I first encountered computerized Word Processing in 1978 when working at a government agency in London. It was developed by a Canadian company called Wordplex. The Word Processor ran on what was then known as a minicomputer with about 12 terminals attached.
By today's standards, that system was quite primitive and very expensive. However, at the time, it was quite revolutionary. Productivity increased significantly.
And it meant people like me who were not trained typists, could create and edit our own documents.
Computers and Word Processors have evolved continuously since my early days with Word Processing.
Computers, especially in the form of Personal Computers, are powerful and cheap compared to those of the past.
Microsoft developed their Word program in the 1980s but it was in the early 1990s that it really became popular with the introduction of Windows on the PC.
I have used all versions of Word in my working career as follows:
Each version of Word contained new functions and thus became more powerful.
Many users do not use all the functions available because not everything is relevant to their needs and/or are content with doing things the way did in previous versions.
Consequently, I have seen many users including university students and professionals who are unaware of functions that can help improve their work and productivity.
The aim of my website is to show Word functions that will assist users (students, academic staff, researchers, technical writers) to produce their academic work quicker, better and more professionally.
Below are the details of my career that illustrate my use of Word over the years.
Vocational Education Teaching Activities
2008-Current TAFESA (Technical and Further Education South Australia) (Adelaide, Australia)
Position: Lecturer English and
Computing
My role is to teach English and Computing (for example Microsoft Word) to
migrants and refugees from non-English speaking backgrounds.
2005 - 2007 Australia China Chongqing Vocational and Education Training Project (Chongqing, China)
Position: School Management Adviser
My role was to manage reforms in the Chinese Vocational Education system based on the Australian experience.
This involved training Chinese teachers, developing curriculum and learning materials, managing the Monitoring and Evaluation of the project and managing staff.
1994–2005 TAFESA (Adelaide, Australia)
Position: Lecturer in Information Technology
My role was to teach software applications (Word, Excel, Access), OH&S,
Writing, Communication, Database Design, Systems Analysis and Project
Management.
Another role was to manage the licensing of educational institutions in India (Mumbai, Kolkata, Haldia) to deliver the Diploma of Information Technology.
This involved supporting Indian staff with training, material development, resolving issues and quality control
Information Technology Industry Activities
1984-1993 The Cooperative Hindmarsh Building
Society (Adelaide, Australia)
Position: Various - programmer, systems analyst, business analyst, project manager, applications manager
My role was in the development of a variety of banking systems.
1981-1983 James Hardie and Co Pty Ltd
(Sydney, Australia)
Position: Analyst/Programmer
My role was in the development of a production
control system.
1978-1980 The Australian High Commission
(London, UK)
Position: Analyst/Programmer
My role was in the development of administration systems.
1977-1978 Marcol Computer Services Limited
(London, UK)
Position: Analyst/Programmer
My role was in the development of software for several clients (Lloyds Registrar of Shipping, Commercial Union Insurance, Avis Rent-a-Car)
1974-1977 Department of the Northern
Territory (Darwin, Australia)
Position: Programmer
My role was in the development of various government administration systems
Writing Activities
1994 - developed curriculum documents (competency based format) for Systems Analysis modules in the Associate Diploma of IT.
1995 - developed learning materials for computing courses for the Information Technology Industry Training Council in Canberra.
1999 - developed support materials for the Project Management competencies of the Information Technology Training Package for the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).
I have authored and co-authored several text books that have been published for use in tertiary institutions. The texts are:
Proofreading and Editing
In recent years I have proofread and edited several academic papers. They are:
2012 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment - TAFESA South Australia
2008 Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language - Flinders University
2007 Certificate IV in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - TAFESA South Australia
2004 Master
of Project Management - University
of Sydney
1996 Graduate
Diploma in Education - Education
and Training of Adults - University
of South Australia
1973 Bachelor of Science in the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences - University of Adelaide
I am currently a member of the Institute of Professional Editors (Iped) Australia.