InfoTech SPA

How To Use iFile.it Download Interface

2008-06-16T21:52:00.001-07:00

Don't know how to use iFile.it download interface?

1. Click on the link.
2. Click on 'Request Ticket'.
3. After the page loads, click on 'Download'.
4. Save document on your PC.

Download Links For PTP Self Access Module

2008-06-16T21:49:00.001-07:00

Please try out the exercises in the module to help prepare for the Penilaian Tahap Profisiensi 2008.

Beginner Module http://ifile.it/n04loyz
Advanced Module http://ifile.it/atrl3se
Intermediate Module http://ifile.it/1f4c0ok

If you have a problem downloading, please sms me and I will email you the modules.

Good luck!

I've Survived the PTK3 DG44 Course!

2008-01-20T03:54:00.001-08:00

I've just returned from my PTK3 DG44 course and my first priority was sleep. But now I'm okay and ready to share info.

First off, whoever tells you you don't need to memorize info for the PTK3 level of exam either has never sat for the exam or has photographic memory. I had to memorize the Twelve Pillars (Tonggak12), 16 moral values (nilai2 murni), civil servant ethics code, education ministry ethics code, steps in TQM, and ALL the govt vision aims objectives policies ... (hint: acronyms help). I only wish I'd done this BEFORE I went for the exam course.

Second, the key word for this course is APPLICATION. They don't want to hear about the latest discoveries, theories or how long your bibliography pages are. They want to know how you translate govt policy into a plan of action.

Third, don't take the assignment (15-25 pages) lightly. First thing to do is understand the question. Next is prepare an answer that fulfils all requirements. I'd advise you to have more than four points.

Fourth, practise your public speaking skills in both English and Malay before you go for the course. Otherwise, you'll r e g r e t it.

Fifth, if you don't have a regular diet of vitamin pills or whatever, start a month before. This doesn't apply to those disgustingly super healthy ones. Personally, I took a cocktail of vitamin C, spirulina and memory pills. The old brain doesn't remember things like it used to. But I didn't fall sick at all and actually had to dispense some vit C to a friend.

Sixth, practise your best handwriting... the examiners complained about unreadable writing.
Personally, I discovered that my hand was more used to keyboards than pens. And you'll find yourself writing about 15 pages during the exam. And I'd put that as a minimum.

Seventh. Never used a notebook before? Don't know what's powerpoint? Better find out...

Eighth, when you go for the course, think corporate. They will evaluate you from check-in to check-out on your ketrampilan which I take to mean behaviour and dressing that befits middle managers.

Ninth, KNOW the mark scheme for all evaluations and GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT. Even if you disagree.

Tenth, work with friends and coursemates. Sharing can only boost the knowledge you have but if you're selfish with what you know and you keep it to yourself, others will not share with you either.

Now the most difficult part...waiting for the results.

Administrators and The Grump Factor

2007-11-23T19:37:00.001-08:00

One of the things that really irritate me is people making snap judgments about my friendliness and my work ethic. They see me as friendly and quickly make the assumption that it means I'm going to cut them a lot of slack at work.

HELLO! Anybody home in that empty vessel you use to carry your hair??!

Now I'm beginning to understand why a lot of the administrators in school feel that they have to be serious and grumpy. There are LOTS of people out there who feel that if there's a chance to slack, they have to grab the opportunity with both hands. I'm still undecided about whether or not I need to be a grump (snapping left and right) to be an effective administrator. My dad (who retired as Chief Inspector of schools) thinks I don't need to go around scolding people to get things done. And I agree. All I should need to be is be a serious and straightforward administrator.

But I do agree that some people don't UNDERSTAND things unless it's said to them in slightly threatening shades of tone and expression. That really really p***** me off.

*Hmm, that should make being mean easier, right?*

But I'll never be mean in class. It's a place to have fun and discover new stuff.
I'll be cajoling, insistent, humorous, loud, slightly-gross-when-required and physically-in-your-face...but I won't be mean.

SPM and STPM Exam Tips and Trial Papers

2007-10-25T03:39:00.001-07:00

Looking for SPM and STPM exam tips and trial papers? It may be a bit late in the day but well, we've got two more weeks for the final sprint!

Check out this URL http://www.malaysia-students.com/2007/08/upsr-pmr-spm-and-stpm-tips-2007.html

Kalendar Persekolahan 2008

2007-10-23T03:21:00.001-07:00

The 2008 School Calendar is now available at

http://www.moe.gov.my/tayang.php?laman=kalendar_sekolah&unit=utama&info=&bhs=my&mod=

Thanks to Ho from PPK for this info.

PhD Hopefuls: The Writing's On The Wall...

2007-09-29T01:07:00.001-07:00

It's rock solid official... if you're hoping to do your PhD with the govt footing the bill, your deadline is AGE 40.
For those who are doing their PhDs now with that coveted scholarship, you lucky people...
For those who are close to 40, HURRY UP!
For those who are big-eyed and still with sparkles in your vision, plan carefully.

The circular's on the MOE website. Sad sad sad...

Job Vacancies at The Institut Pendidikans

2007-07-03T18:31:00.001-07:00

Want to be a lecturer?

Head on over to www.moe.gov.my and start filling in those forms!

Wanna Work Overseas As an Education Attache?

2007-06-28T05:08:00.001-07:00

Pengambilan Pegawai Perkhidmatan Pendidikan Siswazah Untuk Berkhidmat Sebagai Atase Pendidikan (Promosi) Di luar Negara Tahun 2008-2009

If you like the idea of working in Dubai, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City or Beijing
If you have been in service for at least 10 years and spent 5 of those years as a PPPSiswazah
If you're under 50 years of age
If you can speak English
If you can speak Arabic for posts in Dubai or Mandarin for posts in China
If your LNPT has never dipped below 90% for the past three years
If you have strong capabilities in management, promotion, database, finance & accounts, ICT

Head on over to www.moe.gov.my and download the info. If not for yourself, for a friend.

But the deadline for applications is 30 June. So hurry hurry hurry....

Tawaran Kursus Bahasa Jepun Untuk Guru

2007-06-11T06:58:00.001-07:00

Program Guru Bahasa Jepun - Ijazah Pertama untuk guru lepasan Maktab atau Diploma.

Did you know that Japan is an electronics heaven?

Teacher Tools & Templates

2007-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

One of the life-savers for a busy teacher is a collection of templates...
This site offers a huge collection. Have fun downloading... and don't forget to modify them!

http://www.educationworld.com/tools_templates/index.shtml

Great Education Resource

2007-01-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

I found a great education resource... so much info you can easily drown in!

http://www.educationworld.com/

Where Can I Get Sukatan Pelajaran & Huraian Sukatan Pelajaran?

2007-01-19T18:08:00.000-08:00

Every year, people ask me this question. EVERY YEAR.
I think,"Should I scream?" No lah.

You ICT-savvy people, please print out the URL and put it up on school noticeboards.
And forward the info to all your friends.

Punca Maklumat Untuk Pentadbir, Guru dan Pelajar
http://myschoolnet.ppk.kpm.my/

Setting Up A School Website With Sabahnet

2007-01-17T01:39:00.000-08:00

The registration process is all online at http://register.sabah.net.my/. After you have registered online, please send

KKIP Communications Sdn Bhd

Tel: (088) 231101, 231102 ext. 188

24-Hour Hotline: (088) 234101, 016-833-1200

a letter from the principal if you are applying for an educational institution (edu) or send us a copy of the IC of the account owner if you are applying for a personal account (net). Best of all, it's FREE for schools. Hey maybe it's free for individuals too. Didn't ask that...

Iklan Tawaran Biasiswa Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan

2006-11-06T17:37:00.000-08:00

If you're interested in continuing your studies (masters and phd) and want someone to pay for it, start preparing before the advert comes out end of this month. The info can be found at www.moe.gov.my . Here are some tips for those who are interested, based on my experience in 2005.

1) You will need to make an online registration and submit your application to Tingkat 4, Jabatan Pelajaran Negeri Sabah.

Online Application
The form is very detailed, so make sure you have your documents (academic and professional) with you at the computer. You only have three chances to log in, so better make it count. One of my friends suffered two blackouts while registering. He didn't know that that counted as three logins.

Mail Application
This must be supported by the Director so please submit as soon as you can. I strongly suggest that you submit it together with two copies of a letter from your principal so that you can bring one back with a stamp of receipt.

2) You will need to decide on the area of your study before the online registration. So it's a good idea to start talking to friends. I suggest that you focus on subject content. Too many people are doing studies on general topics.
3) If the government is offering us the chance to go overseas, then you will need your IELTS or TOEFL. So if it's possible, take your test NOW so that you will have your results for the application.
4) Apply to the university of your choice so that you can say 'yes' on the form where they ask you if you have applied.
5) They will ask if you have any writings (preferably academic). Start digging .. or start writing. Even a small 2-page action research report on your study of your students' mouse clicks will qualify. They would prefer to invest their money on someone who has some knowledge of academic research.
6) For the interview, brush up your knowledge on pedagogy, current issues about education and of course stuff like the name of the Director General, your Director of Education, Teacher's Day theme... even things like the recently announced added numbers of super teachers, super principals etc.

If you have any other info, please email me. Let's share info!

25,000 teachers face dilemma

2006-10-10T02:15:00.000-07:00

More than 25,000 senior teachers who are eligible for promotion under the time-based promotion scheme are in a dilemma.

They must now sign a declaration saying they are willing to be transferred to any part of the country, including Sabah and Sarawak, before they are promoted. These teachers, mostly women above 40, fear they will have to uproot themselves which will disrupt their family lives.

From an article in The Star, 10th October 2006.

Guess what, I'm one of those women but not yet above 40 lah...:)
But I face the same dilemma and so will every teacher once he or she is 'in the zone'. But if we don't sign that paper, we don't get promoted. And if we don't get promoted, we are stuck where we are. Is that good or bad??? Hmmm, I think this is indeed what they call a dilemma. Well, I know I'm not in school now but I want to return to school. Anyone wants to take my place?? Heh heh heh...

Newsflash for ICT teachers : Your option is listed under one of those with 'oversupply' and this means that you can be transferred wherever there is a vacancy for an ICT teacher. And of course, once it's time for you to be promoted, you will find yourself having to make a choice.

Berkenaan Peralatan ICT

2006-08-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

Maklumat penting. Ini melibatkan semua sekolah dan jabatan.

Forewarned is forearmed or in Malay, baik sediakan payung sebelum hujan.

Audit Aset ICT KPM Bagi Pembangunan Pelan Strategik ICT Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia Tahun 2006 – 2010

Please make sure that all the ICT equipment in your school is properly documented and stored. Don't wait till the auditors are knocking on your door

CD3 dan CD4

2006-08-04T02:13:00.000-07:00

I just checked the boxes. Oh good news.. the CDs are being sent direct to PPG and what I received was only one set.

The set includes:
- 4 cds of CD3
- 4 cds of CD4
- one manual (binder file)

Please remember that the compact discs and manuals belong to the school and there should be at least one set in the resource centre. I feel so sad when the teacher moves to another school and the new teacher tells me that nothing was left behind.

CD3 and CD4 Has Arrived!

2006-08-03T00:59:00.000-07:00

I was on my way out of the office with my bag (meeting in Langkawi) when I saw the boxes from PPK (baru sampai!). I am posting this from Langkawi so please be patient and wait for the office to process the CDs.

Monday lah.. 'kay?

Be Extreme About Laptop Vigilance

2006-07-16T21:49:00.000-07:00

Taken from an article by Ric Edelman
Newspaper Enterprise Association
July 11, 2006

Steps To Protect Yourself (& Your Laptop or PDA or Handphone!)

1. Store your laptop's serial number in a secure location.

2. Register your laptop with the manufacturer. Let them know if it is stolen, so the manufacturer can return it to you if it is sent in for repairs.

3. Attach a tamper-resistant tag to your computer, so police can contact you if they recover it.

4. Install anti-theft tracking software, such as absolute.com or ztrace.com on your laptop's hard drive. If you tell the monitoring service that your laptop is missing, it will try to contact your computer via the Internet. After the connection is made, the service will provide tracking information to police.

5. Don't save passwords on your laptop, and prevent your username from being displayed in the logon dialog box. Hackers could get into your computer if they locate a password that matches your username. You and your employer can have a policy that computers are not to remember usernames and passwords, so both must be installed each time you log on.

6. Also, regularly delete cookies that your Internet browser saves, many of which store personal data. On Internet Explorer, go to Tools, then Internet Options. Click on Delete Cookies and then click OK.

7. Attach a security cable to the laptop's Universal Security Slot. Once in place, you can attach the cable to an immovable object -- and you should do this no matter where you are, even your office (you'd be surprised how many laptops are stolen at work). Better yet: Add a motion-sensing locking device that sounds an alarm when someone tampers with the security cable.

8. If you don't use a locking cable, store your laptop in a locked drawer when you are not in your office.

9. Before you leave your office, copy all the data that are on your laptop's hard drive. Do not keep the backup data in the same bag as the laptop.

10. When traveling, shun computer carrying cases; they announce to the world that a laptop is inside. Instead, carry your laptop in another type of bag or briefcase that disguises the contents; backpacks are a great solution.

11. When you travel, never check your laptop with your baggage. Instead, carry it with you.

12. When you pass through airport security, keep your eyes on your laptop, not the security guards. Thieves often help themselves to your computer when it is on the conveyor belt while you're distracted.

13. Before you fall asleep in the terminal or on the plane, attach the laptop's security cable to your wrist or belt.

14. Once you arrive at your hotel, don't merely lock your laptop to a table. Although a thief can't take it, he might try to access the data.

15. If you take your laptop to a conference room, you must keep the laptop in sight at all times. Do not leave the room without first appointing someone you trust to watch it for you during your absence. If you lose your laptop, immediately inform the building's security department. Then file a police report and contact your IT department and manager. If you store personal financial data on the laptop and it is stolen, have fraud alerts placed on all of your bank, investment and credit card accounts.

EDICT Course For Form 5 Teachers

2006-06-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

PPK plans to organise the second EDICT course in July 2006. This is for Form 5 teachers (as well as the Form 4 teachers who did not manage to join the first group).

So I will be sending the teachers based on the original list sent to me by your schools ('guru yang mengajar Ting. 4 dan 5'). If there are any changes, please contact me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Tawaran Biasiswa Oleh Kerajaan Brunei Darussalam Peringkat Sarjana

2006-06-01T18:21:00.000-07:00

Latest Update : This announcement was removed from the MOE website. However it may be available elsewhere. I am not removing this post as it may be available, albeit not through the Malaysian MOE.

Peluang untuk melanjutkan pelajaran dalam bidang-bidang berikut:

i. Master of Public Policy by coursework
ii. Master of Business Administration by coursework
iii. Master of Environmental Management by coursework
iv. Master of Health Policy and Management by coursework
v. M.A. in Applied Linguistics by coursework and dissertation
vi. M.A. in Economics by coursework
vii. M.Ed. in Educational Management by coursework and dissertation
viii. M.Ed. in Language Education by coursework and dissertation
ix. M.Ed. in Social Sciences Education by coursework and dissertation
x. M.Ed. in Mathematics Education by coursework and dissertation
xi. M.Ed. in Science Education by coursework and dissertation

Kalau peluang ini tidak sesuai untuk anda, ia mungkin sesuai untuk rakan anda! Dapatkan maklumat di laman web Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia

Tougher To Become A Teacher Next Year

2006-05-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

The News Straits Times carries this article today and what caught my eye was :

the focus would be on critical subjects such as Mathematics, Mandarin, Physical Education and English, for which there was a shortage of teachers.

So what happens when you don't have a 'critical subject' option? Switch? ICT is not on the list so now I am imagining an ICT optionist learning how to throw a javelin so he can switch options. Hmm, the way you grip the javelin is actually similar to the way you grip the mouse. Just change the angle... and the javelin goes between the index and middle finger.

Well, whatever it may be, there will no longer be guaranteed jobs for teachers beginning next year (and in fact, some graduates are already hanging around...).

EDICT Flight Details

2006-05-04T18:59:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Nurul Hayati and Siti... they've already collected their tickets to Kuching... tension kerani pejabat! Belum sempat dia merekod tapi tak mengapalah... dah boleh ambil tiket tu.

All the West Coast tickets are with me... I will be in the office the whole day. If I still have some tickets for teachers outside KK with me when the LAST teacher comes to pick the tickets up, I will give all of them to the 'lucky' teacher. So look for him or her at the airport on Sunday.

Your flight details are as follows:

EDICT 2
MH637 7 May, 9.05 am
MH396 12 May, 9.00 am

EDICT 3
MH637 22 May, 9.05 am
MH384 27 May, 9.00 am

Please book your hotel rooms (at any hotel in Kuching) on 11 and 27 May because you have to stay one extra night unless you can manage to find a seat on the day the course ends.

And yes, you can change your flight times (except for the destination). The MAS officer who told Thiyagarajan that only SPA can do that was mistaken. :(

Tickets to Kuching Now Ready For Pickup

2006-05-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

The tickets for Kuching EDICT courses are now available for pickup.

For those on the West Coast, come to SPA on Friday afternoon to get your tickets. East Coast people, contact your PPGs as soon as you can.

Bad news: You will all be returning to Sabah on the 12th of May... one day later. No seats available. So please book hotel rooms for yourselves. Claim later. Although you can try to join waiting lists...

Or maybe this is good news?

Courses Will Be In Kuching

2006-05-01T00:39:00.000-07:00

We just received the black and white notification that the courses in Sibu and Miri have been changed to Hotel Harbourview in Kuching. So now we are changing all the flight tickets (to Sibu and Miri) to Kuching. If you have taken the tickets, please return them. There should be no more changes in names and we cannot add new participants as the next two series are not new courses but continuation of the previous one.

For those of you who cannot or do not want to continue, please be informed that the office will require a letter from your principal stating the reason for pulling out. This is because by attending the first course, you have blocked the opportunity for other teachers. It is also a waste of govt funds if you do not continue on to earn the certificate. This is a very serious matter for the department and the ministry.

As soon as I have more information, I will be posting them up through the group and the blog. Keep checking the net. I won't be making phone calls anymore, okay?

Other EDICT Plane Tickets Now Available

2006-04-25T02:11:00.000-07:00

The airplane tickets for Sibu and Miri are now available. You can pick them up on Friday. As usual, Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau teachers need to get them from your respective PPGs. Teachers on the West Coast of Sabah will have to get them from SPA. For those from places like Kota Marudu, Tambunan, Keningau and nunjauhdisana, please ask your friends in KK to get them on Friday so you can pick them up on your way home.

PPSMI Self Instructional Package (SIP)

2006-04-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

For your info, the SIP (Self Instructional Package) is also known as Pakej Pembelajaran Kendiri.

It is made up of 4 books and 4 CD sets
Books
a) Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English + CD
b) Longman Essential Activator
c) Fundamentals of English Grammar (student book) by Betty Schrampfer Azar
d) Fundamentals of English Grammar (workbook) by Betty Schrampfer Azar

CD sets
a) Grammar ROM
b) Dyned Interactive Multimedia Courseware (6 thin books + 1 CD)
c) DR Series CD-ROM

d) Focus on Grammar Basic CD-ROM

It was supplied to all schools in 2003. Please ask the school PPSMI coordinator, resource centre coordinator, Science & Maths or Language heads. I also gave a set to all ICT schools (during a meeting in the office) in 2004. I have a 'borang potong gaji' reserved for any ICT teacher who received the set and yet asks me what it is.

If You Use WIFI, You Must Read About 'The Evil Twin'

2006-04-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>

Internet ScamBusters™
The #1 Publication on Internet Fraud

By Audri and Jim Lanford
Copyright © Audri and Jim Lanford
All rights reserved.
Issue #129

<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>
The Evil Twin - The Newest Dangerous Thing People Do on the Internet That Doesn't Seem Dangerous at All
<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>~<>

We all do lots of things on the Internet without giving them much thought. And unfortunately as you'll see, that can be a big mistake.

In this issue and the next, we're going to talk about 7 things that don't seem dangerous, but can cause real problems.

Today our guest is Anne P. Mitchell, Esq. Anne is a Professor of Internet Law at Lincoln Law School of San Jose, and the President and CEO of the Institute for Spam and Internet Public Policy. You can find her sharing her wisdom and wit (and she's very funny) at the immensely popular Aunty Spam site.

Audri: Welcome, Anne! I really appreciate your taking the time to talk with me today -- this is a really great topic that I think will benefit ScamBusters subscribers a lot.

Anne: Thank you, Audri! It's absolutely my pleasure!

Audri: Let me begin by asking: what do you believe is the newest, most dangerous thing people often do on the Internet that doesn't seem dangerous at all?

Anne: Believe it or not, Audri, it's using public wifi hotspots. Well, not so much the hotspots themselves, Audri, but the inadvertent use of evil twin hotspots.

Note: Click here for the answer to 'what is wifi?' and what's a 'wifi hotspot?'

Audri: A lot of our readers don't know what an evil twin is. Can you explain?

Anne: Sure. Simply put, an "evil twin hotspot" is a hotspot that mimics a legitimate public wifi hotspot, such as those to which you may have access at your local Starbucks or bookstore.

However, it is really an Internet gateway which has been set up by a hacker hoping to trick you into connecting to the Internet through them.

When you access the Internet through this "hotspot," the hacker is logging everything you do and type, including your passwords and other sensitive information.

Audri: What exactly are the dangers of evil twins?

Anne: Once having trapped your sensitive information, such as account numbers, user names, and passwords, and knowing at which websites you entered that information, the person behind the evil twin hotspot can gain full access to bank accounts, credit card accounts, email -- anywhere that you went on the Internet while connected through their evil twin.

Audri: I think our subscribers can definitely see the dangers here! Can you give us an example?

Anne: Yes. Just last week I was sitting in my local Starbucks, where they offer wifi hotspots from T-Mobile. In order to log into a T-Mobile hotspot, you must have an account with T-Mobile, for which you must pay.

Even though I don't use the T-Mobile hotspots, I always check (with my laptop) to see what wifi hotspots are available at any given location because, well, that's part of my beat.

Sure enough, users at that Starbucks who opened their laptops and searched for a local wifi Internet connection were presented with the option of "T-Mobile Hotspot," as they should be, but were also presented with a second option, called "Free Wifi from Team WiFi," which I am 99% certain was an evil twin (and indeed Starbucks confirmed that there was no special offer going on which would have otherwise explained that second hotspot).

Now, notice a few things about this second, uninvited hotspot. First, it uses the term "free wifi." Who wouldn't want to use that, especially compared to the T-Mobile hotspot, where you have to pay?

Second, though, note the friendly and familiar sounding "Team WiFi." By using familiar terms for their evil twin, along with telling people it is free, they are making it very easy for an unsuspecting user to go ahead and click and connect to that evil twin. In fact, users may just think that it's a special offer from the T-Mobile Hotspot people.

Sure enough, Audri, this evil twin caught some people. As the gentleman who was sitting next to me got up to leave, after being on his computer for quite some time, I asked him whether he had logged in to the Internet while he was there.

When he said that he had, I asked him whether he was a T-Mobile user. "Oh no," he replied, "they have a free wifi hotspot set up here."

I advised him that it was almost certainly an evil twin, and that if he had done anything online while logged in through that "free" hotspot which might have compromised any sensitive information, he should take immediate measures to remedy the situation, such as changing any passwords he had sent while logged in.

At this point your readers may be wondering why I didn't alert the authorities. And this is why user education is so very important.

There really was nobody for me to effectively alert. I could have called the police, but they would not have had the resources to even figure out where this evil twin was located, let alone to figure out who and how it was being done. The best thing I could do at that point was to let people know not to use that hotspot.

Audri: That's a really important point, and in fact, one of the reasons we started ScamBusters. Often, understanding the principles behind scams is about the only real protection you have.

For example, it's not enough to know that Team WiFi (specifically) may be an evil twin. This name probably already has changed by the time you read this. But by understanding this evil twin scam, subscribers can be careful and make sure they don't compromise their personal information.

Moving on: can you explain in a non-technical way how evil twins work?

Anne: Basically someone sits nearby with either a laptop hidden in a backpack or under a coat -- or they may even be sitting there with the laptop in front of them, pretending to work.

But that laptop is really set up as an Internet server which has been programmed to announce itself as a public Internet access point.

This is essentially how legitimate wifi hotspots are set up as well. The difference is that the evil twin has additional software on it that is designed to capture all of the data from the Internet traffic that goes through it.

If you send unencrypted text, the hacker will be able to simply read it.

But even if you send something that is encrypted, such as a password, it isn't very hard for the hacker to figure that password out.

Audri: How?

Anne: First of all, some hacking software can install a virus that actually records keystrokes. Second, there is plenty of software out there designed to crack many types of passwords.

In fact, Aunty Spam wrote just last month about a website where you can plug in an encrypted password, and it will decrypt it for you.

That sort of encrypted password is exactly what the evil twin will capture.

Audri: So what that means is that you're not completely safe if you use encrypted passwords.

How widespread is this problem?

Anne: Nobody really knows for sure, but I can tell you that I hear about instances every week. In one recent infamous case, someone walked into an IT conference in England and walked around with a live evil twin in their backpack, and caught several people. At a conference full of Internet security experts!

Audri: Wow!

Here's a related question we got this week: can you tell us what is "email sniffing"?

Anne: Email sniffing also involves interception of data, but it is typically a situation where one person is sending and receiving email on a network, and another person on that same network is intercepting the email data.

Audri: How can our subscribers keep their email safe from sniffing?

Anne: For the average user, the safest thing to do is to use a secure webmail service. For example, both Hotmail and Gmail services use a secure protocol.

For users who must access their work email while on the road, and because there are so many different enterprise email systems, the user should work with their IT department to ensure the most secure access.

Audri: How can you know if you're connected to an evil twin?

Anne: Well, of course, that's the lion's share of the problem. You can't, really.

The best defense is a good offense, meaning take precautions to ensure that you don't connect to an evil twin in the first place.

Audri: "The best defense is a good offense" is one of my favorite sayings. :)

Is this a serious enough problem that some people should simply not use wifi? If so, who?

Anne: People who don't feel competent to identify the wifi spots they know and trust, or to distinguish other hotspots from those trusted few, should probably think twice before connecting.

If it's so important that you can't wait until you get home or back to the office to check from your regular connection, then it's probably too important to risk sending across an un-secure and potentially malicious wifi connection.

Audri: Let me ask you two questions on related topics: Is there anything you can do to protect yourself when you're not at home or are traveling? What about people who live in large cities -- how big an issue is this for them? What should they do?

Anne: By definition, this is an issue which is most likely to arise when you are not at your home or office (unless your workplace offers free public wifi!).

It's extremely unlikely that someone is going to create an evil twin of your home wifi.

People in big cities may be more likely to encounter evil twins than, say, people out in rural areas, but only because of numbers, not because rural hackers are any less sophisticated!

Audri: Are there any rules of thumb that could help our subscribers protect themselves?

Anne: As to how best to protect yourself, first and foremost, check your wifi settings on your laptop!

Is your computer set to search and automatically log on to the nearest wifi hotspot? If so, that's a recipe for disaster. Change that setting!

Audri: I bet most people didn't know that, Anne.

Anne: Second, whenever possible avoid sending sensitive information from public wifi locations. The more important the information is, the less chance you should take with it.

If you really must conduct financial business from public wifi spots, such as if you are on the road a lot, either use a credit card with a special limited line of credit, or use a debit card in which you keep only as much money as you are willing to lose if someone compromises your data.

Finally, really scrutinize the sites through and to which you connect. If something doesn't look or "feel" right, it probably isn't.

And make sure that any page to which you connect and through which you have to transmit any sensitive data really is a secure page (look for the little key at the bottom of your browser or whatever your browser uses to indicate "secure").

Audri: This is great advice. Is that what you do every time you connect to a public hotspot?

Anne: <laugh>...no, I actually avoid all of these problems by connecting my laptop to the Internet through my cell phone.

Many cell providers now have unlimited Internet access rate plans, and with the higher speed cell data networks, while it's not as fast as a wifi hotspot, it's plenty fast, and they haven't been cracked yet.

Audri: Can you summarize what action steps should our subscribers take so they don't become vulnerable (or become less vulnerable)?

Anne: Yes. Be careful. Be cautious. Be wary. And be aware.

Audri: Thanks so much, Anne! I think we'll stop here and finish this interview in next week's issue. I really appreciate you sharing your advice on the problem of the evil twin hotspot with our subscribers. Stay tuned..

EDICT Course Letters

2006-04-13T02:36:00.000-07:00

The letters will be sent out beginning Monday. I will also arrange for the tickets. PLEASE PLEASE tell me if you cannot go.

More Info About The EDICT Course

2006-04-05T19:14:00.000-07:00

PPK is considering calling only the Form 4 ICT subject teachers because they want to minimise the number of teachers leaving school for a long period of time. Also the participants MUST attend all 15 days of the course. If there is another meeting or course that clashes with the dates, then the teacher will have to follow the next cycle of training.

PPK Visit To ICT Schools

2006-04-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

We (Hj. Sofian, Dr Hajar and myself) visited Majilis Ansun in SMK Mat Salleh II. It was good to see Majilis using the teaching courseware and of course, the beautiful new computer lab he was using! The Latest In Town! The server is using SUSE Linux and of course he had to kill nine Brontok worms while we were there.

We also went to SK Pekan Dua Ranau to see its KDP lab.

Milestones in Scientific Computing

2006-04-01T21:53:00.000-08:00

Here are the links:

2020 Science - Where Technology Meets Computing
(contains html and pdf versions of Milestones in Scientific Computing)

2020 Computing : Milestones in Scientific Computing
(this will look good on the computer lab wall!)

PPK Visit To ICT Schools

2006-04-01T20:05:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, for your information, during the meeting in Kinabalu Pine Resort, the PPK officers (Tn. Hj. Sofian and Dr. Hajar Mohd Nor) will be visiting the ICT subject teachers in their schools. They want to see how you teach with the courseware that they gave. So, who will the lucky people be? Bah, just check the route between KK and Kinabalu Pine Resort and draw a big circle around it... heh heh heh... I would suggest that schools like SMK Mat Salleh, SMK Lohan and SMK Mat Salleh II be ready for surprise visits. SMK Tamparuli is also in the 'danger' zone.

The officers are also interested in KDP computer labs. But you should view the visits as opportunities to share information and get to know the people in the Ministry who are part of the decision making group.

Open Source In Teaching ICT Subject

2006-04-01T19:54:00.000-08:00

People say we can use open source software in teaching ICT and that it doesn't really make a difference for the student who is sitting for the exam. But is that really true in application? Is there any school in Sabah which uses Open Source in the computer lab (all the way and not just in one or two PCs for demonstration) and has actually had students sit for the exam?

Can I have some feedback about that? I need to see the actual scenario on the ground. But imagine the cost savings if you were to use open source in the lab...

Kursus EDICT (English Discourse For ICT Teachers) Is Not Just For BISP

2006-03-28T20:11:00.000-08:00

I have been asked by a few teachers about whether or not they need to attend the EDICT.

Clarification
The EDICT course is not only for qualification for BISP.
It is also for upgrading of teachers' skills in teaching ICT in English. PPK specifically requested the names (regardless of qualification for BISP) of ALL ICT teachers for this training.

If you cannot attend for any reason, please write in an official explanation for not attending this course (after you receive the calling letter). I will forward a copy to PPK. Remember that knowing how to speak English is not enough for effective teaching in English.

Pemurnian Modul EDICT

2006-03-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Untuk makluman kengkawan, modul EDICT akan melalui satu pemurnian di Kinabalu Pine Resort anjuran PPK dari 3-5 April 2006.

*Thanks, Fazudli for the date correction!

Confirmed Dates for EDICT Course

2006-03-17T23:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, ICT teachers, get ready for the EDICT Course. I already have the confirmed dates, which are as follows:

Zon Sabah, Sarawak dan Labuan
Miri 24-28 April 2006
Sibu 7-11 May 2006

If I were you, I would start looking for blank CDs and mega-size usb flash drives. When you get the chance to meet other ICT teachers from Sarawak and Labuan, you be ready for information exchange of the higher order level. And they will only be interested to exchange with you if YOU have something to barter with.

That reminds me... where are the assignments???

Perkembangan Terkini (ICT Subject)

2006-03-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Dr. Sharifah Faridah dari PPK memberi maklumat berikut.

Antara perkembangan yang terkini :
1. CD teaching courseware Batch One untuk ICT subject sepatutnya
telah sampai ke tangan tuan/puan, cd batch 1 ini hanya mengandungi
Learning Area 1 dan satu topik dalam LA 2. Batch 2 dalam pembangunan
dan dijangka tiba ke tangan tuan/puan dalam masa 1 atau 1 1/2 bulan
lagi.
2. Kursus English Discourse for ICT teacher akan bermula pada hujung
April.
3. Modul untuk 3 lagi learning area dalam perancangan dan pembinaan.
4. Kursus orientasi untuk sekolah perluasan akan juga diadakan.

REMINDER : Assignment Deadline Is Well and Truly Past

2006-03-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Hello ICT teachers, I must have those assignments as mentioned during the October meeting last year. I have to compile them before the EDICT course. They will probably be used during the course. So make sure you submit your best work. As for those who have already sent the assignments in, you can still improve upon them.

Semakan Status Permohonan Sarjana HLP

2006-03-01T06:53:00.000-08:00

Sekiranya anda ada memohon untuk biasiswa HLP* peringkat sarjana, anda boleh buat semakan status permohonan di laman web Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Sekiranya tak dapat, tak mengapa. Cuba lagi... saya mencuba empat kali sebelum dapat.

*Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan

Jurulatih Utama ICTL Sekolah Rendah dan Sekolah Menengah

2006-03-01T06:47:00.000-08:00

I am preparing for courses to show teachers how to implement the ICT Literacy program in Year Two and Form One. It's all done in English and I will be sending the JU's names to PPK tomorrow. If you are interested in this program, it is compulsory for schools with computer labs and the info is in the Myschoolnet portal.

Virus Worm BRONTOK

2006-03-01T06:37:00.000-08:00

*stares mournfully at deleted files*
Someone put a virus in my office PC... and I brought it home to my home PC which has the latest antivirus signature files. Being the efficient creature it is, it healed 6 of 17 infected files and deleted 11 files that it couldn't heal. I KNOW KNOW KNOW it's better deleted than causing trouble and spreading trouble and making mini BRONTOKs... but I still feel sad...

And I don't know what's going to happen with the files in my PC that I'm going to scan with AVG. Well I don't have original software so I must be satisfied with AVG. Good AVG. Smart AVG. Clever AVG. If only it didn't kill files so efficiently...

I hope all of you update your antivirus software at least once a week. You do, don't you?

Preparation For the 15-day EDICT Course

2006-02-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

Please be warned that the EDICT course will be a five-day course in a series of three. That means a total of 15 days out of school, although not all at the same time. So plan your classes accordingly and prepare worksheets for your students so that they can continue learning on their own even though you are not there. I suggest giving them a project.. involving research. Give a timetable for work to be done.

Google Group : Sabah ICT Teachers

2006-02-21T15:01:00.000-08:00

I have started a new group so that we can easily exchange information with each other. Send a message to this group at sabahictppl-at-googlegroups.com (scroll below to see the subscription box) and everyone in the group with get the msg. But I seem to overloaded Google's ability to accept email addresses. I added 69 email adds at one time and they started asking me why so many. But when I added only one address, it was accepted straightaway. What is the difference if I were to add 69 email addresses at one time? They have their word verification to make sure I'm not a bot. Aiya.. but I were to get impatient and add the 69 one by one, when Google approves my request, there will be doubles of the 69. Banyak kerja..

Anyway, if some of you change email addresses or are not in this Group, please inform me.

No Need to Send Duplicate Info

2006-02-20T18:23:00.000-08:00

At this moment, ICT teachers owe me two forms
a) Borang Maklumat handed out during the October meeting last year (remember the two pages?)
b) - Maklumat bilangan kelas & pelajar
- Nama guru yang mengajar ICT Tingkatan 4 & 5 (untuk kursus EDICT)

But if you have sent me the first Borang Maklumat, it already contains information about bilangan kelas & pelajar so there is no need to complete the first worksheet in the Excel file. Just send me the information about the teachers.

Data Champions!

2006-02-20T18:06:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Habsah Hussain from SMK Segama for giving me info about number of classes & students mere hours after I posted my request in my blog.

But the gold medal goes to Sikinor Gunu from SMK Tun Fuad Stephens for being the first to return the form through email! Although Sabah is one of the biggest states in terms of size and number of schools, it doesn't mean that we should be the last to submit data to the MOE.

The MOE is increasingly using the Internet to speed up flow of information and we shouldn't be left behind. Does anyone know of any service that can alert us via the mobile phone of new emails? Something that doesn't involve buying 3G phones...

Forms and SMK Bukit Garam files

2006-02-19T23:37:00.000-08:00

heck your email, ICT teachers. I sent you a form to fill up.

Thanks, Cindy for the info about the SMK Bukit Garam files linking problem. The problem lies with the size of the files. They are more than 1 MB and my website (storage) is already maximum. Hang on while I search for another 'storeroom'.

Kursus EDICT (English Discourse For ICT Teachers)

2006-02-19T20:21:00.000-08:00

Pusat Perkembangan Kurikulum is organising the EDICT teachers for ICT Form 4 and 5 teachers. I need to send the ICT teachers' names to PPK so please complete the form that I am emailing to the teachers and contact me for more info.

IMPORTANT! Information Required!

2006-02-19T19:36:00.000-08:00

To all ICT Form 4, and 5 teachers, please email to me the following detailed information; all the classes you have (Form 4 and 5), the number of students for each class, the name of the teachers teaching each form by the 23rd of February 2006. It is in the forms I handed out during our last meeting but so far, I have only received the forms from SMK Tamparuli, SMK Bandaraya and SMK Pekan Kota Belud.

Makluman Senarai Untuk Temuduga Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan

2006-02-13T02:37:00.000-08:00

Sesiapa yang memohon Hadiah Latihan Persekutuan 2006 boleh semak di laman web http://www.moe.gov.my untuk mengetahui keputusan permohonan itu.

Research, Anyone?

2006-02-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

I am currently attending an educational research seminar at Gaya Teachers' Training College, Kota Kinabalu. They began the morning with Dr. Mehander Singh showing us what research is about and progressed to 5 presentations of research which had already been conducted. Then Dr. Shahri from IAB Kuching talked about the research proposal.

Actually, it would be a very good thing for people in the ICT world to do research because there are many things we still don't know about ICT in schools. Do a simple study, present it and use it to get your Masters... hmmm, why not? Boleh buat projek ni..

ICT Form 4 Material Download Links

2006-02-10T20:37:00.000-08:00

Okay here goes.. they are all in ZIP files and please scan with your newly updated antivirus programme before you open. You never know...

I organised the materials according to the schools contributing them. Easier for me (and you!) to keep track. Contributors, please contact me if any of your materials are incomplete...

smk bukit garam
smk bongawan
smk st michael
smk sandakan
smk mat salleh
smk tamparuli
smk beluran
smk kuala penyu
smk abdul rahim
sm konven st cecilia
smk tambunan
smk elopura

Some more will be coming up ...

ICT Subject Materials

2006-02-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Please be patient cos I am going to put them online but having problems with my streamyx connection.
I am not going to edit them because if I do that, you won't get them till 2007. So please understand that the materials are as I received them. I will put up the link to them once I can manage to upload them without my streamyx giving me problems.

Buku Panduan for Penyelaras Makmal

2006-02-10T18:52:00.000-08:00

Ada cadangan untuk memurnikan Buku Panduan for Penyelaras Makmal. Sebenarnya saya sudah mula mengumpul bahan dengan bantuan guru yang hadir kursus penyelaras makmal sejak tahun 2002 lagi. Semua bahan dalam bentuk mentah dan digital dalam hard disk. Jadi memang belum ada lagi buku ini selain dari buku biru yang diedar oleh BTP tahun 2000 dulu. Memandangkan kursus untuk penyelaras makmal tidak akan dianjur tahun ini (budget indak ada bah), satu penyelesaian untuk membantu guru yang baru menjadi penyelaras makmal tanpa sebarang pendedahan taklimat atau kursus adalah buku.

Selain dari itu, penyelesaian lain adalah pemantauan atau lawatan dari pihak kami kepada sekolah-sekolah. Dalam bulan Januari dan Februari, kami sudah mula menziarahi sekolah KDP (Komputer Dalam Pendidikan) untuk tujuan melihat makmal yang pioneer. Mereka ni dari zaman 1992 dan 1996. Ada komen?

Planning for 2006

2006-02-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

For your info, SPA will have to cut down on courses this year... even after we have already planned to halve our courses. Less money to spend because there are two major courses being funded; the BPPT course (Bimbingan Perguruan Profesional dalam Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi) and a new course, Latihan Guru Bestari which has similar content but target is fixed to about 300plus schools listed under Peluasan Bestari 2006. So ICT teachers, expect only one course this year from me because I am going to take the Kursus Pembinaan Bahan PnP online (kita bina jaring yang lebih rancak bah!) and do the EDICT in one hotel.

Kertas Peperiksaan MRSM

2006-01-14T07:54:00.000-08:00

An interesting website.. but no questions for ICT, I'm sorry to say.

All The CDs Are Out!

2006-01-14T07:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, I have already sent all the CDs out. Please check with your PPG (ask the Teknologi Vokasional Officer). Otherwise, give me a call or email.

ICT Form 4 Teaching Courseware

2006-01-08T21:38:00.000-08:00

The Teaching Courseware CD for ICT Form 4 is now in my office. Please come and get it or call me to arrange for posting. And where are all those teaching stuff that was supposed to reach me by first week of January?? I should impose a penalty... one box of chocolates? Two boxes? Belgian chocolates are the best!

Lawatan Pegawai ke Sekolah Pada Hari Pertama Persekolahan

2006-01-01T05:21:00.000-08:00

TAKE NOTE!

Pengarah sudah memberi arahan... semua pegawai yg berkaitan perlu keluar memantau keadaan sekolah pada hari pertama. Saya akan pergi ke SM Shan Tao Kota Kinabalu, SM St. Mary Limbahau dan SMK Benoni Papar. Kawan lain akan menyerbu tempat lain. ARE YOU READY????

Imbuhan kepada GAJI!

2006-01-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hello kengkawan, kena rajin lihat laman web JPA! Terdapat banyak pekeliling baru. Contohnya, pegawai DG41 sekarang layak menerima ITKA RM300 tidak kira berapa tahun sudah bertugas. Sekarang hanya yang sudah berkhidmat 10 tahun layak menerima RM300. Bacalah pekeliling-pekeliling ni. Kadangkala kerani di sekolah belum terima surat. Tak nak tambahan kepada gaji???

ICT Subject Circular (Pekeliling)

2006-01-01T04:19:00.000-08:00

I put the circular up on one of my websites... download for further info.

ICT Subject Syllabus

2006-01-01T04:12:00.000-08:00

The ICT Subject syllabus (both old and new) is available for download anytime. Get a copy if you haven't already got one.

Courses available on JPA website

2005-12-26T01:47:00.000-08:00

JPA courses
Interested in getting to know Japan in a professional way??? Well, you have two opportunities thanks to the Japan-ASEAN Youth Friendship Programme 2006 and Program Sarjana Dalam Bidang Pendidikan in Hiroshima University, Jepun. Nothing ventured, nothing gained...

Kursus Untuk Pasukan Konfigurasi Rangkaian

2005-09-29T22:55:00.000-07:00

Satu kursus penyenggaraan akan dianjurkan untuk ahli PKR (seorang mewakili setiap gabungan) di Klang, Selangor. I wish I can send all the PKR people but budget limited lah. What to do?

Biasiswa Untuk Sarjana dan PhD

2005-09-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

Biasiswa!
Sesiapa yang berminat melanjutkan pelajaran ke UK (Masters dan PhD), sila layari laman web di Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam.
1. COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP PLAN (CFSP) - GENERAL SCHOLARSHIP DI UNITED KINGDOM SESI PENGAJIAN 2006/2007 (tarikh tutup 30 November 2005)
2. BRITISH CHEVENING SCHOLARSHIP : 2006/2007 MALAYSIA PROGRAMME (tarikh tutup 14 Oktober 2005)

Microsoft Education Portal

2005-09-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to meet Thomas Phang and Alan Chiew from Microsoft yesterday, thanks to Bruno Vun from Unit Kemajuan IT. Reminded me of the Microsoft Education Portal. Actually there are lots of info there that teachers will find useful. Why not spend some time there?

ICT Subject Briefing

2005-09-21T05:35:00.000-07:00

There's going to be a briefing on the new ICT syllabus. I plan to have it on Friday 28 October at the Seminar Room, 5th Floor, SPA. At this moment, we just intend to show all teachers the new syllabus and give some information. I expect the meeting to end around 3.00 pm. Any questions, email me at roslynct@gmail.com.

Gmail Account

2005-09-20T05:19:00.000-07:00

Why is a Gmail account good for you?
Well, you would have a storage capacity of nearly 3GB and increasing daily.
That means you don't need to delete your emails and keep all of them.
That means you can receive huge attachments..
That means you will never lose an email because your quota is exceeded.

If you want a Gmail account (which you can only get through an invitation), email me a request at roslynct@gmail.com and I will invite you in!

PDAs Good For Education

2005-09-20T05:05:00.000-07:00

PDAs can help in collecting data, writing papers, checking facts, synching data with desktops and laptops, and collaborating on projects.

And to help you in making a decision, Dell is selling one of their PDAs for only RM1099. The Dell Axim X50 can also be bought with a zero interest credit card 12months' instalments. Only for Maybank and Citibank credit cards.

The Mobile Wireless Classroom

2005-09-20T00:53:00.000-07:00

Imagine having PDAs in the classroom...
It involves quite a bit of money but it would be something to think about..
Read the article.

2002-02-24T22:49:00.000-08:00

Better be careful about copying essays and theses. Read how to catch a copycat and shiver if you're a plagiarist!

2002-02-24T22:40:00.000-08:00

MPIK's Home PageWebGuides is a teaching website offering guides to the best sites for teaching & learning about lots of things.

2002-02-22T00:12:00.000-08:00

Dua mata pelajaran berkaitan dengan Teknologi Maklumat baru (Grafik Berkomputer dan Produksi Bahan Multimedia)akan ditawarkan. Dapatkan maklumat di laman web Komputer Dalam Pendidikan. Sekiranya berminat, hubungi Pn Roslyn di Sektor Pengurusan Akademik. Maklumat pejabat ada dalam laman web IT SPA.

2002-02-21T23:35:00.000-08:00

Tawaran Biasiswa BPG untuk mereka yang inginkan Sarjana atau Doktor Falsafah. Tarikh tutup : 1 Mac 2002. Hubungi JPN Sabah untuk maklumat yang lebih lanjut.

2002-02-20T16:52:00.000-08:00

DGX Developer Code Competition information can be found here
Keep checking this page for the latest updates.

2002-02-20T16:50:00.000-08:00

Competitions are part of what makes life more colourful. For schools in Sabah, there are three official competitions to look forward to. First is the Microsoft Home Page contest (Feb-June 2002). Second is the International Computer Olympiad in Ashgabad Turkmenistan (July). Third, the DGX Developer Code Competition in August. Check back for more info...