Author: Vidhyarthi Darpan

TECHNOLOGY IN CLASSROOM – A BOON OR A BANE?

BY: ANKITA SHARMA, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

Introduction

Incorporating technology in schools for computer instructional learning is a giant leap the world has taken in building a futuristic-driven learning environment. Now we cannot imagine our life without technology. 

One of the main benefits of technology is its establishment in the education department. Many people see technology as a disadvantage in terms of health, detachment from reality, and laziness. While others believe technology is in much need for the budding minds of tomorrow.

Read on to know how technology has stormed the classrooms and how it affects the students!

 

THE NEED FOR TECHNOLOGY IN CURRENT SCENARIO

To say development is an infinite ladder will be an understatement. The world 20 years ago was much different than the world we breathe in presently. All credited to the birth of modern technology.

Long are gone the days when people need to stick to the telephone for one call. With the invention of mobile phones and the internet, the ease of communication has upgraded. Not just for calling, but mobiles have also become a source of transmitting quality education – insert online learning. The need for technology has increased through the years, and will probably hope for more. But the perennial tug-of-war between technology believers and technology haters will be there.

 

WHY TECHNOLOGY IS A BOON

1) Easy and Creative Approach to Learning

After the initial installation of programs, modern technology is easily accessible to teachers and students. Apart from the conventional blackboard-chalk method, teachers can now switch to smartboards that function with a touch. It has all the features – animations, videos, picture perception, games, etc.

2) Immense Engagement with Peers

With modern technology, interactions are not limited to lunch breaks and period breaks. It has extrapolated to online platforms as well. Access to the internet has broadened the horizons of e-learning by introducing video calls, social media presence, online forums, gamified learning, etc. where classmates can meet and socialize. It lets them collaborate for future projects.

3) Perennial Learning Environment

In the traditional classroom, students get agitated with the repetitive theme of the “teaching-nodding” manner. On the other hand, with the help of technology, teachers can now teach lectures in a synergistic, interesting, and engaging way. For instance, organizing creative writing sessions, interactive videos, animations, quizzes, gamified learning, among others.

4) Teachers Have Credibility

As for teaching faculty, the introduction of technology is an advantage. It becomes easier to resolve doubts with playful easily-understandable visuals. Smartboards are useful in explaining different concepts. So are accessible tablets through which students can concurrently read/write/listen to the teacher’s instructions. 

5) Life Skill Enhancement

Through creative methods, teachers try to instill valuable life skills in learning. Faster grasp of the subject, decision making, leadership, initiative, critical thinking, collaboration with peers, technical skills (PPT, Word docs, Cloud Storage, Emails), problem-solving approach, among other life-inspiring skills, are leaned in classrooms in the presence of technology.

6) Prepare for future

We are all aware that technology in schools is just the beginning of a revolution in the face of learning and growing. Since it is the future of the current generation, it is pertinent to get accustomed to technology in the learning period. Moreover, students also get a taste of the outside world through frequent digital projects using technical knowledge.

7) Encyclopedia of Knowledge from All Sectors of Education

Having access to a plethora of content from across the world at your fingertips gives you a feeling of power. Students and teachers have unlimited access to significant materials. Resources pertaining to a specific subject or topic are readily available in school e-library and other authentic online sites that come in handy while preparing for exams.

8) Access to Valuable Updated Information

As compared to traditional brick-and-mortar institutes with an outdated syllabus, technology allows students to stay updated on the latest trends, reforms, and research. It dissolves queries almost immediately as a digital update happens instantaneously. 

9) Individual-Oriented Learning

The best thing about learning with technology is that it is student-centered, irrespective of the pace of learning or grasping power. It removes the weight on teachers to attend to each student as with the help of technology, he/she can monitor each student’s progress simultaneously. Teachers appreciate and promote creativity, innovation, and out-of-the-box thinking. It also enables the student to study independently.

WHY TECHNOLOGY IS A BANE

1) Highly Distractive for Students

Suppose you are surfing an example teacher asked you to. A message pops up on the screen from your friend. Will you give in to the temptation to reply? Most probably. Furthermore, with hidden apps installed on your tablet/mobile, you might as well play games, respond to texts, visit sites, read gossips, and whatnot! These distractions can get you in trouble – both in class and in academics.

2) Assignment/Project/Examination Dishonesty 

Since most of the information is derived from the internet, students often plagiarize assignments, projects, researches, and homework from unkempt websites. Even with strict exam tools and programs, students manage to cheat in the examination, either by over-riding it or passing answers in group chats. 

3) Not Affordable by All

Technology is straightforward expensive for people residing in the not much-developed area. In a way, technological instrument installation may take some amount of money, but most of the time, the validity is manageable for years. It lasts for quite some years. In rural areas, not everyone can afford computers, tablets, and smartphones, hence it places them at a severe disadvantage.

4) Leads to Complex Health Issues

For students studying on tablets, laptops, or computers, the leaning back posture for an abnormal period can cause an ache. Moreover, the uneven exposure to blue light from these gadgets affects the student’s eyesight at a greater rate, often causing temporary and sometimes, irreparable damage. Improper adherence to the screen for a long time can also obstruct body posture.

5) Socialization Issues

When everything happens virtually, there is little to no time spent with classmates except a few text/video exchanges. During in-class smart teaching, the students are keenly indulged in their tablet screens; there is rarely any meaningful interaction between them. 

6) Being served on a silver platter

Evidently, today’s generation has become mindlessly dependent on technology for every simple need. Though elaborating a concept on a smartboard and revisions saves time and presumably – energy, it makes students sluggish and procrastinates learning. It fosters a misconception that students can educate themselves at home without assistance, thus ignores the classroom taught material.

7) More often than not – Technical Problems

Technical errors can occur in any device. Smartboards and tablets are no different. At times, glitches and hanging of site/app/tool happen that hampers the learning. It creates disinterest in the students and distracts them from grasping the concept. It might meddle with studying. More so, it may take days to fix the issue.

SO, WHICH SIDE ARE YOU ON?

You can admire all that technology has offered in making learning fun and an entertaining experience, but neglecting the ill-effects of technology on the young generation can bite you in the future. While in one part, it instantly resolves curious student’s doubts, on the other, it blocks you from socializing with peers (as you get deeply involved in the AI). Technology is the future of education. Its judicial, informative, and unselfish consumption can benefit plenty in the learning domain – to educators as well as learners. However, the development of technology and its advertent use in the coming years is dependent on its educated utilization.

SCHOOL SAFETY CHECKLIST – INCLUDING COVID ERA

BY: ANKITA SHARMA, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

Introduction

The world is under siege, fighting a battle against Coronavirus that has affected more than 90 million inhabitants with 2 million annual deaths. 

As of 15 January 2021, India has crossed over 10.5 million confirmed cases, which is only second to the US (23.8 million cases). The pandemic has shaken the education sector. With the shutdown of almost all the schools and colleges for a year, operating them after reopen will need to follow intense health precautionary protocols. These should include social distancing, careful hand washing, use of facemasks (or face shield wherever possible), frequent sterilization, proper aeration, and so on to restrict the contamination of the virus.

 

How Has COVID-19 Affected the Education Sector?

With almost all of the schools and institutes shutting down to prevent large gatherings, suggestions from UNESCO indicates turning to online platforms and distance learning programs to continue unhampered studies. In areas where technology is limited, the transition from traditional learning to online learning is strenuous. Meanwhile, schools tend to reopen to resume education soon. It urges the administration to take rigorous precautionary measures to prevent community transmission.

In this crucial period, safe and actionable steps must be exercised to detect and prevent the outspread of the virus among the school community.

General Precautions

Social Distancing

Some ground rules must follow to prevent the spread of deadly Coronavirus. Some compulsory measures are:

• Keep a distance of 6 feet or 2 meters from another person on school premises.
• Maintain a distance of about one mete between desks. 
• Avoid the congregations of students during lunch breaks. Cancel morning assemblies, sports activities, cultural events that require an accumulation of people at one place.
• Encourage teachers to move between classes instead of students roaming about the corridor with books.
• Re-schedule the timetable to accommodate sufficient time for handwashing and to accustom children with procedures.
• Systematize pick-up/drop timing such that there is no unnecessary gathering on the premises.
• Safety is the topmost priority. Make use of signboards, caution tapes, ground marking, instructional & penalty posters, educational posters on the notice boards.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms and staffrooms.

Frequent 20 Second Handwashing

According to WHO, regular handwashing is the most effective way to kill bacteria and viruses (including SARS-CoV 2 virus) and prevent its communicability. An ideal handwashing session lasts for 20 seconds with soap and water. The best way to wash hands is by the below process:

i) Wet your hands with water.

ii) Apply soap (soap strips, soap liquid, or soap bar).

iii) Cleanse your hands by thoroughly rubbing in between fingers, over & below palms, under nails for 20 seconds (make sure to turn the tap off during this step).

iv) Rinse your hands clean under running water.

v) Dry your hands using a paper towel or a clean cloth.

Repeat the above steps after every encounter with an uncleaned surface. You can use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content for instant sterilization. Even after sneezing or coughing, it is advisable to wash your hands. Besides this, students should avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth to stop the spread of pathogens.

 

Wear Cloth Face Masks

Covid-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, majorly spreads by infected water droplets in the air. In areas where social distancing cannot be perpetuated, a mask act as a barrier to control droplet spread and infection. It is, therefore, mandatory for students to maintain respiratory hygiene by wearing a cotton facemask. Correct use of masks and their hygiene can be carried out by:

• Wear a comfortable cotton mask that shields the nose, the mouth; and rests on the ears without strain.
• Mandate wearing of masks at all times except during lunch break. Keep the facemask in a clean, safe place while eating.
• Propagate explicit instructions/circulars on proper usage of facemasks and face shields.
• Carry an extra mask in case the existing one gets damaged or dirty.
• For deaf/dumb people who entirely rely on lipreading for conversations, switch to written communication.
• Do not put masks on children below two years, children who have breathing issues (asthma), and children who have problems that make them inept to remove/adjust masks without assistance.
• Exemplify and promote the wearing of a mask before family and friends.

Regular Cleaning and Disinfection

COVID-19 is an air-borne viral disease, majorly prompted by droplet transmission and spread by one-to-one direct/indirect contact. Unless there is thorough cleanliness, distancing, facemasks, and hand hygiene will be impertinent. Strategies to reduce contact with the plausible contaminants (doorknob, furniture, washbasins, taps, desks, stationary objects, etc.) should be customary. Regular disinfection and sanitization activities of classrooms should be made compulsory. A few suggestions to render a clean learning environment for the students are:

• Clean and disinfect the most visited/used site, in particular, with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (use gloves and face shields).
• Decontaminate smaller surfaces such as doorknobs, stationery items, metal equipment, art supplies with at least 50% ethyl alcohol.
• Keep the disinfected area as it is for a few minutes to remove/evaporate toxic gases.
• Keep reminders for frequent use of sanitizers (say, after touching any unsterilized surface, after using the toilet, before/after eating food items).
• Prevent sharing of items between students and teachers or amongst students.
• Students should strictly adhere to professionals’ instructions.

Table for Possible Causes of Spread of Covid-19 With Associated Risks

Risk	Possible Causes
Lowest	I) Teachers and students involved in virtual learning such as conduction of online lectures, participation in digitalized activities, discussion forums, etc. II) No plausible physical contact.
Low	I) Teachers and students involved in small group activities with least or no contact. Most of them conducting virtual classes. II) There is no sharing of materials like stationery, notes, or encourage any type of physical contact. III) Physical distancing followed strictly. IV) Wash hands regularly and wear clean cotton masks at all times.
Medium	I) Teachers and students involved small group activities of more than 5 people; frequent physical contact. Some conduct virtual classes. II) There is some exchange of materials without precautionary measures. III) One-to-one distancing is not followed. IV) Wash hands regularly and wear clean cotton masks at all times.
High	I) Teachers and students involved in in-person classes with frequent physical contact between them. Little to no virtual classes are held. II) There is more than a usual exchange of materials without following precaution protocol. III) Mixing up of teacher and students or amongst students. Social distancing not followed (increases risk of contracting Covid manifold). IV) No frequent hand washing and masks are not worn at all times.
Highest	I) Absolute in-person classes held with a high affinity for physical contact. II) Exchange of materials between students and teachers or amongst students without using hand sanitizer or following precaution protocols. III) Major physical contact like hand-shaking, hugs, sharing stationery, unwashed face touching, etc. Social distancing is completely neglected. IV) No cleanliness. No frequent hand washes. No wearing of facemasks. No following safety protocols.

Source: cdc.gov

Mandatory Precautionary Measures – A Checklist

Checklist for Teachers and Staff

1) Provision of clean water supply for drinking, cleaning, and toiletries.

2) Promote and educate students on frequent hand wash sessions with soap and water, preferably for 20-30 seconds.

3) Provide enough sanitizers at every classroom, hall, playgrounds, staff room, and washrooms. 

4) Proper ventilation and airflow should be there. Strictly follow hygiene practices (disposal of tissues after coughing or sneezing, sanitization of hands, prevent touching public areas/objects) 

5) Maintain cleanliness by disinfecting the floors, classroom furniture, school building once a day using trusted disinfectants (0.5% sodium hypochlorite for surfaces and 70% ethanol for small objects)

6) Put signboards or security tapes to encourage to maintain a social distance, wear masks, often sanitize, avoid unnecessary touching, educate others.

7) Ensure classroom and staffroom trash is cleaned daily and disposed of safely.

8) Limit gathering of more than three people. 

9) Advise sick students, teachers, and staff members to stay home.

10) Always be on alert and ready to aid in emergencies. Familiarize the protocols with students/teachers/parents in advance.

11) Cancel committee meetings, sports gathering, cultural programs, and other events that may attract needless crowds

12) Resolve any query regarding Covid-19 arising amongst students/teachers/caregivers.

13) Address students’ concerns and stress about changes experience by them with sympathy, support, patience, and understanding.

14) Have teachers move from class to class rather than students crowding the corridor after each period.

15) Have temperature taken during entry and exit from the school premises. If a discrepancy from the acceptable temperature range occurs, inform the concerned authority and isolate the person immediately.

Checklist for Parents

1) Be aware of the common initial symptoms of Covid-19 disease and regularly keep yourself updated. In case your ward shows symptoms such as cold, cough, or fever, ask for a few days’ leave from school till the sickness subsides.

2) Teach your child about quality hygiene practices like handwashing, sanitization, healthy tissue disposal habits, not touching eyes & nose often, among others.

3) Remember to check on your child’s mental health. Ask them about their day and how they are coping with the modifications.

4) Connect with school authorities to coordinate school safety protocols and information.

5) Teach your child the correct information regarding the prevailing situation; break stigmas using facts and figures.

Checklist for Students

1) Have accurate and updated knowledge about current trends of Covid-19 through authentic, reliable online sites (WHO, UNICEF, CDC). Educate yourself appropriately.

2) Follow safety protocols strictly – frequent hand wash with soap and water/sanitization, physical distancing, no sharing of personal items.

3) Isolate yourself when sick to prevent the spread of disease. Inform family members of the same.

4) Maintain 6 feet distance, not only at the school campus but also outside any public area.

5) Wear cotton masks that cover the nose and mouth region completely. Also, avoid touching/rubbing the nose and mouth over the facemask.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COACHING CLASS

BY: ANKITA SHARMA, VIDHYARTHI DARPAN

Introduction

Coaching institutes prepare children for board exams (10th and 12th), entrance exams, and various national-level competitive exams to get into the best colleges. Out of thousands of coaching institutes, it gets tedious to select the best one that suits your needs as well as pocket. 

Here are eight things you should consider while looking for a coaching center in your area.

Why do you need a Coaching Institute?

Coaching institutes are the pillar of excellence for aspiring medical or engineer or any career. The need for coaching institutes has increased over the years because of the increased competitiveness among various professions. Below are some of the reasons to go for coaching classes:

i) It provides a learning environment.

ii) It encourages self-paced quality learning. 

iii) It has a more individualistic approach than following the herd.

iv) It allows students to explore different career prospects.

v) Here, students learn mind-bending tips and tricks for easier understanding.

vi) Students study beyond textual concepts.

What are the things to keep in mind while choosing a coaching institute?

Below are some of the factors that parents should take into account while looking for a potential coaching institute for their ward:

1) The Reputation of the Institution

Do they hold a respectable reputation in the educational sector? Can you entirely rely upon the education administered by the institution? By carefully analyzing the previous records of achievements and competitive exam clearance ratio, you can estimate the institution’s future outlook. Inquire with presently enrolled students about the type of study, timings, mode of communication, doubt sessions, quality of study materials provided, etc. Do not rely on brochures and word-of-mouth praises. Do your research by going through the internet and educational booklets/magazines.

2) M-factor

Is it worth your money? Joining a Coaching institute for a competitive exam can cost a fortune for some parents. When exploring your options to enroll your ward, go for the most cost-effective institute that breeds excellent records. The fee structure of the coaching establishments differs by quite a margin. Prestigious institutes also conduct entrance exams to grant meritorious students a fee waiver by some percentage. For instance, Aakash Institute conducts a national level ANTHE (Aakash National Talent Hunt Examination) for students studying in 8th-12th. Qualified students can get enrolled in their chosen program with a discount of up to 100%. Make your choice wisely as you will be investing in the future of your ward.

3) What kind of Educators are hired by the coaching institute?

The faculty plays a vital role in molding the student’s mindset towards success. Before approaching the admission department of the institute, have a candid conversation with a few faculty members. To obtain more about the teacher’s way of teaching and temperament, try to connect with existing or ex-students of the institute for genuine feedback. Being mindful of the qualification of the educators is also necessary. A trustworthy teacher with an excellent history of pushing his students into merit is often preferred. A polite, friendly, outgoing teacher keeps the study environment cheerful. After all, it is the instructors with whom students spend the most time.

4) Is the institute near or far from your home/hostel?

Commute convenience is one of the factors students should keep in mind while choosing a coaching institute. The distance of the institute from your home is a deciding factor as time is an asset for the student’s preparation. Moreover, the efforts and energy one puts into commute matters. Make sure you have a comfortable mode of travel – walk on foot or buy a bicycle. If the nearest affordable coaching center is also quite far (>10km), opt for hostel facilities to lessen travel time. The hostel will ensure a constant learning and competitive environment. It will keep you motivated.

5) Does the curriculum allow time for self-study?

If a student spends more than half the time in the coaching center, he/she would not be able to arrange for self-study. Even though coaching institutes keep Sunday as a holiday, school (or other work) takes up majority of the time. The timetable should be such that students get enough time to reflect and analyze the concepts and numerical taught in the center. Talk out with the administration for a suitable and flexible schedule.

6) What are the Batch timing and Batch strength?

Along with a compulsory study schedule, students need to focus on the school’s extracurricular activities and the fulfillment of personal goals. Joining the coaching institute shall not hamper the general routine. Work out or ask for suggestions from the administration department to manage both. 

As for Batch strength, smaller groups of 30-40 students in a class is satisfactory. It makes sure that the teacher addresses each student’s questions. Besides that, with fewer people around, your child will not feel shy to contact the teacher when in doubt. 

7) Do they conduct regular doubt sessions?

The purpose of a coaching center is to furnish and prepare students for a career of their choice. Apart from the school syllabus, a coaching institute provides additional study material, frequently required in the competitive exams.

Since most of the stuff is new, doubts arise. Capable teachers should be able to dissolve any and every doubt in their respective expertise. Look out for regular doubt classes in the class timetable so that students are content with previous topics before moving on to the next.

8) Are their study materials easy-to-understand?

This factor is essential. The whole point of enrolling in a coaching institute is to learn and grow with updated knowledge from an examination viewpoint. Do they encourage making self-notes or stick to the course material? Does their course material contain the most-asked or related questions and answers? Do the books consist of HOTS (High Order Thinking Skills) that challenges the student’s mind? Do they conduct weekly/monthly tests and mock tests to evaluate student’s grasp of concepts? Before buying into the claims of the educator, check the notes & book provided by the center from previous students.  

In Conclusion

Before getting admitted to coaching classes, it is necessary to do background research of the factors mentioned in the above list. It will give you transparency of the education, along with the satisfaction of having your ward in the right hands. A dedicated and self-motivated student make the best out of a given situation, hence flourish in competitive exams.