Saturday, April 23, 2016
LTCT, ITConnect & ICCM-Africa Conference Nairobi April 2016
We have finished the last conference ICCM-Africa and I look forward for heading back to Cameroon first thing tomorrow morning. Language Consultant Technology Training (LTCT) had 12 participants and took place from the 3rd to the 15th. IT Connect had 30 participants from the 16th to the 19th and ICCM-Africa Conference had 45 participants. All techies and geeks came from 18 countries namely Cameroon, Ghana, Mozambique, Zambia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Nigeria, Uganda, UK, Kenya, Tanzania, France, South Sudan, USA, Madagascar, Australia, Czech Republic, The Netherlands. It was a great time of fellowship, leadership training, language technology training and information technology training. We got to share struggles, challenges and best practices. Now as we go back, we want to be champions and serve people well so that the task God has given us will advance to His glory.
Friday, April 22, 2016
ICCM-Africa day # 3
Day # 7
The sharing came from the LaRed Management principle of Trust in God with the focus on Proverbs 11:28 which says “Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree.” We learned that a heart without the fear of God has no control from within and will become self-willed and rebellious. Challenge question for us was - When things go wrong, what source do you turn to?
Our first session focused on IT Manager skills with Paul Federwitz and Stephen Ayuuni throwing light on and discussing with everyone the various skills to master, practical skills and tools for being effective at managing daily tasks. Sustainable technology and programs. Five key things build up the IT Manager to be fruitful and effective they are: Godliness, experience, people skills, technical skills and management skills. To be effective, an IT manager should be engaged in the mission of the organization, be embedded with people, be aware of current trends, understand the jobs of the people they support and be included in the decision making process. There is no gain say that IT should be driving new efforts.
We got together in table groups and worked on an IT disaster recovery exercise. This was very helpful as it gave people a good understanding of the situation of how to mitigate and get others involved in planning and doing something proactively to get operations back up and running should a disaster strike. You never know tomorrow so better be prepared just in case something happens.
Again after lunch we separated into various table groups and everyone had to choose which BOF session to go to. We ended the day playing volley ball and having fun together.
Find some photos attached here.
~Frans
ICCM Reporter
The sharing came from the LaRed Management principle of Trust in God with the focus on Proverbs 11:28 which says “Trust in your money and down you go! Trust in God and flourish as a tree.” We learned that a heart without the fear of God has no control from within and will become self-willed and rebellious. Challenge question for us was - When things go wrong, what source do you turn to?
Our first session focused on IT Manager skills with Paul Federwitz and Stephen Ayuuni throwing light on and discussing with everyone the various skills to master, practical skills and tools for being effective at managing daily tasks. Sustainable technology and programs. Five key things build up the IT Manager to be fruitful and effective they are: Godliness, experience, people skills, technical skills and management skills. To be effective, an IT manager should be engaged in the mission of the organization, be embedded with people, be aware of current trends, understand the jobs of the people they support and be included in the decision making process. There is no gain say that IT should be driving new efforts.
We got together in table groups and worked on an IT disaster recovery exercise. This was very helpful as it gave people a good understanding of the situation of how to mitigate and get others involved in planning and doing something proactively to get operations back up and running should a disaster strike. You never know tomorrow so better be prepared just in case something happens.
Again after lunch we separated into various table groups and everyone had to choose which BOF session to go to. We ended the day playing volley ball and having fun together.
Find some photos attached here.
~Frans
ICCM Reporter
ICCM-Africa Day # 2
21st April 2016
This morning we had an interesting topic still from the LaRed management principle of GENEROSITY. Technology is one thing that seems so easy for IT people so it is always easy to see someone who is “poor” in some way as far as technology is concerned. IT staff were challenged to see how they can use their IT wealth to bless someone who is “poor” in this knowledge. This raised quite a lot of discussion in the auditorium even before people could separate into their respective table groups.
Today we learned about smartphones and tablet security in which the group reflected and discussed about the technology preferences and implementation challenges. Online/offline capabilities, data vulnerability etc. This was quite challenging because probably everyone in the room carries a smartphone and/or tablet. The second session was on Malware and backups. This is always one of those things that creates a lot of fear in each of us because we are never sure what is going to happen to our data out there. Yes we can try as much as possible to make things secure. This brings to mind what the Psalmists says in Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lords keeps the city, the watchman wakes in vain.
As usual we separated again after lunch and everyone was able to attend BOF (Bird of the same feather) session of their choice. The evening was quite funny and relaxing because we had lots of games and then a banquet thereafter. Then each conference participant received a certificate to take back home to show for it that they indeed participated in the conference.
Two more days to go
~Frans Barah
Conference Reporter
This morning we had an interesting topic still from the LaRed management principle of GENEROSITY. Technology is one thing that seems so easy for IT people so it is always easy to see someone who is “poor” in some way as far as technology is concerned. IT staff were challenged to see how they can use their IT wealth to bless someone who is “poor” in this knowledge. This raised quite a lot of discussion in the auditorium even before people could separate into their respective table groups.
Today we learned about smartphones and tablet security in which the group reflected and discussed about the technology preferences and implementation challenges. Online/offline capabilities, data vulnerability etc. This was quite challenging because probably everyone in the room carries a smartphone and/or tablet. The second session was on Malware and backups. This is always one of those things that creates a lot of fear in each of us because we are never sure what is going to happen to our data out there. Yes we can try as much as possible to make things secure. This brings to mind what the Psalmists says in Psalm 127:1 “Unless the Lords keeps the city, the watchman wakes in vain.
As usual we separated again after lunch and everyone was able to attend BOF (Bird of the same feather) session of their choice. The evening was quite funny and relaxing because we had lots of games and then a banquet thereafter. Then each conference participant received a certificate to take back home to show for it that they indeed participated in the conference.
Two more days to go
~Frans Barah
Conference Reporter
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
ICCM Conference day # 1
Today we began the day reflecting on the LaRed principle of Management looking specifically at HUMILITY. What stood out clearly from this principle is that “When we make a mistake the only to bring about real change is to admit it as quickly as possible, accept our responsibility and get ourselves back on track”. We then got into separate groups to discuss the benefits of humility and it was a great joy connecting and sharing with those in our small groups and getting to know each other as today was the beginning of ICCM-Africa Conference. ICCM means International Conference on Computing and Missions. All the participants who ended with IT-Connect yesterday are attending ICCM so the group went from 30 to 43. ICCM is a peer mentoring teaching conference for we all have something we can learn from one another. We got together in group sessions and then later on in a birds of a feather sessions whereby people get together to learn about what interests them. God had really ordained this week for us to learn about Him and His for His glory.
The first session was led by Frans Barah from CABTAL Cameroon who spoke about People Oriented IT Services. The lesson was quite participatory looking at how we can serve people in ways that meet their IT needs. We examined different situations that we’ve been frustrated by because someone didn’t do their work well and discussed what it will mean to provide a good service. We concluded that IT people should be proactive, honest, humble, teacher and God will greatly use them in their support roles.
Paul Federwitz discussed Windows 10. What support issues techs should know about and how to prevent windows 10 from spying on us as Microsoft is seemingly collecting a lot of information from us. We discussed what is hot and what is cold and then spend the rest of the in our BOF (bird of feather) sessions with participants feeling free to choose and only go for what they think they need.
See a couple of photos from today and especially the group picture.
The first session was led by Frans Barah from CABTAL Cameroon who spoke about People Oriented IT Services. The lesson was quite participatory looking at how we can serve people in ways that meet their IT needs. We examined different situations that we’ve been frustrated by because someone didn’t do their work well and discussed what it will mean to provide a good service. We concluded that IT people should be proactive, honest, humble, teacher and God will greatly use them in their support roles.
Paul Federwitz discussed Windows 10. What support issues techs should know about and how to prevent windows 10 from spying on us as Microsoft is seemingly collecting a lot of information from us. We discussed what is hot and what is cold and then spend the rest of the in our BOF (bird of feather) sessions with participants feeling free to choose and only go for what they think they need.
See a couple of photos from today and especially the group picture.
IT Connect day # 3
We had an excellent devotion challenging us all from the LaRed Management principle of ownership. If you ever want to have your own business so that you can be the boss, you may be surprised to see that you actually have four bosses: The government, customers, band/lenders and employers. We were equally challenge to reflect on Matthew 25:15, parable of the talents. Participants had the opportunity to get together into groups to discuss the devotions and pray together.
Our first session today was language software. We were introduced into Scripture App Builder - Software used for building Scripture Apps for mother tongue scriptures etc. We then learned a literacy software called Bloom and actually used it to create a literacy booklet. The peculiar thing about language software is that it was thought by most of the course participants eight of whom are both language software and IT support staff at the same time.
Mark Rustine from the Seed Company brought a presentation on IT Tech partnership collaboration while Stephen Fierbaugh took quite a bit of time to explain how the common framework strategy affects field IT support. There were quite a bit of question and answers here and people even spend time discussing these outside as you can see on some of the photos attached. This common framework strategy can be summarized into Accelerated Impact: Partnership, ownership, stewardship and relationship. See image below. We also had sometime to pay volleyball and some indoor games for recreation.
The conference is going on well without any incidence. We appreciate your prayers.
Our first session today was language software. We were introduced into Scripture App Builder - Software used for building Scripture Apps for mother tongue scriptures etc. We then learned a literacy software called Bloom and actually used it to create a literacy booklet. The peculiar thing about language software is that it was thought by most of the course participants eight of whom are both language software and IT support staff at the same time.
Mark Rustine from the Seed Company brought a presentation on IT Tech partnership collaboration while Stephen Fierbaugh took quite a bit of time to explain how the common framework strategy affects field IT support. There were quite a bit of question and answers here and people even spend time discussing these outside as you can see on some of the photos attached. This common framework strategy can be summarized into Accelerated Impact: Partnership, ownership, stewardship and relationship. See image below. We also had sometime to pay volleyball and some indoor games for recreation.
The conference is going on well without any incidence. We appreciate your prayers.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
IT Connect 2016 day 2
Today we started we had an excellent worship service and Pastor Benedict challenged us with "Discovering 4 keys to HEARING God's Voice" starting out in Habakkuk 2:1,2. As IT people we were challenged to not only grow professionally and technically but to equally grow spiritually so that we can be very relevant in the market place. We are encouraged to hear God's voice for it can convict us but we will also equally hear satan's voice trying to condemn us. But there is no temptation that can over come us we belong to Christ Jesus.
Pastor Benedict challenges us that by the time the conferences comes to an end, we are expected to be spiritually healthy servant leaders so that we can be relevant where ever we serve and this will be reflected in our life of worship, life of love and life of service.
Bill opened the conference asking some questions likfe what makes an IT community, who are we and what do we do? This was an opportunity for IT staff at the conference to reflect and give responses such as, "we are support people for the work of Bible Translation", "We are the oil that keeps the engine running", "we are advocates of technology" etc. All the participants where challenge to pay attention and take something back from the conference so that their leadership can see the benefit of sending them to this conference.
Bill and Hank took time to give a presentation on Global and Area IT Leadership vision setting the pace and shinning the light on the different stakeholders involved to make things happen.
It was a great evening and we look forward to another great day tomorrow.
Pastor Benedict challenges us that by the time the conferences comes to an end, we are expected to be spiritually healthy servant leaders so that we can be relevant where ever we serve and this will be reflected in our life of worship, life of love and life of service.
Bill opened the conference asking some questions likfe what makes an IT community, who are we and what do we do? This was an opportunity for IT staff at the conference to reflect and give responses such as, "we are support people for the work of Bible Translation", "We are the oil that keeps the engine running", "we are advocates of technology" etc. All the participants where challenge to pay attention and take something back from the conference so that their leadership can see the benefit of sending them to this conference.
Bill and Hank took time to give a presentation on Global and Area IT Leadership vision setting the pace and shinning the light on the different stakeholders involved to make things happen.
It was a great evening and we look forward to another great day tomorrow.
Saturday, April 16, 2016
IT Connect 2016 day 1
As of yesterday IT Officers from English speaking countries in Africa serving with SIL or Wycliffe Alliance Organizations safely arrived in the beautiful facility at Ruiru, Kenya where our conference will be taking place. Today Bill Mayes, Hank Scott and Rod David spend the entire day having review meetings with each participant or entity to find out how things are are since a year ago when we last meet. It should be noted that after every IT Connect Conference there is always some follow up during the year with the entity leadership to ensure that IT staff and Leadership are on the same page to implement some of the things that will help facilitate the work of Bible Translation and language development.
In the evening, we had a social event (IT Connect Mixer). This was to formally get people connected so they could introduce themselves properly and say one good thing that happened to them last year. We also had some fun games to help us relax the busy day and get ready for tomorrow.
Here are some photos from today's meetings and the social event.
In the evening, we had a social event (IT Connect Mixer). This was to formally get people connected so they could introduce themselves properly and say one good thing that happened to them last year. We also had some fun games to help us relax the busy day and get ready for tomorrow.
Here are some photos from today's meetings and the social event.
Friday, April 15, 2016
LTCT 2016
We rounded up with LTCT today! The training went so well and these past two weeks have been extremely busy learning new things in language software. As usual the challenges with technology especially language software is that it changes so rapidly.
During this year’s LTCT we covered ParaTExt & Logos (Bible Translation software, FLEx & WeSay (linguistic software), Bloom (Literacy software), Scripture App Builder, Dictionary App Builder, Pathway (Publishing Software), HearThis, Aeneas & Audacity (Recording Software) and Regular Expressions (Language Software Programming)
For me two highlights and key takeaways from this training were that I learned how to now build Apps for Android phones that could sync both text and audio. I can now build apps that can be used on the computer for those who don’t have an Android phone. New software has been developed to this efficiently. I also polished my experience in Bloom software so I look forward to training Literacy Staff so that they can make good use of Bloom to easily prepare literacy books. I will also work with Scripture Engagement staff in producing Scripture Apps so that we can have a rich package for the church and the communities we serve.
During this year’s LTCT we covered ParaTExt & Logos (Bible Translation software, FLEx & WeSay (linguistic software), Bloom (Literacy software), Scripture App Builder, Dictionary App Builder, Pathway (Publishing Software), HearThis, Aeneas & Audacity (Recording Software) and Regular Expressions (Language Software Programming)
For me two highlights and key takeaways from this training were that I learned how to now build Apps for Android phones that could sync both text and audio. I can now build apps that can be used on the computer for those who don’t have an Android phone. New software has been developed to this efficiently. I also polished my experience in Bloom software so I look forward to training Literacy Staff so that they can make good use of Bloom to easily prepare literacy books. I will also work with Scripture Engagement staff in producing Scripture Apps so that we can have a rich package for the church and the communities we serve.
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