Technology, A Bonus to Education

During the ancient period and dark ages, the learning standard and process was very limited. This was as a result of few or no innovations that aided in the educational system. Students usually grab all that has been taught to them, but on few of them go further to research on topics and learn more. Fortunately, this generation has been counted lucky to expand and widen their academic knowledge with the aid of the internet and other fast devices.

Though more than one quarter of the world’s population do misuse the internet for various obnoxious activities and fraudulent acts, it still remains a great advantage to those who knows its worth. It has indeed aided in the academic sector in various perspectives which cannot be compromised. To the teachers or instructors, it has given them an ample opportunity to gather more knowledge, facts and issues to disperse to students. This enhances learning process as the students get to gain more from their teachers and their scope is broadened. With this trend, the students are entreated to learn more and the teacher on the other hand acquires more.

Another advantage that has helped the educational system is the online study. An individual willing to study in a given institution can follow their programs online, and after a stipulated period, he or she obtains a valid degree or master’s degree. This is a great boost to education especially for those who are not opportune to be present at such institutions to follow up. They can now earn online, do some projects and assignments with their computers or other devices.

Students themselves are not left out here. They are the most gained. After classes, a student could use the internet to proceed on topics, carryout various and numerous researches, perform designated projects all to his own benefit. T is only the dependent and myopic students that rely wholly on their teacher and what he gas to offer at any given time.

Other electronic devices borne by technology like; audio books, personal digital assistant, etc assists students in learning process. The audio books are great learning tools specifically documented for individuals with reading disabilities, impaired vision or physical disabilities; thus aiding the physically disabled in their own learning. The personal digital assistant (PDA), an essential minimized computer can be of help to students. It has standard features including a planner for keeping track of assignments and activities, a to-do list, a note pad and alarms to keep students on schedule. The scanning pen which is a perfect tool for library research and other reading activities. This handheld device scans texts as it drags along the page. The pen displays the words on an easy to read screen, speaks them aloud and provides definitions.

Indeed, technology has really profited education so much in a dimension that has reshaped, reconstructed and restructured the learning process globally. Nelson Mandela of South Africa said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”. Education still remains the sure path to success and should be given adequate support.

I found a friend

A precious possession,
who always stays around.
To laugh and cry.
Celebrate or sigh.
But never part or say goodbye.

The frenzy of maddening media and an ever-evolving circle of friends both new and old marked the month of October. Little did I realize that the glitz of glamour and the new-found glory had to be handled deftly …..

I was among the top three finalist of the ‘STAR TV National Talent Hunt’ coveted competition. Winning the title meant enormous cash prize and an enticing trophy. This ‘trophy child’ had the burning desire to study abroad and winning the show was the sole key to unlocking my dreams and fuelling my ambitions.

My heart was pounding; I was dancing light feet and building a vast virtual world. This chase, this chaos led to a swarm of strangers engulfing all around. Amidst it all, I was referred to RJ John, my official dance-partner for the final round. In face of the amazing mystery that surrounded him, he became immensely important right from the first phone call and the first ‘Hello!’. Unlike others, he hadn’t praised my talent, rather he doubted and quizzed. His questions, his queries opened a plethora of scattered data-bits in my mind. The answers needed deep speculation and reasoning. He wanted to know it all and he was in some haste to find out… my relation with my friends, my intentions, my objectives. He had to chisel carefully and create a conspicuous variance to pre-define a winning edge. I was keen, keen to answer & keen to learn.

All this was happening on the digital media amiss the tete-a-tete. I had called him on his official number but within minutes he had jumped on my whatsapp sharing his mobile (a rarity amongst people of this profile). I was glad since it was an indicator of having made an excellent first-impression and that affirmed his attention. He advised freely and helped openly. He was subtle in suggesting and beckoned carefully but corrected immediately. He had become my self-acclaimed guru who was friendly and blessed with a perfect sense of judgement and precision.

Within a fortnight, he was spying me on my facebook through a legal friend-request. Quite involved, he would call at his convenience, talk at his leisure and work patiently to choreograph the dance-sequence. We were exchanging numerous messages, anecdotes, quotes, pictures and videos. Did the ease of media dwindle the line of control?… Was he a friend?.. Was it mutual?..

Now moving from fiction to reality, I was to meet Mr. RJ at an award ceremony. So, as soon as I reached the prestigious auditorium I dialled his number, the only known face person in that august gathering. He greeted me warmly and signalled to usher in. I entered, pushing the heavy door and began to glance at every eye-ball trying to figure out who RJ was. He had very few and dubious pictures on facebook and I was utterly lost in the attempt to match the ‘still’ with the ‘real’. Reality of course was even stranger, Mr. Stranger was strangely missing from the scene…… I was surprized yet hastened my steps to occupy a corner seat close by. Was he busy?.. Had he got stuck?… well, whatever, even if RJ was missing, I had to sit through the show since Ms. Jevani had sent me a personal invite.

Positivity of thoughts doesn’t always mend your mind and I was indeed feeling low. My phone which was already put to silence-mode started flashing some bright light. ‘Light in darkness’ is always a good omen. And Hey! wait, that was RJ calling, I immediately looked near the entrance. How silly I had been, he too must have had trouble spotting me. But the voice on the phone indicated something different…. He was spelling out instructions, ‘look to your left, extreme left!….. come right here!!..’…

So the lonely lady was graciously welcomed by this warm gentleman sitting in the fourth row at the extreme end of the auditorium. Indeed very hospitable! (sarcasm intended!!). Nevertheless, I paced my steps and reached the other end. Surprisingly(!), he also stood up, walked a few steps, smiled and shook hands, ’Hi! Chanchal…..’
‘You have come alone?’ He was asking the obvious. Nonetheless, I answered and I was totally intrigued by his smiles and friendly overtures. Within minutes I was addressed as ‘tu..’ and he seemed like some long lost childhood pal. New friendship, new connect. I enquired about his life, work…. and the conversation spun a yarn of goodwill around us. We sat through the show smiling, listening and clapping. The icing on the cake was his impeccable wit and utterly smart one-liners. I was completely at ease.

It was his arena, his people; media and other RJs surrounded us soon after the show. Quick assumptions are made when any lady is spotted next to a man. The confusion was grave but he wasn’t ruffled a bit, and politely corrected everyone. He was too mused but quickly turned around and said, ‘hey, you stay at a distance…. this will be trouble.’

But friends don’t create trouble, they create bonds. We were bonding. He was my host, comrade and friend for the entire evening. He courteously took me around and we cheerfully mingled with all. A streak of fun, laughter and pranks laced his persona… To him, my I-card sounded like an invitation for dinner, my media coverage was hyped and I was labelled a poor-company who avoided hard beverages and heavy food and was supposedly thriving on air and water. Little did he know that I thrive on friends & relationship. A lot of interesting topics were debated & interesting tales were narrated. Impressions were captured and time was beautifully spent. The conversation went on and on, making it tough to wrap up and leave for the day. In this ‘fight-for-first’ fiercely competitive world it is indeed a challenge to find two strangers who would compliment and praise each other. We, from the very onset, were praising in plenty. Good relationships can start at any point; they are not defined by age, name & gender.

The next few months were exhilarating, I was happy to have found a real pal. He indeed was. There were discussions, arguments, jokes and a surprise element always up his sleeves. Surprizingly we had loads of similarities yet there were few and marked differences. But a strange telepathy connected us and we could read each other’s mood-and-mind. There were ways to balance both aggression and depression. This connect rejuvenated our spirits. And this was no short stint of friendship, it was for keeps and I truly believed that we are never-too-old to make new friends.

Good time flies, it flew. Next morning was the final round and RJ’s bouquet reached even before the dawn of the day. I was to face the judges for a question-answer round. The required information was meticulously fed, and the right tone, pitch, intonation and pronunciation were repetitively rehearsed. The day was indeed immaculately planned to perfection, the dance sequence enthralled one and all. The applause was thunderous, the blueprint of my success was hand-crafted to reach a pinnacle whose radiance shone like diamonds in his eyes.

The next day………….. I waited for the usual messages and call……… but it all disappeared… RJ vanished and I was alone, all alone…….. in isolation, in illusion, in delusions..

Teaching Science with a Smile and Learning with Rhythm

Being fortunate enough to teach all subjects in primary and Science in class VI and class VII. This method of teaching Science through rhymes and poems proved very successful and there is a significant improvement in academic performance.

The purpose of this innovative method is to present several topics in Science to children. Using these approaches, children learnt poems and have written poems that convey different science topics.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

  • Identify science topics
  • Discuss the science conveyed in each poem
  • Memorize the poems with the identified topics
  • Write their own science poems

Teacher will need be manage to try this innovative approach of teaching Science, sets the true spirit of integration in science. Here is an example of inter-disciplinary in school subjects of Science, English and Drama. A teacher role is never confined to one subject or classroom. This method can bring a change in school environment and encourages co-operation and co-ordination among different departments.

The various teaching aids that can be incorporated are tape recorders, video tapes and play back equipments. Books on poems. One could take up the duration of about 2 to 3 weeks depending on student’s vocabulary and teacher’s inspiring encouragement.

Methodology:

Step 1: Simple poems which have real meanings to the students should be collected by the teacher.
Step 2: The poems should initially be read aloud to the children with explanations about the content. The rhymes in the poems should be emphasized.
Step 3: Gradually, there should be a transformation from simple everyday poems to science poems. Here, it becomes imperative to explain the poems bringing out the science concepts depicted.
Step 4: The students should note the Science concepts. After a reasonable number of poems have been studied and the children have shown considerable interests, they should then be encouraged.

Teaching Science through poems surely put a smile on the faces of the children. As much as is possible, the lessons should be recorded on audio and possibly video tapes and can be showcased during open house. As a Science teacher, I demonstrated resourcefulness in teaching. Co-operation between the Language and Science Departments is the key success factor behind this concept. The poems learned during a particular lesson are recited in class, school assembly and later at the school “Open House’ where the parents can be invited.

Learning outcome:

The level of success of this lesson is determined by the general interest shown in learning science by the students. The students are able to carry science beyond the four walls of the classroom. Also, the number of new Poems contributed by the students should be a good measure of success. Student’s latent talents and creative skills are easily captured through this activity.

Poem by class VII students with little guidance from teacher

If you want to know how a plant grows
It takes water, air, sunlight and makes cellulose
Every plant can do this fundamental process
And we can call this photosynthesis

Unlike me and you plants take carbon-dioxide
And they make oxygen and stop us turning blue
Every plant can do this fundamental process
And we can call this Photosynthesis

It is a miracle flow all chlorophyll captures
Sunlight in the leaves of the plant and trees
A plant of any size can do it thrice
And not green so we can’t be photosynthesized.

Recap of PenPencilEraser’s Ideal Wordsmith Global ‘2014 Contest

My good friends and authorized authors, Ideal Wordsmith Global ‘2014 contest had been around for several months and has created an exclusive platform for ideas and knowledge share.

WE ARE FEELING INSPIRED!

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The exclusive collection of the contest articles will sure to raise your awareness and help you get focused to the global strategies. Few of it will help you achieve your educational goals and it is something like the world turns united and we discover the secrets of transforming the global education.

Sharing today the best moments of PenPencilEraser’s Ideal Wordsmith Global ‘2014, an intense writing contest conducted in the month of November, 2014 for faculties, educationalist, and teaching professionals across the globe. The contest turned successful and remarkable bringing in

150+ Entries, 60+ Participants, 40+ Schools from 7 Countries.

This has set a new meaning to PenPencilEraser’s Blogging Community and helped turn the community as a platform to deliberate ideas, share experiences which makes the community as a repository of valuable information and tips. It is with all the admired participants who service to education through various job roles we made it a successful and cherish able event

Listing the Winner’s Awards & Appreciations sponsored by PenPencilEraser.

Before recapturing, we take this opportunity to tell our readers of the nostalgic moments presented by Dr.Michael D.Bechtel, the title winner when he donated his cash reward to a school in India and made the entire team proud.

Now let’s give you a glimpse on the winners and runners of Ideal Wordsmith Global ‘2014.

WINNER - I

Dr.Michael D.Bechtel for his writing “The Meaning of Liberal Education

Published at http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/the-meaning-of-liberal-education/

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WINNER - II

Priyanka Goswami for her writing “Punishment - Thinking beyond the act

Published at http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/punishment-thinking-beyond-act/

WINNER - III

K.Vallikannu for her writing “The Inertia of Routine

Published at http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/the-inertia-of-routine/

The winning articles stood apart from the pool of submissions just by minute difference and by packing in a valuable message that gets the applause of the audience. These articles are more than just a collection of words and undoubtedly represents the craving of the writer.

CHAMPION SCHOOL

In addition to the Winner’s recognition, we have announced a Champion Title for the school with the maximum number of entries to the contest. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s Public School from Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, India snatched away the title by recording the maximum number of participants with maximum number of entries to Ideal Wordsmith Contest.

PPE-WS2014-Championschool-orange

FEATURED AUTHORS

Though not the winners, they are the authors who have strong writing passion and have in fact proved by penning notable articles in the contest which have indeed got featured on the network. We feel pleased to honor the Featured Authors!

Dr Anshu Arora http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/my-blue-saree/
Vishal Varia http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/a-stock-pile-of-qualifications/
Meera Narayanan http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/school-life-memories-cherished/
Grace Romona J. Vaseeker http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/education-powerful-weapon/
G. Arunasree http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/a-true-incident/
Ezechukwu Marvellous Ugochukwu http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/the-teacher-a-great-gift-to-the-world/
K. Lakshmi Suvarchala http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/education/
Susie Csorsz Brown http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/time-to-turn-it-off/
Sanchita Sharma http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/peep-into-the-wild/
Nancy Roji http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/latest-trends-for-schools/
K.V.Subhashini http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/education-is-integrated-with-society/
Srimonti Guha http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/school-the-place-from-where-you-lead/
Idlhaj Said http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/teaching-overcrowded-classes/
P.R. Maheswari http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/balanced-academics-an-education-system-for-better-citizens/
A.G.Lakshmi Sujatha http://www.penpencileraser.com/blog/the-world-in-the-classroom/

 

Hope you as a reader would also be inspired and hence we welcome your comments, ideas and suggestions.

Twinkling memories of the Winners

While the winners are recognized with Mementos and Certificates, the educational institutions to which they belong to didn’t miss to appreciate their effort and to recognize their works. The news of winning has been published in their school website to make the peers informed of the event which definitely encouraged the writers and motivated their writing interest.

Dr.Michael D Bechtel, Winner – I got featured in Wartburg College News Portal.

Wartburg info

K.ValliKannu, Winner – III got featured in Subbiah School’s website.

Subbiah info

Sprinkling few enthusiastic comments from the participants

I am very happy to participate in this contest. Such contests gives me encouragement and inspiration to read and write and think on our own. Happy to be part of it. Expecting more! - Grace Romona J. Vaseeker

Thanks for making us re visit our self’s, recognize and remember our duties. - G. Arunasree

As an Educationist I found these above course material and ideas relevant in today’s context of our Education system and should be incorporated throughout the country across all schools. – Seema Goyal

We sincerely thank our participants, viewers, readers and friends who supported in achieving a grand success & bestowing an inspiration to plan more such valued contests in future! Thank you all!

Stay tuned to enter upcoming contests @ PenPencilEraser! If you wish to be a Guest Author in this blog, write us to post@penpencileraser.com.

Reconnecting with Schoolmates far easy in an App-Driven Life!

Miss your childhood memories?

What if it will be like if you reconnect with your schoolmates after years!

It’s true that school friendship is innocent and a lasting one. As we grow older and move on with our lives running behind time and profession, we lose friends, classmates, and teachers who have contributed something to become who we are today. It’s a good feeling to reconnect with school mates, recapture old memories and move ahead with old friends of life.

And that’s pretty easier in today’s App Driven life. Technology has become a part of our life and a powerful medium of communication, no matter how far, communication is promising and certainly finds your missed schoolmate and there are many ways to locate a person.

First and foremost idea is to surf your friend name along with your school name on Google. If their profile is somewhere on web, definitely you spot them in the search results. Then it’s simple to get connected.

Some find on LinkedIn where a discrete option is available to find people, refined by school and location. Especially on LinkedIn, the professional network, it’s more likely to meet many of your friends on the network using Find Alumini or just by searching their name with school info.

Sites like Classmates.com has more than 55 million registered accounts and class directories spanning more than 25,000 high schools and it’s a great resource for Americans to locate school friends.

All above are some quick tips to locate your missed schoolmate but interestingly some schools/colleges take advantage of technology and plan earlier to help their students stay connected with their school and schoolmates with various apps even after their graduation.

Before we discuss, here are few examples of how

Stanford University law school created its own Facebook-like social network for alumni and students that includes legal wikis that they can collaborate on for specific practices, said Lisa Farris, associate director of web communications and identity at the Stanford law school. The wikis include overviews of different practices, key skill sets and more information that students and alums can share together.

M.I.T. (@MIT_alumni) has had similar results with its LinkedIn alumni group, which it allows students to join before they graduate so that they can network with alumni.

These founded networks help collectively to

  • Unite Students & Alumini
  • Conduct Education Conferences
  • Help find a job
  • Make meaningful connections &
  • Share inspirations, thoughts and reflections

Besides school owned & operated networks, there are many networking sites available for free to achieve school & student networking

  • LinkedIn Groups
  • Facebook Page for School
  • A place on School’s website

While Social Networking or the so-called networking benefits in lot of ways, schools/colleges equally should be concerned over the unethical internet activities. This is certainly possible to execute and here’s what we recommend to ensure that the purpose of the network is well-maintained.

In this comprehensive approach, schools need to

  1. Define a clear policy & the educational motto of the network. The instruction on usage must be circulated and well educated among the audiences to effectively utilize the medium.
  2. Apart from School-owned network, Schools must take time in imparting education about online safety and responsible use and the threats involved in the usage since student’s addiction in these network is getting increased.
  3. There must be effective oral and technical monitoring.

Of course, helping former students stay connected is just one reason universities are turning to social media; Awareness is another, and there are many more. At the end of the day, it is evident that through technology, everlasting connection with school is possible. Even if your school doesn’t have a network, make your first step in finding and connecting your schoolmates that benefit each other and possible in an App-driven life!