Communication Skills

During my teaching career and at university I have had to present many lectures and seminars. On all occasions I enjoyed doing this. I have also assisted on a number of Open days at the University of Reading , for the Computing Department. Communications Skills were useful during these Open Days. These skills have been used on many occasions since, for example during the enrolling period at Curtin University , counselling students and facilitating student studies.

Knowledge of EEO principles and practices

During my time as team leader in IT at Curtin University ’s Kalgoorlie Campus I received training and practiced equal opportunity principles in the hiring of staff, as well as in the accommodation of students with special needs.

General Teaching and Flexibility

The nature of the work at Curtin University - Kalgoorlie Campus dictated that Lecturers were very flexible in their ability to learn quickly and to be able to convey that newly acquired knowledge.

Technical Support

Skills I have a very extensive knowledge base built over a period of over 20 years. This knowledge base covers early personal computers through to today’s Pentium IV class processor based systems.
I have constructed and fault tested a number of personal computers for my own and also for work use. This was especially true at Curtin University where I was involved in the installation and set up of specialist hardware and networking laboratories.
These installations also included fault finding and solution implementation when systems became unserviceable. The installation of new memory, hard drives, CD-ROMs, and other equipment was a regular component of the laboratory management duties. The fault finding also extended to networking and other associated technologies. Installation and maintenance of print servers, printers, and scanners also formed a large part of these duties.
I have broad skills and experience in the installation of software and operating systems including the Windows 9x family, NT family and the Windows 2000 Professional system. I have also performed many Linux installations.
Applications software from the Office suite has been installed and these have been tailored to meet varied personal and class-room situations. The installation of third party software including anti virus and web design applications was a regular component of the duties when managing specialist class-rooms. These installations included the application of upgrades and patches as required to solve security and other issues.
Fault finding and solution skills have been built up through my personal interest in computer systems and also due to the period of work at British Telecom in the UK . These skills have been brought forward and updated as appropriate.
I have also gained experience in the use of help desk software systems from a number of suppliers. Whilst at the City of Joondalup I investigated the use of Public Domain systems to solve the issue of tracking problems and solutions for the City’s Libraries. A number of possible solutions were identified, and tested.

Customer Focus Skills and Interaction

While working for British Telecom and for Cyclop Systems, I used my effective communication skills whilst dealing with customers. I also had to learn new ideas and concepts quickly and efficiently. I was given the problem of learning a structured programming methodology, and how to effectively document all programs that were written.
During the period of employment in the summer, I was given the task of writing a database in Apple Basic. I successfully completed this during the allocated 5 weeks. Subsequently I was employed as a full time member of staff.
When a lecturer at Curtin University - Kalgoorlie Campus, I was always aware of the need and the practice of good customer focus skills. These involved the easy access by staff and students to myself as a lecturer, and as a leader in the IT team. I was willing to advise students, staff, and prospective students via face-to-face communication, telephone, and via electronic means, including chat facilities.
I was always willing to listen to students to allow them to feedback thoughts and ideas about the classes, courses, and facilities. I always seriously considered their comments, and as appropriate broached any issues with the required person or persons. As required I would modify my own personal approach as required.

Computing Systems and Languages

The computers and languages I am familiar with is quite extensive. The list below is just an extract.

Computer Systems

Sun 3/60 (Unix version 4.3), VAX 11/750 (Unix version 4.3), IBM PC compatibles (MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows 3.x, 95, 98, NT, Windows 2000 Professional), Acorn BBC Microcomputer (DFS), Acorn Archimedes (RiscOS) and Apple IIe, Sun Solaris 2.6.

Computer Programming Languages include:-

Pascal, Borland Delphi, C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Modula-2, OCCAM, Fortran, TABOL, Borland Turbo Basic, Microsoft Quick Basic, Visual Basic, Visual Basic for Applications, BBC Basic, Apple Basic, Structured Query Language (SQL), Active Server Pages (ASP), Java Server pages (JSP), and PHP.

Applications and Development Systems include:-

Macromedia Suite MX 2004, Macromedia DreamWeaver, Macromedia UltraDev, Fireworks, MS FrontPage, Adobe Photoshop, MS Office Products (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Outlook), Borland Delphi, MS Visual Basic, mySQL, SQL Server.

Web Design, Implementation and Management

I have been responsible for several major projects in the last few years which have included:

• Design and implementation of the Midland College of TAFE (Tertiary And Further Education) student Intranet for us by IT (and other) students (http://10.232.74.201). Facilities include news, file downloads, discussion forums, web chat, help desk, and current implementation of e-mail and web based e-mail.
• The design and implementation of web sites for the IT team at Curtin University (Kalgoorlie Campus). (kalg.curtin.edu.au/teams/it and idris.curtin.edu.au).
• Recommendations for and implementation of changes to the City of Joondalup Library Web site (intranet and internet) (library.joondalup.wa.gov.au).
• The development and implementation of a redesigned web site for a small ISP (www.jinet.net.au).
• Assistance in the design and implementation of the OptraWeb web site (www.optraweb.com.au).
• Design and layout of Web site for a worldwide children’s literature special interest group (www.rockterrace.demon.co.uk/FOCS/).
• Content and design development for a number of small community groups including the official web site for Bears Perth Inc (www.BearsPerth.com) and the OzOrg Internet Relay Chat channel (#GayBears) web site (www.westnet.com.au/dyfrgi/GayBears).
• Current major project is the development and design of a Web portal for a section of the Gay and Lesbian community in the southern hemisphere (www.bdu.org).
• In addition I have maintained a personal Web site since 1995.

Design and Preparation of Modules

While teaching at Curtin University - Kalgoorlie Campus (Vocational Education Sector, formerly Kalgoorlie College) I have had to design, write and prepare courses for other lecturers and myself. This sometimes included co-ordinating the course for a remote site from the college.
Recent experience in curriculum development includes the writing of subject outlines for nationally accredited modules, including Fourth Generation Languages and Industrial Control Programming.
Other experience within the Australian National Curriculum for further education, including the development of new subject materials never before taught at the college ranging from Value Added Information Services, The Internet, and Delphi Programming.

Education Experts and Industry Liaison

I have been a member of the National Information Technology Competency Implementation Network (NITCIN). My membership of this group was in the role of the Western Australia regional representative. When required I would also represented Western Australia.

General Computing

During my career, I have developed my interest in PCs of many kinds. I have practical knowledge of many aspects of PCs. Where my knowledge of new technology is not current I am keen to learn.
I am currently involved in self-education in Java, Advanced Web Design, Visual Basic, and Internet Technologies.

Training Background

I have taught Primary Education and Challenge Program (PEAC) courses, Certificate in Computing, Certificate in Computing Applications, Certificate II in Information Technology, Certificate III in Information Technology (Network Administration, General, Software Applications), Certificate IV in Information Technology (Web Design, Network Management), Diploma in Information Technology (Web Development), Associate Diploma (Computing) and Graduate Diploma in Computing (Informatics, Programming) subjects, plus Industry Training courses.

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