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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Do'a-do'a

Ass.wr.wb.

Berikut ini saya postingkan daftar doa-doa :

Do'a Mohon Keselamatan




Artinya: "Ya Tuhan, janganlah Engkau jadikan kami sasaran fitnah bagi kaum yang zhalim, dan selamatkanlah kami dengan curahan rahmat-Mu dari tipu daya orang- orang yang kafir." (Qs. Yunus: 85-86).


Penjelasan:
Doa ini dibaca oleh kelompok minoritas yang beriman kepada Nabi Musa a.s., setelah mereka menyaksikan kemukjizatannya dihadapan Fir'aun. Ketika itu, kaum Nabi Musa as yang terdiri dari pemuda-pemuda dalam keadaan takut, bahwa Fir'aun dan pemuka-pemukanya akan menyiksa mereka. Maka pada waktu itu pula Nabi Musa as memerintahkan kepada kaumnya agar tidak takut dan menyerahkan sepenuhnya kepada Allah Swt., seraya berdoa dengan lafazh doa diatas. Bisa dilihat dalam Surah Yunus ayat 83-86.


Daftar doa-doa complete dapat di download disni

Semoga bermanfaat.
Wassalamu'alaikum wr.wb
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Allah Sebagai Tumpuan di Puncak Kesadaran Kita

Shohbet ini ditulis dengan bahasa asli yang keluar dari bahasa hati Syaikh Mustafa Haqqani melalui rekaman audio yang kami putar ulang. Semoga shohbet ini mengetuk pintu Allah agar wushul dan pintu karat hati akibat dari kelalaian, aniaya diri dan kesembronoan kita. Amiin.

A'uudzubillaahi minasy syaythaanir rajiim
Bismillaahir rahmaanir rahiim
Allaahumma shalli 'alaa Sayyidinaa Muhammadiw wa 'alaa aalihi wa Shahbihi ajma'iin
Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh

Allah Allah Azis Allah
Allah Allah Subhan Allah
Allah Allah Sulthon Allah
Allah Allah Karim Allah

Saudara-saudariku,
Mari kita rentas tali hubungan yang hidup antara kita dan Allah untuk menghidupkan majlis ini, untuk membuka antenna parabola kita supaya yang dibilang oleh Prof. Dr. Amin Syukur tadi bisa di clearkan. Beliau bilang dengan rendah hati meminta maaf tidak bisa menyambut dengan sebaik-baiknya, tapi yang beliau berikan sudah lebih dari apa yang kita semua dapat capai, karena beliau menyambut kita dengan doa. Moga-moga ridho Allah terlimpah kepada kita. Apa ada hal yang lebih baik dari yang dibilang Pak Amin ? Tidak ada, sudah sangat bagus sekali. Tapi begitulah saudara-saudariku kita harus mengambil posisi dan memproposisikan diri dikehidupan kita. Mari kita tarik dan kita rentas hubungan real antara kita dengan Allah.

Allah Allah Azis Allah
Duh Gusti kulo niki hina, mboten wonten napa-napane (Ya Allah, saya ini hina, tidak mempunyai apa-apa). Aku adalah kesempurnaan dari ketidak berdayaan diri. Engkaulah yang maha Perkasa. Engkaulah yang Maha Suci. Monggo di gesangake (mari kita hidupkan) pertalian antara dua titik (hamba dan Allah) yang kita hidupkan dengan tulus. Itulah Islam, itulah penghambaan diri kita kepada Allah. Itu awal dari langkah kita untuk menjemput rahmat Allah. Rahmat memang diturunkan kepada kita, seperti partikel di udara, tak terbilang, tak pernah terhenti. Begitu ada ruang kosong, masuk dia (baca: udara). Itulah rahmat Allah. Rahmat yang mengimplikasikan barakah ridho dan keabadian karunia di alam baqa, yang bermula dari karsa. Karena itu kita sudah dimerdekakan oleh Allah untuk membangun sendiri karsa dikehidupan. Kita berada dalam track kehidupan yang seperti itu.

Allah Allah
Allah Allah Karim Allah
Oh… Allah…kehidupanku, kehidupan kami adalah suatu sense, suatu kesadaran mengenai mengenai kefakiran dan kebutuhan yang tiada pernah henti. Suatu kebutuhan belum tunai, datang kebutuhan lain. Aku dan kami tak berdaya Ya Allah. Engkau beri suatu gita dalam kehidupan kami untuk selalu butuh, padahal kami lumpuh, buntung, tidak apapun, tapi untung Engkau maha kaya dan pemurah. Engkau suruh kami untuk hidup secara baik dan benar begitu diberitahukan oleh kekasihmu Muhammad, yang selalu kami lupa. Kau suruh kami untuk menjadi baik dan benar., Kami sedang membangun keyakinan. Mana mungkin kami berjalan dengan baik dan benar bila Engkau tidak akan mencukupi kami. Yang tidak kami mintapun Engkau memberi.

Allah Allah Subhan Allah
Duh Gusti Kulo niki keliru terus Gusti. Mboten leren-leren. (Ya Allah, kami ini banyak salahnya, terus menerus berbuat salah). Maju sedikit mandur banyak, maju sedikit mundur banyak lagi, maju sedikit mundur banyak lagi. Akhirnya kemunduran yang aku jalani. Hakekat kehidupan kita ini adalah suatu kemunduran yang tidak bisa dibendung. Untung Engkau Maha Suci, memberi aku, memberi kami semua suatu track kehidupan yang positif “ Innaa sholata kaanat ‘alal mu’miniinaa kitaaban mauquta.” Engkau jaga kami dengan periode yang begitu close circuit, keliru Engkau hadang dengan tasbih, Engkau beri, Engkau luberkan kecucianMu, Engkau ajari kami bahwa ketika Nabi Muhammad dulu lahir, terlahir didunia ini dengan karsa serta manifestasi dari rahmatMu, seluruh isi cakrawala bertasbih. Subhanallah Walhamdulillah Walaa illaahaillallah Allahu Akbar. Engkau suruh kami untuk berada dalam close circuit dikehidupan ini bernyanyi bersama malaikat untuk meraih dan menggapai Nabi Muhammad. Maha Suci Engkau Ya Allah.

Allah Allah
Allah Allah Sulthon Allah
Engkau adalah puncak kesadaranku Ya Allah. Engkau adalah sulthan, sulthan diantara sulthan-sulthan yang ada. Abadilah Engkau dipusat kesadaranku Ya Allah, bahkan di akar kesadaranku.

Saudara-saudariku,
Ketika aku dan kamu telah beranjak lebih maju untuk mengabadikan Allah sebagai tumpuan di puncak kesadaran kita, itulah dzikir, itulah Islam, itulah Ihsan. Anta buddallah kaanaka taroohu fainlam takun taroohu fainnahu yarooka (Ihsan adalah engkau menyembah Allah seakan-akan engkau melihatNya, dan jika engkau tidak melihatNya sesungguhnya Dia melihatmu). Kapan aku dan kamu punya prakarsa untuk mengahadirkan Allah dalam ruang lingkup consciousness/ kesadaran kita. Itulah masalah kita.

Saudara-saudariku,
Aku adalah ‘hadam’ (peladen, kacung, pelayan) dari tarekat naqshbandi. Kalau disebut “Haqqani” hanya karena Mursyid-ku adalah Muhammad Nazim Adil Al Haqqani, sulthanul auliya hadzihiz zaman, artinya siapa diantara kalian disini yang telah related dengan Tarekat Naqshbandi, that means “same with me”. Mau khodiriyyah naqshbandi, sama. Mau naqshbandi kholidiyah, sama. “Naqshbandi”. Naqshbandi adalah sesuatu yang menjadi sebutan attributive untuk menghadirkan Allah dengan sistematis yang kalau mau diungkap gambarannya dengan abstrak akan menyebabkan jidat kita berkerut. Aku mau bercerita, dan dengarkanlah dengan tawajuhmu, saudara-saudariku.

1427 tahun yang lalu ketika Rosulullah SAW harus hijrah ke Madinah. Beliau mengajak Sayyidina Abu Bakar orang yang sangat dekat dengan Beliau untuk menjadi pendamping Beliau dalam perjalanan menuju ke Madinah. Sayyidinia Abu Bakar dengan penuh adab yang bersungguh, kata kuncinya dengan “Penuh Adab yang Bersungguh”, di ajak ke Madinah. Harusnya dari kediaman Beliau berjalannya adalah ke Utara, karena Madinah secara geografis terletak di Utara dari Mekah, tetapi Rosulullah berjalan menuju ke Tenggara. Sayyidina Abu Bakar boro-boro (baca : tak sedikitpun) complain (mengeluh), criticizing, bertanya pun tidak, jare nang (katanya menuju) Madinah, lha kok ngidul (kenapa lewat Tenggara). Itu cerminan dari Adab. Dengan penuh kecintaan, Sayyidina Abu Bakar yang lebih tua dari Rosulullah, yang punya kelayakan psikologis untuk mempertanyakan, untuk meminta kejelasan seperti yang barangkali terjadi dalam kehidupan kita sekarang yang menjadi ruh dari reformasi, segala hal dipertanyakan sehingga batasan antara adab dan tidak adab, luber, hilang. Sayyidina Abu Bakar tidak bertanya, Beliau ikut saja apa yang dibuat oleh Rosulullah, karena di hati Beliau ada “CINTA” dan PERCAYA” dan sesuatu yang tidak lagi perlu “TAWAR MENAWAR”. Rosulullah, Al Amin, tidak pernah keluar dari lidah Beliau sesuatu yang tidak patut tidak dipercaya. Pribadinya penuh pancaran kecintaan. Mencintai dan sangat pantes dicintai. Pribadinya begitu rupa menimbulkan ‘desire’, suatu kerinduan. Ini sebenarnya yang menjadi sangat penting untuk dijelaskan.

Beliau berjalan, dan Sayyidina Abu Bakar mengikuti. Ketika akan sampai, agak 8 km dari arah Masjidil Haram, baru Sayyidina Abu Bakar sadar. “Ooo … mau istirahat ke Jabal/Gua Tsur, karena sudah mendekati Gunung Tsur. Ketika Rosulullah naik, Oooo…kesimpulan Sayyidina Abu Bakar, with no curiousity, tidak dengan rewel, tidak dengan mempertanyakan, memaklumi.

Islam adalah tuntunan dari Allah Ta’ala. Pertama-tama kita bukan ‘ngerti’. Pertama yang harus kita buat adalah Cinta, menghargai, kesediaan mematuhi dengan sangka baik. Tanpa kaca mata tersebut, kita tidak akan mengerti Islam. Islam hanya menjadi “The Matter of Transaction”, tawar menawar. Itu tidak terjadi pada Abu Bakar. Begitu Rosulullah mau naik ke arah gua, di Jabal Tsur itu, maka kemudian Beliau (Abu Bakar) menarik kesimpulan “Oooo …Rosulullah mau istirahat di Gua Tsur.” Beliau (Abu Bakar) mengerti sebagai orang gurun, tidak akan pernah ada lubang bebatuan digunung, pasti ada ular berbisanya. Itu ‘Reason’, pikiran digunakan sesudah Cinta, sesudah tulus, sesudah bersedia untuk patuh. Itu namanya pikiran yang Well Enlighted, pikiran yang tercerahkan, bukan pikiran yang cluthak (pikiran liar), yang bisa bertingkah macam-macam menimbulkan problem. Beliau Abu Bakar kemudian mendekati Rosulullah “Kasih aku kesempatan masuk. Rosulullah dan Abu Bakar, interespecting, saling menghargai. Sayyidina Abu Bakar masuk gua. Gua itu kecil kalau diisi 3 orang, Pak Joko, Pak Amin dan saya (Syaikh Mustafa), barangkali sudah kruntelan disitu, kayak bako susur yang dijejel-jejelkan (dimasukkan) ke mulut. Sayyidina Abu Bakar masuk, beliau cari, bener ada lubang disitu. Beliau buka slippernya/ sandalnya, ditaruhnya kaki kanannya di mulut lubang itu. Dengan cinta, Beliau korbankan kakinya untuk Rosulullah. Beliau tidak mau Rosulullah digigit ular. Akhirnya kakinya di catel, digigit oleh ular. Kemudian Beliau bilang, Silakan Masuk Rosulullah dengan penuh cinta, dengan penuh pengorbanan dan husnudzon. Rosul masuk dan berbaring dipaha Abu Bakar. Rupanya Rosulullah terkena angin sepoi-sepoi pagi. Beliau tertidur. Ketika Beliau tertidur, ketika itu pulalah Abu Bakar menahan bisa dari ular yang sudah mulai menjalar ke seluruh tubuh. Abu Bakar berkeringat, dan diriwiyatkan bahwa keringatnya sudah berisi darah. Tetesan keringat Abu Bakar mengenai Rosulullah. “Nangis kamu, kata Rosulullah.” “Tidak, jawab Abu Bakar, kakiku digigit ular.” There was something happen. Ditariknya kaki Abu Bakar dari lubang itu, maka kemudian Rosulullah membentak si Ular “ Hai…Tahu nggak kamu, jangankan daging, atau kulit Abu Bakar, bulunya pun haram sama kau.” Dialog Rosulullah dengan Ular itu didengar pula oleh Abu Bakar As Shidiq, berkat mukjizat Beliau. Jawab si Ular “Ya aku ngerti kamu, bahkan sejak ribuan tahun yang lalu ketika Allah mengatakan “Barang siapa memandang kekasihKu-Muhammad- fi ainil mahabbah / dengan mata kecintaan”, Aku anggap cukup untuk menggelar dia ke surga. Kata Ular “ Ya Rabb, beri aku kesempatan yang begitu cemerlang dan indah. Aku (ular) ingin memandang wajah kekasihMu fi ainal mahabbah. Jawab Allah “ Silakan pergi ke Jabal Tsur, tunggu disana, kekasihKu akan datang pada waktunya. Ribuan tahun aku menunggu disini. Aku digodok oleh kerinduan untuk jumpa engkau, Muhammad. Tapi sekarang ditutup oleh kaki Abu Bakar, maka kugigitlah dia. Aku tidak ada urusan dengan Abu Bakar, aku ingin ketemu kamu, ya Muhammad. “Lihatlah, ini lihatlah wajahku, kata Rosulullah.” Ular itu memandang Rosulullah dengan penuh kecintaan, sesudah itu matilah dia. Datang ajalnya yang ma’tub, meninggal dengan sempurna. Ular itu telah mendahului kita untuk menyimpan rindu untuk bertemu Rosulullah ribuan tahun yang lalu. Aku dan kamu setiap hari secara mauqut diberikan kesempatan untuk mengucapkan “Assalamu’alaika ya ayyuhan nabiyyu warahmatullah”. Tapi with no sense, with no heart, belum sempat Rosulullah kita pindahkan ke perasaan, ke hati kita, belum sempat akherat kita hadirkan ke dalam rasa kita Bagaimana aku dan kamu bisa menjadi ‘abid, bagaimana aku dan kamu menjadi shakir, bagaimana aku dan kamu menjadi muttaqiin dan seterusnya dan seterusnya. Itulah persoalan kita. Maha mulia Allah yang memberi kita rahmat dan taufiq pagi ini, supaya aku dan kamu berkhitmad.

Sesungguhnya persoalan hidup kita sederhana, berhentilah dari lalai, berhentilah dari sembrono, berhentilah dari kebiasaan suka menunda, berhentilah dan keluar dari benua tidak tanggung jawab. Kalau ada kewajiban untuk membersihkan, kenapa harus nyuruh orang, kalau itu bisa dilakukan sendiri. Sedangkan kalau ada keenakan, cepat-cepat ditarik dan dimasukkan ke kantong sendiri. Keluarlah aku dan kamu, saudara saudariku dari semua kebiasaan buruk itu.

Nggak ada cerita Islam, nggak ada cerita Iman, nggak ada cerita Ihsan tanpa usaha kita untuk membebaskan diri dari hal yang nista. Kegiatan Abu Bakar As Shiddiq membersihkan diri dari hal-hal yang nista. Ini pelajaran yang sangat essential, bukan textual. Cerita tentang Islam seperti terdeskripsi dalam qur’an, dalam hadits, tidak dapat kita tangkap muatan sebenarnya yang ada didalamnya bila tidak dengan hati, with no sense, with no heart. Gaya hidup di dada Abu Bakar dalam bercinta, dalam berkerendahan hati, dalam berketulusan, dalam berkesediaan untuk patuh, dan untuk membuat pengkhidmatan, itu adalah rukun Islam yang tidak tertulis. Semua ini adalah muatan di dalam kehidupan Rosulullah. Seperti yang saya sebut dengan cerita tadi, ketika sudah mati ular yang mulia itu, Rosulullah meminta jin yang sedang ada di gua itu untuk mengebumikan jenazah ular min ahlil jannah itu. Maka kemudian dikebumikanlah ular itu oleh jin penjaga gua.

Ketika itulah terjadilah kongregasi, dari ruhaniah yang dijemput dari alam barzah maupun alam azali. Semua orang yang sudah barzahi atau yang masih azali ruhnya dihadirkan untuk berkhitdmat, berdzikir kepada Allah Ta’ala, yang mana dzikirnya disebut “Khtm Khwjagan”. Inilah yang disebut “Naqshbandi”. Aku berkhidmat untuk itu. Tarekat itu seperti kemasan permen fisherman ini. Kalau kemasan permen ini dibuka, isinya “Islam Plus Sungguh”. Islam yang cuman textual dan yang spiritually diajarkan oleh Rosulullah, itu tergambarkan begini : “Yang namanya “Ulama adalah orang yang tahu bagaimana mengartikulasikan perintah-perintah Allah yang ada di qur’an dan yang ada di hadits nabi. Seseorang yang punya kapasitas untuk menggambarkan apa-apa perintah Allah. Tapi orang yang tahu menterjemahkan irodah/ kehendah Allah, bukan Amru Allah itu adalah wali. Wali adalah manusia-manusia yang bisa menarik sesuatu yang merupakan dari diri Rosulullah.

Kisah Uways Al Qorni
Ketika Rosulullah mau wafat, beliau berpesan kepada Sayyidina Umar dan Sayyidina Ali agar baju yang dipakainya diberikan kepada Uways Al Qorni Al Yamani. Sayyidina Ali bertanya dalam hati : Siapa dia, begitu istimewanya mendapatkan atensi yang besar dari Rosulullah. Uways Al Qorni adalah orang yang tidak pernah ketemu Rosulullah physically, tapi tidak sedetikpun berpisah dengan Rosulullah. Dia juga sangat mulia pengkhidmatannya pada ibunya. Sayyidina Umar kurang senang mendengar Rosulullah yang dicintai, bicara tentang kematiannya. Setelah Rosulullah wafat dan selesai dimakamkan, Sayyidina Ali bertanya kepada Sayyidina Umar, Ingatkah kau pesan Rosulullah.” Tentu aku ingat pesan Rosulullah untuk berpegang kepada qur’an dan sunnah Beliau. “Bukan itu, jawab Sayyidina Ali, tapi menyerahkan baju yang dikenakan Rosulullah ini kepada Uways Al Qorni. Oh..ya kelalen aku...lupa aku. Keduanya kemudian menuju ke Yaman, suatu kota kecil yang entitasnya kecil. Ketika sampai di Yaman, Beliau Tanya kepada orang-orang disana, dan banyak orang yang tidak mengenal nama “Uways Al Qorni. Rupanya Uways Al Qorni, itu di Yaman, di desanya namanya tidak terkernal, kalau disini seperti “Sarimin” atau “Sariman”. Akhirnya, singkat cerita, keduanya ketemu Uways Al Qorni yang sedang menyulam kurma dengan ibunya. Uways Al Qorni membelakangi Ali dan Umar, tapi bisa mengatakan “Cepat kesini, serahkan baju itu kepadaku. Ali dan Umar heran, tidak melihat kenapa bisa tahu. Lebih heran lagi Uways Al Qorni bisa mengetahui siapa yang sedang berhadapan dengannya, yaitu Ali dan Umar. Berkat kecintaan Uways Al Qorni ini dibukakan oleh Allah Basyirah. Jaid, syarat datang ke Islam adalah membawa kecintaan, karena sudah ditanamkan sejak jaman azali, dan akhlaq yang kita bangun adalah menghadirkan Rosulullah ke dalam diri kita. Uways Al Qorni adalah salah satu sosok yang hidup pada masa Rosulullah, tapi tidak pernah bertemu secara fisik, namun tak sedetikpun terlepas dengan kehadiran Rosulullah.

Allahumma inna nas aluka antas toyyiqabana minal ghaflah ilal khudur amma naka wa ammanar rosul wa ammanal masayih. (Mohon maaf bila kesalahan text kalimat, karena keterbatasan penulis). Ya Allah, aku mohon kepadaMu, bangkitkan aku dari lalai, untuk selalu terus dengan Kamu, dan selalu terkait dengan Rosul, dan selalu terkait Syaikh.

Wa min Allah at taufiq
Al Fatehah
Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh
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Puasa Sunnah

~ PUASA SUNNAH ~

Puasa sunnah yang biasa dan dianjurkan Rasulullah adalah sebagai berikut:

1. Puasa Nabi Daud.

Rasulullah Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam bersabda, "Puasa yang paling utama adalah puasa Daud, puasa satu hari dan berbuka satu hari." (Bukhari Muslim)


2. Puasa tiga hari setiap bulan qamariah.

Diutamakan pada tangga 13, 14 dan 15 atau disebut juga dengan ayamul bidh (hari-hari putih/ hari-hari terangnya bulan purnama), Dari Abu Dzar dari Nabi Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam bersabda, "Jika kamu berpuasa tiga hari dalam satu bulan, maka berpuasalah pada hari yang ketiga belas, empat belas dan lima belas."

3. Puasa Senin Kamis

Dari Usamah bin Zaid, sesungguhnya nabi Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam puasa pada hari Senin dan Kamis. Beliau ditanya tentang hal itu, maka beliau bersabda, "Sesungguhnya amal-amal manusia ditampakkan pada hari Senin dan Kamis."


4. Puasa enam hari di bulan Syawwal

Dari Abu Ayub, dari Nabi Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam bersabda, "Barangsiapa yang shaum di bulan Ramadhan dan diikuti dengan enam hari di bulan Syawwal, maka dia seperti shaum satu tahun." (Riwayat Jama'ah kecuali Bukhari dan Nasai).

5. Puasa hari arafah (tanggal 9 Dzul Hijjah)

“Puasa pada hari arafah yang dilakukan dengan mengharap ridha dari Allah menghapus dosa setahun yang lalu dan setahun yang akan datang.” (Hadits riwayat Muslim). “Barangsiapa yang berpuasa di bulan Ramadhan dan diikuti dengan enam hari di bulan Syawwal, maka dia seperti berpuasa setahun.” (Hadits riwayat Jama’ah).

6. Puasa tasu’a asyura (tanggal 9 dan 10 Muharam)


"Sesungguhnya hari ini adalah hari Asyura, dan tidak diwajibkan puasa atas kamu sekalian, barangsiapa yang hendak shaum maka lakukanlah dan barangsiapa yang tidak ingi maka berbukalah." (Bukhari Muslim)

7. Puasa di bulan-bulan haram


Rasulullah Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam bersabda, "Shalat yang paling utama setelah shalat wajib adalah shalat di pertengahan malam, dan puasa yang paling utama setelah Ramadhan adalah puasa di bulan-bulan Allah yang diharamkan (berperang: Dzuqa'dah, Dzulhijjah, Muharram dan Rajab).

8. Memperbanyak puasa di bulan Sya’ban

Dari Aisyah dia berkata, "Nabi Shallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam tidak berpuasa lebih banyak daripada bulan Sya'ban, sepertinya beliau berpuasa sebulan penuh." (Mutafaqun Alaih).
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008

An Evaluation of Factors Affecting Computer-Based Learning

Computer based learning (CBL) is increasingly used to enhance the learning experience. Cultural differences and attitudes in learning and teaching are an important consideration for tutors engaged in the choice and provision of CBL materials.

We have compared the attitudes of Pharmacy/Dentistry students in a combined class (n =106) at the University of Queensland (UQ) with BSc Biological /Biomedical students at the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) (n =33) after using a Haemostasis CBL package. Results show that MMU students enjoyed the learning process more than UQ students. Both groups agree that moving graphics made CBL interesting and understandable. Students’ autonomy of study pattern is seen to be important by both groups. Students’ perception of the tutor’s role during CBL sessions shows that both groups consider this to be a necessary support. Major differences in student opinion at UQ and MMU can be seen regarding the relevance and content of the material to their curriculum. This is a necessary factor in facilitating learning. CBL is a valuable learning and teaching resource providing consideration is given to
the nature of the student group. Availability and accessibility of computers is
essential; students are unhappy with CBL if support is lacking.

For download complete the research article click here.
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Monday, July 21, 2008

Free PDF to Word Doc Converter version 1.1

How to edit PDF files without purchasing an expensive PDF editor? How to extract text/images from PDF files? What you need is a PDF to Word Converter.

Free PDF to Word Doc Converter is such a desktop document conversion tool to convert Adobe PDF file to Mcirosoft Word Doc file - and it's totally for FREE!

The program can extract text, images, shapes from PDF file to Word Doc file and preserve the layout. It can convert all the pages, or any pages range of the PDF file.

And it is a standalone program - you can convert PDF to Word Doc without Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word installed!

Key Features:

* Convert PDF to Word and preserve the original layout of your PDF in an editable Word Document.
* Extract text labels, graphics, shapes from PDF file into Word Doc file.
* Convert all the pages, or partial pages of PDF file to Word file.
* Support Adobe PDF 1.0 - 1.6 formats.
* Can automatically open the output Doc file when the conversion is done.
* Several PDF to Word conversion options are available for a better result.
* Convert in a high speed.
* Easy to use software.
* Totally for Free!

Click here to download software.
For learn tutorial click here.
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SQL Server Stored Procedures

By Mike Chapple

Microsoft SQL Server provides the stored procedure mechanism to simplify the database development process by grouping Transact-SQL statements into manageable blocks.

Structure
Stored procedures are extremely similar to the constructs seen in other programming languages. They accept data in the form of input parameters that are specified at execution time. These input parameters (if implemented) are utilized in the execution of a series of statements that produce some result. This result is returned to the calling environment through the use of a recordset, output parameters and a return code. That may sound like a mouthful, but you'll find that stored procedures are actually quite simple.

Example

Let's take a look at a practical example. Assume we have the table shown at the bottom of this page, named Inventory. This information is updated in real-time and warehouse managers are constantly checking the levels of products stored at their warehouse and available for shipment. In the past, each manager would run queries similar to the following:

SELECT Product, Quantity
FROM Inventory
WHERE Warehouse = 'FL'


This resulted in very inefficient performance at the SQL Server. Each time a warehouse manager executed the query, the database server was forced to recompile the query and execute it from scratch. It also required the warehouse manager to have knowledge of SQL and appropriate permissions to access the table information.

We can simplify this process through the use of a stored procedure. Let's create a procedure called sp_GetInventory that retrieves the inventory levels for a given warehouse. Here's the SQL code:

CREATE PROCEDURE sp_GetInventory
@location varchar(10)
AS
SELECT Product, Quantity
FROM Inventory
WHERE Warehouse = @location


Our Florida warehouse manager can then access inventory levels by issuing the command

EXECUTE sp_GetInventory 'FL'
The New York warehouse manager can use the same stored procedure to access that area's inventory.

EXECUTE sp_GetInventory 'NY'

Granted, this is a simple example, but the benefits of abstraction can be seen here. The warehouse manager does not need to understand SQL or the inner workings of the procedure. From a performance perspective, the stored procedure will work wonders. The SQL Sever creates an execution plan once and then reutilizes it by plugging in the appropriate parameters at execution time.

Now that you've learned the benefits of stored procedures, get out there and use them! Try a few examples and measure the performance enhancements achieved -- you'll be amazed!

Inventory Table

ID Product Warehouse Quantity
142 Green beans NY 100
214 Peas FL 200
825 Corn NY 140
512 Lima beans NY 180
491 Tomatoes FL 80
379 Watermelon FL 85
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SQL Server Stored Procedures for Beginners

By : Tom O'Neill

Learning something new is challenging. Learning something new on your own redefines challenging.
Chances are, you are reading my article because you want to learn how to write stored procedures. You are new to this, and you don't know where to start. You are exactly where I was when I wanted to learn how to write stored procedures. The purpose of this article is to help the developer who doesn't know where to start. I will give you a place to start, teach you techniques beyond the basic "hello world", and walk you through examples. I learned how to write stored procedures alone, and have decided to let you use my experiences to your advantage. This article will consist of the following topics:
1. What are stored procedures?
2. What do you need to get started?
3. Writing your first stored procedure
4. Writing more sophisticated stored procedures
a. Input Variables
b. Input Variables with SELECT and UPDATE Statements
c. Exercise: Pass Data to a SELECT Stored Procedure
5. Conclusion
6. Database script for SPFORBEGINNERS (the database referenced in this article)


At the end, I have also included a SQL script for creating the database used in my examples. It is a small database, and easily replicated. Of course, I am interested in receiving any feedback at tomoneill@deloitte.com.

What Are Stored Procedures?

Have you ever written SQL statements, like inserts, selects, and updates? Then you have already written most of a stored procedure. A stored procedure is an already written SQL statement that is saved in the database. If you find yourself using the same query over and over again, it would make sense to put it into a stored procedure. When you put this SQL statement in a stored procedure, you can then run the stored procedure from the database's command environment (I am a SQL Server kind of guy, and run stored procedures from the Query Analyzer), using the exec command.

An example is:
exec usp_displayallusers

The name of the stored procedure is "usp_displayallusers", and "exec" tells SQL Server to execute the code in the stored procedure. (Note: "usp_" in front of the stored procedure name is used to designate this stored procedure as a user-created stored procedure.) The code inside the stored procedure can be something as simple as:

SELECT * FROM USERLIST

This "select" statement will return all data in the USERLIST table. You may think, skeptically, that stored procedures aren’t terribly useful. Just save the query and run it when you need to. Too easy, right?
Well, there is more to the story. Many queries get more complex than "select * from . . ." Also, you may want to call the stored procedure from an application, such as an ASP page, Visual Basic application, or a Java servlet. With a stored procedure, you can store all the logic in the database, and use a simple command to call the stored procedure. Later, if you decide to migrate from ASP to J2EE, you only need to change the application layer, which will be significantly easier. Much of the business logic will remain in the database.
Enough background—let’s write some stored procedures.

Getting Started with Stored Procedures

What do I need to get started? I have heard that question often. To begin writing stored procedures, the following are essential:
1. A database management system.
2. A database built inside the database management system (see the end of this article for a sample).
3. A text editor, such as Notepad or Query Analyzer.
Items 1 and 2 are absolutely essential. You can’t write stored procedures without a database. They would be useless. Sometimes, I write my procedures in Notepad (or another text editor), and copy them into the New Stored Procedure window in SQL Server. The New Stored Procedure window is a bit small, and in Notepad I can spread things out a bit (you’ll see later).
Next, you will have to decide what you want your stored procedure to do. It can be tempting to just dive right into the task at hand, but it is always prudent to sketch out some ideas first. Some considerations should be:
• Do you want to view data in the database (SELECT), insert new records (INSERT INTO), or do I want to change an existing record (UPDATE)?

• With which tables will you have to work? Does it make sense to create a VIEW first?

• How often will this procedure actually be used?
Once you have struggled with these questions (something of an exaggeration, I guess), you will be ready to start coding!
Note: Throughout this article, I will focus on stored procedures for SQL Server. You can apply the same principles to other database management systems, but I will make clear references to working in a SQL Server environment.

Writing Your First Stored Procedure

Finally!!! It is time to write your first stored procedure (assuming you have created your database). In SQL Server, under your database tree, select the "Stored Procedures" option from Enterprise Manager (when you gain more experience, you can use Query Analyzer to create stored procedures). There will be a number of system generated stored procedures there already. Just ignore them. Your next step is to right click on any of the existing stored procedures (don’t worry, you won’t actually use them), then select "New Stored Procedure . . ." This will open the stored properties window I discussed above. The following code will appear already in the window:

CREATE PROCEDURE [PROCEDURE NAME] AS

The first thing I usually do is provide some spacing (we’ll need it later). This isn’t required, and as you write more stored procedures, you will find a style with which you are comfortable.

/*
We will use this area for comments
*/
CREATE PROCEDURE [PROCEDURE NAME]
/*
We will put the variables in here, later
*/
AS
/*
This is where the actual SQL statements will go
*/
So far, it is pretty simple. Let’s look at the top comments section first,
/*
We will use this area for comments
*/
When you write stored procedures (especially for a business or academic project), you never know who will eventually have to alter the code. This top section is useful for comments about the stored procedure, a change log, and other pertinent information. While this is not required, it is just a good programming habit. For this exercise, make it look like this:

/*
Name: usp_displayallusers
Description: displays all records and columns in USERLIST table
Author: Tom O’Neill
Modification Log: Change
Description Date Changed By
Created procedure 7/15/2003 Tom O’Neill
*/

Of course, you can use your own name and today’s date.
The next section will change only slightly. Every stored procedure needs the words "CREATE PROCEDURE" followed by the name you want to assign to the stored procedure. While not required, stored procedure names usually begin with the prefix "usp_".

CREATE PROCEDURE usp_displayallusers

This tells the database that you are creating a stored procedure named "usp_displayallusers". So far, your stored procedure should look like this:

/*
Name: usp_displayallusers
Description: displays all records and columns in USERLIST table
Author: Tom O’Neill
Modification Log: Change
Description Date Changed By
Created procedure 7/15/2003 Tom O’Neill
*/

CREATE PROCEDURE usp_displayallusers

The next step is to think about variables. Since this is our first stored procedure together, we won’t deal with them yet. Just keep in mind that they are usually added after the "CREATE PROCEDURE" line. Since we don’t have variables, the next step is quite simple. Put the word "AS" beneath the create procedure line.

CREATE PROCEDURE usp_displayallusers
AS
We are telling the database that we want to create a stored procedure that is called "usp_displayallusers" that is characterized by the code that follows. After the "AS" entry, you will simply enter SQL code as you would in a regularly query. For our first, we will use a SELECT statement:

SELECT * FROM USERLIST

Now, your stored procedure should look like this:

/*
Name: usp_displayallusers
Description: displays all records and columns in USERLIST table
Author: Tom O’Neill
Modification Log: Change
Description Date Changed By
Created procedure 7/15/2003 Tom O’Neill
*/
CREATE PROCEDURE usp_displayallusers
AS
SELECT * FROM USERLIST

Congratulations, you have written your first stored procedure. If you authored the procedure in a text editor, now would be a good time to copy it into the New Stored Procedure window in SQL Server. Once you have done so, click the "Check Syntax" box. This is a great troubleshooting tool for beginners and experts alike. When SQL Server tells you "Syntax check successful!", you can click OK to save your stored procedure. To view the procedure, simply double-click usp_displayallusers in the Stored Procedures window. To run your stored procedure, open the Query Analyzer and type:

exec usp_displayallusers

Then, click the green "play" button to run the query. You will see that the procedure has run successfully.
It can be frustrating to start from scratch. Right now, you can think of all the things you want to accomplish with stored procedures; you just need to learn how! That will happen next. Let’s take a look at some more useful stored procedures.

Read More...

Friday, July 18, 2008

Introduction to Instructional Design and the ADDIE Model

Introduction to Instructional Design and the ADDIE Model
by Kevin Kruse

What is Instructional Systems Design?

The most widely used methodology for developing new training programs is called Instructional Systems Design (ISD) It is also known as Instructional Systems Design & Development (ISDD), the Systems Approach to Training (SAT), or just Instructional Design (ID). This approach provides a step-by-step system for the evaluation of students' needs, the design and development of training materials, and the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training intervention.


ISD evolved from post-World War II research in the United States military to find a more effective and manageable way to create training programs. These efforts led to early ISD models that were developed and taught in the late 1960's at Florida State University. Today, Walter Dick and Lou Carey are widely viewed as the torchbearers of the methodology, with their authoritative book, The Systematic Design of Instruction (Dick and Carey).

Why Use a Systems Approach?

A system is any set of components that work together to achieve a specified outcome or goal. Think of the cruise control system on your car. You set the desired speed (or goal) and the cruise control sets the gas injection to the proper level. An important aspect of any system is the feedback mechanisms that ensure the goal is achieved or maintained. Using the cruise control analogy, the car does not just lock the gas pedal in one position. If you begin to drive uphill, the car briefly slows down until the speedometer information is fed back to the cruise control system, which then increases the amount of gas and the desired speed is reached once again.

Just as a systems approach with its requisite feedback makes cruise control a viable system to maintain driving speed, so, too, the systems approach provides the smoothest development means for training programs.

The ADDIE Model

There are more than 100 different ISD models, but almost all are based on the generic "ADDIE" model, which stands for Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation, as illustrated in the figure below. Each step has an outcome that feeds the subsequent step.

Analysis --> Design --> Development --> Implementation --> Evaluation

During analysis, the designer develops a clear understanding of the "gaps" between the desired outcomes or behaviors, and the audience's existing knowledge and skills. The design phase documents specific learning objectives, assessment instruments, exercises, and content. The actual creation of learning materials is completed in the development phase. During implementation, these materials are delivered or distributed to the student group. After delivery, the effectiveness of the training materials is evaluated.

Alternate Design Models

The ADDIE model has been criticized by some as being too systematic, that is, too linear, too inflexible, too constraining, and even too time-consuming to implement. As an alternative to the systematic approach, there are a variety of systemic design models that emphasize a more holistic, iterative approach to the development of training. Rather than developing the instruction in phases, the entire development team works together from the start to rapidly build modules, which can be tested with the student audience, and then revised based on their feedback.

The systemic approach to development has many advantages when it comes to the creation of technology-based training. To create engaging metaphors or themes, artists and writers work together in a process that validates the creative approach with students early in the development cycle. Programmers and designers garner agreement as to which learning activities are both effective as well as possible, given the constraints of the client's computers or network.

Despite these advantages, there are practical challenges with a purely systemic design approach in the management of resources. In most cases, training programs must be developed under a fixed -- and often limited -- budget and schedule. While it is very easy to allocate people and time to each step in the ISD model, it is harder to plan deliverables when there are no distinct steps in the process. The holistic approach begs the questions, "How many iterations, and time, will it take to finish the program?" "Do the contributions made by programmers and artists in the design phase, who have no formal background in instruction, warrant the extra time required and additional compensation for this time?"

Introducing a Rapid Prototyping Phase

For best results, the development process for CD-ROM or Web-based training programs should use a modified ADDIE model, which borrows from the most valuable aspects of the systemic approach. Specifically, a rapid prototype phase is inserted after, or as an extension of, the design phase. A rapid prototype is simply a quickly assembled module that can be tested with the student audience early in the ISD process. The evaluation typically looks at things like how well the learners responded to the creative metaphor, how effective the learning activities are, and how well the program performs on the chosen technology platform. Based on the feedback, the design can be revised and another prototype developed. This iterative process continues until there is agreement and confidence in the prototype.

In this process, only after the prototype is completed is additional development work done. However, this work often moves more quickly after a rapid prototype than in the traditional ADDIE model. Instructional designers and writers are able to proceed more efficiently since they know exactly what the program will look like and what it will be capable of doing. Additionally, with all of the major technical issues resolved, final programming becomes a simple matter of assembly of media components.
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ADDIE Model

Summary: The ADDIE model is a systematic instructional design model consisting of five phases: (1) Analysis, (2) Design, (3) Development, (4) Implementation, and (5) Evaluation. Various flavors and versions of the ADDIE model exist.

Originator: Unknown. Refined by Dick and Carey and others.

Key terms: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation


ADDIE Model

The generic term for the five-phase instructional design model consisting of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Each step has an outcome that feeds into the next step in the sequence. There are probably over 100+ different variations of the generic ADDIE model.

The five phases of ADDIE are as follows:

Analysis

During analysis, the designer identifies the learning problem, the goals and objectives, the audience’s needs, existing knowledge, and any other relevant characteristics. Analysis also considers the learning environment, any constraints, the delivery options, and the timeline for the project.
Design

A systematic process of specifying learning objectives. Detailed storyboards and prototypes are often made, and the look and feel, graphic design, user-interface and content is determined here.
Development

The actual creation (production) of the content and learning materials based on the Design phase.
Implementation

During implementation, the plan is put into action and a procedure for training the learner and teacher is developed. Materials are delivered or distributed to the student group. After delivery, the effectiveness of the training materials is evaluated.
Evaluation

This phase consists of (1) formative and (2) summative evaluation. Formative evaluation is present in each stage of the ADDIE process. Summative evaluation consists of tests designed for criterion-related referenced items and providing opportunities for feedback from the users. Revisions are made as necessary.
Rapid prototyping (continual feedback) has sometimes been cited as as a way to improve the generic ADDIE model.

For more information, see:

Dick, W., & Carey, L. (1996). The Systematic Design of Instruction (4th Ed.). New York: Haper Collins College Publishers.
Leshin, C. B., Pollock, J., & Reigeluth, C. M. (1992). Instructional Design Strategies and Tactics. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Education Technology Publications.
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Instructional System Design (ISD): Using the ADDIE Model

Instructional design is the systematic approach to the
Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of learning materials and activities.
Instructional design aims for a learner-centered rather than the traditional teacher-centered approach to
instruction, so that effective learning can take place. This means that every component oref the instruction
is governed by the learning outcomes, which have been determined after a thorough analysis of the
learners’ needs.
These phases sometimes overlap and can be interrelated; however, they provide a dynamic, flexible
guideline for developing effective and efficient instruction.


Instructional System Design (ISD): Using the ADDIE Model
Analysis
The Analyze phase is the foundation for all other phases of instructional design. During this phase, you
must define the problem, identify the source of the problem and determine possible solutions.
The phase may include specific research techniques such as needs analysis, job analysis and task analysis.
The outputs of this phase often include the instructional goals, and a list of tasks to be instructed. These
outputs will be the inputs for the Design phase.
Design
The Design phase involves using the outputs from the Analyze phase to plan a strategy for developing the
instruction. During this phase, you must outline how to reach the instructional goals determined during
the Analyze phase and expand the instructional foundation.
Some of the elements of the Design Phase may include writing a target population description, conducting
a learning analysis, writing objectives and test items, selecting a delivery system, and sequencing the
instruction. The outputs of the Design phase will be the inputs for the Develop phase.
Development
The Develop phase builds on both the Analyze and Design phases. The purpose of this phase is to
generate the lesson plans and lesson materials. During this phase you will develop the instruction, all
media that will be used in the instruction, and any supporting documentation. This may include hardware
(e.g., simulation equipment) and software (e.g., computer-based instruction).
Implementation
The Implementation phase refers to the actual delivery of the instruction, whether it's classroom-based,
lab-based, or computer-based. The purpose of this phase is the effective and efficient delivery of
instruction. This phase must promote the students' understanding of material, support the students'
mastery of objectives, and ensure the students' transfer of knowledge from the instructional setting to the
job.
Evaluation
This phase measures the effectiveness and efficiency of the instruction. Evaluation should actually occur
throughout the entire instructional design process - within phases, between phases, and after
implementation. Evaluation may be Formative or Summative.
Formative Evaluation is ongoing during and between phases. The purpose of this type of evaluation is
to improve the instruction before the final version is implemented.
Summative Evaluation usually occurs after the final version of instruction is implemented. This type
of evaluation assesses the overall effectiveness of the instruction. Data from the Summative Evaluation is
often used to make a decision about the instruction (such as whether to purchase an instructional package
or continue/discontinue instruction).

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