TAFE Queensland teacher ‘secures’ award

“My current PhD research project is a ‘Fact Certification Network’ (Certnet), which allows individuals to securely verify documents,” Kaled began.

“In simple terms — any individual trying to capture media evidence (photos or videos) currently has no way to certify that this evidence is genuine and legitimate."

“Certnet’s job is to provide this missing certification of evidence and add authenticity to the documentation."

“Although Certnet’s service is available for all platforms, mobile users make up the larger part of the target audience,” shared Kaled.

Day-to-day however, Kaled is completely focused on ensuring his students are learning the most up-to-date cyber security practices — an unwavering commitment that saw him receive the 2024 Carol Webb Award for Advancement of Vocational Education Teaching Excellence.

TAFE Queensland’s Carol Webb Award for the Advancement of Vocational Education Excellence is a unique award that helps fund the further accredited study or post-graduate qualification of a deserving TAFE Queensland educator.

For Kaled, his teaching style involves creating and tailoring resources to meet the needs of the class, which enhances the students’ learning experience.

“I provide a flexible environment and build resources based on the needs of the class, which helps deepen the knowledge gained by my students,” said Kaled. 

“I also share extra learning resources outside of the required syllabus, such as guides on Palo Alto Networks, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Cisco Academy, so that my students become adept at the industry and understand the bigger picture when it comes to their profession” he said.

“‘Multi-level classrooms’ is a challenge for every teacher. "

“Students within the same classroom have different levels of understanding of the course – some students might be familiar with the concepts being taught due to their backgrounds, some will be very fluent at them due to past work experiences, whereas some are still new to the area and thus will struggle with the basics. "

“My personal teaching philosophy is that it is crucial for teachers to build resources specific to the needs of the individual student, rather than the entire classroom as a whole,” Kaled explained.

“This ensures that each student will find the learning materials suitable to their progress level within the course – and this method has resulted in the satisfaction of many of my students."

“Specific resources I’ve built include step-by-step tutorials on cybersecurity case studies, as well as programs and codes for specific simulations. 

“These advanced resources were delivered to advanced-level students who were seeking challenging work and attended my outside-class-hours meeting,” said Kaled.

With his experience and passion it is only fitting that Kaled also leads the cyber security qualification at TAFE Queensland in the Darling Downs and South West region, and boasts a strong history in award-wins – his immediate team won the 2023 TAFE Queensland Great Team Award.

Kaled started his career in information technology almost three decades ago, and his journey to teaching followed many years of experience and further study in the industry.

“I first got into the IT industry as a Software Engineer and IT Technician in 1998,” Kaled shared.

“I later graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering majoring in cryptography in 2002."

“My background is also in network security, which acted as solid ground for me to progress in the ever-growing world of cyber security. "

“I achieved my master’s degree in Information Technology in 2009 in analysing intrusion detection systems’ traffic for real-time improvement.” 

“I’ve taught in various institutes and worked various jobs in the industry, and in 2019 this  brought me to TAFE Queensland,” said Kaled.

Kaled chooses to teach with TAFE Queensland because he believes that it's a welcoming and supportive environment that embraces inclusivity.

“TAFE Queensland offers a very warm and supportive workplace that is inclusive of all,” Kaled said. 

“It allows individuals to progress at their own pace in the ways they are most comfortable."

“This is fundamental to ensure the progress of all students. "

“Also, help is always available for students and teachers alike, and no one is ever left behind,” he shared. 

Kaled is based at TAFE Queensland's Toowoomba campus where the computer labs offer a variety of learning opportunities for students.

Kaled’s own personal learning journey is far from over.

There are numerous professional development opportunities and guidance for upskilling and knowledge strengthening at TAFE Queensland – I believe that utilising every opportunity is an absolute must.”

And Kaled offers valuable advice for those thinking about pursuing a career with TAFE Queensland.

“TAFE Queensland is the right destination for anyone seeking a practical environment that is both supportive and meets the highest industry standards,” Kaled said. 

“As an educator with many years’ of experience in the industry, being at TAFE Queensland allows me to do what I love — training individuals who are determined to undertake vocational education to develop real-world skills,” Kaled finished.