Hadijah binti Jaffri

Certified Content Creator: What is that?

It has been more than three months since the deadline for content submission at MOHE website. This is the MyDigitalEducator programme. Alhamdulillah, with the support and mentoring from the mentor and fellow colleagues, I managed to complete the tasks on time. That is what matters most. The results? I do not care much.

An email was sent yesterday (15 November 2022) late afternoon to inform us about the results. Alhamdulillah, I saw few names that I recognise from UTM. One of them is the one that I learned about making videos using Canva. I do not create the videos that I submitted in the programme using Canva though because I do not have enough time to learn due to time constraints.

At that time, our aim is simple – “Let’s don’t repeat this again next year“. She has the same opinion. One of the funniest moments that we shared is when both of us were trying to submit our final assignment around 3pm. At that time, we realised that the system was lagging. It was not a good indication. We know from our experience dealing with UTM ELearning, if the system is lagging, it means that there might be overloading problems due to users (large number of users at the same time).

We had a laugh at that time and said to one another “Dah mula dah. Kena cepat ni. Dah tak boleh nak belek lagi dah sistem ni“. Then, we had a break for a while for asar prayer around 430ish. I did not log in to the system after that. I felt that I have done my best with my own limited knowledge and ability so, I could not expect more than what I can do. She tried to log in after asar, a couple of minutes just before 5pm but could not access to the system. She called me “Kak, dah tak boleh nak log in dah. Ingat nak semak balik apa yang saya dah letak tadi. Nampaknya kena redha je lah.” Being a perfectionist, I know that she still wanted to have a final touch of everything.

At this point, I was beyond care about whatever ranking (I know that my mentor has different idea about this) and the only thing that I care is, I do not want to repeat this again. With this experience, I know it is not easy to create materials for micro credential course. I know my own ability to prepare for micro credential course. It is not for me.

Teacher Dr, what should we do?

I had a tuition class last Friday (28 October 2022). We had a revision of two essays since the students would start their trial on Sunday (30 October 2022). Some of them requested that I explained more about the written comments that I wrote in their exercise books. The last essay that they wrote was about bullying. Some wrote about the effects of bullying yada yada yada but out of the blue, one student asked me about self-esteem and bullying. I shared with them about research findings about bullying, self-esteem etc.

I explained to them that while it was always believed that bullies have low self-esteem, recent research by a large number of researchers revealed that this was not always the case. Some of them have high self-esteem. In this case, we should look at bullies as cases in which not all of them necessarily have similar level of self-esteem. We cannot generalize and regard bullies as one category.

Going back to our discussion about the essay, I used Socratic questions to prompt them to think more about themselves. The questions were: “What do you think about your own self-esteem?”, “How do you perceive or define your self?”, “Why do you define your self as smart or stupid (I just gave few examples)?”. The students just looked at me when I asked them those questions. One of them asked me “Kenapa Teacher tanya soalan macam ni kat kita?” (Translation: Why do you ask us these questions?”)

I informed them that I wanted them to ponder the questions and their answers. They do not need to give me the answers but I want them to think those questions. Those questions have never or very rarely been asked to them by others. One student, a male, made some notes in his notebook. After writing the questions in his notebook, he just remained silent, staring at the page. I asked him “What are you thinking?” He replied “Susah juga nak jawab soalan ni, Teacher” [Translation: It is difficult to answer these questions”]

One of the girls whispered to her friend who was sitting besides her while giggling “Teacher ni psycho“. I caught her red handed and I gave her the stare. She quickly apologized. It is inappropriate to refer to someone as a psycho, I informed her. The word psycho might be perceived as derogatory. When someone is referred to be a psycho with malice, it signifies that we believe they have a psychological disorder.

Another student inquired as to whether cutting one’s arms indicates the presence of a psychological condition. Why did she ask that, I questioned. She informed me that some students engage in such behaviour. When she questioned them about it, they said that they were stressed out. Cutting one’s arms is no longer suicide ideation. It is already an act.

I was speechless. It is alarming. There is a red flag that I could not ignore. I told the teachers who were there. We had a quick meeting after that. I realise that I am just an outsider. My hands are tight. But we can work things out, In sha Allah.

No more you, Kak Dila.

Though it has been over five years after the incident, I can still vividly recall every detail. It is like you were holding me in your arms and comforting me only yesterday. I know you kept the incident to yourself and never told anyone about it. There will be no one like you. I will miss every single thing about you.

The last message that we had was in July 2022. You asked me about e content. You had learned EdPuzzle from Norah. You had used it in your class. But you wanted to know more about other platforms. You asked me what are other platforms that I use that you can learn.

You asked me to remind you about e content in September 2022. You said “Terlalu awal kan kalau nak isi bulan Julai ni?” The day that I supposed to remind you never came. By September, I heard that you were not feeling well. I did not want to bug you with e content.

I went to your home yesterday (6 November 2022, Sunday) with Kak Narina after her 1pm class. Honestly, we were unprepared for your passing. But, we know that Allah Loves you more. “Dijah, akak minta maaf kalau ada salah silap ya?” That was among the last messages that I received from you. There will be no more you who would always be there for me. I miss you already, Kak Dila. May Allah Grant you jannah.

TES: How to complete course file (new way)- especially for FSSH academicians

For FSSH academicians, these are the steps that you can use to complete the task

a) Make sure you complete the course file in the respective system.

b) Once you have completed the course file, go to the course file of a specific course, click View Course File (B3). You will see the list of courses that you teach for that particular semester. Make sure you click the relevant year for evaluation. Do not choose the previous year courses! (tongue in cheek remark!)

c) To view the course content, click View of a specific course (at your right side).

c) You might see a Print icon on the top middle. Click that Print icon

You will see there is a link that you can copy (Click HERE to see example)

d) Copy the link and paste in TES (URL box)

Tips: Make sure you complete the course file well. Meaning, double check if there is a missing document which you might have not uploaded yet. You can submit ONLY ONE course (they emphasize QUALITY, not QUANTITY). But if you want to submit all courses by using only one link, you can save all links in a Google Doc. Just link the Google Doc or Google (make sure the link is set as “Anyone with the link” as a viewer.

But please be aware that this does not related to programme auditing in which the auditor(s) might look at your course file randomly. So, if you only complete one course file, thus, it might jeopardize your programme to receive proper accreditation.

TESDCP: What is new in the course file (TESDCP)?

There is a new feature in TES (Course file). We have an option either to upload the documents as usual or you can link (copy-paste URL) the course file that you use. For example, if you use Google Drive, copy-paste the link here and make sure you make it as public – so people can see it without having difficulty.

In this picture, you might see that there is a red notification (* not compulsory). This is because I have completed the course file using the old style. I did this back in July 2022 immediately after we presented the marks. But apparently, I have to provide the link of the course file in the URL box. If not, the B3 (Yearly Validation) will be empty (not Green).

Previously, it is time-consuming to complete uploading documents at two different systems. There is no doubt about that. Who am I, though, to challenge that? I only comply grudgingly. I am aware of individuals who give up and could not be bothered to upload the materials to the appropriate systems. Occasionally, a simple hands-on uploading can be challenging if we do not know where the required documents are saved.

Normally, I would simultaneously upload course materials to TES and the faculty’s course file system. This is the “old” practice. Because I am aware with myself with selective memory, I know where the documents (files) are and so do not need to search for them later. Alhamdulillah, with the new feature, I no longer have to do that. I just need to complete my course file in one system and copy-paste the link in TES. (Refer to B5 – Link eLPPT – in yellow color)

Note: I would like to extend my gratitude towards those experts who created/upgraded the systems to make things easier for us as compared before.

Part 3_Star rating for ICESYS: What you should know?

Before you apply for the star rating, you need to register your project first. After the registration was approved, only then you can apply for star rating application. To register the project, there are certain things that you need to prepare (in writing). What I did is, I type the description in words or notepad and I just copy paste it in the system. It is easier this way as the system cannot idle long.

You need to write description for

a) an executive summary (300 words)

b) problem statement (300 words)

c) background (300 words)

Other than that, you need to select and fill in information on the relevant boxes such as duration, location, SDGs, objectives, milestones, output and such.

In addition, you need to upload certain documents as attachment such as report, survey (observation, questionnaire and analysis), proposal, flowchart, letter of appointment, collaboration letter, milestone and paper work.

In my case, I also uploaded participant attendance, report, survey results and letter (if you use Google Form, just download the report and save as PDF).

You can recycle the same documents for your star rating application.

Once you have filled in the boxes with * and uploaded the relevant evidence, you have to submit this registration application first, before you can apply for star rating.

Tips: Please make sure that your registration is completed and approved a few days before the final deadline for star rating application. For “last minute people”, make sure your project is approved before you complete the star rating application. You can do it within an hour (or so) if you have all the necessary information and documents at hand.

Part 2_Star rating for ICESYS: What is the difference between the five star rating?

There are specific differences of criteria for different star rating. In addition, the documents or evidences needed are also different.

Star rating 1: The community has a positive orientation towards the programme. An attendance exceeds or equal to 80%. The two documents needed: 1) Attendance List and 2) Official document of community involvement consent (it could be in a form of letter or certificate of attendance or recognition).

Star rating 2: The community consider the programme relevant and needed. A formal university-community cooperation agreement exists. Stakeholders generally agree to the implementation of the programme. The two documents needed: 1) Questionnaire / Interview and 2) Letter of Collaboration. If you have attendance list, it is an optional (better to have it).

Star rating 3: The community action programme results in change in attitude/ knowledge/ skills or aspirations. Participants exhibit a change in attitude, knowledge, skills and/or aspiration. The three documents needed: 1) Survey form, 2) Interviews Transcription & analysis and 3) Video – before and during program

Star rating 4: The community programme results in a change of practice. Participants adopted the innovations that were introduced. The three documents needed: 1) Observation checklist, 2) Interviews Transcription & analysis and 3) Video – before and during program. Report is not compulsory (but once you have it, it will be rated to 5 star).

Star rating 5: The community is empowered and can independently sustain the practice that was introduced through the programme. Participants continue to practice innovations without UTM’s assistance. The four documents needed: 1) Report (contains description of event, put pictures etc. and if you have conducted survey, include the findings of the survey too in the report), 2) Observation checklist & analysis, 3) Video – before and during program and 4) news – media coverage (provide the URL link of the media coverage such as UTM news). In addition, you also need to state the impact of program and sustainability value (need to write a description about this in the report)

Part 1_Star rating for ICESYS: Required documents

There are certain things that are needed for star rating that you apply in ICESYS.

Make sure you have the following (if not all, it is suggested that you have the starred documents):

a) Facility/Tools/Equipment/Machinery/System invented for the community (Write the description – PDF file)

*b) Letter of Appointment or Official document of community involvement consent

c) Letter of Cooperation (Official document of community involvement consent)

d) Letter of Intent (LOI)

e) MoU (Memorandum of Understanding)

f) MoA (Memorandum of Agreement)

g) Intellectual Property (IP) (Give the evidence of IP number etc. – PDF file)

h) Award (Upload the certificate which indicates the award that you won – PDF file)

*i) Attendance List (Make sure you take the attendance of participants during the program)

*j) Questionnaire / Interview (Survey form, Interviews Transcription & analysis) – It would be better if you prepare a formal report which contains information about observation checklist & analysis. This is needed for Star rating 4 and 5.

*k) Video – before and during program (I do not know how to combine video within a video so, I just created a video which I included pictures that I took during the program)

l) News – media coverage (This is needed for Star rating 5)