Singapore, 3 September 2002

UOP graduate values his facilitating experience

Having graduated from the University of Portsmouth B.Sc. (Honors) in Computing in 2001 with First Class Honors, Mohsin Iqbal found it strange that he is facing the same enquiries he used to have. How is it possible? This first class honors graduate became a PurpleTrain facilitator for CS 255 and CC103 and hopes to get facilitate more modules.

Mohsin’s Profile First name: Mohsin Last name: Iqbal Age: 22 Address: 6/2 – N, DHA (Defence), Lahore, Pakistan Qualification: B.Sc. (Honors) in Computing, University of Portsmouth Current Job Title: Junior Software Engineer Company: PowerSoft19

When PurpleTrain caught up with Mohsin, we asked him a few questions regarding his experience so far.

We highlighted some of his replies in the section below.

PT: How you find online facilitation? Exciting, challenging, fun, etc?

Mohsin: I find online facilitation extremely exciting. It was my dream to be an online facilitator when I was still enrolled in the B.Sc. (Honors) in Computing programme. I feel that online facilitation is a new and challenging field in this ever-evolving computer world. I like the fact that PurpleTrain has given me the flexibility to conduct my work from anywhere. I don’t have to worry about going to a physical location to teach while I can do it in comfort. I would like to feel that after taking up the challenge as an online facilitator, my actions and thoughts have become more professional. Since I keep in touch via books and programming, working as a software engineer is much more exciting now.

PT: What do you enjoy the most at class?

Mohsin: What I enjoy is the chat session, you can think of this chat room like a normal classroom. But the major difference is about the students’ freedom to express them-selves. The students who come in chat session are keen to learn and that’s what makes it challenging when answering their non-stop questions.

PT: What's the greatest challenges you have faced so far? How do you resolve the problems?

Mohsin: The greatest challenge so far was increasing student participation in the discussion room as it was my first time facilitating. But after getting a better understanding of my students, I have tackled this problem by posting discussion questions and quizzes. Secondly, I had to encourage them for coming to the discussion board to post. This has helped them a lot and I am glad that I am seeing more students and their valued participation in the discussion room.

PT: How do you think online facilitation has affected your life? What are the pros/cons?

Mohsin: Online facilitation has pushed me to become very effective in my daily life. How? For a facilitator, it is very important to be punctual and regular. You have to worry about your students’ concerns and give timely help thus the responsibility increases. Secondly, to prepare extra lecture notes, I have to do research and programming for students. This has prompted me to do research on the course content.

By answering a lot of questions, it has made me more patient. Now I listen to other people carefully. I feel that all these traits help in personality building in addition to making one more professional.

PT: Who would you think should take up University Of Cambridge - Business Programmes programme? Why?

Mohsin: I think University of Cambridge’s business programmes are very much oriented towards real world needs. Anyone seeking good job opportunities in the market should consider these excellent programmes.

PT: Your thoughts on e-learning

Mohsin: My thoughts on e-learning are very simple and that is “This is the future”. And I am sure that all who are working with technology will agree with me.

PT: Your message to the students

Mohsin: “The only thing that will take you to the top is staying in the online class and participating in the discussion board. That includes chat sessions too. Secondly, timing is very important.”

PT: How do you feel having after the PurpleTrain experience?

Mohsin: Just amazing!!! The main point is that I have recently graduated from the UOP (BSc (Honors) In Computing) program through Purpletrain and I have got just about everything I dreamed.

I got a great result (topped in all over UOP–2001 batch), then an offer to visit Singapore for graduation ceremony, a good job and finally got online facilitation opportunity. So that’s is an example of a successful start. What can more can I say? I am thankful to God. And I am thankful to PurpleTrain for giving me so much. Their efforts carry so much value to me.

About Informatics Group

The Informatics Group, established in 1983, is a multinational corporation providing training and educational services in information technology and business management. Through its international franchising program and strategic acquisitions, Informatics presently has a global network of more than 450 centres spanning 42 countries.

The company presently offers five franchise products: Informatics Computer School, Thames Business School, CAL Computer Training Centre, Cambridge Child Development Centre and RACC. For more information, please visit http://www.informaticsgroup.com.

About PurpleTrain.com

PurpleTrain.com is the e-learning service provider which offers a one-stop service for business and IT education programmes, corporate training courses and education-related services. By combining innovative technology with world-class training content, PurpleTrain.com offers companies and individuals a high value, quality and effective online training solution. Over 1000 online courses are available, offering PhDs, masters, degrees, diplomas and certificates in business and IT programmes. Its e-community now stands at over 55,000 users.

PurpleTrain.com is a 100%-owned venture of Informatics Holdings Limited, a leading training and education provider listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange.

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PurpleTrain.com
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                www.informaticsgroup.com

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