Attended the 4th International Conference on Teacher Education at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Bandung, Indonesia from 8th till 10th November 2010. It was my personal history; traveling to Indonesia for the first time and my very first international papers (actually 3 papers). The journey was quite challenging, because of the Merapi eruption (volcano). The Bandung International Airport was closed because of Merapi. So, the flight was delayed and diverted to Jakarta. Our journey was again delayed at Jakarta International Airport, because of my missing baggage. Luckily it was in the following flight from KLIA. Traveling from Jakarta to Bandung took around 4 hour. However, after a very challenging journey, finally we manage to reach Bandung and accomplish our mission. Actually, I was accompanied by Anuar Hassan, my PhD student.

Pada pagi ini, saya mempunyai sedikit kelapangan masa, jadi saya telah cuba browse dan membaca blog sahabat-sahabat kita. Saya sangat tertarik dengan blog Sdr. Masri (Lobai Tampin) dalam membicarakan penyanyi Maher Zain. Nampaknya ada kebenaran yang ketara juga pada pandangan Masri itu. Honestly, secara peribadi, saya juga meminati lagu-lagu Maher Zain, kerana keindahan maksud seni katanya (tidak dinafikan juga irama dan kemerduan suara).

23 November – Presented a paper entitled “Open Source Learning Management System (LMS): Which to choose” at International Conference on teaching and Learning in Higher Education. The conference was held at The Legend Hotel, Kuala Lumpur from 23rd to 25th November 2009. Happy to say that this is my first paper since I joined UPSI. Overall everything was successful and the audience feedback was impressive.

Trip to Kuala Terengganu

08/2009 went to Kuala Terengganu. It’s not a family or vacation trip. It’s an official trip. Got to teach GSTT teachers from Sek. Imtiaz. The schools are owned by state government ant the purpose of the course is for confirmation. Most of the students are ustaz and ustazah. Teaching them about innovation and ICT is really challenging, furthermore they are part time. But however they are great. InsyaAllah, I pray to Allah, they will successfully finish their course, get the Diploma and being confirmed.
It is surprising to see the development in Terengganu, especially throughout the journey from Karak highway. It has been almost 12 years since I last use this route to Kuala Terengganu. Eating experience are also heavenly. The nasi dagang, nasi kerabu stall nearby the KUSZA’s main entrance is really tasty. So too keropok lekor losong.

When I first got the letter, and it is two weeks course, feel a bit uncomfortable. Not because of the course, but the duration. To just sit and listen to somebody else talking for two weeks is not a joke. However, when the course on going, I find that it is interesting. Lots of new knowledge and info are gained throughout this two weeks course. The talk is conveyed by those who are expert and experienced in their respective field. The knowledge and experience shared surely will be very helpful. Many topics and areas are covered and it seems the course is well organized. Meanwhile the speakers, they have used various methods of conveying and gaining the interest and attention of participants. In conclusion, the course is great, the presenters are great and the organiser is great. Hehehe I'll change my statement if got to repeat the course .