Some ought-to-know compiled from the various website as follows:

The <applicationPools> element contains configuration settings for all application pools running on your Internet Information Services (IIS) 7 server. An application pool defines a group of one or more worker processes, configured with common settings that serve requests to one or more applications that are assigned to that application pool. Because application pools allow a set of Web applications to share one or more similarly configured worker processes, they provide a convenient way to isolate a set of Web applications from other Web applications on the server computer. Process boundaries separate each worker process; therefore, application problems in one application pool do not affect Web sites or applications in other application pools. Application pools significantly increase both the reliability and manageability of your Web infrastructure.

You can choose to use the default application pool provided by IIS on install, or you can create your own application pool. You can run as many application pools on your IIS 7 server as you need, though this can affect server performance. Application pools can contain one or more worker processes. Each worker process represents work being done for a Web site, Web application, or Web service. You can create a Web garden by enabling multiple worker processes to run in a single application pool.

In IIS 7, each application pool uses one of two .NET integration modes for running ASP.NET applications: Integrated or Classic. The .NET integration mode defined for the application pool determines how IIS processes an incoming request to the sites, applications and Web services that run in that application pool.

• Integrated mode allows IIS to process requests in the application pool by using the IIS 7 integrated pipeline. This allows ASP.NET modules to participate in IIS request processing regardless of the type of resource requested. Using integrated mode makes available features of the ASP.NET 2.0 request pipeline available to requests for static content, as well as ASP, PHP and other content types. By default, IIS 7 application pools run in this mode.
• Classic mode uses the IIS 6.0 processing pipeline for hosting ASP.NET applications. In this mode, requests are processed initially through IIS 7 modules, and ASP.NET requests are further processed by the aspnet_isapi.dll. The ASP.NET processing pipeline is separate from the IIS 7 processing pipeline, and the ASP.NET request processing pipeline features are not available to other resource types. This also means that an ASP.NET request must pass through authentication and authorization modules in both process models. While this is not as efficient as Integrated mode, it does allow you to run applications developed using ASP.NET version 1.1 on an IIS 7 server without modifying the application to run in Integrated mode.

Unrecognized attribute ‘targetFramework’. Note that attribute names are case-sensitive.

is most likely because of either of 2 reasons:

1. You installed the .net 4.0 bits after IIS was set up, resulting in the wrong version of the .NET framework beeing registered with IIS.

Most often the above results in conflicting versions of the framework, and so the easiest way of solving this is to re-register the .NET extensions with IIS using the aspnet_regiss tool. Make sure you run it from an elevated command prompt and that you use the correct version (in the v4.xx folder that is, not the v2.xx one). On my dev machine this tool is located in:

C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319

and you run it with the -iru flags like so:

aspnet_regiis.exe -iru

2. You haven’t set the framework of the IIS application to the correct version of .NET (4.0 that is)

Change this using either the IIS Manager or the command line. In IIS Manager you select ‘Application Pools’, click the Application you’ve pointed you site to use, select ‘Basic Settings’ in the ‘Actions’ pane and change the ‘.NET framework version’.

This post over at MSDN should also be of great help. Gotta love Microsoft’s documentation!

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd483478(VS.100).aspx

Life will never be

Life

Life will never be the same

Time is getting cold

What is going on ?

What is on your mind

Are your feelings gone ?

Need to see it clear (“there” not clear?)

Where do we go ?

Why are you doing things,

All the things you do ?

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

In the name of love

You should draw the line

Got to feel secure

That you’re still mine

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Life will never be the same

Life is changing

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Life

Life will never be the same….

Everybody needs somebody to love, to love

Everybody needs…
]]> http://darryl1975.wordpress.com/2011/03/07/haddaway-life/feed/ 0 darryl1975 http://darryl1975.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/a1-learn-to-fly/ http://darryl1975.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/a1-learn-to-fly/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 13:51:46 +0000 darryl1975 http://darryl1975.wordpress.com/?p=379 ]]> When you feel the dream is over
Feel the world is on your shoulders
And you lost the strength to carry on
Even though the walls may crumble
And you find you always stumble through
Remember never to surrender to the dark
Cuz if you turn another page
You will see that’s not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

In your head, so many questions
The truth is your possession
The answer lies within your heart (within your heart)
You will see the doors are open
If you only dare to hope
And you will find a way to fight
The fears that kept you down
Cuz if you turn another page

You will see that’s not the way
The story has to end

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

Looking at your situation
There’s so much that you can do
Now’s the time to make your stand
This is just an observation
In the end it’s up to you
The future’s in your hands

And if you need to find a way back
Feel you’re on the wrong track
Give it time, you’ll learn to fly
Tomorrow is a new day
And you will find your own way
You’ll be stronger with each day that you cry
Then you’ll learn to fly

Give it time
Then you’ll learn to fly

On the deficiencies, it lacked control over the quality of the assessment of the individual. In most cases, facilitators of the programme might also become the assessors for the module. There could be personal bias in the assessment. In order to achieve a high success rate, institutes might also loosen the criteria to award the candidate as competent in the module. As the Assessment Plan (AP) for different institutions differs, this denotes that the competency for the same module conducted and assessed by different institutions will vary in standards and quality of the assessment.

During the course of the training for CU7, we brainstormed on what will be the best assessment system or approach.  One of the possible suggestion we come out with is what we called it the KISA system – Keep It Simple Assessment System. Firstly, we assumed that this system is designed for all industry domains and programmes. The government acts as the authority to manage and control the professional bodies in terms of policy, standards and practice. Assessment will be centralised – tracked, recorded and governed by a centralised body. Professional bodies will come together and create an unified and standard AP on the KISA.

The system design comes in 3 stages. We call the first stage the Pre-Assessment stage. In the Pre-Assessment stage, this is further split into 3 categories:

1. RPL – People who are experienced and had been certified in the respective domain.
2. New (1^st timer) – People who do not have any experience on-the-job.
3. Accelerated – People who might have been certified but have little experience or have not remained current in the area of practice.

All candidates will have to go through the online simulation exam to obtain an understanding of their current competency level regardless of experience qualifications in the field. Through this process, we will have a benchmark and understanding of the profiles of the candidates of where they are in the competency level. This brings us to the next level.

Moving onto stage two – Assessment stage, candidates will not be able to go directly into the Assessment-Only Pathway (AOP) if the scoring on the Pre-Assessment stage is below an acceptable level. In such case, candidates will have to go through formal facilitated training, which includes formative assessment before they can be eligible for the summative assessment.

For candidates who have exhibit a high grading in the benchmarking, they will be allowed to take Assessment-Only Pathway. Otherwise, they can opt to go through formal training and assessment as a refresher programme. In both cases, a summative assessment and evaluation will be required.

This brings us to our final stage – Post-Assessment stage. In this stage, we assumed that candidates are already practitioners and competent. The system will allow them to record their practice hours and response and feedback from their employers. Alternatively, they can also clock seminar or training hours to keep themselves updated to advents in their respective fields. The system will also keep candidates updated on upcoming events and changes and actions required by the candidate to remain certified.

Why do I propose this approach, as this seems to go beyond competency-based assessment? Individual assessment can only proves that the individual is competent. But this does not mean or show that the competent individual is able to perform in the workplace. Performance does not stop at achieving the Statement of Attainment. To ensure the value of the certificates issue, we have to go beyond Kirpatrick’s model level 1 and 2. Competency-Based Training or Assessment (CBT/CBA) is basically about the attitude, skills and knowledge of the individual. Assessment proves the individual’s knowledge and competency of the skills acquired. But track records speak of the individual’s experience and the feedback of the employer and performance of the individual in the workplace will proves the attitude of the individual.

On a whole, this system might seem stringent and tedious. However, this will ensure the professional development of the practitioner in the respective fields. It also assures a high standard of delivery of the practitioners to elevate the level of productivity and performance of the individual to the organisation. Concurrently, this lifts up the professional image of the industry and the increase the value and recognition of the certified programme and competency. This helps to maintain the workforce in high employment rate and boost the economy.

✖    The Assessment Plan (AP) should clearly state who is the preparer of the AP so that if there is any discrepancies or areas of obscurity in the AP, the assessor will be able to highlight and clarify with the preparer for any areas of uncertainty.

✖    A Version Control page can be created using a table with multiple columns to keep track of the version, changes made on the version, who and when the amendments were made, and who and when the document was reviewed.

✔    The Table of Contents page index the structure of the assessment plan and helps new/existing assessors’ ease of searching for particular section of information in the assessment plan.

✔    All Performance Criterias (PCs) are clearly identified and written using Bloom’s taxanomy.

✔    Candidates’ profiles were very well segmented. It clearly states the number of male and female candidates who will be assessed, their education and language ability, and whether they have prior working experience relevant to the module they will be assessed.

✖    Candidates’ profiles can include requirements for people taking the assessment through the Assessment-Only Pathway (AOP).

✖    A section on the ‘Consultation Process’ clearly listed who have been consulted on the development and authorization of this assessment plan. However, more details could be furnished on why the various department and stakeholders have been selected for consultation in the contribution to the AP, and areas of review on the AP.

✔    The roles and responsibilities of the Assessment Organization Structure had been clearly stated.

✖    Appeal Procedures are also well written. It will be good to include an appeal process flow chart and checklist on what need to be done for candidates to file an appeal on the assessment as the use of a checklist can be more systematic and sequential, making it easier to guide the assessor and candidate on what to do next in the appeal process. In particular to point 6 of the appeal process “The Assessment Panel will collect the information from the candidate and assessor and arrive at a decision.”, more details should be included on when will the evidence or information collection for assessment be carried out once the appeal has been filed. It will also be good to inform candidate the entire duration of the appeal process.

✔    Section C shows an overview of the assessment methods used, the duration for each assessment method, and whether all the PCs are covered by each of the assessment methods used.

✖    There is no section describing the Code of Practice for Assessor. This section is important to support professional responsibility and ethical assessment practice and serves as a guideline to guide assessors in the responsibilities of their work.

✖    Assessment Logistic Checklist should be created to help assessors in identifying that candidates have carried out all the necessary preparation required prior to the assessment. It also serves to assist candidates in ensuring that they have all the resources and setup checked and done correctly prior to the assessment. This brings confidence, relieves candidate’s anxiety/fear prior to assessment and ensures that all tools used in the conduct of the assesment are safe for assessment.

✖    Instructions for Assessors and candidates are clearly stated. Checklist for Assessor is detailed and comprehensive. It has integrated what needs to be done to brief the candidate prior to the assessment. However, the following points could be included to the checklist for assessor under the “Before assessment” section:

• Encourage candidate to seek clarifications if in doubt.
• Check with candidate for any special needs.

✖    Role-play script included does not meet the objectives of the assessment. Assessment criteria and guidelines on all the PCs required to be displayed have been provided to ensure the candidate will be competent as they go through the role-play. This doesn’t show that candidate is able to understand and demonstrate competency in all the PCs and their ability to apply their skills from what they have learnt from the module. Role-play script should be crafted such that it describes the scenario of the role-play and highlight that in the role-play, candidate should exhibit the relevant competency stated for the role-play. The script should also state the duration for the role-play and clearly identify the role of the candidate in the role-play.

✔    Observation checklist for the role-play is well designed as it provides a clear guide to observations for assessor to make a fair judgment on the assessment. Assessment criteria are written in detailed; it provides a guide to assessor to assess candidate on whether they meet the PC stated.

✔         Similarly, Assessment Record for Oral Questioning clearly provides details to observe and test candidate’s understanding of the module. For each PC, sufficient questions are asked to check candidate’s understanding of the subject. Expected answers are provided that will guide assessor to correctly assessed the candidate on the questions.

Summary of the Critique

In summary, the assessment plan meets the four principles of assessment. The assessment displayed concepts of validity, reliability and fairness. However, with respect to flexibility, instructions should be given to assessors to allow candidates the flexibility to choose timeslot for the assessment. But on other aspects of flexibity, the assessment approach can be adapted to meet the needs of all candidates and their work places and it adequately covers both the on and off-the-job components of the training. A suggestion here is that the actor for the role-play should not be restricted to the training executive only.

On validity, the Method/Tool is appropriate to for the candidate profile. Multiple methods/tools are used to sufficiently cover the competencies / UK – in terms of dimensions of competency and knowledge & skills required for the job. The evidence (collected by the Tool) relates directly to the competency unit and the tool provides adequate opportunity for the candidate to demonstrate the underlying dimensions of competency. More than one assessment methods and tools used to ensure all Performance Criteria are assessed.

Reliability has been assured to ensure that assessors make consistent decisions over time and with different candidates with the presence of the following in the AP:

1. Assessment model answers and checklist have been prepared.
2. Clear guidelines are available in the role-play observation checklist and assessment record sheet.
3. Consistent instructions to candidates and procedures for undertaking assessment are available to all assessors.

The assessment method and tool are the same for all the candidates. The assessment approach chosen caters for the language, literacy, and numeracy needs of all candidates (based on the candidate profile). Reasonable adjustment can also be made to the method to ensure equity for all candidates, while maintaining fairness to all.

Quality Assurance Review of the Assessment System

In addressing the areas of concern for Pinnacle Training Institute on the Assessment System, the following points are my proposal of improvements on the Quality Assurance Review:

1. Assessors employed/used in the respective areas of training should be screened to ensure that they meet the following competence:
   1. Current in knowledge and skills of the industry practice.
   2. Demonstrate good interpersonal skills and able to display integrity and fairness in the conduct of assessment. For example, common interpretation of the assessment criteria.
   3. Describe a clear and common understanding of the assessment requirements.
   4. Selected new assessors should go through an induction process.
2. Assessment plan developed should be flexible and catered for all contingencies. Competencies should be well clustered and integrated. Assessment information, approach and process should display consistency and adhere to the principle of assessment (validity, fairness, reliability and flexibility).  For example, the assessment plan should provide a clear and common understanding of terms, purposes and outcome of the assessment. Tools and methods used in the assessment should be consistent. To ensure neutrality, trainers should not be the assessors and the assessors should not have any personal relationship with the candidate(s).
3. Assessment records should be properly document and kept.  Assessors should clearly indicate and describe areas of incompliance as “proof” to decide on a case. A suggestion is to record the process of assessment as “proof” for each candidate.
4. It is important to keep assessors on ongoing professional development strategies. This will keep them current and confident in the assessment process and judgment. To prevent assessors’ inadequacy to handle cases, it is also critical that assessment tools developed are detailed to cover quality evidence, avoid anomalies, inconsistencies and errors. For example, regular review of the assessment plan and collective development of assessment tools through the feedback and critiquing of assessment tools.
5. Quality of the assessment and competency of the candidates are critical to the success of the training. Training and assessment should go beyond transactions. Post client satisfaction survey should be conducted to monitor candidates’ progress in behavioral, attitudinal and performance enhancement on the candidates. This could be consolidated through ways like interviews with stakeholders, questionnaires and surveys and focus group with the stakeholders/candidates.
6. Assessment policy should outline commitment to principles of assessment, e.g. fairness. Candidates should be briefed and check for special needs prior to assessment. Appeal and dispute resolutions procedures should be highlighted. Regulatory requirements and business considerations should be carefully taken into considerations to develop a suitable assessment policy that meets the organization needs of assessment.

Last but not least, the foundation of quality assessment system is to ensure consistency through the ‘5Ps’ – People, Process, Products, Perspective, and Policy. We want to ensure that qualified assessors conduct assessment in a professional way that will produce competent candidates who will be able to add value and increase performance to self and to organization.

[Bridge:]
I got a problem and I don’t know what to do about it
Even if I did, I don’t know if I would quit but I doubt it
I’m taken by the thought of it, and I know this much is true
Baby, you have become my addiction, I’m so strung out on you
I can barely move but I like it

[Chorus:]
And it’s all because of you [3X]
And it’s all because…
Never get enough,
She’s the sweetest drug

[Verse 2:]
Think of it every second
I can’t get nothing done,
Only concern is the next time, I’m gonna get me some
Know I should stay away from, cause it’s no good for me
I try and try but my obsession wont let me leave

[Bridge:]
I got a problem and I don’t know what to do about it
Even if I did, I don’t know if I would quit but I doubt it
I’m taken by the thought of it, and I know this much is true
Baby, you have become my addiction, I’m so strung out on you
I can barely move but I like it

[Chorus:]
And it’s all because of you (all because of you) [3X]
And it’s all because…
Never get enough,
She’s the sweetest drug

Ain’t no doubt, so strung out [2X]
Over you, over you, over you

Because of you,
And it’s all because of you,
Never get enough
She’s the sweetest drug, she’s the sweetest drug

I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m tryin’ to forget you
Love is sweet misery
I was cryin’ just to get you
Now I’m dyin’ cause I let you
Do what you do – down on me

Now there’s not even breathin’ room
Between pleasure and pain
Yeah you cry when we’re makin’ love
Must be one and the same

It’s down on me
Yeah I got to tell you one thing
It’s been on my mind
Girl I gotta say
We’re partners in crime
You got that certain something
What you give to me
Takes my breath away
Now the word out on the street
Is the devil’s in your kiss
If our love goes up in flames
It’s a fire I can’t resist

I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m tryin’ to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin’ just to get you
Now I’m dyin’ cause I let you
Do what you do to me

‘Cause what you got inside
Ain’t where your love should stay
Yeah, our love, sweet love, ain’t love
If you give your heart away

I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m tryin’ to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin’ just to get you
Now I’m dyin’ just to let you
Do what you do what you do down to me,
baby, baby, baby

I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m tryin’ to forget you
Your love is sweet misery
I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m dyin’ cause I let you
Do what you do down to , down to, down to, down to
I was cryin’ when I met you
Now I’m dyin’ to forget you
Your love is sweet
I was cryin’ when I met you
[fade]