A team of researchers at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology, have developed a cup-shaped design (patent filed) of the mask that helps to create enough space in front of the mouth while speaking. It has been transferred to a Bangalore based company for mass production.
This snug fit mask causes no speech distortion, no fogging on glasses, and indeed, packs well all around, leaving practically no room for leakage while breathing. Another important advantage is its high breathability allowing one to wear it without any discomfort. Further, the researchers have chosen the fabric layers such that there is a possibility of deactivating pathogens sheerly by the electric charges that may prevail under mild friction due to the triboelectric nature of the fabric. These advanced-level tests are being carried out.
“While an ergonomic design for COVID-19 protection mask is essential for its ease of use for long hours, it is often not paid much attention beyond a few standard designs. A good design should minimize the feeling of intrusion and leakage around the edges, but maximize the ease of breathing and talking while holding its place,” said Prof Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, DST.
With the increase of active COVID cases in India and other countries, usage of face masks has been advised for the general public. While the healthcare professionals can use the special and high technical quality medical masks, for the general public, a mask with moderate filtering efficiency should suffice. It should be comfortable to wear to encourage public to wear it for long hours.
CeNS has transferred this technology to Camellia Clothing Ltd., a Bangalore based garment company, established a couple of decades ago. The company wishes to produce and sell around one lakh mask per day through different distribution channels throughout India.
Recently, I have been asked quite few times about IWBs and which ones are best etc. My usual answer is \’none\’ and then I have to explain, so I thought, instead of explaining I would write this post so that I could point people towards each time they ask.
So this is my classroom set up of preference and these are the key components.
1. Data projector – I\’m not really bothered which one as long as it produces a good screen resolution (There\’s a reasonable article here on how to choose one: How to Buy a Projector)
2. A Laptop – My preference here is for a MacBook, but I can understand why some people find that extravagant and don\’t feel they are worth the extra financial outlay. Personally, I think they are worth the extra money, because they work faster and so save time (the most valuable commodity we have) and because they are pretty durable(The Apple products I\’ve owned have lasted at least twice as long as their PC counterparts I\’ve had and are still going strong.)
3. iPad – Again my preference here is for the iPad mini, because it is so light to hold in one hand and pass around, but still big enough and powerful enough to fulfil my storage needs and to operate without squinting (also quite a bit cheaper)
4. Reflector app – This is a key app that you download onto your laptop. It then enables you to project your iPad screen onto your computer (and so through the data projector) as it wirelessly receives signals from the iPad\’s Airplay function.
For those who aren\’t familiar with Airplay, it\’s an Apple function that allows you to use the wireless to project sound and vision from an iPhone, iPad, iTouch etc of to Apple TV. You can find more information here: Airplay Why I like the Airplay enabled set up
For me this allows the best of both worlds. I can use the laptop for any software that\’s native to computer world and very quickly and wirelessly switch to the mobile environment of the iPad.
This set up is portable so you can use it in any room with a data projector and computer, as long as the Reflector app is installed.
This also has the advantage of allowing your students access to the data projector if they also have iPads, in fact the Airplay function combined with Reflector can allow your students to project onto the screen from a number of iPads simultaneously, which is great to get students showing and comparing work for the whole class to see.
Controlling the projection screen from the iPad means that you can move around the class and control it from wherever you are.
To hand control over to students you just pass them the iPad
You can store all your materials on your iPad and use it to do all your preparation / marking etc at home.
You don\’t have to fiddle with replace or try to find those awful IWB pens.
The iPad gives you access to the vast range and variety of apps that you just can\’t run on a computer or IWB environment.
An iPad and a $12.99 app are hugely cheaper than the cost of an IWB and far more flexible.
You can also use the Reflector app to record screen activity so you can easily turn parts of your lessons into flipped learning or useful revision.
The iPad and laptop set up provides an authentic digital learning environment so digital literacies can be developed, whereas IWB software is an artificial digital environment which students will only encounter within schools.
There are of course some downsides to this arrangement.
Hand writing on the iPad screen isn\’t so comfortable even with a stylus and a good whiteboard app (though if you want to try it I would recommend Bamboo Paper).
The Reflector app isn\’t free, but it is very cheap ($12.99) so much cheaper than an IWB.
This set up only works with Apple mobile products as the controller (Though you can use any laptop to install the app on), so if your students bring along Android or other devices they won\’t be able to access your projector (but they wouldn\’t on an IWB either).
The Reflector app runs through the wireless to connect the laptop to the iPad, so you may need to have some specific ports open if your IT manager has them closed.
If you don\’t have the choice and you already have an IWB, then that\’s fine, you could still install the Reflector app and start using an iPad too, but given the choice it\’s pretty clear. So, now hopefully I\’ll be getting asked this question a lot less often.
Do post comments and let me know what you think. I\’d also appreciate hearing about any alternative apps you may have used to connect your iPad and especially your Android tablet to the projector
Recently, I have been asked quite few times about IWBs and which ones are best etc. My usual answer is \’none\’ and then I have to explain, so I thought, instead of explaining I would write this post so that I could point people towards each time they ask.
So this is my classroom set up of preference and these are the key components.
1. Data projector – I\’m not really bothered which one as long as it produces a good screen resolution (There\’s a reasonable article here on how to choose one: How to Buy a Projector)
2. A Laptop – My preference here is for a MacBook, but I can understand why some people find that extravagant and don\’t feel they are worth the extra financial outlay. Personally, I think they are worth the extra money, because they work faster and so save time (the most valuable commodity we have) and because they are pretty durable(The Apple products I\’ve owned have lasted at least twice as long as their PC counterparts I\’ve had and are still going strong.)
3. iPad – Again my preference here is for the iPad mini, because it is so light to hold in one hand and pass around, but still big enough and powerful enough to fulfil my storage needs and to operate without squinting (also quite a bit cheaper)
4. Reflector app – This is a key app that you download onto your laptop. It then enables you to project your iPad screen onto your computer (and so through the data projector) as it wirelessly receives signals from the iPad\’s Airplay function.
For those who aren\’t familiar with Airplay, it\’s an Apple function that allows you to use the wireless to project sound and vision from an iPhone, iPad, iTouch etc of to Apple TV. You can find more information here: Airplay Why I like the Airplay enabled set up
For me this allows the best of both worlds. I can use the laptop for any software that\’s native to computer world and very quickly and wirelessly switch to the mobile environment of the iPad.
This set up is portable so you can use it in any room with a data projector and computer, as long as the Reflector app is installed.
This also has the advantage of allowing your students access to the data projector if they also have iPads, in fact the Airplay function combined with Reflector can allow your students to project onto the screen from a number of iPads simultaneously, which is great to get students showing and comparing work for the whole class to see.
Controlling the projection screen from the iPad means that you can move around the class and control it from wherever you are.
To hand control over to students you just pass them the iPad
You can store all your materials on your iPad and use it to do all your preparation / marking etc at home.
You don\’t have to fiddle with replace or try to find those awful IWB pens.
The iPad gives you access to the vast range and variety of apps that you just can\’t run on a computer or IWB environment.
An iPad and a $12.99 app are hugely cheaper than the cost of an IWB and far more flexible.
You can also use the Reflector app to record screen activity so you can easily turn parts of your lessons into flipped learning or useful revision.
The iPad and laptop set up provides an authentic digital learning environment so digital literacies can be developed, whereas IWB software is an artificial digital environment which students will only encounter within schools.
There are of course some downsides to this arrangement.
Hand writing on the iPad screen isn\’t so comfortable even with a stylus and a good whiteboard app (though if you want to try it I would recommend Bamboo Paper).
The Reflector app isn\’t free, but it is very cheap ($12.99) so much cheaper than an IWB.
This set up only works with Apple mobile products as the controller (Though you can use any laptop to install the app on), so if your students bring along Android or other devices they won\’t be able to access your projector (but they wouldn\’t on an IWB either).
The Reflector app runs through the wireless to connect the laptop to the iPad, so you may need to have some specific ports open if your IT manager has them closed.
If you don\’t have the choice and you already have an IWB, then that\’s fine, you could still install the Reflector app and start using an iPad too, but given the choice it\’s pretty clear. So, now hopefully I\’ll be getting asked this question a lot less often.
Do post comments and let me know what you think. I\’d also appreciate hearing about any alternative apps you may have used to connect your iPad and especially your Android tablet to the projector
Recently, I have been asked quite few times about IWBs and which ones are best etc. My usual answer is \’none\’ and then I have to explain, so I thought, instead of explaining I would write this post so that I could point people towards each time they ask.
So this is my classroom set up of preference and these are the key components.
1. Data projector – I\’m not really bothered which one as long as it produces a good screen resolution (There\’s a reasonable article here on how to choose one: How to Buy a Projector)
2. A Laptop – My preference here is for a MacBook, but I can understand why some people find that extravagant and don\’t feel they are worth the extra financial outlay. Personally, I think they are worth the extra money, because they work faster and so save time (the most valuable commodity we have) and because they are pretty durable(The Apple products I\’ve owned have lasted at least twice as long as their PC counterparts I\’ve had and are still going strong.)
3. iPad – Again my preference here is for the iPad mini, because it is so light to hold in one hand and pass around, but still big enough and powerful enough to fulfil my storage needs and to operate without squinting (also quite a bit cheaper)
4. Reflector app – This is a key app that you download onto your laptop. It then enables you to project your iPad screen onto your computer (and so through the data projector) as it wirelessly receives signals from the iPad\’s Airplay function.
For those who aren\’t familiar with Airplay, it\’s an Apple function that allows you to use the wireless to project sound and vision from an iPhone, iPad, iTouch etc of to Apple TV. You can find more information here: Airplay Why I like the Airplay enabled set up
For me this allows the best of both worlds. I can use the laptop for any software that\’s native to computer world and very quickly and wirelessly switch to the mobile environment of the iPad.
This set up is portable so you can use it in any room with a data projector and computer, as long as the Reflector app is installed.
This also has the advantage of allowing your students access to the data projector if they also have iPads, in fact the Airplay function combined with Reflector can allow your students to project onto the screen from a number of iPads simultaneously, which is great to get students showing and comparing work for the whole class to see.
Controlling the projection screen from the iPad means that you can move around the class and control it from wherever you are.
To hand control over to students you just pass them the iPad
You can store all your materials on your iPad and use it to do all your preparation / marking etc at home.
You don\’t have to fiddle with replace or try to find those awful IWB pens.
The iPad gives you access to the vast range and variety of apps that you just can\’t run on a computer or IWB environment.
An iPad and a $12.99 app are hugely cheaper than the cost of an IWB and far more flexible.
You can also use the Reflector app to record screen activity so you can easily turn parts of your lessons into flipped learning or useful revision.
The iPad and laptop set up provides an authentic digital learning environment so digital literacies can be developed, whereas IWB software is an artificial digital environment which students will only encounter within schools.
There are of course some downsides to this arrangement.
Hand writing on the iPad screen isn\’t so comfortable even with a stylus and a good whiteboard app (though if you want to try it I would recommend Bamboo Paper).
The Reflector app isn\’t free, but it is very cheap ($12.99) so much cheaper than an IWB.
This set up only works with Apple mobile products as the controller (Though you can use any laptop to install the app on), so if your students bring along Android or other devices they won\’t be able to access your projector (but they wouldn\’t on an IWB either).
The Reflector app runs through the wireless to connect the laptop to the iPad, so you may need to have some specific ports open if your IT manager has them closed.
If you don\’t have the choice and you already have an IWB, then that\’s fine, you could still install the Reflector app and start using an iPad too, but given the choice it\’s pretty clear. So, now hopefully I\’ll be getting asked this question a lot less often.
Do post comments and let me know what you think. I\’d also appreciate hearing about any alternative apps you may have used to connect your iPad and especially your Android tablet to the projector
Ajmer Municipal Corporation (AMC), started taking proactive measure as early from 2nd March 2020, and further issued strict measures from 11th March, the day World Health Organization (WHO), declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. AMC sets up Covid-19 War room at Nagar Nigam and is headed by the Senior Ajmer Administrative officials, Medical and Police officers to monitor the existing Covid-19 situation and take further action to reduce the spreading of Covid-19 among its citizens. War Room is also instrumental in planning and implementation of various innovative strategies in order to create awareness among its citizens for following Covid-19 precautionary steps issued by WHO and MHA:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick, maintain distance of 6 feet.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Stay home when you are sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces every day. High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. In case soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings
If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
Key initiatives taken by Ajmer City Administration to reduce the spread of Covid-19 virus are as follows:
Public Address system (PA)- Awareness drives related to COVID-19 are being broadcast regularly using PA systems in association with fire and sanitation department of Municipal Corporation Ajmer. Regular surprise field visits are organised by City Collector and Commissioner to review the ground work and take feedback from the citizens directly.
Food and shelter: Homeless are being shifted to designated city shelter. Cooked food and essential things are provided to needy people in the selected localities. In War room, complaints are received from persons for requirement of food. Dry rashan have been distributed to needy persons after physical verification by Flying Squad Magistrates.
Use of Fire Tenders for disinfection: City fire force is using big fire tender to disinfect different locations like main roads of the city, bus stands, bus stops, railway stations, institutions, hospital campus, shops etc. small fire tenders are being used to disinfect whole city ward streets.
Government offices disinfection drive by Nigam health staff
COVID-19 Helpline number is established at city level and is monitored by war room officers. This helpline can be reached for food supply requirement, Disinfection and sanitation services.
Surveillance technologies- Real-time tracking of Disinfection and sanitation workers with GPS based technology.
Setting up quarantine facilities- Hotels and other private institutions are being acquired to Setting up quarantine facilities in the city. CORONA contact tracing of positive case is being done and persons coming in contact are being kept in quarantine centres as per guidelines
ICCC- Abhay Command and Control Center is being used by city Police and traffic department. CCTV camera footage is accessed for monitoring live traffic movement and public movement.
Movement of Migrants: RAJ COP APP is used for issuing the e-passes for inter-state and inter-city movement. Passes are approved by designated city officials for persons want to go outside of Rajasthan or persons want to come to Ajmer city. Stranded labourers of other states can also register on RAJ COVID INFO APP and e-mitra website and arrangements are being made for safe transportation of registered ones to their destinations. Pilgrims visiting Dargah Sharif Ajmer, who were held up in Ajmer due to Lock Down have been identified and have been sent to their respective places by trains and buses after medical checkup/screening and taking care of guidelines.
Union Minister for MSME and Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari today held meeting via video conferencing with the members of Maha Solar Sangathan to understand the opportunities in the solar energy sector.
The Minister highlighted the importance of solar energy and said that the sector has a huge potential and can help to reduce the electricity cost significantly. He further mentioned that sectors such as agriculture, warehousing etc. are energy extensive sectors and proper commercial use of solar energy such as solar water pump for irrigation and solar electricity for cold storage can contribute towards reducing power cost.
The Union Minister emphasized on the need of export enhancement along with import substitution to replace foreign imports with domestic production. He highlighted that India still imports energy efficient solar panels and encouraged the manufactures to make India self-reliant with the help of “Make in India” products.
The Minister mentioned that for providing much-needed impetus to the MSME sector to deal with the current economic instability, the government has announced several measures under Special Economic Package: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan including collateral free automatic loan, which will allow the MSMEs to enhance working capital by 20% without providing additional collateral.
Shri Gadkari urged the industry representatives to come up with some new, innovative and economically viable business model which can be implemented in various sector such as agriculture, warehousing etc. to provide low cost sustainable energy. He said that this will not only help to reduce the cost of energy in various sector but also give the required thrust for “Make in India” initiative.
He opined that industry should focus more on innovation, entrepreneurship, science and technology, research skill and experiences to convert the knowledge into wealth.
The Minister recalled that Government of Japan has offered special package to its industries for withdrawing Japanese investments from China and move elsewhere. He said that this can be an opportunity for India to attract foreign investment in the country.
Some of the questions asked and the suggestions given included: Addition of Solar PV in the list of technology under CLCSS scheme, revision of turnover limit in the new MSME definition, subsidy on export for MSME to encourage the manufacturing and reduce import etc.
Shri Gadkari responded to the questions from representatives and assured all possible help from the government.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), along with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), its project partner in the ‘Biodiversity Conservation Initiative Phase II’, celebrated World Turtle Day today, through a Webinar which was widely attended. Shri Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, Dr. Dhananjai Mohan, Director WII, school children, NMCG and WII team members and Ganga Praharis from the five Ganga States and Ganga Prahari mentors participated in the online celebration.
In his special message to the team on World Turtle Day, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “Biodiversity is an essential part of Indian Culture and in fact, understanding the importance of Turtles, they have been worshipped in our culture from time immemorial’. He added, “Turtles have been cleaning our water resources and they don’t charge us for doing that job. In order to conserve them and other wildlife, NMCG has taken up several initiatives including establishing conservation centers and creating public awareness about the subject.”
Information about the Ganga Quest quiz, the last date of which has been extended to 30th May 2020, was also shared with the participants in order to maximize the participation of people from different parts of the world. Shri Mishra said, ‘The Ganga Quest quiz is not only a very interesting competition but also a means to create awareness and associate people with the Ganga. I appeal to all those above the age of 10 years to take part in the Ganga Quest.’
On the occasion, winners of the World Turtle Day painting, slogan writing and essay competitions which were conducted using the online platform, were announced. Children from different parts of India and abroad participated in this online competition.
To mark the day, a Children’s story book on turtles, “Bin Vetanke Kare Safai” was released by Shri Shekhawat. This book covers facts about turtles in an interesting story-telling manner. Shri Shekhawat appreciated the innovatively written book which highlights the importance of turtles in maintaining the river ecosystem and appealed to all to contribute to conservation of turtles in our river systems.
The Webinar also saw a poster story on Interesting Facts on Turtles for Children being played. This poster story presents some interesting facts about the turtles and different threats to them.
A documentary on “Turtles of Ganga River Basin” was also showcased for the participants This documentary is made to make people aware about various type of turtles found in the Ganga River.
In his address, Shri Mishra appreciated the efforts of WII and Ganga Praharis for their active participation in making people aware about conservation of Biodiversity. He also appealed to all to come forward and join hands for the conservation of turtles and the biodiversity of the river Ganga. Dr Mohan talked about the significance of celebrating Turtle Day and the role of Ganga Praharis in their conservation.
Given that Biodiversity Conservation of the Ganga river basin is one of the pillars of the Namami Gange programme, the ‘International Day of Biological Diversity’ held yesterday, was celebrated with great enthusiasm by NMCG and WII through a Webinar themed ‘Our Solutions are in Nature’. In order to increase public consciousness about its conservation, Shri Mishra, Dr. Mohan, NMCG team as well as experts from various organisations and Ganga Praharis participated in the event.
Speaking during the celebrations, DG, NMCG said, “We have to make collective efforts to support the rejuvenation of river Ganga. This is possible by making efforts to create better understanding and awareness about the connection between biodiversity and our survival. The conservation efforts have to become a Jan Aandolan”. He added that the NMCG has received substantial success in cleaning the river. “However, in order to ensure the sustainability of water quality, all of us need to make a conscious effort,” he said.
During the event, Director, WII, Dr. Mohan appealed to the Ganga Praharis, other organisations working for the conservation of biodiversity and Media organisations to undertake public awareness initiative to further save the biodiversity of the rivers. “It is easy to say that the ‘solutions lie in nature’, but we have to reduce the negative impact of our activities on nature”.
Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil P Joshi appreciated the success of Ganga Praharis to further the awareness of biodiversity conservation in villages. He said, “More than 41% amphibian, 31% Coral and 33% fish species are now extinct. We have to take up biodiversity conservation as a very serious subject”.
Ganga Praharis from different parts of the country connected to this programme shared their experience of training in organic farming by WII Dehra Dun and its positive financial and environmental consequences.
As part of Mission Sagar, Indian Naval Ship Kesari entered Port Louis Mauritius on 23 May 2020. The Government of India is providing assistance to friendly foreign countries in dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic, and towards this Indian Naval Ship Kesari is carrying COVID related essential medicines and a special consignment of Ayurvedic medicines for the people of Mauritius.
In addition, a 14-member Specialist Medical Team comprising Indian Navy doctors and paramedics is also embarked onboard this ship, to work alongside their Mauritian counterparts and together render assistance for COIVD-19 related emergencies. The Medical Assistance Team includes among others, a Community Medicine specialist, a pulmonologist and an anesthesiologist.
An official ceremony for handing over the medicines from the Government of India to Government of Mauritius was held on 23 May 2020. Hon’ble Minister for Health, Dr Kailesh Jagutpal received the consignment on behalf of Government of Mauritius. The Indian side was represented by the High Commissioner of India to Mauritius, H.E Shri Tanmaya Lal. The minister also interacted with Commander Mukesh Tayal, Commanding Officer of Indian Naval Ship Kesari during the handing over ceremony.
The assistance to Mauritius is a part of the Government of India outreach amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. ‘Mission Sagar’, is in consonance with the Prime Ministers vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region ‘SAGAR’. This missionhighlights the importance accorded by India to relations with the countries of the IOR and builds on the excellent relations existing between the two countries to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. The operation is being progressed in close coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs, and other agencies of the Government of India.
After twenty-five years of service, the Salvageable Family Home School has closed its doors. That’s not bad news—we celebrate the high school graduation of our youngest child and the successful educational paths they all have chosen.
All have been accepted into colleges. All who are not currently enrolled have completed their Bachelor’s degrees in four years or less. They graduated with honors. Two went on to complete Master’s degrees. All of them are currently employed, even during the virus crisis.
Our decision to home school was not made lightly, but in a sense we were led into it. At the time, I was associated with a church that had a private school, and our children were aware of school children outside the house at various times. They were interested in school, and they were mentally ready, but their birthdays put them just past the starting age as set by the state. I knew that schools sometimes made exceptions regarding those dates, but the school leaders said, “If we make an exception for you, we have to make an exception for anyone else who asks.” They did offer a compromise—two years of half-day kindergarten meant for four-year-olds before entering the full day kindergarten meant for five-year-olds. We declined.
We knew a family in the neighborhood who homeschooled. Two of their daughters sometimes watched our children. They were doing well, and we took advice from them. We agreed that we would evaluate the situation year by year and not commit to home schooling all the way through high school. Little did we know that we would be educating our children for the next twenty-five years.
Starting with a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, we began to assemble a home school library. Saxon Math met our needs in that department, and we found other books that did the job. The summer after we started home schooling I had a job offer and we moved, so there was no pressure to put our children into the church’s school. From time to time we participated in home school cooperatives, but it often seemed that we could accomplish as much at home as we could gain from a cooperative.
One advantage of home schooling is being able to work at the child’s pace. Students who pick up a concept easily do not have to wait for their classmates before moving on to something new; students struggling with a concept can have extra explaining and practice before moving on without hampering anyone else’s education. Also, no time is consumed traveling to and from school or waiting for a bus; that gain in time allows more instruction, more leisure time, or more time to contribute to family chores. Life skills such as cooking and laundry become part of the educational plan. Interesting conversations at mealtime are part of home schooling, and field trips are easy to arrange with little or no planning required.
One concern some people have about home schooling is “socialization”: how will home schooled children learn to make friends among their peers? Home school cooperatives are one answer, church activities are another, and organized athletic events are a third. Several of my daughters took up Irish dancing and have reached the championship level. Moreover, not only in my family but in other home school families I have known, the children are more natural at socializing with people of different ages. They have not spent their days in a room with one adult and a couple dozen children their age.
Not every family should home school. Doing so requires a massive commitment of time as well as a financial investment. Public schools and private schools provide a valuable service for our communities. The irony has not escaped me that we finished home schooling at a time when many families are having their first experience of home schooling. Most will return their children to the public or private schools as soon as they open, but some families—including the students—may be finding value in home schooling. They may be considering continuing the home school experience even when schools reopen. For those in that position, I offer encouragement and best wishes. J.
Finding the right nursing school to make my nursing career possible wasn’t an easy task. Here are three advantages that helped me choose my nursing school.
Nursing is one of the most rewarding and challenging careers and it brings joy to my heart. We take care of people who are at their most vulnerable and provide support for our patients’ families during trying times.
I chose to become a nurse because I wanted to do more for my patients. I recently graduated from the LPN program at Herzing University and I am now continuing my education in Herzing’s RN to BSN program. My plan is to eventually obtain my MSN and become a nurse educator.
Finding the right nursing school to make all of this possible wasn’t an easy task. I remember being frustrated when researching schools in my area. There were long waiting lists, expiration dates for prerequisite classes, not enough instructors to accommodate nursing student demand, inflexible schedules for the working student and extremely competitive GPA and test score requirements. I felt that it was easy for students – many of whom had the potential to become great nurses – to be turned away from these programs or to become discouraged while applying. I knew what I wanted in a nursing program and I was determined not to give up. I eventually found what I was looking for at Herzing University. Here are three advantages to Herzing’s nursing program:
1. Multiple nursing pathways
I wanted a school that would make it easy for me to advance my nursing degree if I chose to do so. Herzing’s LPN program allows students the opportunity to seamlessly continue their education in the ASN and BSN programs. Even if you did not complete an LPN program at Herzing, you can still receive credit for your prior learning. This allows students to accelerate their nursing education and earn their degrees faster.
2. Flexibility and student support
I was looking for a program that offered online classes, a supportive faculty and small class sizes. I found these advantages at Herzing. The eight-week course terms and online classes offered the flexibility I needed to earn my degree, and these factors continue to make it possible for me to balance my nursing career and my educational goals. The small class sizes have allowed me to build relationships with my instructors and I have felt supported every step of the way throughout my nursing journey.
3. Fast track to MSN
Another awesome advantage of Herzing’s nursing program is the opportunity to earn credit toward your MSN while you are enrolled in the bachelor’s degree program. Even if you aren’t sure if you want a MSN, I highly recommend this route because the tuition rate is the same and you do not have to add any extra classes to your course load. It is a great way to get ahead and save money on your education.
My advice for other students is to really think about what you want from a nursing program, and don’t settle for less! With the right school, it is possible for you to achieve your dream of becoming a nurse.
Hartman, H.J. (2001). Developing students’ metacognitive knowledge and skills. In H.J. Hartman (ed.), Metacognition in learning and instruction. Kluwer, 33-68. Academic Publishers: the Netherlands.
I like the models she proposes: Executive management metacognition – plan, monitor and evaluate progress. Strategic metacognitive knowledge – what (facts), when and why (context) and how (procedures).
These models would enable participants to use metacognitive strategies for the three tasks in their course. This would help them develop metacognitive control and knowledge and also reflect.
For each task participants will be asked to plan, monitor and evaluate their progress using self-questioning techniques and reflect using a blog.
Why do I like the models she proposes: 1. Discipline diverse – these models can be used in a number of disciplines as they relate to any type of learning. The examples in the chapter relate to reading, maths, science social studies, writing.
2. Self-questioning is used and this can be modelled to encourage learners to create their own questions. The answers of course are generated by the learner.
3. Critical thinking – the models encourage this and by scaffolding the learning, critical thinking questions can be developed by the students themselves.
I also like the components of the BACEIS model and the internal and external supersystems.B = behaviour A = affect C = cognition E = environment I = interacting S = systems
The cognitive system includes metacognition plus critical thinking, creativity and learning strategies. It would make it too big a project I guess to also look at motivation, affective self-regulation and attitudes (affective system) which are also part of the internal supersystem.
The external supersystem includes culture and instructional techniques as well as teacher characteristics etc as influences on thinking but they are not really relevant for this project.
Here are some of the top hard and soft skills employers are looking for in today’s job market.
In an increasingly digital economy, many organizations are seeking employees with technology-focused skill sets. However, HR and talent executives, as well as other people managers, agree that “soft” skills, such as critical thinking and communication, are also crucial to an organization’s productivity. Demonstrating competence in both hard and soft skills will positively influence an individual’s career advancement.
Here are some of the top hard and soft skills employers are looking for in the year ahead:
Top Hard Skills:
1. Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is the top hard skill that employers are looking for in 2019, according to LinkedIn. From project management to mobile app development, many companies are leveraging cloud technology to streamline their internal processes, or to create new technology solutions for their customers. As a result, cloud computing is becoming an essential skill for many technology professionals, including software engineers, network architects and more.
2. Artificial Intelligence
According to data from LinkedIn, the number of AI-related skills on LinkedIn profiles grew 190% between 2015 and 2017. Many industries have already begun to adopt AI technology to streamline processes and improve business results, including healthcare, software, finance and manufacturing. Companies need skilled technology professionals to spearhead their digital transformation, and those with AI experience are in high demand. A career-focused technology program can help you become more familiar with AI technology and other new advancements you need to stay competitive in the field.
3. Data Science
In today’s business environment, data is more important to companies than ever before. Data-driven insights can help organizations improve efficiencies, identify customer needs and strategize for the future. Companies need professionals who are able to analyze and distill data into actionable steps that they can use to drive their businesses forward.
Creativity is the number one soft skill that employers are looking for in 2019, according to LinkedIn. Keep in mind that creativity doesn’t always correlate with artistic ability. In a professional setting, being creative can mean having a unique thought process or a new perspective. No matter the industry, companies are always looking for new ways to grow their business and differentiate themselves from their competitors. For example, creative thinkers have helped companies like Apple, Amazon and Google become the prominent industry leaders they are today.
5. Collaboration
The ability to work in a team is the most valued skill by employers, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Advancements in technology have made companies more connected than ever before, and facilitated greater collaboration with employees around the world. As a result, companies are looking for candidates that demonstrate strong teamwork skills, as well as leaders who promote collaboration and creativity from their team members.
6. Analytical Reasoning
From business and technology to healthcare and nursing, analytical reasoning is one of the most important skills for growing and advancing in your career. Many industries are becoming more data-driven, and companies are looking for employees who can analyze trends and draw conclusions from large sets of data. Strong analysis skills can also help you become a better problem-solver, examining all sides of an issue to arrive at the best, most effective solution.
7. Adaptability
It can be difficult for companies to keep up with the pace of change when it comes to technology and the needs of their customers. As a result, companies look for employees who can learn and grow at a fast pace. Adaptability is also important when it comes to project management, as you might have to balance multiple tasks and deadlines at once.
8. Time Management
Time management is an essential skill for any working professional. By improving your level of organization, you can increase your productivity, reduce stress and ensure that you are able to complete all of your tasks on time. Planning ahead and prioritizing are important time management skills you can start developing while in college so that you are prepared for the demands of a fast-paced work environment.
9. People Management
Being able to lead, coach and empower people is crucial if you want to become a manager. An MBA program focused on soft skills, such as leadership, communication and problem-solving, can help you develop the people management skills you need to effectively motivate others and advance in your career.
According to a 2018 report by LinkedIn, the number one priority for employers is training for soft skills. Earning your degree or advancing your education through an MBA program can help you develop the critical soft skills needed to succeed in your field, as well as the leadership and managerial knowledge you need to advance your career.
By implementing better habits both in and out of the classroom, you can set yourself up for success all year. Here are five daily habits to boost your GPA.
As a college student, one of your top priorities is to maintain a good grade point average (GPA), but when you have work, class, family and so much more to manage, it can be extremely difficult to keep up.
One of the best ways to take control of a busy schedule is to have a routine. By implementing better habits both in and out of the classroom, you can set yourself up for success all year.
Here are five daily habits to boost and maintain your GPA:
1. Take notes
Your professor likely won’t require you to take notes during class, but you need to in order to remember key information at a later date, such as before a test. Some students prefer to type their notes on a laptop, while others will take theirs by hand. There is research to suggest that writing notes by hand is more effective because it requires more focus, making it more likely you’ll remember the information later. If you’re not used to taking notes, it’s OK to experiment with different styles to find what works best for you. Just make sure that you keep all your class notes in the same place so it’s easy to find them later.
Review your notes whenever you have downtime and before important quizzes or exams. You’d be surprised how much regular repetition can help you understand a topic. Reviewing your notes after class can also help you identify areas in which you’re struggling. Be sure to follow up with your professor or research the answers in your textbook. As you prepare for exams and quizzes, you might also find it helpful to rewrite your notes in the form of a study guide.
2. Study on-the-go
Nobody wants to lug their textbooks around all day. Luckily, there are many ways you can take your study materials on the go and have some fun while you’re at it! One example is to make a quiz or flashcards out of your notes. You can do this the traditional way on notecards, or use Quizlet to create an online quiz.
It doesn’t matter which method you choose, but keep your lifestyle in mind. For example, if you don’t often have a laptop or tablet with you, Quizlet might not be the best resource. You should try flashcards or printing out a mock quiz instead. The more accessible you make your study materials, the more likely you are to actually study.
Also, be sure that the study materials you create are challenging enough that they will help you learn, but not overly difficult. A good rule of thumb is to make your quiz questions 75% challenging and 25% easy. The easy questions will keep your memory fresh while providing temporary relief from the difficult questions. A well-balanced study session is key to finding success.
3. Make time for homework each day
Homework is designed to test your brain outside of the classroom. It can be challenging, but that’s the point. The more you work on something, the more likely you are to remember it. It can be tempting to wait until the last minute to get it all done, but this not the best way to handle your homework.
Instead, by making time for homework every day. This way, you will be studying and familiarizing yourself with course material far more regularly, and you will start to understand the material better. Additionally, because you aren’t spending late nights trying to finish your homework at the last second, you can give every assignment the attention it deserves.
4. Take time for yourself
Sometimes students struggle to get their GPA up because they are suffering from test anxiety and going overboard with their study habits. If you study too much and worry too much, you won’t perform as well as you would have if you took some time for self-care.
So, take some time to unwind and relax every day. Turn on Netflix, read a book, or just spend some time with your family – whatever you need to do to relax. Of course, you should still be responsible with your time and make sure you are studying at some point in the day. Find your balance and you will do just fine.
5. Use a planner
Many students use a planner to help find that balance between studying, self-care and other commitments. There are many time management apps – some even specifically designed for students – that can help you plan out your days and manage your to-do list effectively. You can find out more about which type of planner is best for you in this blog post. All are equally great resources for staying on track!
While maintaining a strong GPA is important, try not to put too much pressure on yourself to achieve perfect grades. You might not ace every exam, but you can position yourself for success by practicing good time management habits and taking care of your health. Trust that your hard work will pay off in the end, and focus on doing your best!
For years now I have been happily using EtherPad based services like http://primarypad.com/ and http://sync.in/ to get participants on the training courses I deliver to work collaboratively to create and peer edit texts. Increasingly though I’ve been having problems with the reliability of the free services these companies provide and the lack of reliable compatibility with mobile devices.
At last it seems that now I have a very elegant solution in the form of https://quip.com/. Quip looks a lot like Evernote and has a similar interface with documents contained in notebooks, but one of the big differences is that Quip was designed specifically to enable peer editing and collaboration on documents and has a very clear way of showing and tracking the changes.
Here’s a short tutorial showing you how it works:
Why should we get our students peer editing?
It improves their awareness of accuracy
It can improve the quality of their writing
Pushes students to accept that writing is a process that needs revisions and redrafting
The ability to collaborate in digital environments is likely to be an important real world digital literacy
What kinds of peer editing activities can we do with students?
We can give them texts with planted errors (10 – 20) in to work on a find and correct together. These could be the lyrics of songs they like or stories or articles they have read.
We can get students to correct each others’ compositions before we look at them.
We can give them texts with specific features missed out and get them to work together to add them. These could be linking or referencing devices, punctuation, vocabulary words, grammatical features such as prepositions or articles etc.
We can get them working together to rearrange parts of a text into a better order or structure.
We can give them the bare structure of a story and ask them to embellish it and make it more descriptive and interesting.
What I like about Quip
It’s free
Nicely designed interface
Works and looks well in both tablet app form and in the browser
Clearly tracks and highlights changes to documents by different users
It looks secure and enables you to limit who sees and works on the document while editing
Has a kind of chat messaging feature which works along side the notes for changes
We can use it to get students collaborating and working together outside the classroom
What I’m not so sure about
It requires registration, which can slow things down in class, but it does also add a degree of security
I haven’t tried it with larger groups yet so I’m not sure how reliably it will function when scaled up to say having a whole class work synchronously on a single document
Not sure how long it will stay free (There is a Quip Business already available)
I’m now looking forward to my next course so that I can try Quip out and get a bit more experience with it. I hope you also find it useful with your students. Do drop me a line and let me know how it goes.
Hartman, H.J. (2001). Developing students’ metacognitive knowledge and skills. In H.J. Hartman (ed.), Metacognition in learning and instruction. Kluwer, 33-68. Academic Publishers: the Netherlands.
I like the models she proposes: Executive management metacognition – plan, monitor and evaluate progress. Strategic metacognitive knowledge – what (facts), when and why (context) and how (procedures).
These models would enable participants to use metacognitive strategies for the three tasks in their course. This would help them develop metacognitive control and knowledge and also reflect.
For each task participants will be asked to plan, monitor and evaluate their progress using self-questioning techniques and reflect using a blog.
Why do I like the models she proposes: 1. Discipline diverse – these models can be used in a number of disciplines as they relate to any type of learning. The examples in the chapter relate to reading, maths, science social studies, writing.
2. Self-questioning is used and this can be modelled to encourage learners to create their own questions. The answers of course are generated by the learner.
3. Critical thinking – the models encourage this and by scaffolding the learning, critical thinking questions can be developed by the students themselves.
I also like the components of the BACEIS model and the internal and external supersystems.B = behaviour A = affect C = cognition E = environment I = interacting S = systems
The cognitive system includes metacognition plus critical thinking, creativity and learning strategies. It would make it too big a project I guess to also look at motivation, affective self-regulation and attitudes (affective system) which are also part of the internal supersystem.
The external supersystem includes culture and instructional techniques as well as teacher characteristics etc as influences on thinking but they are not really relevant for this project.
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