Hi Cert III Students,
Well this is it, the final assessment for the subject, for the course, for the year!
The discussions & comments that have been generated shows me that you have demonstrated competency in utilising a knowledge management system. I have been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm shown in completing these assessments. Well done!
As a reminder your final submission will be the collation of your posts. This is to be submitted (print off & post/hand in, or email) to me by no later than Tuesday October 15th.
For this week's assignment you will need to complete the following:
The discussions & comments that have been generated shows me that you have demonstrated competency in utilising a knowledge management system. I have been pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm shown in completing these assessments. Well done!
As a reminder your final submission will be the collation of your posts. This is to be submitted (print off & post/hand in, or email) to me by no later than Tuesday October 15th.
For this week's assignment you will need to complete the following:
- What difficulties have you encountered when utilising this blog? Please explain & provide examples.
- How could this experience be improved for future RM students? Please explain & provide examples.
Any questions please let me know.
Please note that the blog will remain operational until November 30th 2013. So from time to time I may post updates on the home page of the blog. You may want to check for any new info that is posted.
Share the knowledge!
Melisa
I haven’t really encountered too many difficulties at all.
ReplyDeleteI usually do have trouble with entering the letters and numbers that the blog displays when you go to post a comment. Sometimes it’s just too hard so I have to refresh it. I believe that we have to do this to prove that we are not a robot or something, is that true? I wish I understood how that part all works.
I sort of wished that we could have been made to use this blog (like we have had to for Information Management) earlier on in the year, so that we all got the hang of this right from the start. I have found this so beneficial, with everyone else’s points of view. Maybe, I don’t know how, but I think you (Melisa) should maybe put the odd question up on the blog right from the start and make the students answer that as part of their assignments throughout the year.
Overall I have thoroughly enjoyed doing “Certificate 3 in Records Management”. I have learnt so much. I just wish we could have done all our lessons in class, but never mind. Thank you Melisa, you have been an excellent teacher and thanks to everyone as you have all been so nice, it’s been a pleasure to have met you. See you all (hopefully) on the Gepps Cross tour.
Rose S
Morning Rose
DeleteI have to agree with the entering of the word and numbers to ensure I am not a robot. Thank God, there is the refresh because I know my eyes are bad but sometimes I doubt anyone could make out what it says.
I’m not sure of it’s purpose as I doubt any robot would be accessing a Records Blog, only those of us passionate records types would read and respond to RM things.
100% agree with using the Blog from day one, how much more communicating we could have been doing together.
It’s funny but I feel I know you all but I probably still haven’t met you all.
Enjoy your last assignment fellow classmates
Deni B
Hi Rose
DeleteI also had trouble with the numbers; they’re not always clear but agree that the use of the blog throughout the course is a great idea. I am sure you will enjoy the tour of the repository at Gepps Cross it is a fascinating place and I have very fond memories of working there. It was nice to meet you.
Ally F
Hi Rose
DeleteDon't worry, you're not the only one who struggled with the security numbers/letters. Some posts I have refreshed a few times just to get one that is easy to read! I thought it was just my eyes being lazy, but some are just too blurry.
Hayley R
I have to agree also - the security numbers/letters are a nightmare! There is actually a ‘Kill CAPTCHA petition’ online that you can sign to hopefully get this banned. CAPTCHA stands for Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart. Not only is it a problem for us but lots of people with disabilities, especially poor eyesight, hate this system. Let’s hope the petition makes a difference cos I won’t miss it at all! Cheers Maryann C
DeleteHI Rose
DeleteI didn't have any issues with the security code. I too wish that we were required to use the blog from day one. It's been a useful and informative tool.
I also look forward to the Gepps Cross tour.
Ellen R
Difficulties with utilising the Blog ‘Fear’
ReplyDeleteI’m probably still of the generation that likes a school setting, teacher out the front, blackboard, school books and structured lessons.
Not having any educational learning for over 29 years I took the plunge last year and through work studied the Frontline Management Certificate.
The different way in which they deliver the learning to students today, took me awhile to get my head around. No class room, I wasn’t given structure, it was up to me to manage the work load, study times and utilise the internet as a resource.
Initially this was difficult for me especially the use of internet as it was assumed everyone would be proficient in its use.
Well, I survived and took another step in studying RM Certificate 3.
Feeling a wee bit more confident with the learning style now I felt more confident in undertaking the assignments. Although Melisa did highlight the Blog at our first lesson, I felt if I didn’t acknowledge it I wouldn’t’ have to participate.
Well, you got me in the end. I have to admit the class session on how to access, read, respond, post etc was fantastic for those of us intimidated by new things (especially electronic). I think if the Blog wasn’t a part of this assignment and the class session wasn’t included I would have still ignored accessing it. Because I’m not one to venture out and investigate, I don’t learn by experimenting I have to be told and shown what to do.
So I guess I’m highlighting the fact that we all have different learning styles and accessing new technologies isn’t always an adventure for everyone.
Some of us need our hands held as we venture forth into a new world.
But after getting over the fear, what a wonderful tool it’s been and I do think I’m going to miss the contact with everyone.
Suggestions for future students.
I recommend the use of the Blog from the beginning of the Certificate. Maybe spending a portion of the first class session learning how to log in, post & reply etc.
Fellow classmates, if only we communicated earlier with each other via the Blog. The OHS component might not have been so horrendous and I know I wouldn’t have felt like I was tackling it alone.
We could have been supporting and sharing ideas etc from day one.
Deni B
I am exactly like you as far as having an old school like setting, with the teacher out the front. I haven’t done a course like this for about 20 years. The new age of this tutoring was a little daunting. I wasn’t sure if I could do this (Cert 3 in RM), but I am so glad I did. I may even do a Cert 4 in 2 years’ time! I too am feeling more comfortable with this new learning style. I am not able to commit to too much next year for personal reasons.
DeleteI too recommend the use of the Blog from the beginning of the Certificate and spending a portion of the first class session learning how to use it.
Rose S
Hi Deni B
DeleteI am of about the same era as you, technology is what I have kids for, I only use my IPhone for telephone calls!!
Having said that, I have enjoyed reading through the posts on this Blog. I agree with you about using the Blog for the OH&S, oops sorry, WHS component it would have been really helpful. As it was, I rounded up our new WHS guy for assistance for that chapter. He needed Records advice and I needed WHS advice – great deal. I guess I was fortunate to get that help as I only had to go upstairs to speak with him. In other Agencies it probably wasn’t that easy. Not looking forward to Cert 1V WHS but as it’s a component, I’ll just have to get it done.
Cheers, Debbie N
I haven’t really had too many issues using the blog, other than time management. I have had some IT issues as I am working over numerous campuses at the moment but nothing I couldn’t work around. I do find the ‘you’re not a robot’ numbers and words hard to decipher sometimes but just keep going until I get it right
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed doing the Certificate III as I don’t currently work in a records section it has helped me to understand why we need to archive/file correctly. It has provided me with the gap training I needed to be able to persuade a career in Records Management. The only suggestion I would make is to use the blog more for networking/asking questions of other class members if the delivery mode is external. I do prefer to study face to face so I can draw on my class mates expertise and experience, the blog would be a great tool to do this for external students.
I am sure those of you that are going on the tour at Gepps Cross will find it fascinating, I know working there for 12 months opened my eyes to the wonders of Records Management.
Ally F
Hi Ally,
DeleteDitto on the time management. With us all working and you going through the restructure etc sometimes you don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
For me, I let everything consume me too much, sometimes everything becomes too much to manage.
I struggled finding time over the weekends as I was also helping the son with his school work, so I felt like I was doing 2 lots of schooling.
I’ve really enjoyed this course and would love to do Cert 4 but I’ve got to commit to getting my son through high school first. I’ve pencilled into my calendar for 4 year’s time.
See most of you at the site visit and Ally, you can tell us all the interesting behind the scenes tit bits.
Deni B
I haven’t actually found any difficulties in using this blog. It has been easy to manoeuvre around and quite frankly, I have found this subject the easiest to do purely because it is the closest to a class experience I have been able to have! I have learned so much and have enjoyed reading everyone else’s comments as they have made me think and it has broadened my knowledge base.
ReplyDeleteI think that perhaps the blog should be incorporated into each subject from the beginning. Perhaps one chapter from each subject could be blog related? Being made to use it from the start makes it a habit, and more likely to check back to see if anything new has been added.
Unfortunately, because of my distance to Adelaide, I have been unable to attend any lectures and this subject has made me feel for the first time, included and part of a ‘real’ class. I think for me personally, the feeling of inclusion has made it easier to focus and concentrate and less likely to push it aside to do other tasks. It has also been good to know that I’m heading in the right direction.
I have had my trials in completing Certificate 3, but have thoroughly enjoyed it. I have loved knowing that what I am studying I am now able to put into use in my current position.
A big thank you to Melisa, who has been a wonderful teacher and so very patient with me. You will never know how much your support has meant to me.
Hope you all enjoy the Gepps Cross tour, I SOOO wish I could have gone!
Hayley R
Hi Hayley R,
DeleteI agree with you, this class has been great. I haven’t been able to attend one lecture either, apart from the initial ‘meet & greet’ overview which was well worth the effort of flying over for. Thinking back we should have all shared our email addresses to be able to share ‘like Agencies’ issues outside of the course. Not sure if that would be allowed though. I’m not able to go to Gepps Cross either, maybe next year. I’m on Kangaroo Island, where are you?
As this is my very last post I’d like to thank you all for sharing your thought and ideas. They were inspiring and motivational – THANKS and goodluck for the future.
Cheers, Debbie N
Hi Hayley,
DeleteAn idea for rural or remote students - maybe we could include a video link up in one of the classes. Then we can virtually see you and you could be a part of the class. Its all about sharing and growing the knowledge :)
I found no difficulties utilising this blog. An improvement could be that the blog should be used by students throughout the whole certificate. I know that all the chapter reviews are posted athough this could be incorporated with a question you have to answer and also replying to other students comments on the blog as part of assessment to engage us into using the blog. I always read the chapter reviews but have never commented until now and I feel as though we could have interacted on the blog from previous units now that I look back as we all could have shared our ideas or knowledge like we have done for this unit. I feel that this is a good one to end on, although if this was introduced at the start I probably would have taken the initiative to post comments throughout the year.
ReplyDeleteNicole K
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed the blog and the Certificate 3 in recordkeeping, it has been fantastic sharing the knowledge with everyone in the class. Im glad we got to meet for a few classes it really helps talking and sharing ideas.
I hadnt been involved with blogs before - but I found it easy to use and enjoyed the sharing of ideas and networking for this subject. I agree with the above posts the robot thing is a bit annoying having to try and enter the code word and numbers each time you post a blog - its hard to read and translate sometimes. I also think it would be great if the blog was used for more subjects not just this last subject.
I am looking forward to the excurison, i cant believe how fast this course has gone by. Thanks to Melisa for a fantastic course and for your support through this study :)
Ta Maija R
Hi everyone, Monica here. Hope you had a good week!
ReplyDeleteIn 2008 I only finished the course half way. So this year I repeat some subjects to finish the course. I enjoyed the studies along the way.
I find the blog not bad as Melisa showed me how to use the Blog. I get it when i'm shown how to use it visually with my eyes because I can not hear (i'm deaf).
Apart from doing one on one. I was determinated to do the manual before i met with Melisa for our "little Class". I quickly wanted to finish the chapter so that i can show her I am trying very hard to do on my own word.
Im very lucky to have Melisa tutorial through half way.
Yes i agree some of you said she (melisa) is patient.
My suggestion is that there could be written instructions provided by Melisa on how to use the blog. Include pictures!
Hi All,
ReplyDeleteSNAP !!!!
I think everyone has had trouble with the ‘secure code’ – My record was eight refreshes!! Capital or not, type as one word or not? Anyway I must have got them right as my comments have made it to the Blog.
Apart from the secure code issue I have found that it has been a very simple, and easy to use, method of communicating with all of you. It has been a VERY enlightening experience, a great networking tool similar to the Local Government Records Management Group (LGRM). However I wouldn’t want to do the whole course via a Blog. Some Chapters could involve the use of the Blog, say, for a question or two.
As Records students we have been able to share our experiences with other likeminded people. Even if we are in the minority in our workplaces, the knowledge that we are able to share our ideas and offer solutions to each other is great, we have some form of moral support. I don’t know about you, but it has given me hope that if we all persevere we can start to make a difference to co-workers’ attitudes towards ‘Records’ and it seems that we are all trying very hard to do this. Considering the speed of Technology these days it seems a great shame that staff attitudes are still in the slow lane. But we keep on keeping on.
For my last post I would like to share with you my thoughts about why we should feel important to the Agency for which we work;
• We are there to assist all levels of staff
• We are privy to all sorts of Information that other staff are not
• We are the Managers of our Agencies records
• We are Educators
• Without the Record Keepers/Managers where would the Agency be?
• We are not the most important cog in the machine, but in my opinion we are up there
Can’t believe Cert III is coming to an end. Mixed emotions. Get my weekends back, YIPPEEE. A few months off then into Cert IV next year, hopefully some of you will be there too.
Melisa - THANK YOU !!! You have been a great support throughout the year, just knowing that you were available if ever we needed assistance was great. Patience, prompt response to queries, great feedback on assignments, happy and cheerful , fantastic knowledge, put together – Melisa !!!
Can’t make it to Gepps Cross, really disappointed, but that’s how it goes when you live on KI. Hope you all have a great time.
Cheers, Debbie N
Hi all
ReplyDeleteHow do we print our comments off??
Ally F
My suggestion is that you could do a "print screen" to capture your comments. Then paste it into a word document ready for emailing it to me :)
DeleteHope that this is of some help Ally
When is this assignment due? Thanks Maija R
Deleteit's in the study guide that was sent out Maija
DeleteHi all
ReplyDeleteMy ideal learning style is to be in a classroom environment. I was immediately nervous about having to learn via correspondence. I have tried once before for a different course and needless to say I have not progressed very far. However, having had this blog to assist us has made the experience of learning via correspondence for me a better experience. I have thoroughly enjoyed our class workshops.
I posted a question to the blog a couple of months into this course and as there was no response I felt that very few of us were utilising it at that early stage. For future RM students - I also feel that the curriculum should include something to ensure that students are required to use this blog from the start.
I haven't found anything negative about this blog. It is the first time i have actively used a blog and have found it easy to navigate. In relation to me posting a question earlier in the course and having no response (to my knowledge), if you wanted a response to something quickly, the fact that our posts had to be approved does delay things. However, that can be avoided by swapping email addresses and phone numbers with other students.
Overall, I found this course a positive experience. Melisa has been nothing short of fantastic and always made workshops informative and enjoyable. So thank you Melisa. it was also nice to meet other students.
Look forward to Gepps Cross visit.
Ellen R
The only difficulty I encountered with this blog was making myself use it. As an anti-Facebook/blogs etc type person the act of regularly checking and contributing to a blog was not a natural thing for me. So setting aside time each week to focus on it was the only way I kept in touch with it. After using computers all day at work I try not to use computers at night or on weekends as computers can drive one insane after a while. This blog was easy to use though and well moderated by Melisa so all posts and comments were interesting and useful.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I actually liked the fact this course was mostly by correspondence with monthlyish face to face classes. I completed all of my primary school years as a student of School of the Air and so all my schooling until Year 8 was done by correspondence. So being given a workbook and assignments to work through at my own pace was appreciated. However I did also enjoy the face to face classes as I find it fascinating how different Councils and Departments tackle records management. As we all lead such busy lives these days I would have found coming to a class every Tuesday afternoon in the city difficult.
My one piece of advice for future students – do whatever you have to, to get RPL for the WHS subject!! This subject was terrible and I would never do it again.
Overall I can’t believe how quickly this course has passed and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning with you all about the magic of records management. Melisa – you do an amazing job providing this course which could be considered by some (not us of course) as dry and not very exciting but you certainly made it fresh, interesting and so easy. As they say time flies when you are having fun. Well done to everyone involved for making this course a great one. Can’t wait to get my Certificate! Cheers Maryann C.
Hi Everyone,
ReplyDeleteI have really enjoyed using the blog through the remainder of the record keeping course. But I did find that (like everyone else) the security checks of letters & numbers were always a little hard to read.
It would be helpful if after sending the comment for approval, there could be some type of symbol or temporary note to confirm which comment has been amended & is currently awaiting approval. As in the previous assignment blog, I repeated my comment twice by mistake as I was tired & about to go to sleep, so I wasn’t sure if the security code had been accepted or if I was just imagining the approval.
I believe that without being compelled to use the blog for assessment purposes, I would not have ventured into the world of blogging. This would have been a great disadvantage as it really is a fantastic place to share experiences & ideas.
While currently being in the throes of building my first house, I have been busy researching & reading anything in my spare time, which may assist in any way with the long/complicated process of building & this to my surprise has included the occasional blog.
I am really looking forward to our special excursion next week!!
Hello All
ReplyDeleteOverall I haven't had any major issues with the blog itself just minor annoyances I guess. Number one would be the Captcha code having to refresh a lot to get a readable one. I also find the preview of posts and comments I am about to make could be bigger when scrolling through to double check it.
My biggest issue would be actually accessing and using the blog. I have never really been a fan of blogging, I will read them for information but very rarely would I comment and interact on them. Think there is the fear of writing something for all to see. This is something I have had to overcome with this particular subject. Luckily you all have some good things to say that I have been able to make some comments. When I first read what this subject entailed in having to make comments on other students posts I thought Oh No and worried I wouldn't have anything to say :). I think this subject would have been good towards the beginning of the course or at least something similar to get us accustomed to using the blog during the year. I know we were encouraged to use it but I know I avoided making any comments - just read it for the info.
Access for me became a bit of a problem also as my computer at home died part way through this course and the one I now have can be very slow and temperamental. I was able to access the blog from work but mostly limited to my lunch breaks so didn't have a good chance to sit and read through everything at once. Overall using the blog has been a good experience and not as scary as I first thought.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI haven't had any issues posting to this blog. I did get the security codes muddled a couple of times but on the second attempt, they usually went through.
Cheers,
Amanda