Term 2
Just back from school holidays ( I also managed to get work holidays) so I'm all refreshed and ready to go again.
This term I have word processing, payroll, power point and OHS. With only 4 subjects to get through rather than the 6 I did last term I'm hoping that the pressure to get it all done on time won't be as bad.
Today we started on PowerPoint and this is something I'm looking forward to doing as I quite enjoy anything that has a creative aspect to it. The Powerpoint had to be about ourselves or what we did in the holidays. I chose to do mine on the 'the Holidays'. I tried to keep it really simple and the writing to a minimum so that the audience wouldn't get bogged down trying to read it. In the end I think my effort was probably a bit too simplistic because compared to the others I saw in the class it was a bit boring.
We watched a presentation called 'Thirst', which was about the deminishing water supplies on Earth. I really liked this powerpoint as it used simple text, statistics and graphics to make the audience think.
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Tuesday, 20 March 2012
Microsoft Vs Google
Well I hit the panic button last week and really had to put my head down and tail up to get back on top of things. I feel like I'm back to treading water again but at least I'm not drowning anymore. The trouble is when everything is due in at the same time and I have to rush, I feel like I haven't really given each task or assignment as much attention as it needs and I'm not 100% happy with the end result. I second guess myself a lot!
Over the last few weeks while I have been researching different online communication tools, I couldn't help comparing the differences between using Microsoft programs and Google. Microsoft runs like a well oiled machine, with all the kinks ironed out and really is as good as the person using it. Google on the other hand is like the budget version. A cheap knock off that offers the same things but just doesn't quite get it right. I do like using Google as my main search engine and I will probably stick with gmail but I don't think I will ever bother replacing Word with Googel Docs or facebook with Google+. I think so far this term I have had a chance to test drive a lot of different programs that I wouldn't normally have looked at, as I'm not very adventurous trying new things online and I tend to just stick to what I know, So I'm certainly more aware now that there are better options if you take the time to look.
Over the last few weeks while I have been researching different online communication tools, I couldn't help comparing the differences between using Microsoft programs and Google. Microsoft runs like a well oiled machine, with all the kinks ironed out and really is as good as the person using it. Google on the other hand is like the budget version. A cheap knock off that offers the same things but just doesn't quite get it right. I do like using Google as my main search engine and I will probably stick with gmail but I don't think I will ever bother replacing Word with Googel Docs or facebook with Google+. I think so far this term I have had a chance to test drive a lot of different programs that I wouldn't normally have looked at, as I'm not very adventurous trying new things online and I tend to just stick to what I know, So I'm certainly more aware now that there are better options if you take the time to look.
Monday, 12 March 2012
OK now I'm starting to panic !
Yep. Its official I'm a little worried about getting everything handed in on time.
I'm not sure how it happened, one minute everything was going according to plan and the next, things started to get on top of me. It's not like I havent been putting the effort in. My youngest son told me; "I'm never going to TAFE mum coz you do way to much homework". I told him that it will be worth it in the long run.
Despite my whining, I am really enjoying it. I've discovered something about myself that I didn't know before, and that is I actually like learning new things. I never had that attitude at school, although that was over 20 years ago, and a lot has changed. I don't think I could have attempted to go back to school even 5 years ago as my life revolved entirely around my kids schedule and my excuse was that I just didn't have the time. I think I just didn't have the inclination.
Im not sure where all this rambling has come from. I better get back to examining my last week.
Started work on my 5 year plan. This was harder than I thought it was going to be. I've never really mapped out my life before. I have had ideas about where I want to be in the future, I've just never written it down before. I like the idea of having goals, although I'm my own worst critic and tend to be a bit negative when I think of anything good happening for me. The 5 year plan was a good way to see my life in a different perspective and not just inside my head.
I have also had a look at SPAM and online collaboration techniques. I only ever thought of SPAM as annoying junk mail designed to catch the gullible which probably sums it up, but I also got carried away reading up about the more sinister side of this where hard core SPAMers can access and control peoples computers. I know it happens but I always think it sounds like something that happens to 'other' people.
Online collaboration was interesting too. I looked into some Google features that I've had access to for a long time, but just never bothered checking out. Like Google+ and Google docs. I thougth these were great but I think my ignorance in computers let me down, because I couldn't get them to work for me the way I wanted.
In my last post I mentioned that I havent really used my Google calendar or Due dates table. I do actually think these are a good idea and useful. If I was working in front of a computer every day these would be a great tool, I just meant that for someone who is on the run from school to work to home to kids sport to dentist and back again a paper diary works better in my situation.
Speaking of running around every where I have to go and pick my son up from training.
See you next week.
I'm not sure how it happened, one minute everything was going according to plan and the next, things started to get on top of me. It's not like I havent been putting the effort in. My youngest son told me; "I'm never going to TAFE mum coz you do way to much homework". I told him that it will be worth it in the long run.
Despite my whining, I am really enjoying it. I've discovered something about myself that I didn't know before, and that is I actually like learning new things. I never had that attitude at school, although that was over 20 years ago, and a lot has changed. I don't think I could have attempted to go back to school even 5 years ago as my life revolved entirely around my kids schedule and my excuse was that I just didn't have the time. I think I just didn't have the inclination.
Im not sure where all this rambling has come from. I better get back to examining my last week.
Started work on my 5 year plan. This was harder than I thought it was going to be. I've never really mapped out my life before. I have had ideas about where I want to be in the future, I've just never written it down before. I like the idea of having goals, although I'm my own worst critic and tend to be a bit negative when I think of anything good happening for me. The 5 year plan was a good way to see my life in a different perspective and not just inside my head.
I have also had a look at SPAM and online collaboration techniques. I only ever thought of SPAM as annoying junk mail designed to catch the gullible which probably sums it up, but I also got carried away reading up about the more sinister side of this where hard core SPAMers can access and control peoples computers. I know it happens but I always think it sounds like something that happens to 'other' people.
Online collaboration was interesting too. I looked into some Google features that I've had access to for a long time, but just never bothered checking out. Like Google+ and Google docs. I thougth these were great but I think my ignorance in computers let me down, because I couldn't get them to work for me the way I wanted.
In my last post I mentioned that I havent really used my Google calendar or Due dates table. I do actually think these are a good idea and useful. If I was working in front of a computer every day these would be a great tool, I just meant that for someone who is on the run from school to work to home to kids sport to dentist and back again a paper diary works better in my situation.
Speaking of running around every where I have to go and pick my son up from training.
See you next week.
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
Where does the time go?
The difficulties, the joy, the usefulness (or not) of planning ahead.
I like to be organised, I like to be on time but somehow I always feel like Im rushing and disorganised.
Time management is something I've never really got the hang of. As far as time management at work, I tend to do what needs to be done in order of priority and then run out of time to put 100% effort into the things I leave to last.
I can certainly see the benefits of planning and organisation at work. Taking a moment to get orgnaised or plan the approach I wan't to take would probably save a lot of time in the long run.
I think I'm more organised as far as GSIT and my home/kids schedule goes but I don't think my personal life is what you would call a 'high pressure environment".
I've always been aware of my lack of organisation at work but in all fairness to me, working at Kmart isn't exactly rocket science and it never has had a negative affect on my work quality.
I have set up my goolgle calendar: I admit I haven't really used this because I prefer the old fashioned paper diaries and I have a calendar in the loo at home which is more accessable than the computer.
I have made my Assessments Due Date chart: This is more helpful but again once I made it I haven't really used it.
I have created my weekly priority list: This I find very useful and I use and update it all the time. This is something that allows me to see in the short term what is a priority and what I have already completed. It didn't take me long to set up and I can certainly see myself using something like this in the future.
I like to be organised, I like to be on time but somehow I always feel like Im rushing and disorganised.
Time management is something I've never really got the hang of. As far as time management at work, I tend to do what needs to be done in order of priority and then run out of time to put 100% effort into the things I leave to last.
I can certainly see the benefits of planning and organisation at work. Taking a moment to get orgnaised or plan the approach I wan't to take would probably save a lot of time in the long run.
I think I'm more organised as far as GSIT and my home/kids schedule goes but I don't think my personal life is what you would call a 'high pressure environment".
I've always been aware of my lack of organisation at work but in all fairness to me, working at Kmart isn't exactly rocket science and it never has had a negative affect on my work quality.
- I show up
- I do my work (what I don't finish today will still be there tomorrow).
- I go home.
Same stuff different day!
But I can understand how the need to use time and planning would be important in a different role.
As I am at GSIT to try and find a different work path, this would definately be a skill I would have to work on to improve.
I want to work in a reception or administration role and I would image this work day is all about priorites, and schedules.
I have never really thought about using a plan in regard to my career path until I did this class.I have set up my goolgle calendar: I admit I haven't really used this because I prefer the old fashioned paper diaries and I have a calendar in the loo at home which is more accessable than the computer.
I have made my Assessments Due Date chart: This is more helpful but again once I made it I haven't really used it.
I have created my weekly priority list: This I find very useful and I use and update it all the time. This is something that allows me to see in the short term what is a priority and what I have already completed. It didn't take me long to set up and I can certainly see myself using something like this in the future.
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Week 4 already
I can't believe Ive been back at GSIT for a month already.
I'm working extra hours this time around and I can really notice the difference in the amount of work I am able to get done at home. And I have had to take a few days off for various reasons, sick kids, appointments etc. By the time I get back to the class I missed, I feel like I have alot of catching up to do.
Im not drowning! But already I feel like I'm just treading water.
Despite all my grumbling I am enjoying the classes I'm doing.
I've made some headway on the external units that I'm doing. Customer Service and Write Simple Docx.
but I still am un-able to stick to the alloted time I set aside each week for these 2 subjects.
Im finding Excel and MYOB the most challenging but despite this or maybe because of it, I enjoy these 2 the most. There is a sense of accomplishment when I finally get the hang of it.
Things can only get better.
I'm working extra hours this time around and I can really notice the difference in the amount of work I am able to get done at home. And I have had to take a few days off for various reasons, sick kids, appointments etc. By the time I get back to the class I missed, I feel like I have alot of catching up to do.
Im not drowning! But already I feel like I'm just treading water.
Despite all my grumbling I am enjoying the classes I'm doing.
I've made some headway on the external units that I'm doing. Customer Service and Write Simple Docx.
but I still am un-able to stick to the alloted time I set aside each week for these 2 subjects.
Im finding Excel and MYOB the most challenging but despite this or maybe because of it, I enjoy these 2 the most. There is a sense of accomplishment when I finally get the hang of it.
Things can only get better.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Email - what would we do with out it?
Email is a big part of my life already. I use it to keep in touch with my friends and family who live in other towns and countries and quite often my friends who live in Albany. We exchange photos and random things we find on the net. This will probably change now because I have just set up my own Facebook account, (after much nagging from kids and family to get with the times).
It has only been since I started at GSIT that I have ever used email to communicate with someone I didn't already know. I would usually try to avoid these situations. I'm not sure why I prefer to talk to strangers on the phone rather than email but I still feel uncomfortable when I use email to apply for jobs etc.
I cant certainly understand what a useful tool email is in the workforce. And as I hope to find employment in office environment I imagine that email will become a big part of my work day just like it is already a big part of my private life.
It has only been since I started at GSIT that I have ever used email to communicate with someone I didn't already know. I would usually try to avoid these situations. I'm not sure why I prefer to talk to strangers on the phone rather than email but I still feel uncomfortable when I use email to apply for jobs etc.
I cant certainly understand what a useful tool email is in the workforce. And as I hope to find employment in office environment I imagine that email will become a big part of my work day just like it is already a big part of my private life.
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Week 2 Overview
2 weeks into the new term and I'm starting to get back into the swing of things. Although it has taken a bit of effort to get my 'post Christmas/kids back to school' brain to kick into gear. My finances are in better order this week so I have been able to buy my text books and that is a huge relief. Because I'm more prepared this week I think I have been able to enjoy the classes alot more.
Spent some time organising a table outlining all the requirements and due dates for all the courses I'm doing at
GSIT. This was a good exercise as it gave me a clear understanding of what to expect in the weeks to come. It took me 3 attempts to get the outcome of this table the way I wanted it, but I'm reasonably happy with the end result. One of my favourite sayings is "Well I'm sure it makes sense to someone". I think anyone else who saw my table would probably say this!
I'm enjoying my word processing class. Re-learning some of the things I learnt last year in Cert ll as well as some more things I never new existed, like what the object button does. I'm sure I did'nt even notice that icon until it was pointed out to me in the text book. Makes me wonder how many thousands of features word has that I will never know about or use.
I also enjoy working with excel. Some of the calculations and formulas are quite hard to get the hang of (numbers have never been my forte) but I like the sense of accomplishment when I finially figure it out.
Im doing the 'CustomerService and Write Simple Docs' units externally. So far I havent dedicated as much time to these subjects as I probably should be. It always seems more important to get my in class work done first and put these two subjects off till later. I like the peace and quiet of working at home so I might have to set aside a specific time and day to concentrate on my external units. Maybe I will make another table for my external studies.
I went back to the confusing planet of MYOB on Tuesday afternoon. The locals seem quite friendly but as I haven't learnt to speak their language yet, finding my way around can be really frustrating. Pam and class mates tell me that it gets easier the more you visit! I just smile and nod my head and hope to hell they're right. The light at the end of the tunnel seems very far to me.
All in all it's been a good week.
Spent some time organising a table outlining all the requirements and due dates for all the courses I'm doing at
GSIT. This was a good exercise as it gave me a clear understanding of what to expect in the weeks to come. It took me 3 attempts to get the outcome of this table the way I wanted it, but I'm reasonably happy with the end result. One of my favourite sayings is "Well I'm sure it makes sense to someone". I think anyone else who saw my table would probably say this!
I'm enjoying my word processing class. Re-learning some of the things I learnt last year in Cert ll as well as some more things I never new existed, like what the object button does. I'm sure I did'nt even notice that icon until it was pointed out to me in the text book. Makes me wonder how many thousands of features word has that I will never know about or use.
I also enjoy working with excel. Some of the calculations and formulas are quite hard to get the hang of (numbers have never been my forte) but I like the sense of accomplishment when I finially figure it out.
Im doing the 'CustomerService and Write Simple Docs' units externally. So far I havent dedicated as much time to these subjects as I probably should be. It always seems more important to get my in class work done first and put these two subjects off till later. I like the peace and quiet of working at home so I might have to set aside a specific time and day to concentrate on my external units. Maybe I will make another table for my external studies.
I went back to the confusing planet of MYOB on Tuesday afternoon. The locals seem quite friendly but as I haven't learnt to speak their language yet, finding my way around can be really frustrating. Pam and class mates tell me that it gets easier the more you visit! I just smile and nod my head and hope to hell they're right. The light at the end of the tunnel seems very far to me.
All in all it's been a good week.
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
15 February 2011
Blogg on Bloggs
Didn't know too much about blogg's besides what I had already done in last year's communication class at TAFE, I never really got the hang of it.
For homework we had to research a website or blogg that we liked/hated and share it with everyone in the class. As a blogg/blogger/blogging newbie I went to my faithful friend google and got started. WOW there is alot of rubbish out there! For about 3 hours on Saturday (3 hours I will never get back) I sifted through all sorts of rambling, whining, amusing and sometimes revolting waffle about stuff. Just stuff. I don't want to be negative because even though I didn't find most of the stuff I read about interesting, I'm sure that there is someone out there in the world who will.
I did come across a few bloggs that I really liked and after reading the emails sent by the class sharing their own favourite bloggs I've come to realise that spending 3 hours on a Saturday does not not make me an expert on Bloggs and there really is something for everyone.
Blogg on Bloggs
Didn't know too much about blogg's besides what I had already done in last year's communication class at TAFE, I never really got the hang of it.
For homework we had to research a website or blogg that we liked/hated and share it with everyone in the class. As a blogg/blogger/blogging newbie I went to my faithful friend google and got started. WOW there is alot of rubbish out there! For about 3 hours on Saturday (3 hours I will never get back) I sifted through all sorts of rambling, whining, amusing and sometimes revolting waffle about stuff. Just stuff. I don't want to be negative because even though I didn't find most of the stuff I read about interesting, I'm sure that there is someone out there in the world who will.
I did come across a few bloggs that I really liked and after reading the emails sent by the class sharing their own favourite bloggs I've come to realise that spending 3 hours on a Saturday does not not make me an expert on Bloggs and there really is something for everyone.
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