Using Technology to facilitate learning

I love watching the odd TED Talks video on youtube and wondered what their highest voted videos are. And stumbled on this gem.



His website is here - http://www.khanacademy.org/ awesome stuff. Is that Bill Gates interviewing Salman in the end???

Taking a proper lunch break

I love getting away from my desk at work, heating up my packed lunch (lovingly packed by Mrs Bad) getting a coffe and sitting anywhere away from my office. Today I was based in Startford Town Hall. As my lasangnia was heating up I looked out of the and noticed the courtyard bathed in midday sun. I grabbed my food and a cup of coffe and sat out. Mobile phone switched off, just enjoying a real break.

Just as I finish eating a biker is standing over me (Shoei helmet in hand). It happens to be a senior manager from the main building. We sit, chat and enjoy the sun, and the court yard.

Two discoveries. Fist, the court yard itself. It traps the suns heat really well and a great place away from the hustle and bustle of central startford. It's open to the public and they have a cafe their if you'd want a cuppa, quick bite, hot food. I've yet to try their food so can't comment on how the food is.

Secound, the senior manager is a real hands on foody. He's raised and slaughtered his own chickens. We covered topics from automatic irrigation systems to breads of chickens.

Conclusion, try new things and places. You never know it may bring you new friends and new favourite places. To actively push our edges is an excellent way grow , learn and connect.

Note to self: Book next chat and meal with the senior manager in the Malaysian restruant in Westfield Stratford.

Fire Warden Training

So I've just completed my Fire Warden Training and I must say I enjoyed it. Few points I've picked up

Fire regulations do not apply to privately owned personal residence.

BUT privately rented homes need a mains powered smoke/heat detector in the landing of each floor.

A whole book of regulations exist for public buildings (see regulatory Reform Fire Safety order 2005).

Public building should have a Fire Risk Assessment annually AND/OR when any changes to building layout AND/OR use.

I'll be purchasing a fire blanket for my home kitchen and  powder extinguisher for the rest of the apartment.

Got to practically test out fire extinguishers today on real flames and the hands on experience was worth it.

Application & Interview training (1 day)

Had a great days training, interviews for me are not a problem. The applications, more specifically the personal statement stage is a real chore. I walked away with allot from this.

1. A one page C.V. Time is money, and recruiters don't have the patients for 6 pagers
2. When answering a question use the STAR method. State the Situation, Task, Actions and Results. Most time on the last bit.
3. Be confident, if you can't be, then act confident by sitting upright and speaking SLOWER

One of the slides from the training session