about their expertise.   So, let’s support each other.    Click HERE to support our local talents:

  1. Zainab Batin, School Senior Advisor, Labuan International School, Malaysia

  2. Dr Nor Aziah Alias, Director of Academic Development, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia

Alhamdulillah… my Dell laptop is ok

I had a little scary moment yesterday when my Dell laptop when “black” when I was using it.  I called En Zul who repaired my Dell laptop when the battery was overheated.  He suggested that I met him earlier before he went out to service laptops [He is always on a move].  I gave him my laptop and off I went to UTM a little bit late today.  I arrived at quarter before 10am.   

As I parked my car, I heard a tone from my phone to indicate incoming messages.  En Zul said that the problem with my laptop is not the hardware like motherboard or RAM, but with the software i.e. Windows.  Alhamdulillah.  What is wrong with my Windows?  I haven’t updated it for a quite some time.  There you go.  It does reflect that I have a lots to learn about computer/laptop.  😀

 

ELPPT 2019: New Evaluation? Why should I be bothered?

Since I finished my PhD, I never care too much about how I am being evaluated.  But something made me change my view.  It is not that I am being calculative now but I am more aware what is going on around me in terms of why certain people act in certain way. 

Webometric was introduced more than 5 years ago.  But, the award in Citra Karisma on webometric was introduced few years back.   One of my friends said that bonus marks in ELPPT are important to ensure that you get more than 90% every year.  All of these while, I am not that enthusiastic in keeping my webometric active.  But after Latihan Ikhtisas, I realise that I am having difficulty to write down my thoughts. 

Being one whole year at school made me preoccupied with other things than writing such as creating handouts, worksheets, examples of composition and such which are different from tertiary level of writing.  So, I am having this phase of “reclaiming” my identity, my roles as a lecturer, not a teacher.  This is the hardest part.  I am not sure if others who had undergone Latihan Ikhtisas experienced this.  But, I am experiencing it now and it makes me wonder why such thing can happen to me.  I am still trying to find out the answer. 

Not only that, when I was at school, UTM introduces e content as one of the categories for bonus marks.  I am struggling to adapt to some changes at UTM.  Some might say that nothing much has changed within one year, but for me, I perceive it as something new.  Is it because I am looking at the changes with a new perspective?  Like a short-sighted person who is given corrective glasses, finally I can see things “clearer” than before. 

Limitation of using old laptop

While using my old Toshiba laptop, I realise that I cannot use Prezi.  Why?  Apparently, regardless of what I do, when I downloaded Google Chrome (latest version) or use different browser such as Firefox, I cannot edit my Prezi due to incompatibility of browser.  To use Prezi, there is a minimum requirement of certain browser that support the application.  Not only that, I also cannot download Telegram to be installed in my Toshiba laptop.  Yup.  Intel Centrino is way too outdated at this point. 

No wonder when I tried several times to install the latest Google Chrome, it cannot be installed properly because I use Intel Centrino for this laptop.  My Dell laptop?  If I send it for repair, it might take me around +7 to 14 working days to get it done.  Meaning, I might get the laptop back just in time when the semester will start in September.  I have so many things to do.  

I have another computer, a desktop which also has problems.  I asked around and one of the technicians said that it could be problem with the memory.  I need to change it to SSD from HD.   I don’t know how long will I have to wait before I can use Prezi again.  Another option that I can think of is going to the the library and use one of its computers.  But it is too open for public though.  But beggar cannot be choosy, I think.  That is the last resort.  Or I can ask Yan to use her computer room.  Yup.  It is still in the same vicinity of my office.  

Alhamdulillah I can still write my people.utm.my without any problem.  So, I guess I can pour out my ideas of what I want to do in the next semester temporarily here and later on I will transfer it at my Prezi or other.

Asas Pedagogi [Fundamental pedagogy]

On my TESDECP, I realise that there are courses that I will teach for next semester.  Wow.  That is early.  So, I will teach Fundamental Pedagogy [Asas Pedagogi].  I notice that I will get two sections, but none is TEASL group. 

How do I know?  Well, looking at the number of students, I can tell it is from different programme.  I guess it would be either SPPS (sports science) or SPPJ (technical and vocational group).  I think I want to request to change one of the sections to TEASL group.  Why?  I am thinking that it might be more relevant for me to teach them how to create the daily lesson plan (Rancangan Pengajaran Harian).  I also have a template that I can share with them.  If I don’t teach them, I don’t have opportunity to share my Latihan Ikhtisas experience with them, right?  What is the purpose of having me to undergo Latihan Ikhisas and yet I cannot share what I learn and gain with the students?   I think I will request it later on.  

Laptop problem

I went to the library this morning to do some work.  I updated my TESDCP information, edited an abstract for ICES, downloaded course information and few others.  While using prezi, suddenly my laptop’s monitor became black.  It is not the usual standby mode.  I was thinking perhaps my battery has run out.  Nope.  After plugging in the charger, it is still black.  I started to get panicky.  I asked En Zul (who changed my laptop batter last year) and from him, I know that it might be either motherboard problem or RAM problem.  

I haven’t submitted my TESDCP yet.  I asked K Inda (Nazrinda) if PSZ has computer that I can use because I want to submit my TESDCP.  I think it is better I submit it now than on 15 August 2019 (Thursday).  Alhamdulillah.  I submitted my TESDCP using the PSZ computer [and I also borrowed some books.  2 in 1 thing] and I have also submitted the ICES abstract (just before my laptop went kaput).  

Alas, this is a blessing in disguise.  I think I might still hesitate to submit my TESDCP if my Dell laptop is still ok.  Now, I am using my old Toshiba laptop.  Alhamdulillah, it is still working.  I will send my Dell laptop for repair tomorrow morning in sha Allah.