Welcome to my professional profile. You may browse my site through clicking on an item on the left navigational pane, or you may prefer to use one of the following formats:
HTML Format: This whole site on one page. Word Format: Format for printing and easy reading. PDF Format: If you do not own MS Word and you want to print it (you need the free Adobe Reader) ePaper Format: An onscreen easy to read format. Interactive CV: Go through my life line by choosing a year (outdated, but gives you the general idea). Flash Format: A flash based CV (bit outdated, but worth stealing the idea! You need to disable pop-us!)
Send me an email to send you details how to access my numerous blogs.
Content coming soon:
My Travel Book - The concept of Existence Controling Instincts - My Online Presentations - My Offline Presentations and Musings about War and Peace
Overview
Full Name: Anas (Enoch) Souhail Eljamal Wife's Name: Sana Elache Son: Luay Suhail (Born 1992) email: anas@eljamal.com Website: anas.eljamal.com Availability: January 2009
Contact Information: Work: Keyano College 8115 Franklin Av, #58 Fort Mcmurray, Alberta T9H 2H7, Canada Tel (Work): (780) 913- 4844
Personal: 268 Woodward Lane Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 5K8, Canada Tel (Personal): (780) 714-6600
Career Objectives
Apply my experience in computing and education into using appropriate technologies for the effectiveness of the operation and administration of educational organizations and for the success of its learners.
Summary of My Career Experience
I have passion for integrating technology in education for the benefit of learning, learner success and the effectiveness of educational administration. My experience since 1989 has been on investigating and implementing technical solutions for the learning purposes in post-secondary institutions. My duties have evolved from an IT instructor to decision making leadership positions with focus on educational and information technology. My career path focused on creating IT curricula and systems that prepare college graduate to be effective and successful citizens of the knowledge age. With the boom of e-learning era, I initiated many technical solutions that enhanced the face-to-face, distant and blended learning through the proper use of the Internet, audiovisual media and other digital applications. In addition to the technical solutions, I devised new curriculum and assessment methodologies that address the challenges accompanying the advancement of technology.
My leadership and managerial history is saturated with change and paradigm shift challenges. The success of my methods is rooted in my belief in delivering solutions based on the teachers’ and administrators’ needs rather than imposing new trends without compromising organizational strategies. With proper training and support, these initiatives surfaced to success.
I have presented numerous international presentations in theoretical and practical concepts related to the application of technology in modern age post secondary education systems.
Academic Degrees
Masters Degree in Management, University of Wollongong, Australia, Spring 1998. Graduate Certificate in Total Quality Management, University of Wollongong, Australia, Spring 1997. B.Sc., Computer Science and Mathematics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Fall 1985.
Working Profile
I have a Masters of Quality Management with emphasis on Quality Management in Education and Bachelor’s of Sciences Degree with emphasis on Computer Sciences and Education. In addition to numerous professional certificates and diplomas in various fields related to IT in education.I consider myself technologically savvy with a broad understanding of a variety of academic and administrative technologies from application development, IT infrastructure design and implementation, user support and innovative research and deployment.
I have been assuming senior managerial responsibilities for technology strategy and direction within educational organizations where technology and information systems play a major rolee to the successful operation, administration, teaching and learning requirements of the organization. I have lead IT and academic teams from different disciplinees where the interaction was based on collaborative, empowwring and non-ceentralizedd decision making.
I work most effectively within a borderless, boundryless collaborative environment with decentralized decision making. I am a strong believer in mentoring and the growth of others. I have experience to lead in a complex environment with multiple users and to engage a broad range of people in the pursuit of organizational vision and goals. I am effective at leading significant change.I have strong project management skills. I am experienced in traditional Project Management methods as well as Agile and Lean methods. I have experience leading a team to deliver large projects on time and on budget. I have experience in the implementation of major information systems in a a distributed locations environment. I believe and have the ability to devise efficient prrocesses where technology plays the central rol in removing latencies. I am fascinated with the recent unfied communication concpet.
I build and maintain positive, productive relationships with peers, colleagues, staff, faculty, consultants, and suppliers. I create strong team climate both within the IT department and across the rest of the organization. I am fleexible, adaptablee and have unlimited tolerance.I have worked in multicultural organizations and developed the ability to “individualize” my conversation based on the culture, language and experience of the audience. I am a visual person who uses imageries to effectively communicate my ideas. I use terminology and examples that meets my audience comprehension. I am a motivational speaker who can cater for a wide scope of types of learners in one presentation.
I believe in following the Japanese 5-whys when addressing issues. According to Buckingham model, one of my strength is connectedness/ideation which I apply in my spiritual endeavours as well as in my management and leadership “adventures”. I am an early adopter to ideas that improve learning.
Resumé
Education
Masters Degree in Management, University of Wollongong, Australia, Spring 1998.
Graduate Certificate in Total Quality Management, University of Wollongong, Australia, Spring 1997.
B.Sc., Computer Science and Mathematics, American University of Beirut, Lebanon, Fall 1985.
Baccalaureate 2nd Degree in Elements of Mathematics, Lebanese Ministry of Education, 1977.
Baccalaureate 1st Degree in Elements of Sciences, Lebanese Ministry of Education, 1976
Role: Responsible for setting, implementing and managing the ICT strategies of the college.
Major Accomplishments: implemented structured wireless across all campuses, consolidated back end servers through virtualization to support the educational processes, implemented an Educational Portal System, introduced new technology based teaching and learning for the remote communities, introduced new distant education learning experience, introduced laptops, participated in revamping the business and computer science curriculum to meet the present IT challenges in the Oil Sands industry. In addition, I teach Operation Management and Human Resources courses at the college. Served on the Executive Committee 2005-2006.
Jun 2000 To Sep 2004
Title: Manager of Educational Technology
Organization: Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, U.A.E
Website: www.hct.ac.ae
Role: Member of the College Executive Team. Assumed the role of Acting Director. I was responsible for setting, implementing and managing the operation related to educational technology.
Major Accomplishments: introduced student laptop program and wireless across the whole campus. Utilized Citrix solutions to minimize down-time learning opportunities. Designed, purchased and implemented state of the art infrastructure to support the educational and administrative operation of the college. Participated in creating an eCommerce program that evolved into the e-Business degree. Managed teachers’ professional development programs that helped them migrate to new teaching paradigms. Managed the technical support and operation function of the college.
May 1992 To Jun 2000
Title: Manager of Student Services and Computer Systems
Organization: Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, U.A.E
Website: www.hct.ac.ae
Role: Manage the students services function in the college which included student recruitment, student records and registrar. In addition, I managed the computer support functions of the college.
Major Accomplishments: Attracted 80% of the potential high school graduates to our college, created and administered policies related to student services and the registrar. Developed and managed a student academic tracking systems. Participated in the creation of a centralized admission center at the level of the country. Purchased and installed automation systems required for the operation of the college (specifically SCT Banner and WebCT.) Participated in the development of numerous IT curricula.
Aug 1989 To May 1992
Title: Instructor of Business Information Systems
Organization: Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai, U.A.E
Website: www.hct.ac.ae
Role: Teacher of IT courses (database, networking, applications and programming.)
Major Achievements: Was awarded the Excellence in Teaching award. Developed numerous courses for the department. Participated in the process of BTEC accreditation.
Role: Teacher of Mathematics (Algebra and Geometry) and Computer Sciences for grades 10 to 12.
(2) Title: Graduate Research Assistant in Computer Sciences
Organization: American University of Beirut
Website: www.aub.edu.lb
Role: Teacher of computer sciences courses for Freshman and Sophomore years. Graduate assistant to prefessors in numerous computer courses. Managed the Computer Labs in the Department of Mathematics.
Mar 1981 To April 1983
Title: Bilingual Industrial Instructor
Organization: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Website: www.mhi.co.jp
Role: Instructor of the operation and maintenance of Desalination control room. Developed teaching and learning material for the trainees in English and Arabic.
Professional Certificates
2008:Business Continuity Planning, Recovery Planner. 2007:Agile Project Methods, Berteig Consultancy. 2007:Administration of Centralized Wireless Systems, Aruba Inc. 2006:IT Security, Cobit 4.0, ISACA. 2005:SuperNet Operation, North Alberta Institute of Technology. 2004:Work Health and Safety Certificate, Alberta Government. 2003:Global eLearning Workshop from M.I.T., Boston, Learning International Network Consortium. 2002:ICDL Center Manager and Assessor, UNESCO. 2001:Independent Learning Skills, H.C.T*. 2000:Judging Quality Award, Dubai Quality Award, Dubai Economic Department. 2000:Leadership in Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education. 1995:Facilitation Training Certificate, Instructional Skills Workshop Group, H.C.T*. 1994:Training the Trainers Certificate, Instructional Skills Workshop Group, H.C.T*. 1993:Oracle Advanced Application Building Certificate, Oracle. 1990:Curriculum Development, H.C.T*.
Professional Membership
AAHEIT: Alberta Association in Higher Education for Information Technology (www.actic.ca)
CANHEIT: Canada Higher Education and Information Technology Consortium
MIT-LINC: MIT Learning International Network Consortium (linc.mit.edu)
ACCC: Association of Canadian Community Colleges (www.accc.ca)
IATHA: Institute for the Advancement of Teaching in Higher Education (www.iathe.org)
CIOCAN: Chief Information Officer Association of Canada: (www.ciocan.ca)
Languages
English: Excellent communication skills, spoken,
written and presentation. Arabic: communicates very well in different dialects. French and German: suitable for traveling
purposes. Aramaic and Old Hebrew: enough for research
purposes.
Personal Interests
I am a passionate researcher of culture: history, religeon, controling instincts and human evolution.
I have given numerous presentations about cultures and religion interrelationships.
I indulge myself in playing strategy games where mental challenges give me the thrill.
I am an active contributor to Wikipedia in their Arabic and English projects.
I am a certified Akila in Boys Scouts and I enjoy watching good movies.
I am a world travel backpacker with my family. We traveled all over Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Our next travels will be to Western and Northern Canada, Central and South America.
Places I worked in: Lebanon, Saudi Arabis, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates - Dubai, UNIFIL (Border between Israel and Lebanon), Fort McMurray, Alberts.
Other places I lived in: Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Kingstone.
Other places I visited: Thailand, Malysia, Honk Kong, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Bulgaria, North Carolina, Washington DC, New York, Massachusetts, Virginia, Connecticut, Quebec City, Windsor, London Ontario, Vancuver, Edmonton, Calgary.
Presentations
2008: Alberta North Access Symposium: 2 Presentations (1) Why Agrarian Students Fail our Educational System (2) The Future of Education in the Wiki Age Fort McMurray, May 2008.
2007: (1) Center of Excellence for Research and Technology: Culture and Innovation , Dubai, U.A.E (2) Keyano College Leasership Program:Wiki Learning Model, Alberta, Canada (3) Keyano College Leadership Program: Challenging the Obvious in Education, a series of workshops that challenges educator’s to adopt new learning models.
2006: (1) Wood Buffalo Human Resources Management Association: Human Resources Management in Multicultural Organizations. (2) Alberta North Access Symposium: How “Knowledge Technology” Improves Cross-Cultural Collaborations. (3) Work Force Development, Supervisors Boot Camp: Management by Remote Control.
2005: (1) Fort Mcmurray Public Schools Teachers conference: (1) The Google Kid: how Technology is impacting the learning behavior of the new generation (2) Cultural Spectacles: Methodologies of understanding the paradigms of different cultures. (2) Keyano College: (1) Education in the Knowledge Age, (2) Mastering the Basics Series of Presentations: Email and Networking.
2004 - Present: Fort Mcmurray Multicultural Association: On Going Presentations related to multiculturalism and impact on teaching and learning.
2003 – 2005: Laptop Think Day – HCT and Zayed University: Different presentations about the use of technology and laptops in teaching and learning.
2002: IBM ThinkPad University Conference: The Cultural Challenges facing implementing successful educational technology in the Gulf Countries.
2001: American University of Sharjah: Future trends of technology in teaching and learning
2002: With Pat Colabucci: Online Role Play Simulation as an alternative assessment
1998 - 2000: Higher Colleges of Technology Conference: Uses of Technology in the functions of Student Services and Registrar.
Numerous other presentations and workshops about the use of technology and media in education. In additional to training on new methods of teaching, assessment, training and software application.
References
Present Employer: Keyano College Postal Address: 8115 Franklin Avenue, Fort McMurray Alberta T9H 2H7
Cindy Amerongen, Vice President, External Relations Keyano College 8115 Franklin Avenue Fort McMurray T9H 2H7 Email: cindy.amerongen@keyano.ca Tel: 780 791 8923
Previous Employer: Higher Colleges of Tech. Norman Gray (Previous Director) Higher Colleges of Technology Postal address: 1724 The Chase Mississauga, Ontario L5M 4P2, Canada Email: nlgray@roger.com Tel: (905) 569-0058
Details of my Last 2 Jobs
My Present job
Organization: Keyano College The Title: Chief Information Officer Start date: 15 September 2004
Description of the Job: Establish a strong educational technology support and services function in the college and lead the implementation of futuristic knowledge technology that put Keyano College at the forefront of educational institutions in Alberta preparing an environment to graduate successful citizens of the knowledge society.
Achievement to date:
In the short period I have been working with Keyano College, I was able to achieve the following:
1- Restructured the department to 3 layers:
Level 1: The back-end which manages IT infrastructure.
Level 2: The front end which offers services and support to the college community.
Level 3: Core business which partners with different departments and functions within the college to develop and put into use technologies that increase their efficiencies and productivity.
2- Introduced alternative learning technologies that complement the eLearning initiatives and meets the challenges of the college. One example is the Virtual Gallery which invites the community of Fort Mcmurray to contribute to the learning of the Applied Arts Students.
3- Introduced an industry based "Learning On Demand" teaching system that helps the apprentice of the Oil Industry to evolve academically and learn while they are on the job.
4- Introduced technologies to support remote collaboration among the students and staff for 8 remote campus sites.
5- Proposed 3 projects to enhance the use of technology in the administration as well as the teaching environments:
(a) A collaborative training program for the teachers
(b) collaborative training for the administration and staff
(c) Creation of IT steering committee with well structured work groups to address introduction of IT across the system.
6- Consolidated the server farrm into virttual server farms using blade servers
7- Installed Aruba centralized high security wireless system.
8- Introduced students' life-long emails using Microsoft Edu@Live system.
9- Introduced smart classrooms using SmartBoard technologies.
10- Introduced video streaming.
11- Introduced online collaboration using wiki's, SharePoint and VPN.
12- Perfected the use of VOIP and unified messaging.
13- Introduced the concept of "Unified Systems" which encompasses "unified messaging" and "Unified Communication".
14- Introduced agile user support that allowed almost immediate lab image deployment, individualized PC configuration, installation of applications on demand, and remote installation/troubleshooting solutions.
15- Designed, built and operated a state of the art data center that hosted all servers and core switches in one area with remote access to the devices. This work is in progress.
16- Introduced Comprehensive IT Controls based on CoBIT 4.0 utilizing Wiki technologies.
17- Introduced different synchronous and asynchronous online collaboration tools, like SharePoint, OneNote, Wiki's etc...
Full details will be supplied upon request.
My Previous Job
Organization: The Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Men’s College
Web Site: www.hct.ac.ae; dbm.hct.ac.ae The Title: Manager of the Department of Information and Educational Technology. Duration: From June 2000 till September 2003. Reason of Termination: Offer from Keyano College.
Number of Employees: I had 13 employees on my team: 4 network engineers, 4 user Support Specialists, 2 software development and 3 educational technologists. In additional to coordinators from different departments and adjunct staff members.
Approved Budget: In the academic year 2003-2004, I was managing a budget of AED 22M, equivalent to CA$ 9M, for purchasing, upgrading and implementing new ICT and Audio visual infrastructure for the learning purposes of a new campus.
Goals of the Job: The goals of the department were to cultivate a technology-enhanced learning environment to prepare lifelong learners who can succeed in the knowledge society. Full job description could be supplied upon request.
Structure of the Department: To meet the objectives set for the department, I restructured it into 4 interwoven units:
The ICT Unit: The ICT team was responsible for the operation and maintenance of the ICT infrastructure. We designed, operated and implemented a state of the art infrastructure that is a world’s lead in educational technology. Since its inception, the following were the achievements of the unit:
Worked with leading international technology providers like IBM, HP, CISCO, Nortel, Citrix, Novell and Microsoft to design and deploy the latest information and communication technologies suitable to prepare our students to be successful citizens of the knowledge age.
The network infrastructure we operated was composed of the following technologies: Nortel based network with flexible and robust security system that blocks intrusion at the level of the edge switches; a 4Terabytes storage system employing NAS/SAN technology to cater for students’ storage needs; video on demand system to support educational needs for the classroom audio-visual material; centrally managed audio-visual equipment used in classrooms like 135 multimedia projectors and audio systems; a sophisticated audio-visual editing system that allows linear and non-linear editing for educational purposes; three video-conferencing facilities for distributed instruction; 3 multi-purpose multi-media halls for conferences and group activities; Nortel based voice over IP Telephony system.
Institutionalized a network management system based on IBM Tivoli.
User Support Unit (USU): The USU team was responsible for supporting the users of the college to ensure our IC technology is working to their advantage. The user support team received extensive training and professional development to focus on the learning process. They were actively involved in the teaching and the learning activities to keep their focus on the educational value of their job. The achievements of the unit are:
Developed and implemented a computerized, knowledge and human-based user support system for all ITC and Audio-visual user needs.
Created a learning-oriented support team that addresses user requests with focus on the mandate of educational requirements of teachers and students.
Created the “shadowing program” where course assessment is linked to student activities in the unit. In this way, student learning contributed to the effectiveness of our operation.
Created a preventive maintenance plan to minimize the downtime of the technology by proactively predicting and preventing failure.
Worked with IBM on institutionalizing autonomic computing that creates self-healing, self-monitoring and self-managing computing environment.
Application Development Unit (ADU): The ADU team is responsible for the development and maintenance of software applications required in the learning process. The achievements of the units are:
Led the development and implementation of educational systems like integrated educational portals, course management systems and student progress tracking systems.
Developed and implemented performance and appraisal systems.
Developed and implemented student academic tracking systems capitalizing on the existing legacy systems.
Acted as “hired guns” used by teachers to create suitable eLearning material.
Created and managed ePortoflio system to track student academic achievement during their studies in the college.
Educational Technology Unit (EdTec): The EdTech team was responsible for supporting the teachers’ needs to effectively utilize technology in their classrooms teaching and learning activities. The achievements of the unit are:
Developed programs, policies and training schemes to help teachers exploit technology in the learning process.
Facilitated eLearning projects and initiatives among staff to pilot new technologies in education.
Worked with the academic teams to develop appropriate teaching and learning strategies suitable for the eLearning environment.
Organized seminars and conferences in the field of eLearning like the UAE IT Challenge Conference, UAE Laptop Teachers Forum, IBM Fly-in Conference, e-Education without Boundaries, and many locally organized discussion groups and seminars.
Main Achievements in my HCT job:
Restructured the department, in a non threatening approach, into 4 interwoven units where teams from different entities work inter-departmentally.
I created a "Break the Boundaries" environment within my college where individuals and entities from outside my department worked with my team on common objectives without violating reporting structure.
Created a "learning drive" within my team where learning became the focus of our operation. All technical support and implementation was geared towards our students' learning.
Developed and institutionalized different professional development initiatives (like ICDL and CORE) to create an environment of self development through sharing personal experience.
Created a "Buddy System" where every member of my team is leading one area of our function where other members report in that area (including myself.) In this way, every member was empowered in one area while serving in all other areas. This increased the efficiency of our operation.
Working with 4 network engineers, 3 ITC specialists, 3 Audio Visual technicians and 3 Educational technologists, I was potentially able to create an entity with potentially 21 team players through implementing a “Break the Boundaries” operation. “Break the Boundaries” is an initiative where different departments in the college work together on common goals without disrupting reportage structure, thus increasing efficiencies and cross-functional collaboration.
Working with my talented team, we designed and created the “learning infrastructure” of the future by designing an ICT setup suitable for the teaching and learning in the knowledge age.
I created the Certificate of Recognizing Experience (CORE) program to help our professionals develop themselves by sharing their talents and experience.
Working with other teams in the college, we led the college into becoming a lifelong learning organization through the Leap initiative which helped smooth the cultural change associated with this paradigm shift.
Worked with international educational organizations on collaboration in the field of eLearning like M.I.T, University of North Carolina, Acadia University and other institutions.
Collaborated with local organizations like the Ministry of Education, e-Government Initiative Teams, Economical Development Department and local universities on identifying educational needs of the nation.
Designed, developed, implemented and led many training initiatives to help teachers shift to the new eLearning paradigms like introduction of ICDL, a collaborative eLearning Certificate, Instructional Skills Workshops, etc…
Shared our success initiatives with other educational institutions affected by us like colleges, schools and universities within the U.A.E.
Categorized Details of My Experience
Leadership Experience
Since 1992 I have been assuming different senior and leading managerial roles at the institutes of higher education in the following functions:
1992-2000: Manager of the Department of Computer Systems and Student Services at the Higher Colleges of technology.
2000-2004: Manager of the Department of Information and Educational Technology at the Higher Colleges of Technology.
2004-present: Chief information officer at Keyano College.
The requirements of my jobs specialized on strategic planning, implementation and effective operation of ICT resources in a collegiate environment. My main focus was always to increase learners' success and maximize the support functions for teaching and learning. I developed and executed plans to prepare groups and individuals to effectively use of these technologies.
Implementation of these plans involved negotiation and consultation with various groups and individuals including high and middle level management as well as the coordination and conduction of numerous trading workshops as outlined in more details below.
All my managerial experience has been in a multicultural environments dealing with individuals from more than 30 nationalities. I have faced many situations where I had to manage amidst external and internal changes which gave me ample experience to lead in cultural changes.
The success of the functions and departments I have led are mainly due to outstanding efforts of the teams I have worked with, This enriched in me the art of leadership that capitalizes on the strengths and talents of individuals around me thus building strong teams to get results.
Managerial Experiences
Recruitment: During my career life, I have conducted more than 100 recruitment interviews and evaluation. I was an active member on the recruitment screening committee of Student Services, educational Technologies, Information Systems and IT teachers.
Finances: Since 1992, I have been responsible for budgetary finances that reached up to AED 22M (US$ 6M) as part of the different managerial roles I was involved with. I have developed and maintained accurate financial reports that continuously matched the financial records of my institutions.
Tendering and Purchasing: During my career life, I have initiated and supervised many tendering and purchasing activities. These activities included setting specification, issuing RFP (request for proposals) evaluation of proposals, awarding contracts, commissioning and follow up on warranties. The budgetary values of tenders reached up to AED 14M (US$ 4M) in a given tender.
Performance Evaluation: I am a rooted believer in 360 degree evaluation strategies. I have been involved in initiating and developing the policies and procedures of such a performance enhancement plans in my organization. I have successfully used these methodologies to improve the performance of my team.
Committees: I have served on numerous internal and external committees as a member as well as a chair. Many of these committees where at policy making level in student services and ICT functions.
Information, Computers and Telecommunication
Since 1981, I have been heavily involved with Information and Communication as a tool to improve efficiency in management and to enhance learning. My experience covers all ICT levels:
Management: I supervised and led teams of network engineers; system analysts; user support specialists; audiovisual technicians and educational technologists.
Telecommunication and networking: I have considerable experience with designing, purchasing and deploying information and communication technologies for educational organizations including network components; switches; security; telecommunications and data management. I have worked with teams of network engineers on designing, implementing, administering and supporting resilient network infrastructure, wireless technology, client computers and laptops. The support function involved developing and implementing remote troubleshooting and hardware management systems. I have experience with managing network operating systems of Novel and Windows NT- and the implementation of network management tools like Novell Zero Effort Network, Manage-Wise and IBM Tivoli.
Purchasing: I have experience and knowledge in planning for acquisition, replacement and support of classroom and administrative systems. I have designed state of the art classrooms where computer and audiovisual equipment were effective in the learning environment.
Programming: I have led a team of system analysts to develop educationally oriented software applications. I have strong knowledge and experience in programming with 4GL, Java, C languages, Pascal and Visual Basic .I have designed and implemented sophisticated databases for educational purposes using Microsoft Access, Oracle, ASP and PHP.
Internet: I have passion for Internet development, design and initiation of web sites using HTML, Java, Real Audio, Macromedia Flash, ASP, PHP and Intranet development.
Details of My ICT Experience
My experience ranged from developing database systems which assisted in the smooth operation of various college services to the implementation and use of Course Management Systems, Learning Management Systems (WebCT, Blackboard, and Angel), databases, networking, and internet based solutions. My Experience in leading teams of developers of technical solutions included:
Inventory Systems: An online, Internet based, Inventory Systems for the department of computer support.
Helpdesk Systems: an online, Internet based, teacher support system integrated with the college inventory system.
Student Records Systems: Developed the system requirements of a Student Records System used in tracking student academic results. Experience with SCT banner as well as Power Campus.
Internet and Intranet systems for application in educational processes like Educational Portals.
Student Email and Web Servers implemented for educational purposes.
Developing ICT Solutions
Besides the coordination and implementation of various IT solutions, I have personally developed the following solutions:
Strack: an on-line Student Tracking System which adds functionality to the Student Records System. It is a multi-user database application that tracks the academic progress of students (grades, warnings, academic standing, attendance and counseling).
AppTrack: an on-line application tracking system that monitors and analyzes student recruitment, application, registration, entrance examinations and student placement.
Student-Staff Evaluation tally software that tabulates the responses of students' evaluation of staff performance.
PromoTrack, a student promotion tracking software that, interactively, helps the academicians to have accurate information about the progress of students during student promotion meetings.
Matrixia, a program that facilitates the tracking of course of a given program at the higher colleges of technology.
CertProd: A program that automates the printing of certificates and degrees issued at the higher Colleges of Technology.
StrackCounter: An online letter production system that helps Student Services to produce student enrollment letters based on their academic status.
Teaching and Learning
Collated Experience in Education and Training I have been in the education profession since 1985. I have extensive experience in education and training for young and adult learners. I have passion for combining technology in education for the benefit of learning, learner success and teaching effectiveness. I have been leading the introduction of eLearning paradigm in all its forms (distant education, hybrid, flexible and classroom based) with emphasis on project/problem based learning and cross disciplinary integration of learning objects.
Supporting Teaching and Learning During the 9 years of managing the department of computer and student services, I have created an effective teaching and learning support function that serves the multicultural environment of a young college. I was successful in institutionalizing a department that offered the following services to the college community:
Reported to the College Director and served on the College Executive Committee contributing to its vision and strategic planning.
Created and institutionalized policies and procedures supporting student success including the development, implementation and evaluation of program reviews and strategic planning for the department fostering an environment that assists students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
Implemented successful student recruitment campaigns and plans to meet established enrollment targets; and managed the enrollments monitoring and managing retention and attrition.
Managed the student records systems including creation of database systems to support improving student success, automating registration and timetabling.
Created and provided leadership in the areas of student counseling and advising; student grievances; financial aid and career counseling functions.
Provided leadership and support to creation and management of student extracurricular activities, student publications, student administration council and the alumni association.
Participated in the selection of new faculty and staff in the student services area and in evaluating the performance of existing faculty and staff.
Managed the finance and budget of the department as assigned by the college and in raising sponsorships and funds from the community to support activities.
Evaluated and promoted the professional development of staff within the student services area.
Managed relations with parents, employers and the community.
Even after moving to my new capacity as manager of Educational technology, I continued supporting many of the above functions as part of the new role. Refer to my web site for full details in Supporting Teaching and Learning.
Experience with Adult Training I have developed and conducted the following workshops and training programs for adults:
Web design courses (DreamWeaver, Fireworks, Flash, PHP, mySQL, Linux).
Developing eLearning courseware with WebCT and Blackboard.
Technical Free Workshops for Teachers (HotPotatoes, Respondus, electronic presentations).
Quality Service workshops.
Training the Trainers on Instructional Skills (part of the ISW initiative.)
Facilitated Instructional Skills Workshops for teachers.
Presented a paper on "Technology in Teaching" for HCT Staff Conference, 1993.
Presented numerous computer literacy workshops for the staff and faculty of HCT
University/College level: I have taught the following courses at the graduate and undergraduate levels:
Operation Management
Project Management
Human Resources
Staffing
organizational Behaviour
E-Commerce courses.
E-Marketing.
Computer Systems Architecture.
Computer Programming Languages.
Database design and implementation
Data Communication and Computer Networking.
Operating Systems.
Data structures.
Principles of Business Administration.
History of the Arab World and the Middle East.
K-12 Level I have taught the following courses at the K-12 level:
Mathematics subjects (Calculus, Geometry and Algebra.)
Computer Sciences (Programming and Applications.)
General Sciences (Physics and Chemistry.)
Instructional/Curriculum Design I have developed and implemented numerous curriculum and courses for the college programs as well as K-12 syllabuses:
College Curriculum: I developed the curriculum and related course material for the course of: network design, database design, computer literacy, independent learning courses and history of the middle East.
School Curriculum: I was on the UAE ministerial committee that developed the framework of the IT curriculum of the K-12 program and I was actively participating with the development of many of the related course material.
eLearning: I have developed and implemented many online material for computer courses using WebCT platform. Some of these courses are: eMarketing, Internet programming, Database Design, Operation Management and history of the Middle East.
Assessment: I have developed many online assessment tools using HotPotatoes and Respondus. Most recently, I developed an online system for ePortfolio assessment program for the first year college students.
Courseware: I have developed numerous courseware materials to support classroom teaching using different multimedia packages and tools like HyperStudio, Authorware, And ToolBook.
Experience with Adult TrainingI have developed and conducted the following workshops and training programs for adults:
Web design courses (DreamWeaver, Fireworks, Flash, PHP, mySQL, Linux).
Developing eLearning courseware with WebCT and Blackboard.
Technical Free Workshops for Teachers (HotPotatoes, Respondus, electronic presentations).
Quality Service workshops.
Training the Trainers on Instructional Skills (part of the ISW initiative.)
Facilitated Instructional Skills Workshops for teachers.
Presented a paper on "Technology in Teaching" for HCT Staff Conference, 1993.
Presented numerous computer literacy workshops for the staff and faculty of HCT.
Other Experiences
Leading the creation of Lifelong Learning initiative at HCT through the LEAP program.
Leading the educational paradigm change of DMC into the eLearning paradigm.
Leading the Certificate of Recognition of Experience (CORE) initiated by my department to help the faculty to develop themselves into the eLearning methodologies.
Managing the International Computer Driver License initiative in Dubai Men's College, Jan 2001 - 2004.
Member of Keyano College Educational Technology Steering Committee, 2005 - Present.
Member of HCT Information Technology Steering Committee, March 2001-2004.
Member of Keyano College Executive Committee, 2005 - Present.
Member of Dubai Men's College Executive team, 1992 - 2004.
Judge (Assessor) of Quality in Dubai Quality Award, 1998 - 2004.
DMC Faculty Evaluation Committee, 1998 - 2004.
Conducted many professional development workshops in the Higher Colleges of Technology 1989 - 2004.
Member of DMC Student Learning Committee, June 2000 - 2004
Served on the following committees:
Member of the Higher Colleges of Technology IT Steering Committee, 2000 - 2004.
Member of the UAE Ministry of Education ministerial steering committee for K-12 IT curriculum, 2002 - 2004.
Member of Dubai Men's College Management Committee, 2001-2004.
Member of Dubai Men's College Academic Committee, 2001-2004.
Member of DMC Student Success Committee, Jan-June 2000.
DMC Computer User Committee, Chairman, 1992-1995, 1996- 2004.
Authored a series of courseware for the Lebanese Computer Curriculum Committee (subsidiary of Hariri Foundations), Published by SarabTech, 1985-86.
Coordinator of Computer Division, American Community School, 1985-87.
Coordinator of Computer Division, Ibn Khaldoon National School, 1987-89.
Received "The Most Outstanding Contribution to College Life by a Faculty Award", 1991
Member of the HCT Process Improvement Team for managing student records, Oct. 1997-2000.
Member of the HCT Student Services Committee, 1992-2000.
UAE University-HCT joint subcommittee for Student Records, 1995-1997.
HCT Business Information Technology Work unit, 1990-1995.
Organized DMC Adventure Alley as a major student participation in Dubai Shopping Festival, 1998.
Organized Dubai Men's College Paper Rally, 1992-present.
Organized Dubai Men's College Olympette, 1994-1996.
Advisor of Tilwah, a DMC students’ quarterly magazine, 1990-1994.
Advisor of Dubai Men’s College Student Administration Council, 1990-present.
Managed summer camps, American Community School, Beirut summers of 1985-88.
I was born at 11:00 pm in a small village called Baalshemeh in the suburbs of Bhamdoun in the Mountains of Lebabon. Originally from Beirut, my preganat mother and my father fled the capital to my parental grandparent house in the mountain away from the 1958 civil war. My father is Suhail Eljamal and he is from Beirut, while my mother is Samira Mikati, from the north portal city of Tripoli. Being the first grandchild of my maternal grandparent, I spent most of my toddler life at their house, which spoiled me with love, care and strict customes.
1960
Being almost 3 years, I do not remember much of this year except some vague memories. One of them was the passing away of my grandparent Saif Mikati. I used to like him a lot. The vague scenes I preserved were the sight of my preganat mother crying when she was informed her father passed away, my grandmother with her tears in her eye hugging me and saying I will never see my grandfather anymore, the scene of the ambulance from the baclony where my aunt Ghada telling me"look at your grandfather" and I could not find him and finally, the "death chanting" from the holy Quran which was filling the house. Thie caused a scare in me which scared my soul for a while.
1961
3 years old and my mother used to tell me I am getting a playmate soon. I did not understand what she meant except that she always used to rub her big tommy. In March, suddenly, there was this creature at home who keeps cryting and never plays with me. Anogther confusing moment which took some time to become a loving feeling towards what people say brother. It was my brother Hadi who was born.
1963
This year, marked a mileston: It was the year that I went to my first school, The German School. What I remember is the shopping trip to Khabaz (famous child clothing store) were my proud mother told the salesman: "get me the best suit for my son, he is going to school". This phrase scared me, as if I was going to another planet. I kept telling her: "I cannot go to school because I cannot read or write!" She used to laugh adding to my stress. Now I laugh!
What I remember of my school is that it was under a huge lighthouse... it was taller than the gaint of Jack and the Beans. They used to give us the best glass of milk in the morning and the the tastiest Orange juce in the break. The taste of their Christmas cake is still in my mouth. Till now, I am searching for the same taste. I remeber the Easter egg hunt, where I found 3 baskets and they made me return 2! It was in the outdoor field in Yarzi, a beautiful pine forest in the outskirts. From my friends, I remember Maha... who might have been my first love... ath this age? I wonder.
1964
Getting used to having another member in the famliy, made it easy for me to expect and welcome my new sister, Rola, who was loved from the first moment. What I remember from this experience: I am in the living room, my father was very anxious. My grandmothers going in-and out of my mother bedroom (yes, the delivery happened in the house and not the hospital!!). Some screams and extraordinary movement by this lady they called Mid-wife.. Then, my father with tears in his eyes, came out saying "beautiful, beautiful, she is like the moon, I will call her "'Amar" (which in his language means moon!). Then my grandmother came and told me: Mabrook, you have a sister. Her eyes are blue!
I remember, during my wait, I was reading Superman magazine... so, yes, I used to read at this age! I do not know when I really started, except that some time before, my father was proud in front of my uncle when I was able to read the newspaper... Which my mother claims it was when I was 5! I remember the incident... I do not remember the age.
1967
The war. It was my first conscious awareness of the war. The second experience if you count the civil war that took place when I was a feutus!
This was the Israeli-Arab war. Back then, I did not understand what it means. In the eyes of my parents and family, it meant fear, scare, worry about food, never using lights at night (to avoid air strikes), spending unusual time listening to the Radio, my father reading many newspapers that mentioned nothing. Cursing the TV because their news are always too late. I still remember when I spent all the night listening to the radio trying to figure out what is happening and my father hitting me because I should be asleep. It was the first time I was hit by my father. I think the war has a terrible impact on ...
1977
1977 was the beginning of my academic life.
... still under construction
1989
I joined the Higher Colleges of Technology as an instructor for Business Information Technology. I taught the following courses: Computer Applications, Databases, Networking and the programming. I contributed to the creation of all related computer courses. The college was new, so I had a lot of fun feeling proud being one of the founders. Bob Berhnardt, my first Canadian Boss, was a great visionary leader who helped me develop myself into the education realm. His boss, Norman Gray, was my inspiration who had the rare talent of making the impossible happen... he taught me all I know about management and leadership. I received the Outstanding Award for the year 1990. I was an active instigator into introducing the GUI environment where the mouse, and not the keyboard, becomes the main driving force behind the computer. The challenge of convincing other teachers to accept the new paradigm, consequently, changing their curriculum to fit, taught me many lessons that proved helpful to sharpen my management skills... especially the experience of hardening the heart when leading change.
1991
Usual turmoil in organizations gave me an opportunity to become an acting supervisor of Student Services. Being an excellent teacher does not mean doing a good job at management. But my excellent rapport with the students, my understanding of their culture and my passion for helping other grow, helped me to set up and create the first Student Services entity in the organization. I wrote many policies followed by working procedures that enhances the attitude and habits of our students. It was the first step towards learning how I have to handle change management. But I really suffered on the management side where I discovered my Teaching Experience cannot be applied to management.
1992
In this year, I was given the formal position of Supervisor of Computer Systems and Student Services. It is equivalent to Dean if Student Services and Director of IT in one position. Taking about saving money.
The first thing I embarked on is removing latency. I worked with the organization on implementing SCT Banner as the new student records system. I developed the specifications for all screens and reports that were expected to be generated. I worked with team of experts accross the college on centralizing the access of the data, during the days when Internet did not exist yet and leased lines were very slow. We absorbed the change inflected by this technology.
At the same time, I developed Strack which is a system that fills in the gab between what banner offers and what the teachers really need to track the progress of students in a competency based teaching environment. It became the center of student tracking in the organization.
On the Student Services side, I worked hard on improving the student-teacher relationship by introducing collaborative activities like Paper Rally. I devised marketing campaigns to attract more students to the college. The enrollment started increasing 20% per year based on these strategies. I instated many progressive policies that help improve attendance, student retention, identifying students at risk and mitigating the situation before they fail. I work with many talented academicians on Student Success models.
In this year, my son was born. He is my best teacher. Until this year, I was carefree, living for the moment. When he was born, my whole previous history was gone, and my focus was on my son...
1994
On the Computer side, I moved the college infrastructure from the "bus" network topology to the star "structured cabling". I led the college into adopting the "GUI" operating system after Word Star and Word Perfect dominated the habits of computer users. Introducing the "Mouse" was a funny and illuminating experience when teachers were using all the fingers to enter a command. I contributed to the introduction of "cc-mail" which reduced thee paper based memos by half in the first year.
2000
After 8 years working in Computer and Student Services, and after the popularity of the Internet and the alternative learning models, I decided I need to focus on learning technologies as a new passion that I can use to help other grow. When the position of Supervisor of Educational Technology was created, I jumped immediately on the opportunity and applied. I got the position. I was so excited with this role. A new milestone in my life where I can apply the concept of "customized teaching for individualized learning." I was so lucky to work with great individuals who believed in applying new ideas. First, my boss, Norman Gray who gave me unbelievable support, mentoring and encouragement. Susanne McMahon who always pushed us to new realm with her arguments and vision. Harv Honsberger who had a perfect academic vision and understanding... and many more. I was lucky to interact with Michel Bekhazi who helped me push my political shrudness to the limit.
During this period, I introduced student laptop program and wireless across the whole campus. Utilized Citrix solutions to minimize down-time learning opportunities. Designed, purchased and implemented state of the art infrastructure to support the educational and administrative operation of the college. Participated in creating an eCommerce program that evolved into the e-Business degree. Managed teachers’ professional development programs that helped them migrate to new teaching paradigms. Managed the technical support and operation function of the college.
The negotiations with big IT names was eye opening. Interacted with IBM, HP, CISCO, Nortel and many more to work on the infrastructure of the new campus. The politics, negotiation, lobbying and the worrk involved was phenomenal. I have learned a lot.
I was able to achieve all the above because I was lucky to have a superb team to worrk wwith me: Imad Ramadan, the man of perception and unlimited tolerance. Olg Lewis, the wise lady who managed my life. And the talents of the rest of the team: Ali, Bilal, Syed, Mary, Andrew, Belinda who made miracles every day.
In September 2000, I applied to immigrate to Canada by mistake. In October, fate (literally) applied forr me to Canada. I never knew this "joke" is deciding my fate!
2004
This year was phenomenal. I worked hard with my team on implementing the infrastructure at the new campus. We finished it on time and on budget on September 10th, 2004 (although the deadline was October 1st, 2004.) I resigned on September 1st with an approval to give 2 weeks notice instead of the usual 6 months notice thanks to the new Director Bill Vega.
But I am going ahead of myself here. I need to backtrack.
In this year, my son would have completed his Grade 6. My wife and I decided that Dubai is not the place for him to grow after Grade 7 for it will bring him in the wrong environment (the filthy rich mentality) at the same time, it will not allow him to grow in his talent (drama, creativity, music.) So, we decided to find another job. I applied to hundreds of positions in Canada to fulfill my immigration requirements.I got many offers. However, my feeling to complete the IT infrastructure at the new campus interfered tremendously with making the decision to leave. I was interviewed by Queen's University, Keyano College, Western Ontario and few others. I got offers from Queens and Keyano. However, I was hesitant. Working on a major multimillion IT project with big names like IBM is not something you walk away from easily. I promised my Boss I will deliver it on time. I always keep my promise. It was tormenting me. My boss decided to retire. I lost the biggest support. The new acting Director had a different plans than me. I still had the stupidity of being passionate about the prroject. A new Director was hired. Big changes. The offer I got from Keyano was ideal. I decided to leave my decision in the hands of fate. I contacted my wife who was on vacation to ask my son where he wants to be: Kingston Ontario or Fort McMurray, Alberta. He jumped on the Internet and researched both places. He visited all its schools and discovered that Fort mac has a Theatre. Its primary school, Thickwood Heights, and its High School, Westwood, had a great drama program. So, with no hesitation, he told me: dad, we must go to Fort McMurray, live in Thickwood area where I will attend the Thickwood Height primary school then I will move to Westowood High School when I am in grade 9. I have already emails the prricinap and she said there are places for me". And that's it. Fort McMurray here we come. All my Canadian collagues told me I am stupid to go there... I should have gone to Calgary if I like Alberta. Still, I just followed my son gut feeling (and he turned out to be right... as you may see on his blog!)
Keyano told me they can wait for me up until September 15th. The infrastructure project will finish on October 1st. I had a dilemma.
I talked to IBM, Nortel, Citirx and checked with them if we can crash the project to finish 1st of September instead of October 1st.We worked together to crash the project without increasing the cost. We rescheduled everything.
I email the new-Boss to be if he is ready to help me waive the 6 months notice. He promised yes. I told him my last working day will be September 10th (to give myself 10 days to ensure all the technology is working.)
Full steam ahead. All computers were in classes 2 weeks before the start of the semester. The data center was ready: cold as ice in the middle of the desert although more than 40 servers were heating the room. Switches were buzzing with light. All 4000 nodes were connected to the network and the internet. The WAN connectivity was perfect. The wireless signal is all over the place. 30% of the college users were online... even before electicity was complete (we used contractor generators.) Citirix was roaring perfectly. For 10 days I tested every single port and network drop... working perfectly. That is when I asked my new Boss to sign off on the project admitting I have completed my task as expected. Shock hands with everyone... and said bye to the place I helped build and to more than 16 years off history... the last day in Dubai was photo days... my wife and I went all over Dubai and took shots of every single memory we had... we broke the jar and never looked back.
On our way to Canada, we passed to Beirut for 10 hours. We had one big celebration where we invited all my relatives to a large Lebanese traditional dinner with music, laughter, fun, kisses, hugs.... for 6 hours (I spent the other 4 hours there having a hair cut and spending some time with my sister!) We went from the restaurant directly to the airport to reach Edmonton on September 11th and Fort McMurray on September 13th. Enrolled my son in Thickwood Heights and started my Keyano Experience.
I was born at 11:00 pm in a small village called Baalshemeh in the suburbs of Bhamdoun in the Mountains of Lebabon. Originally from Beirut, my preganat mother and my father fled the capital to my parental grandparent house in the mountain away from the 1958 civil war. My father is Suhail Eljamal and he is from Beirut, while my mother is Samira Mikati, from the north portal city of Tripoli. Being the first grandchild of my maternal grandparent, I spent most of my toddler life at their house, which spoiled me with love, care and strict customes.
Being almost 3 years, I do not remember much of this year except some vague memories. One of them was the passing away of my grandparent 
