November 2008 Blog

Targets for this month (November 2008)

  • Get at least one e-learning package completed
  • Get familiar with the e-learning package Lectora and Serco
  • Be up-to-date in all the mandatory courses

(03/11/08)
Had a meeting with the following departments:

  • Risk Manager
  • Learning and Development


To discuss the issues with a website called Prism. This is a virtual, interactive site where patients/staff can log in and report incidents, accidents things have happened to them or they have seen. It’s very easy to navigate sleek and is only available within the PCT intranet.
However, the key issues that were discussed were using Adobe Captivate to capture videos that would offer training to other people. Other things that need to be embedded are maybe sound and a voice over.


Within the meeting I showed the webcast for the Learning Centre on the DVD that I and the University of Bradford produced together. The team present was very impressed I also gave a viewing to other staff that has been inpatient since the launch.


(04/11/08)
Learning and Development Team Unit Meeting (9.30am – 10.30am) Things that we discussed were; the new library, connections week, round the room updates (what each individual has been involved in) Added new dates to the training courses on the Learning and Development pages.


(5/11/08)
Structured the day on creating advanced e-forms for the Learning and Development department, this was for the spreadsheet that was set by Abrar who is the co-ordinator. Had few difficulties implementing the e-forms and obtained help from another colleague, but my system was slow and my laptop couldn’t access the content management system.

(6/11/08 – 7/11/08)


Serco – e-learning package training – discussed the package and uploading information. At the Dewsbury Health Centre.


(10/11/08)


I updated the webpage’s with new dates for the mandatory courses on the learning and development.


(11/11/08)


I again updated the webpage’s with the dates for mandatory courses, managed to create a new e-form for ‘Manual Handling course’. Stayed an hour and half extra to make up time (due to an appointment eye screening and visit to the bank).


(12/11/08)


From Wednesdays to Fridays I spend the usual days with the communication team, here I just keep occupied with the work either from the Learning and Development centre or from the comms team themselves. However, wednesday I carried on updating webpages and creating new ‘e-forms’ which are an advance form of, forms that can be filled out with details regarding appointments and sent directly via email. I also was involved in a live demo for the Lectora e-learning package. Seated at a PC and watching a live demo from the USA where the host was creating a demo on Laboratory safety training. This was very useful in the context that it give an insight of how to use the software that my other team (e-learning) will receive it and we will build e-learning packages from scratch too. There was no sound due to calling a number which was not stated on the email, but I got the drift in what was going on.


(13/11/08)
Meeting with Rachel Rutherford (manager /communication team) to discuss what I have done so far and how things are progressing.
Discussed webcasts – learning centre
How to set up a sharepoint site via CMS in order to run the webcast for the Learning Centre.
Chased up what things I have been involved in while I have been working elsewhere: updating and adding new e-forms for Learning and Development team.


(14/11/08)
Made changes to the dates for the Learning and Development courses, again created and edited the e-forms that I constructed from scratch. I found that creating the forms was not a problem but actually accessing the system was very slow.


(17/11/08)
The duties for Monday were to carry on with the manipulation of the web pages and make changes to the existing dates. At 11am till 12pm I had a meeting with other team members regarding the Learn Online website (all the learn online courses Fire safety, Risk Assessment etc). The interface from what it is now to what it could look like, the wording and what should and shouldn’t be there.


(18/11/08)
Same duties applied editing the webpage’s for the learning and development team. I also sat down with my other line manager Pear Jolly who is head of the e-Learning department, discussed the Prism website and been using Lectora Publishing Software to look at what kind of work can be done to create professional as well as efficient e-learning tools. Had a meeting with the Education and Programmes team to discuss their websites, they wanted a website that would be done externally and had in mind of domain names that would be recognised by people around the globe as their work is more related to people around different areas within the UK and else where. Also some use of Flash within the CMS.


(19/11/08)
Implemented the Learning Centre website, input a logo, and added a marquee. This was done via the CMS software that is used via all the NHS websites internally and externally.


(20/11/08)
Had a one to one meeting with my manager to discuss what I have been doing also I have been involved with the Learning Development team where I have been updating, editing, adding and new webpages and e-forms.


(24/11/08)
Sat with one of my supervisors to discuss the e-learning packages for the Prism site and another project in hand, the key issue surrounded how to get the structure going, how it works out and what benefits would it bring to us as an organisation and other organisations too. Other things discussed were regarding the webcast for the learning and development website, this consisted of converting the webcast into a WMA file that can be viewed in windows media player that would become a default file so that anyone externally or internally would be able to view it.


(25/11/08)
Meeting with the Head of Improving the Patient Experience Strategy manager who discussed that he wanted a power point presentation that would have 10-15 images on that would be projected on to a screen and have maybe 10 testimonials that would fade into the images. This was an informal meeting discussed over a coffee, simple and straight to the point, also there would be a slogan such as “power to the people” to deliver the message efficiently.


(26/11/08)
Went to Sheffield to meet the staff at the Sheffield tPCT (Pegasus House Training Centre) to see how they get on with Lectora Publishing Software (an e-learning package used for learning for staff and nurses/patients etc) My supervisor had questions regarding the issues with the package such things as:

  • How Lectora fits into Serco (another e-learning infrastructure that allows Lectora to sit within)
  • Difficulties they face; adding learning packages to the Repository, adding users, course management etc
  • How they cope with the handling of the system and what is run with it to maintain such as servers, PC’s, people and constantly updating the system.


(27/11/08)
Thursday I got my new desk and PC, but in order to log in I had to obtain a telephone in order to log in but this was delayed throughout the day which was a shame. I am always prepared and ambitious to do some work, but within the NHS I have found things get delayed and interruptions apply. However, I managed to just about implement a webpage for the stake holding engagement team. They wanted a webpage that would display the necessary information with pdf files too. Later in the afternoon at 2pm, I had a meeting with the Implementation team who are directing the E-learning club that looks at e-learning packages such as Lectora and Serco so fourth. This was quite interesting to attend as I got a more depth of other companies that produce e-learning packages and how I probably could develop my career further maybe in a few years time.


(28/11/08)
The webcasting equipment arrived which was a good sign; I started to implement further the Stakeholder Engagement teams webpages that needed more information as well as further development with links etc. Also the Learning and Development department asked me to implement a few webpages such as the Manual Handling People and Objects.


Achievements this month (November 2008)
No achievements as of yet, due to the webcasting equipment not arriving, but eventually did.

Achievements -v- Targets for this month (November 2008)
Get all goals achieved set by managers, supervisors etc


Targets for next month (November 2008)
Keep on top of everything as all work is piling in

Additions to your knowledge this month, standards achieved and the evidence

Learned how to use Serco and Lectora Publishing Software for implementing e-learning packages.

October 08 summarised blog

I have taken notes down and dated the tasks, activities and events that i have been involved in. They are dated as follow. I do apologise if some the tasks/activities i did are not dated as I have been heavily involved with all departments and maybe the reason being wasn't able to take down notes of dates. Also rather doing them day by day blogs i have summarised them overall for each month.

Targets for this month (October 2008)
  • Get webcast for Learning Centre done and dusted so people are able to view it
  • Make sure I meet my tutor Geyong Min and have plenty to discuss regarding my role
  • Make sure I keep up-to-date with my blogs.
  • Making notes day in and out of daily activities and dating them

Summary of activities this month (October 2008)

  • Meeting large boardroom (Douglas Mill) on level 1, 10.30am-11am (02/10/08) discussed the things I have done or going to do within the coming month, other people discussed their roles and achievements as well. A connections week event (an invent for an hour where other organisations interact and discuss issues, topics, projects in hand) this takes place in December for a week (this is where my webcasting role comes in hand, its going to be creative and an exciting week) Other events that are taking place are 2009 Awards (a bit like TV awards where people are congratulated via a trophy or certificate in this case) this was also discussed.
  • Created a tracking sheet within excel to keep track of produced webcasts on DVD’s (6/10/08)
  • Engaged within meetings every Thursday, Wednesday and Friday with my department (comms team) also 1-1 meetings with my manager (catching up) (every week of every month)
  • Met with business team to implement and structure their Planning Emergency website. Informal discussions (13/10/08)
  • Met up with staff to discuss the possible equipment needed for the webcast for the learning centre launch (17/10/08) also discussed
  • Meeting with the university to discuss the equipment needed for the launch of the Learning Centre on 17th October 08. Location at the Douglas Mill. Discussed windows media server, music licences, OFcomms guidelines and EPS (encapsulated post script). There were issues of discussing how we would work around people who didn’t want to be featured within the launch.
  • Went to university to edit the launch of learning centre on the following dates (23,24,27,29/10/08) Used Adobe Premiers Pro, learned new techniques; how to capture video from camera, what correct aspect ratio to film on (16:9 etc), how to use the timeline and add effects and edit the sound etc.
  • Went to Dewsbury health centre to get and insight of the Serco e-learning package, how to use it, how and what it can bring to the organisation; 2day event (20,21/10/08)
    I have been heavily involved with general work for the Learning and development team, business team and other departments; working with the CMS (content management system) structuring their websites also updating old web pages with new information.
    Went along with the chief executives on a ‘walkabout’ an informal style interview where I was to film groups of people talking, discussing issues and expressing their views/opinions etc. Very useful experience only a few minutes of footage was filmed; firstly due to many folk didn’t want to be filmed secondly due to the weather surprise, surprise (29/10/08). Location was Marie Curie Hospice, located in Bradford. Very nice place and pleasant people too.
  • Work placement tutor came to visit, first visit (30/10/08), Geyong Min was very impressed by the activities I have done, what I have been involved, the environment, my managers etc.
  • I was asked to fill out forms like questionnaires and experience so far.
    Been keeping up-to-date with my blogs and making sure they are dated correctly
    On the launch day (17/10/08), the following things that happened were

- The crew came from university
- The equipment they brought was a professional video camera, a microphone, tripod and DV tapes were provided
-Matt Overton gave an overview of the camera, its features, how to adjust it to the light how to hold and create good shots
- He also allowed me to capture a few parts of the launch just for me to grasp what was needed, but I felt it was straightforward.
-The launch was a success with the help of Matt and his team, it went well.

Achievements this month (October 2008)

  • Edited and produced the very first webcast that was presented at a meeting (31/10/08), everyone who was present was impressed with the work that was done mainly by myself but also with the help of Matt Overton University of Bradford (many thanks). The learning centre launch.

Achievements -v- Targets for this month (October 2008)

  • Get all goals achieved set by managers, supervisors etc.
  • Targets for next month (October 2008)
  • Keep on top of everything as all work is piling in.

Additions to your knowledge this month, standards achieved and the evidence

  • Learned how to edit with professional software (Adobe Premier Pro)
  • How to make use of a professional camera
  • What different techniques are involved using a camera such as; pan, long shot, medium shot etc

The rest information can be found on my blog website either blackboard or blogger.com

Ajmal at the NHS (is my blog name)

End of month summary for September 2008

This blog lists down excatly the things i did by date and task as shown below. Enjoy!

Targets for the month (september)

  • To take down notes using notebook provided and not disappoint supervisors
  • Always complete given tasks in hand on time
  • To update blog daily or weekly depending on tasks in hand
  • Always use Outlook to arrange meetings, keep up to date with tasks done

Summary of activities this month (september)

  • (05/09/08) Created a logo for the new Learning and Development department.
  • (08/09/08) Introduced to the new library to be opened in October.
  • (12/09/08) Used an area called ‘The Sandpit’ to set my own workspace. I created Gantt charts, documents and uploaded images.
  • (15/09/08) Used Lectora an e-learning package to create presentations.
  • (16/09/08) Learned how to use Share-point 2007 to create, edit and upload information.
  • (17/09/08)Attended meetings and introduced myself to others. Most meetings were regarding topics related to NHS constitution, the board, how individuals are getting along with their jobs and the tasks in hand.
    Created a webcast project template in Microsoft word and emailed to staff so they were aware of what the term leant, how it would benefit them and why is the organisation using webcasts etc.
  • (22/09/08)Was set the task to create tutorials on Microsoft Outlook using video capture software ‘My Screen Recorder’ also experimenting with ‘Adobe Capture’ and ‘Lectora built in video camera’ Also created chapters in PowerPoint presentation to give an introduction to the tutorials beforehand.
  • (23/09/08) Edited web pages using CMS.
  • (23/09/08) Uploaded information using CMS.
  • (23/09/08) webcasts with the Librarians got brief ideas of how they want their webcast to be like.
  • (24/09/08) Went to an e-Learning event at the Cedar Court Hotel (Wakefield).
  • (25/09/08) Sat in for a Media training session, this related to how colleagues would handle a interview by the radio or Television people.
  • (29/09/08) Went to an 'Equality and Diversity' meeting at the Park Lane Community Centre across from the tPCT. Here we discussed the issues regarding cultural and community backgrounds. A good understanding and very important topic.

Achievements this month (september)

  • Created a logo for the Learning and Development team so they could launch their new department. This was to be laminated and trimmed down to the appropriate size so it would be displayed on to a display board.
  • The staff were over whelmed as what they asked was exactly how they wanted it. It was perfectly done using the correct tone of the colour printer.
  • Using the laminate machine was a new experience as I have never used it and I did bump into a few problems, but eventually got it correct.

Achievements -v- Targets for this month (september)

  • Getting involved in not only the given role but work externally and internally get more knowledge of other peoples work too.
  • Taking notes down for tasks as I go along to make sure I am up-to-date as well as keeping an eye on done tasks to ensure blogs are correctly created with dates to go with them.

Targets for next month (september)

  • To carry on working like I have done for this month (September) and do well and benefit from the experience till the end of my placement.
  • To create test runs for the webcasts (once the equipment arrives) meaning samples for me to enhance my skills and knowledge, so i am prepared for the real event.

Additions to my knowledge this month (september), standards achieved and the evidence

I have learnt a lot this entire month from having to work with staff and do such things as manipulate web-pages, create e-learning sample to liaising with staff within meetings. Its been a good experience and I have been privileged from day one to work alongside them. My managers in particular have cared and given me the opportunity to learn new things and I have grasped the learning stage effectively and efficiently.

  • The evidence can be seen within my tPCT drive or alternatively my 'sharepoint' site (this link is only accessable via the intranet within the tPCT).

Tuesday 16th September 2008

As I was on the 3rd floor working along side the Learning and Development team I was also working with the Software Development team in order to get more knowledge about Share Point 2007. This is a software package ready to use and upload information on to it; it includes hosting and is useful for documenting and managing originally from Microsoft.

Another useful area of the share point I used was ‘The Sandpit’ this was to create my own work on to. I created a Gantt chart just a sample to what tasks needed to be completed. I played around further with the features that the share point offered and got used to it even more.

Furthermore, I was helping colleagues as to what it does, as some were not familiar with the actual interface which was quite interesting.

Monday 15th September 2008

The Monday back I spent a day with the Learning and Development department (floor 3) the team members were very welcoming like all the people I had met so far.

I was introduced to a piece of software that was called Lectora Professional. This software was quite straightforward and was specifically used for e-Learning packages. It uses a wizard base structure and has very tidy functions. But the downfall for me personally, was the toolbar as it was restricted and it wouldn’t allow you do what you intended but just do what it did (if that makes sense).


I constructed a piece of work based on the 'webcast project' using Lectora a small e-learning tutorial. I was also asked to create a logo for the new Learning and Development department so it would feature on a display board and within the staff talks (news updates every Friday via email).

Thursday 11th / Friday 12th September 2008

My 3rd day was meeting my line manager (Rachel Rutherford) she was my main contact after Mervyn Silva for the projects that i would under go in the following weeks to come. As it was my first day getting introduced to her i had alot of things to learn. Again I was introduced to the other memebers of the organisation.

Some were Interpreters people who make bookings regarding venues/rooms within the organisation or outside the organisation using different language tools.

I was introduced to the hierarchy of executives in a brief description of who they are what their roles are within the tPCT also members below them and so fourth.

First meeting of the week was at 11am till 12pm, this meeting was very professional and minutes were read out and apologies were also taken into account. It was within a boardroom that was quite large based on floor 1. The things that happened are as follow:

  • I introduced myself and role to others that I didn't meet yet
  • Discussion about each persons role and their work done so far
  • Next meeting and time
  • NHS constitution etc
Friday was as follow; we discussed some of what equipment would be used. The software and hardware that was initially discussed with the suppliers would consist some of the following:

  • Adobe Premier for editing and encoding prior to uploading
  • Windows 2003 / 2008 server
  • Windows Media Server and Windows Media Encoder (to play the videos on)
  • Digital video cameras, microphones and lighting etc
  • A laptop or a desktop PC

The media training would be provided by the University of Bradford after a few meetings taking place etc.

I drafted a piece of work in Microsoft Word that would give an outline to the cost, capabilities and comparisons etc to what equipment should be used. So mainly my work involved me sitting at a desk doing word documents and other days i would get hands on work more practical.

It was quite fun as I was left alone and got on with my work and used my initiative to plan ahead.

10th Sept 08, Social Media Training, Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel

The 2nd day was a training course located in Wakefield Cedar Court Hotel on the 10th September 2008; it would last from 10am till 4.30pm.

I was the first to arrive there and I met some of my colleagues that were going to be present there too. We talked some of them are from universities located round the west Yorkshire region and it was nice to have other work placement student there too.

The event that took place was on social Media training the purpose of this was to give an introduction to the comms team and how the use of media likes of Youtube, Facebook and Wiki that has boosted the media industry and how it is being used to deliver the message across the world. Many are aware and many are not.

The NHS on the other hand, are not allowed to access such sites like the ones above as they hold confidential information, also accessing these sites is another issue as staff may go onto inappropriate sites.

Within the event there were refreshments and lunch present within and other members from different tPCT were present and it was nice to see different organisations (Yorkshire and Humberside) get together and share knowledge and opinions.

As I was totally new to the whole concept of NHS within the media event there were very technical terms being used which were out of my scope so I did raise questions to what the terms mean.

The event lasted a full day so it was a case of rather than going back to work I was able to go home.

Overall, the event was about communication using media streaming technology in order for us as an organisation and other organisations to spread the message across to patients/public and communities etc

My First Day 9th Sept 08

Hi this is Ajmal, student at University of Bradford currently on placement at Bradford & Airedale NHS. This is my blog. I have listed below what my first day activities were and how I got on.


  • First day was exciting. Start was at 9am till 5pm, got introduced to my Manager(s), A tour of the building was given such things as the canteen, my work area (Floor 1 and 3), Fire Safety checks were introduced and assembly points, car park, toilets and working hours etc
  • Like all jobs I was told to bring bank details, previous work pay slips, I was also told that my photo would be taken in order to give me a ID badge
  • I was given a password and username for my PC login & assigned a network drive and own folder within the drive area.
  • I met with different staff, discussed their roles within the tPCT
  • With my job title being Webcasting and E-learning assistant I learned the software and hardware I would be using in order to implement the projects further.
  • In the coming weeks of September my assigned work was to get involved with different work within the departments and fit into the surroundings
  • In the afternoon I sat down with Mervyn Silva one of two managers to discuss my progress and I typed a document up of what I had learned so far. Not only to give me a insight of the work role but in order for me to get familiar with the software packages the organisation use for instance Microsoft outlook.
  • I was given a mini tour of Microsoft outlook as I progressed that day and I had many things to add in my diary.
  • I was told there is a stationary cupboard too for any kind of stationary I desire to use.
  • For lunch there was a bit too much of a choice; canteen, your own sandwiches or food shops located not far from the NHS.
  • I was also given a temporary laptop until I got a new one with a higher specification. This was due to the moving around I would be doing because working on two floors. And a mobile phone in order to keep in contact with my staff and external folks.

The experience so far from the start has been brilliant.
Supervisors & Work Address
Mervyn Silva - Software Development team
Rachel Rutherford - Communications team

Bradford and Airedale Teaching Primary Care Trust
Douglas Mill, Bowling Old Lane, Bradford BD5 7JR, Tel: 01274 237290, Tel: 0845 111 5000,
Fax: 01274 237453

My work email address is ajmal.ashraf@bradford.nhs.uk

ajmal687@hotmail.com (personal email)

My mobile number is 07949783443