21K World School is a unique academic institution, which gives children an opportunity to learn, innovate, grow and move with the times, all from the comfort of their homes. More
Online Schooling Is a Boon during Tough Economic Times. Here's Why
Online schooling is a way of learning where students are educated using digital platforms. In online schooling, teachers interact with students on digital platforms to teach them.
Online schooling is a new concept that became popular during the Covid pandemic. It became a necessity to maintain social distancing. Online schooling allowed students to learn from their homes.
Economic recession usually follows pandemics. A pandemic slows down the growth of the economy. People lost jobs and spent less on non-essential items. Businesses suffered due to loss of revenue. Many were forced to shut down.
Surviving the recession needed innovation. The whole world found various ways to maintain social distancing and work from home. Schools also found innovative ways to teach and engage students. Online schooling led to various benefits for the economy too.
How can online schooling help the economy?
Read on to learn how online schooling can boost the economy.
How Does Online Schooling Benefit Students?
The recession impacted the lives of students to a great extent. Large groups of students interact with each other in normal school settings. This led to a surge in covid cases. Some schools shut down indefinitely to prevent the spread of Covid.
The pandemic also affected students pursuing higher studies. Many could not afford higher studies due to a rise in the cost of living.
Students were unable to join foreign universities for higher education. Many students worked during their free time to pay their bills. Studying on campuses abroad was very difficult due to the recession.
The pandemic led to a positive change in higher education. Many students enrolled in foreign universities to study online.
Students did not have to spend for relocation or boarding. They were able to pursue higher education by paying less. This came as a great boon during the recession.
Flexible Learning
Advanced learning platforms use AI to enhance classroom learning. Teachers get regular insights on how each student is performing. This improves their engagement with students.
Some of the advantages of online schooling come from flexibility. Below are some examples:
1. Lessons are available with a few clicks
2. Learning material is constantly updated
3. Virtual labs
4. Relaxed learning environment
5. Time for other activities
6. Personalized learning experience.
The AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate) programs are geared toward high school students and provide access to college-level coursework and the chance to receive college credit. What makes the two programs differ from one another? Which one appears to be more impressive? Which will give you the best chance to get admission to a prestigious university?
Important distinctions
The AP program originated in the US to aid high school students in preparing for college by enrolling in challenging courses. Depending on their school, schedule, and objectives, students might enrol in just one or as many as twelve AP classes.
On the other hand, IB originated in Switzerland to be a diploma course that is recognized globally. You must complete a minimum number of courses across a variety of them to get the diploma.
Program Objectives
IB focuses on writing and vital thinking talents rather than just examinations. This diploma requires a lengthy research paper written in the style of a college essay. There are extracurricular requirements for the IB program as well.
On the other hand, the AP program emphasizes teaching students to develop competence in subject matter and screening their awareness on examinations. There are multiple-choice questions and a focus on achieving specific content objectives.
Examinations and Classes
One can take AP exams without registration in a class, but IB exams require enrollment.
The AP college database allows you to search the AP credit policies of various colleges. Although the IB program lacks a database like this, you can look up any college or university's IB credit policy by searching "[Name of College/University] IB Credit."
Additionally, IB offers both standard-level and higher-level courses. You must enrol in at least three higher-level courses to receive an IB diploma. Although some subjects, like calculus and physics, have multiple course options, AP courses have only one level. Some high schools consider IB higher-level to be more difficult than AP. Although not all colleges offer credit for standard-level IB exams, most do for AP exams and higher-level IB exams.
Although there aren't many AP "classes" in India, there has been an increase in inquiries about the exams themselves. On the other hand, IB is expanding quickly and is offered at the majority of private schools in major cities.
How Online Schooling help Students to Achieve their Goals
The concept of traditional schooling has significantly changed during the last few years. Being physically present in a classroom is no longer the sole learning method, thanks to the Internet and modern technology. Nowadays, anyone may get a top-notch education whenever they want and wherever they are as long as they have access to the Internet. Since online learning has changed, a new era has begun.
There's no reason to dismiss people's skepticism about online education. However, it isn't easy to understand the concept of doing away with the traditional classroom, especially when dealing with this vast online environment.
However, that is not a sufficient justification to forgo employing this alternative, which has been successful for many students. According to the Babson Survey Research Group survey, more than 30% of American college students are enrolled in at least one online learning course. Whether one is an adult or a child, choosing online education is a smart move. This is a valuable instructional method for students who want to gain new skills or deepen their understanding of a complex subject.
It is Adaptable
With online learning, the teacher and the student can determine the pace of learning. There is also the added flexibility of setting a schedule that suits everyone. Adopting an online educational platform offers a better balance between studies and work, so there is no need to give anything up. Because online learning equips students with crucial time management skills/ life skills, finding a healthy work-study balance is more manageable. If the student and teacher have a common goal, they could decide to accept more challenging assignments and exercise greater autonomy.
It Offers A Wide Range Of Programs.
In a space as vast and varied as the Internet, there are infinite skills and topics to teach and study. Universities and other higher education organizations are progressively offering online versions of their courses across various levels and subjects. Every learner has multiple options, from music composition to quantum physics. Online program completion is a great option to obtain a diploma, degree, or official certificate without travelling to a campus. People now acquire credentials that help them succeed in their careers; the best ones are financial certifications with the highest return on investment.
The Need to Teach Emerging Technology Skills in High School
The phrase "emerging talents" has recently gained popularity as a consequence of the proliferation of digital technology and its expanding use in practically every aspect of life. As a reason, the capacity of high school students to get relevant vocational and academic possibilities in which they may succeed beyond high school is contingent on their learning of such abilities.
The emerging skill collection is continuously developing based on the newest technological breakthroughs and the degree to which they are welcomed by the corporate sector and society in broad; hence, compiling a complete inventory of emerging skills seems complicated since these talents are constantly altering. Keeping this in mind, below is a list of the most essential and valuable developing skills:
1. Coding
2. Intelligent automation
3. Processing of data
4. System evaluation
Teaching Ideas for Emerging Technology
Educators may take the following actions to train students for occupations that need emerging technological skills:
1. Seek collaborations with local firms to offer students the opportunity to interact with technical knowledge experts.
2. Give students meaningful project-based opportunities to learn using real-world situations.
3. Incorporate classes that promote professional qualities like problem-solving, compassion, and integrity into your syllabus.
4. Learn new technological skills with your pupils by taking free courses.
Methods for Integrating Emerging Skills in the Course
Since high schools are accountable for educating students for productive careers, they must provide educational programming that encourages students' growth of emerging abilities. Opening a meaningful discourse with local businesses and professionals to establish the necessary skills inside their occupations or business strategies is among the most successful ways of completing this difficult job.
Conclusion
Beyond fundamental intellectual comprehension, students must acquire vital soft skills like teamwork, and emotional intelligence since working and living in the electronic era hasn't diminished. Still, the need to work constructively and engage with people has been relatively enhanced. Historically, pupils were taught the value of a greeting, physical contact, and listening abilities. If you want to understand more, go to the 21K School World Campus website.
The world is an oyster when one learns a language and comprehends the cultural principles that drive cross-cultural communication. Studying a language can enhance one’s understanding of personal interests or family history. It can also help them think about and comprehend the world around them using new terms and frameworks and communicate with people whose language is not theirs.
What is a course for the International GCSE in Languages?
The International GCSE course allows students to improve their speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities in real-world situations. The course aims to enhance learners' practical communication skills, lay a strong foundation for the language skills needed for further study or employment, raise learners' knowledge of the nature of language and their language-learning abilities, and foster personal growth.
Why study international GCSE languages?
Learning a second language has several benefits, including improved memory, spatial reasoning, and even creativity.
1. Enhances cultural awareness
Learning a foreign language can lead to discovering new cultures, foods, social networks, and other things. One probably isn't aware of it, yet interacting with a different culture alters people. One gains a rare "intercultural know-how" that one may be proud of by developing a new relationship with the world. Learning a new language helps promote tolerance, openness, and understanding, all of which are crucial in today's more interconnected world.
2. Improves knowledge of one's mother tongue
The mother tongue has long been the obvious choice; the one people come across accidentally, the sole solution they never even bother attempting to explain. However, expanding one's horizons to include a second language helps one see things in perspective.
Undoubtedly, learning a second language helps one's understanding of their native tongue. When compared to other languages, the linguistic structure that this or that language has selected assumes greater significance: the origins of words are exposed, the roles in the sentence are structured, and the meaning of words is explained.
3. Boost one’s creativity
It's not magic to be creative. It requires abilities like memory, vision, multitasking, and decision-making, which are significantly enhanced by learning a second language.
Tips to Give a STEM Class that Will Leave Your Students Happy
STEM is an acronym for the core subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM subjects require the students to develop a niche skill-set of initiative and problem-solving. However, on the flip side, students of these subjects tend to lose interest in them and therefore cannot develop the desired skill-set. In light of that, the instructors/teachers of this course have an important job of keeping the students motivated, and their interest ignited. Here are a few tips the teachers can rely on:
Experiment with different teaching techniques: Considering the subjects are very technical, a static approach may make the course monotonous. It is advised that the teachers experiment and try different teaching techniques. Some examples could be asking students to teach a topic, audio-visual tools, simulation sessions, project-based classes etc.
Develop a personal connection: It is strongly advised that the teacher knows the students' names before class and maintains an amicable teaching environment to encourage students to attend classes and feel comfortable. One important tip would be to make the students think that the subject they are learning is essential and would take them somewhere. This sense of connection and mentorship would also reduce absenteeism.
Ice-breaking sessions: The sessions can tend to get less stimulating and impersonal. These sessions help the students to share their ideas more fluidly and help them in being more participative. It is also a great team-building exercise. It is always a great idea to host an ice-breaking session!
Debates: STEM courses require students to be creative and innovative. The teacher can pique the interest of their students in debating. This would also aid the students in meeting like-minded people and developing opinions. This can also help in encouraging questions. Another important purpose that debates serve is that they encourage critique and on-the-feet thinking.
Assigning writing tasks: Activities do not always have to be fun. Teachers can ask the students to reflect their opinions in text form. These writing tasks assist the students in understanding how their thoughts can be organised articulately and logically.
Team activities: Students look forward to working with their peers. Further, working in a team allows students to learn how to work as a unit.
College days are definitely among the most fun phases of everyone's life. However, a certain level of discipline also needs to be maintained to succeed academically and graduate with flying colors. Since students spend most of their time in college dorm rooms apart from classes, they must inculcate the value of discipline in their dorm rooms themselves.
When students are packing for college, there's much to think about. They also have to ensure they have a comfortable place to sleep and enough furniture to fit their needs.
Worry not for those confused regarding the essentials that need to be part of their college dorm rooms. Listed here are some items necessary for any college dorm room.
What items should be included in a college dorm room?
Every college student is different, so what items are necessities for one person might not be for another.
A bed: A bed is one of the essentials students need in their dorm room. Investing in a comfortable mattress is also equally important. This is because you want your back to be well-supported after long hours of sitting and studying.
A computer/laptop: Students cannot get through college without a laptop in today's time, where everything is digital. The laptop is needed to complete all these tasks, from assignments and notes to presentations and internships.
Some furniture: Having a comfortable chair and a study desk is sacrosanct. A college dorm room will remain incomplete without some furniture. Students should consider buying a chair with lumbar support and an adjustable table.
Depending on the college and the individual student's needs, other things that may be necessary include:
A fridge and microwave: A refrigerator and a microwave can significantly reduce your monthly food bills. They also help avoid junk food that can make students fall ill and even fail exams.
A closet and dresser: Students are bound to bring a lot of clothes with them to college that are suitable for different seasons. Cabinets and dressers will ensure that clothes are stored neatly.
Conclusion
When you first move into a new dorm room, there are a few essentials that you must have on hand. This checklist includes a pillow, an alarm clock, and some snacks. However, don't forget the other essentials that all students need to feel at home in their dorm: bedding and furniture.
The pandemic disrupted the education sector by first keeping children away from school. And then taking learning into children's homes. Homeschooling acquired a whole new meaning when teachers streamed live into students' workstations at home.
However, traditionally, homeschooled children did not attend regular school. They learned at home, either from parents or tutors.
Some of these unconventional pupils went on to become well-known and successful.
Scroll down to read about 15 successful people who were homeschooled.
1. Theodore Roosevelt
One of fourteen children, Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, was born in New York City.
Roosevelt and his brothers were homeschooled because they experienced various physical issues. Teddy was accepted to Harvard in 1878, a testimony to the children's mother, aunt, and French governess' teaching abilities.
2. Jamie Anderson
Jamie Anderson, who won the snowboarding gold medal at the Olympics, attended homeschooling classes with her seven siblings while raised in South Lake Tahoe. Most homeschooled students are still required to concentrate on fundamental subjects like mathematics and reading.
3. Justin Bieber
When Justin Bieber was found on YouTube and propelled into the spotlight, he was 12 years old. While on the road and establishing his musical career, he continued to take online homeschool programs. In his native Canada, he had completed public elementary school, but by the time Justin Bieber's debut single was played on the radio, he had started homeschooling.
4. Simone Biles
At age 13, Simone Biles started homeschooling so she could devote all of her attention to professional gymnastics. She acquired freedom by studying at home, which helped her career soar. She currently holds 19 medals - a record for most Olympic and World Championship medals - making her the most accomplished American gymnast.
5. Misty Copeland
Dancer Misty Copeland performed for one of the most esteemed ballet organisations in the United States, the American Ballet Theatre. In 2015, she became the first African-American woman to be elevated to principal ballerina in the company's history. To have more time for dance practice, Misty started homeschooling in the tenth grade.
The school is responsible for not just academics but also children's personalities. A social setting is created through a school that allows personality development. The importance of skill development can be illustrated here through seven ways schools can help impact a child's personality:
#1: Social skills – When you're putting your children in school, you're allowing them to have their first experience of developing social skills outside the family. It will enable them to practice making friends, which directly gives them confidence. In addition, they can build their communication skills and get the fear of speaking out of them. As a teacher, you can help introverted students come out of their shells and not be burdened by emotional struggles that can later hamper adulthood.
#2: Building character – Letting your children be in school allows them to build character by taking responsibility. You let them earn the respect of others through interaction which also gives way to empathy and compassion to be created in them as well. In school, you also help them improve their listening skills and patience level while listening to teachers and other peers.
#3: Learning-oriented mindset – Your children get to learn a broader range of subjects when they are let to attend school. Their personality develops beyond things you might have taught them at home. The school allows them to become much more curious about subjects such as English to History, which helps them become much more excited for growth. The importance of skill development is immense for your child as it helps them be prepared for the future.
#4: Emotional security – A school counselor directly provides your child with mental support if there are issues at home at a personal level. Moreover, friendly and empathetic teachers also play a massive role in helping students build emotional resilience through which they can express themselves. Teachers and counselors also address issues of bullying at school through other peers to help remediate any conflict.
#5: Extracurricular activities – When you let your child attend school, they participate in extracurricular activities. Physical activities help your child become much more agile and robust, filling them with energy.
What A Leader Can Do To Transform Society, Starting With School
Who is a Leader?
Talking about leaders, we always assume them to be cold, harsh, strict, and unempathetic. But can such people be called leaders? Unfortunately, the answer is 'No.'
A leader is someone who inspires team members and motivates them toward achieving a particular goal. In other words, a leader is someone who performs the task of leadership, which is the act of influencing and motivating people to follow. It is a skill that can be learned by following the right approach. Making students learn this essential skill right from the school level can help them from an academic perspective and make them better citizens and promote education empowerment.
Role of a Leader in the Society
Are leaders born or made? Leadership is not a natural skill but can be learned with patience and conviction. A leader not just leads and directs people to accomplish a task but assumes different roles simultaneously. Given below are the five primary roles played by a leader in society.
Motivator - A leader acts as a motivator and motivates people to achieve specific goals. Good leaders appreciate their team members, provide training, and engage them in decision-making to encourage them to work harder.
Mentor - Leaders act as a mentor for their team members and guide them in the right direction to help them achieve success. They provide their mentees with a foundation for building a successful career.
Learner - A leader is not just a mentor but also has the role of a learner. Leaders keep constantly evolving by enhancing their knowledge and skills to perform their job in a better way and be role models for their mentees.
Communicator - One of the essential skills for a leader is to be a good communicator. It involves effective listening and effectively communicating with the help of the right set of words, body language, and voice tone.
How can Good Leadership at School Level Help Bring Change?
As previously stated, leaders are made, not born. Teaching leadership to students right from the school level can help them enhance their careers and lead a better life. The role of a leader in a society is crucial as leaders can shape the future of a country, a community, and an organization. Leadership skills can be instilled among the students through various activities and projects organized at the school.
