April 2018 - Page 2 of 2

Posted on April 4, 2018 by Edsys SEO

Learning is an ongoing process and you are really blessed if you get a chance to study in your life. It doesn’t matter much on how you perceive your education but what matters is the way you apply it in your real life.

A majority of the students are regular school or college goers and they gain their degrees by spending a major part of their day at the institution. However, the trend is slowly changing as many of the students are now opting for online courses. And there are enough reasons for students to think different and get their education done online.

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Here are a few among the many reasons why many students are opting for online courses:

Balance time flexibly: Are you running a family or taking care of your kids or parents and finding it difficult to attend a regular course? Then why not go for an online course and get your degree by balancing your time flexibly? Most of the online courses available let you perceive it without restrictions for the time flexibility. You can invest your free time in these courses and take care of your other priorities during the prime time.

Learn despite time and place: Are you staying in a remote area and finding it difficult to make convenient transportation to good institutions in the city? The online courses make your dream of learning possible without the hassles of travelling kilometres daily. Online courses won’t demand students to learn in a particular time and this gives them the convenience of studying despite whether it is day or night. Thus you can balance the personal and professional life well.

Learn and work in parallel: Some people might wish to learn more but have to get into a work to earn the living. The online courses offer the flexibility to learn on your free time by still pursuing the career. You can work on day time and spend a few hours for the course during night or weekend and manage both things efficiently. Some work demands a lot of travelling and this restricts the option for going for even weekend courses regularly. Online courses with flexible timing are a solution for such students also.

Flexible schedules: When you opt for a regular class at campus, there is no compromise on the daily attendance. You have to be present for almost half of your day at the institution to pursue your dream. The advantage of studying in flexible schedules makes the online learning a plus for people with multiple areas to focus. This also gives them a chance to focus on different areas of study in parallel. Missing a class lesson due to fever or heavy rain is out of question in this approach.

Student-centered curriculum: This type of learning in fact promotes the student-centered curriculum. Students would get a chance to share their decisions and be confident in their capacity. Their distinct aspirations, learning needs or areas of interest can be addressed well using this mode of study. This in fact develops their communication and social skills and triggers their intrinsic motivation to learn. They can easily identify the ways through which they can transfer their abilities to the real world.

Access to online education materials: There is no trouble of carrying heavy text books to the school or college every day. You can have access to the wide range of online education materials with just an internet connection. Moreover, they can review notes, re-watch lecture videos or access other online resources at the time of their choice. There is no botheration of returning books on time to the library as you can refer to the materials that you need at your preferred time.

Globally discuss online: The advanced online courses will have a global community of the student members who are taking the courses worldwide. So you will get a chance to discuss about the subject from different students globally which helps you to learn about the subject on a wider perspective. This also improves their online communication and everyone gets a chance to express their views which is not always practical in a traditional classroom.

No limits to learning by geography: The flexibility to learn despite the place where you are living is what makes online learning this much special. So you don’t need to give up your dream of pursuing certificate in your preferred subject just because the institution near your home is not offering it. Similarly, students can get courses across the country or globe and thus erasing the barriers of limited students and instructor options.

Improved computer skills: When you gain a degree by undergoing online courses, you would be more frequently using the system. So there is a good chance for you to become masters of the computer with good technical skills. The proficiency in using the system and web gained through online learning format are really going to help you in their professional life, as well.

More choice of course topics: There may be limitations on the courses available if you plan to pursue your degree on a campus. However, online learning opens a world of choices and you can seek a degree of your favourite subject. Staffing limitations of your favourite subject no more stops you from pursuing what you really wish. The choice can be made from a wide variety of programs that open a world of opportunities for pursuing various careers.

Accessibility of qualified teachers: Another important advantage of taking degrees online is the availability of subject experts. Many of the courses allow you to fix a schedule for learning with the subject expert of your choice from a group of qualified teachers. There are also options to send your doubts or queries regarding the subject to the teacher’s email and get a fairly quicker response.

Convenient group meetings: Group projects can be more flexible than in a traditional classroom. They can discuss the project ideas and plans in the discussion corner and execute it well on time. There is no need to take trouble in coordinating a time or place for discussion unlike in a regular classroom setup. Moreover, this opens up a chance to grow your professional network and friendship.

Learn from comfort zone: Some may not prefer to study by sitting at the desk for a longer period of time. Similarly, some others won’t prefer to wear uniforms and go by the school responsibilities to study their area of interest. Online learning is an excellent option for those who prefer to study from their comfort zone. They don’t need to sacrifice their time, place or other engagements and study at their comfort.

Self-paced learning: Independent learners would always prefer to learn at their own pace without any restrictions or pressure. This is possible with online learning unlike the traditional classroom schedules and weekly exams. In this method, a student has the sole deciding power of what to study and when to study and this flexibility proves really good for independent learners. They can invest ample time for their other passions and give dedicated time for learning at their wish.

Character development: An institution is considered the best place where a student develops interpersonal skills and many doubts that it will be missed in online courses. However, learning online is not that easy going as many think. This requires good time management skills as well as a lot of self-motivation. This is the most important skill a student should develop that gives him a self drive to do things in life. It also teaches how to meet deadlines without any external pressure which is going to help you a lot in the work place.

Lower costs: Most importantly, you can save pretty decent money if you opt to take up courses online. The payment is needed for just the tuition fees, any book posts and the exam fees. Students can be free of the money they spend for housing and transportation. This helps them to avoid the possible debts and save more.

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If you are trying hard to balance the learning phase for any of the reasons, don’t leave up your dream to learn more. Instead, do a thorough research and join an online course of your favourite subject and enjoy the true spirit of learning. Even when you have enough degrees in your life, you can try your intelligence or excellence in different subjects by opting for various courses online and keep up the passion for learning.

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Edsys SEO

Most of the times, student behavior poses challenges to education experts. One such phenomenon is the threat of cyberbullying; bullying a student through the use of electronic media. Bullies send text messages via computers and smartphones which can be threatening or intimidating. Such students can also share content on social media platforms or via gaming apps so as to inflict emotional pain on timid and introvert students.

Here are some tips that will help teachers crack the whip on erring students who are making the lives of their peers a living hell through offensive texts and images.

Inform About Cyberbullying at an Early Age

Now a days, kids as young as six are relying on technology to learn in classrooms or at home. It is this trend that paves the way for bullies to go crazy with their malicious intentions. It is hence your responsibility as a teacher to educate your pupils about cyberbullying from the time they start using technology for learning. When students are aware about cyberbullying, they will steer clear of all such occasions which can lead them to be bullied by the “so-called” dominating students.

Conduct Informative E-Workshops for Parents

Teachers should work hard in the direction of nipping off cyberbullying in the bud itself through the active involvement of parents. School authorities, teamed with teachers should step in to conduct e-workshops and webinars for parents. As part of these workshops, parents should be allowed to engage in discussions concerning cyber bullying along with solutions that come in the form of filtering software. Highlighting the different forms of cyberbullying will also be of utmost help to parents to ensure that their kids are safe at home while being connected to the internet. This awareness about what cyberbullying will help parents to ensure a safe and cordial learning environment for their wards; at all times.

Explain the Thin Line Between An Argument and A Bullying Comment

While teachers should educate both kids and parents about what cyberbullying is all about, the onus is on them again to inform both the parents as to what is not bullying. Since kids are free to express their differences on various online platforms, they can also engage in arguments so as to prove their point to others. Under such circumstances, it is important for students to not regard a small tiff as an act of bullying.

The Privacy Factor

Teachers are ordained to impress upon students to protect their online passwords. It should be dinned into the minds of students that they should never ever share their passwords with anyone; including their closest pals. Teachers should also emphasize on the need to keep changing the passwords at regular intervals. Students should also be encouraged to come up with non-controversial tweets alongside maintaining a graceful online status for other friends to easily recall and interact.

Compassion is the Key

Teachers should adopt an empathetic stance with the perpetrators by reiterating the fact that they cannot get away with what they are doing. Educators should impress upon such erring students that they cannot take refuge for their wrong doings behind a computer or phone. It is through empathy that teachers can handhold such students and tame them so that their words and actions do not inflict pain on the weak and vulnerable students.

Ignorance of Law is Unpardonable

Teachers have to work in tandem with the school staff to ensure that the laws of cyberbullying are adhered to; at all times. If a teacher identifies an offensive image or content, especially of cyberbullying nature, he/she should go full on to confiscate the device. To perform such disciplinary acts, it is the prime responsibility of teachers to stay in sync with the protocols of their school along with the act of safeguarding the lawful policies of child protection. This way, a sense of lawfulness will keep such bullies on their guard.

Cyberbullying is Non-Negotiable

As a strong contrast to the common adage “Spare the rod, spoil the child”, punitive actions work against your intention. Care should be taken by educators to restore the situation without indulging in any sort of punishment. Teachers should try to address cyberbullying in a healthy manner so as to avoid repeated occurrences. Allowing students to develop healthy relationships with their peers, teachers will have to work hard towards educating students about mutual understanding and responsibility.

Openness to Report Abuse

Empathy is not only about understanding the mentality of bullies. It is also about helping the bullied students to report abuse. An open line of communication between students and teachers will pave the way for a cordial teacher-learner relationship. Once such a healthy relationship is established, students will gain confidence and start to open up with their faculty about becoming a victim of cyberbullying. It is hence the need of the hour for teachers to harp on the importance of breaking their fearful silence that envelops cyberbullying.

Incorporate Team Building Mechanisms

Teachers deal with students coming from different walks of life. While some of them can be extroverts, a bunch of introverts in class might find it difficult to interact with the rest of the class. It is under such circumstances that team building activities come to the rescue of teachers. Allowing groups of students to collectively partake in an activity with a pre-defined goal will enhance the interaction between these groups. Once students start interacting with each other in pursuit of attaining a common goal, they will employ all their strengths to complete the task. In doing so, they will also start to engage with other students who are not a part of their class.

Incorporate Technology In Classrooms

Schools which incorporate technology as a learning tool stand to ward off the instances of cyberbullying, in more ways than one. Teachers will be able to educate students about the ethical and non-ethical use of technology. Guiding them at all times, teachers through technology can help students respect each other and stay away from hurting others through malicious comments and images.

A Yardstick to Cyberbullying

Teachers can seek the active participation of students in anonymous school surveys. Through such programs, teachers will be able to assess the extent of bullying that is harming students along with other malicious behaviors that are prevalent. Allowing educators to identify blind spots through nameless clues coming from the entire class, teachers will have substantial data points to address the menace of cyberbullying. They will be able to better focus on the issues and address them accordingly.

The Intervention of Professionals

While teachers spend a great deal of time amidst the four walls of a classroom, constantly interacting with their pupils, they can also seek the intervention of community resources in tackling cyberbullying. School communities which have the support coming from administrators, counsellors and law enforcement personnel will be in a better position to tackle the ill-effects of cyberbullying.

Teachers can knock on the doors of counsellors to interact both with the perpetrators and the victims. Teachers should impress upon students to be open up their problems to counsellors to solve them.

Knowledge About Legal Dimensions

Students can indulge in sexting, alongside engaging in conversations full of verbal aggression. They can be caught possessing an indecent video image or video of another student. Notwithstanding the fact that such actions do not call for any legal proceedings, teachers should seek the involvement of Police Community Support Officers (PCSO). Through these law enforcement officials, everyone concerned can be briefed about the legal implications that surround cyberbullying. When parents and students participate in such discussions, they will be better informed about the consequences of cyberbullying.

Wrapping It Up

With so much being said about cyberbullying and the pain it inflicts on weak students, it is time teachers take things under their control. When the above-discussed tips are implemented by educators, they can not only restore but also create a positive school environment that thrives on open communication and empathy. All in an attempt to establish healthy peer-to-peer relationships in classrooms, these anti-cyberbullying hacks will come handy to ensure the mental well-being of every student concerned.

Posted on April 2, 2018 by Edsys SEO

It is the endeavor of teachers to prepare their wards in such a way that they can face the challenges that life throws at them at all times. Given the omnipresence of technology, gadgets will come as accessible instruments to favor technology-centric teaching methods. Along with this, the time is ripe to focus on personalized learning so that every student learns at his own pace to transform into a knowledgeable and responsible citizen. All such developments are lined up for the teacher-student fraternities as part of promising educational trends in 2018.

Here is the rundown of all such educational trends that will make their strong presence felt in 2018.

Career-Centric Programs

It is now time for school leaders and teachers to make the most of opportunities that help them take on the role of trained leaders and mentors. They will now be able to impact the lives of other students in more ways than you can imagine. These groups of individuals will involve themselves in induction programs by extending support and mentoring students as part of building up their careers. Such programs will not only benefit students to develop management skills but will also lead to the retention of new teachers.

This can be seen as a promising career-support initiative that will weave magic in the lives of both students and teachers alike. Such opportunities are waiting to be unleashed by teachers who will carve a niche for themselves so as to tread the path of professional development.

The Impressive Presence of Technology

Teachers and students will be in a favorable position to leverage the benefits of technology in education. Young children are already tapping the potential of Flipgrid; a platform which promotes social learning. This is a community learning interface which allows students to share knowledge through online discussions about various topics.

It is through short videos that students share their responses by participating in various learning dialogues. Tagged as a simple yet powerful means, it is through Flipgrid that teachers can encourage student engagement. All those young learners who lack writing abilities now have a platform to express themselves through this creative learning platform.

The Prominence of Screen Capture Videos

Another impressive use of technology to learning and teaching comes in the form of screen capture videos. These are identified as the next big thing that will enable teachers to assess the assignments of students, permitting them to share personalized feedback.

Through a screen capture video, educators in 2018 can record a lecture, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of students by displaying their assignments online. Students get to learn their innate positives and areas of improvement through this form of online feedback. This trend of receiving feedback via a laptop screen is poised to continue in 2018 as a promising means to modern teaching and learning mechanisms.

Drift Away From the One-Size-Fits-All Educational Approach

The concept of personalized learning has caught up in such a way that it is spreading its wings into all the spheres of education. When you blend this concept with technology, you will begin to unleash the benefits of a novel teaching approach that argues against the prominence of one-size-fits-all. Since a class is made up of students with different IQ levels who demonstrate different means of expression, personalized learning supported by technology will be the continuing trend in 2018 as well.

Teachers will be employing the next gen online tools that deliver the benefits of personalized learning. They will encourage students to communicate, collaborate and work in tandem with each other.

Teachers Will Partake in Residency Preparation Programs

The year 2018 will see the teaching faculty enroll themselves with residency-based preparation programs. These residencies are primarily meant to lend a helping hand to areas which demand greater student-teacher participation, especially with subjects like science, math ad special education. These are the subjects which register a huge teacher turnover in prominent city school districts.

Through such residency preparation programs, teachers will be encouraged to not only benefit from graduate educational programs but will also receive stipends. Allowing teachers to transform into experienced teachers, it is through residency preparation programs that the present day teachers can secure their jobs for longer periods.

The Inclusion of Trauma-Informed Practices

Stress is a common factor that runs havoc in the lives of modern individuals. Students too are not spared from the harmful effects of unnecessary tension. Hence it is the need of the hour for teachers and educators to rely on professionals so as to counter the effects of traumatic events witnessed by students in their past.

A study suggests that 25% of students under the age of 16 have already become the victims of trauma. Kids who have experienced turbulent childhoods call for immediate action. Teachers and school administrators should pay extra attention to stressed out students. The latest trend in this regard will be the active involvement of school authorities with stressed out students. Supporting them to face life with renewed vigor and confidence will become the ultimate goal of educationalists; an attempt to nip off the after effects of stress in students in the bud itself.

Shortage of Teachers

The previous trend with regard to teacher shortage is predicted to continue in 2018 as well. There will be a dip in the number of teachers who specialize in science, math and special education. With such a situation, schools which are meant to educate low-income students, color students and those who are eager to learn the English language would need a stronger force of trained teachers.

When the society begins to register a growing number of school-going kids without the assistance of educated staff, underdevelopment is all that you can expect. This is a trend that should be addressed on a war footing for a holistic change to manifest.

SEL Efforts Will Attract The Limelight

Another educational trend that you can expect in 2018 concerns the efforts towards Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in assessing the progress of a school. With a determination to build the self-esteem of students, schools will start encouraging kids to face the life ahead by introducing them to modeling teamwork. Equipping students with the social and emotional strength to resolve conflicts with peers, schools will work hard in demonstrating empathy.

It is through such well-informed moves that schools will turn into stress busters for students so that they can effectively beat the reasons causing anxiety and stress in them. Teamed as a generation which promotes a positive school culture, it is the right time for schools to offer a safe, healthy and understanding environment for students.

The Promise Behind A Healthy School Culture

You can expect a number of advancements with regard to the culture of schools throughout 2018. Now is the time when a lot of attention will be given to a positive school culture which promises a healthy, scholastic well-being. Healthy school philosophies are a function of expectations, beliefs and attitudes which will be periodically expressed by the internal and external participants.

To promote a healthy school culture, it is very important to inculcate strong leadership traits amongst both teachers and students. Bringing in the importance of a group effort, it is through constructive feedback that you can take the first step towards building a strong internal and external school environment. This positive trend is expected to continue into the next year as well.

School PR Strategies To Get A Fillip

Given the fact that schools are the strong pillars of every community, the year 2018 is expected to offer a host of opportunities for leaders to accept complete responsibility. When leaders start extending efforts in the direction of building a strong school brand in every community, you will be attracting the attention of stakeholders including parents, teachers and students. It is here that a strong public relations (PR) strategy should be built, giving utmost importance to transparency and study material.

Addressing the needs of these stakeholders is to reach out to them in the best possible manner. Along with smart devices, a host of PR tips like the use of conventional and social media will take on center stage. There is every chance for you to witness public schools operating via a PR and Communication professional; a liaison between the school and the stakeholders. All in an attempt to offer the best means of open communication between the various parties, it is through such tips that the right message about a school reaches the ears of active listeners.

Closing Thoughts

All set to drive a lasting and positive change in the various spheres of education, the above discussed trends will make their strong presence felt in 2018. It is hence recommended that you stay tuned to all these occasions that will slowly yet steadily unveil themselves by the end of 2018.