The Story Behind Talento – a Talent Search/Hosting App Developed by Students of CMRNPS
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In a city like Bangalore, a lot of people drop the idea of joining a class or a coaching program because of the commute, the time it involves and the stress from traffic congestions. Not only do people have packed and hectic schedules, they also face difficulty in finding the right coach or tutor for the skill they wish to learn.
Tanisha and Milan, Grade 10 students of CMR National Public, along with their friends realized that this could be solved if the search for learning was localized to within their community, using the talent in their neighbourhood. All they had to do is create a platform that facilitated this. With over a month on their hands, the five friends got together to create an app where
- people with a certain set of skills can offer their knowledge and experience to tutor interested individuals
- people who are keen to learn and acquire these set of skills can register to be tutored
- the community’s talent would be unearthed, shared and appreciated
And so Talento was born – its beta released on Android, was designed exclusively for the residents of MSR North City. At the touch of their fingertips, members of the community would be able to sign up to be tutored in a particular skill or offer their services by conducting sessions or events.
Tanisha credits this success to her father, Mr. Ashwini Tambi, who initiated the project as he wanted the children to direct their time, enthusiasm and creativity towards solving small, addressable real-world problems,
I wanted them to make the best use of their summer break by doing something productive. In the process, I was also looking for opportunities where they could get some industrial experience. Together, we visited several potential problem statements, looked out for students who could join us and mentors who could guide us before we could define our project objective
The opportunity of finding a way to make the best use of the in-house/residential talent and skill, convinced the team to work on an “application” based project, thus kicking off four weeks of their mini-startup.
“We would huddle up with our laptops during the evenings, spending an hour each day. As we progressed, the hours got longer. Our mentors would also join us after they got back home from work.”
Working closely with languages like Javascript and XML, the team developed Talento on Android Studio, with the guidance of several mentors. Just like the objective of their app, their mentorship was sourced from within the MSNRC neighbourhood. The children were coached and guided by their neighbours – individuals from reputed organizations in the industry. The team also got to participate in two expert talks that helped them with their app development.
“Mr. Vinod spent an hour every evening with us, giving our project its direction and serving as its architect/scrum master. We also had a chance to attend talks by Mr. Nithin and Ms. Nidhi. Mr. Nithin took us through the several nuances behind app design while Ms. Nidhi explained the technicalities behind app deployment”
The team of five – Aditya, Anika, Milan, Pavaana and Tanisha set a deadline of a month to arrive at the beta version of their app, owing to the possible unavailability of team members thanks to summer vacations. By this time, support to the team wasn’t limited to the parents or the residents of the community, as Tanisha notes
“When we hit hurdles in our code, we would ring up our classmates to verify and cross-check. They would ping back suggestions or alternatives. Even with our logo, our friends helped us figure out the dimensions. The support was all-round”
To be able to create and release an application such as Talento, the team would have faced several complexities. Tanisha recalls a few,
“After being introduced to Android Studio, the initial results weren’t quite what we were looking for. On paper, everything seemed fine – we had our login screen envisioned but we faced many errors when we emulated it. Over the course of the month, we faced several challenges, but we solved each one of them. One such instance was the realization that hit us one evening. We discovered that the Android version we had been working on was higher, so we had to make the application compatible with older Android devices.”
Among the many challenges, naming the application was fun to tackle, as Tanisha believes there was a lot of learning from the activity,
“Each of us had a lot of ideas for the app’s name. We even studied how reputed apps in the market found their names. One brainstorming session later, we shortlisted a few and closed on Talento since it genuinely describes what our app stands for”
Like all companies in the world of apps, the team had to arrange for a logo, now that the name was finally in place. They did this by themselves, having had a clear idea of how the logo would look. A quick visit to the Logo Maker website had them sorted. Now the focus was solely on testing the application and launching it.
With the basic features now available on the application, the team took turns testing the application, involving their parents in screening out the bugs. Deployment and debugging of the app proved to be an intense ordeal, as the team remembers,
“We had to ensure that it was bug-free and wouldn’t crash when it was launched over multiple devices. Our parents joined us in testing it across different Android versions. The final week was reserved for intense testing. We faced a few crashes but we were able to quickly make fixes”
To motivate the children and appreciate the efforts they were putting in, the parents got Talento t-shirts printed and these were proudly adorned by the team during the app’s launch. Setting up registration help-desks to aid the residents with their sign-ups, the Talento team organized a product launch at the community’s clubhouse, inviting residents to make use of the app,
“The app is consciously designed for the MSRNC, with an approval system for users within this community. We used Firebase to manually add email ids and names, to ensure that every user is an MSR resident. The launch had a nice turnout, most of whom installed the app. We have had two or three events run on the app with successful sign-ups as well.”
“It was a proud moment for us when we launched the app. A month’s hard work translating to an application that would help people we know. It felt great to know that our efforts had a direct impact on the community”
“Our parents played a vital role in the project. They were very supportive and encouraging from the start. From laying down the vision of the project to marketing the product launch on social media and Whatsapp, our parents have been our anchor through and through.”
Mr. Tambi was quick to note the role of parents in bringing such problem-solving opportunities to their children,
From my experience, this is not something children can initiate on their own. While there are plenty of ideas in the minds of many, it can only be brought to reality if there is a vision, laid down by someone within the community. It is important that the overall mission statement of any project is first laid. If that leadership comes from the community, then there is no problem we cannot solve.
Currently designed only for the residents of MSR, Talento has won accolades at its product launch from industry experts, who recognized the problem points it solves and noted its scalability. They even have a knowledge session planned for residents to guide them through the application and also narrate their journey of creating it.
What lies ahead? In addition to features that the team has listed on their roadmap, Tanisha says that feedback and comments from users will also be prioritized,
“We have a list of add-ons that we want to implement in the coming months. Our aim is to get the application on iOS devices and also implement feedback from our users. We have a set website in place and a support email address for them to write to us.”
Talento was built using resources that are free and open-source. The only monetary spend came for the publication fee on Google Playstore. Aside from successfully publishing an application, the Talento team acknowledges the learning behind this journey,
“We played by our strengths and used this opportunity to explore new avenues. Some of us were good at design, others at coding – we divided the work amongst ourselves and learnt to work as a team. We learnt that app designing doesn’t start straight from a laptop. Start manually on paper – design, implement, test and repeat. It includes a lot of thought processes and ideas subjected to several iterations. We learnt that we cannot add everything we wanted into an app – always aim to keep it simple and user-friendly”
We congratulate the team behind Talento for a successful launch and wish them the best for their future entrepreneurship ventures.
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Ekya / April 03, 2024
The Power of Learning with Intent: A Guide to Purposeful Education
In a world brimming with information, the art of learning has evolved beyond the mere acquisition of facts. Learning with intent, a deliberate approach to education emphasises quality over quantity, depth over breadth, and purpose over passive absorption. It’s about cultivating a mindset that transforms knowledge into meaningful action and empowers individuals to navigate the complexities of the modern age effectively.
At its core, learning with intent involves setting clear objectives and actively engaging with the subject matter. Whether exploring a new language, delving into scientific principles, or honing a creative skill, intentionality infuses each learning endeavour with purpose and direction. As Albert Einstein aptly said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." This quote amplifies the importance of active participation and hands-on learning, highlighting that true understanding arises from deliberate engagement with the material.
Furthermore, engaging actively with the material is paramount. Embrace challenges and embrace mistakes as opportunities for growth. This proactive approach not only deepens your understanding but also cultivates critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for success in any field.
Moreover, learning with intent emphasises relevance and applicability. Seek out opportunities to apply newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By contextualising learning within your personal or professional sphere, you enhance its significance and utility, making it more likely to stick.
In conclusion, learning with intent is a transformative approach that transcends traditional notions of education. By setting clear objectives, engaging actively, prioritising relevance, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can harness the full potential of learning to achieve their goals and thrive in an ever-changing world. So, embark on your learning journey with purpose, and let each lesson propel you towards a brighter, more fulfilling future.
By Sweta Pradeep Rao
Senior English Educator
Ekya School JP Nagar
Ekya / April 02, 2024
Gadget-free Summer Break
With summer vacation around, I urge parents to explore various ways to facilitate children to make healthy choices during their vacation time.
Last week, when we asked our Early Years to visualise their characters and create a story, most of them came up with stories about ghosts and monsters attacking others. When we had conversations about what gave them this idea, we understood that these story ideas emanated from their online games. While gaming per se develops specific skills and requires focus, it also stifles the imagination of young children. Since it is visually appealing, children tend to remember those images in their heads all the time.
I often see parents providing very young children (1 year to 3 year olds) with gadgets as the means to keep children engaged and entertained. I see children watching phones in the waiting areas of clinics, hospitals, school lobbies and banks.
This brings us to a fundamental question “ Should children be engaged by parents all the time?” Not necessarily. What is likely to happen if children were not handed over gadgets at the waiting lounges? What would they do? Some of them may cry, some may throw a loud tantrum, and some may crib. If parents show resilience and allow children to settle down themselves, they will soon find ways to keep themselves engaged. Likewise, during summer vacation. What if this is a “no gadget” vacation and parents do not take up the responsibility to engage their children? What would children do? How can parents show resilience here and facilitate children to make healthy choices? I leave the readers with this thought for this summer vacation.
Mathangi R,
Head of School,
Ekya NICE Road.
Ekya / April 02, 2024
The Eye of the Storm
In the hushed embrace of an Indian evening, our journey began, a symphony of anticipation orchestrated by the hum of jet engines and the flutter of boarding passes. The promise of adventure beckoned from distant shores as we boarded our flight bound for the United Kingdom, our hearts aflutter with dreams of far-off lands and newfound horizons. But as we soared through the velvet sky, a foreboding shadow loomed on the horizon, a harbinger of the chaos that was soon to unfold. In the blink of an eye, the tranquil serenity of our airborne sanctuary was shattered by a deafening crack, a burst of purple lightning that danced across the heavens with an otherworldly fervour. The air crackled with electricity as the plane shuddered beneath the force of the storm, its metal frame quivering in defiance against the tempestuous onslaught. And then, in a heart-stopping moment of sheer terror, the heavens unleashed their fury upon us, casting our fragile vessel into a maelstrom of chaos and uncertainty. The sky darkened to a shade of ominous charcoal as the winds howled with a primal ferocity, tearing at the wings of our faltering craft with savage intent. The cabin was awash with panicked cries and frantic prayers as we clung to our seats with white-knuckled desperation, each passing moment stretching into eternity.
And then, as if mocking our feeble attempts at control, the plane tilted almost 180 degrees, its nose plummeting towards the earth with a sickening lurch. Time seemed to stand still as we hurtled towards the ground, our fate hanging in the balance as the world spun wildly out of control. But just when all hope seemed lost, a glimmer of salvation emerged from the chaos, a beacon of light amidst the encroaching darkness. With a mighty roar, the engines surged to life once more, their thunderous symphony drowning out the cacophony of the storm as we clawed our way back from the brink of oblivion. As the storm clouds parted and the sun cast its golden rays upon the horizon, we emerged battered but unbroken, our spirits buoyed by the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. And though our journey had been fraught with peril and uncertainty, we emerged from the crucible of the skies stronger and more resilient than ever before. For in the crucible of adversity, we discovered the true measure of our strength, our courage, and our unwavering determination to defy the odds and chart our course through the tempestuous seas of life. As we touched down on solid ground once more, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the world around us, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
Arjun Narasimhan Kuppuswamy
Grade 8C
Introducing PowerSchool Unified Classrooms at Ekya Schools
Our technology journey started way back in 2012 when we were one of the earliest schools in the Country to launch Google Suites (earlier known as Google Apps for Education) to all our teachers and students. And, over the years we have partnered with few of the most progressive technology players in different facets of education spanning administration, curriculum development, and professional development. These are truly cutting edge solutions that have a proven track record globally.
With our curriculum design and delivery evolving at a rapid pace, we started looking out for a solution that would be able to capture all aspects of learning a student goes through, by providing a platform that complements the learning standards set by the Ekya curriculum.
Our search for such a solution started over a year ago and after testing out almost all leading solutions available within the country and globally, we zeroed in on the best in the game – PowerSchool – Unified Classroom. With all our students and teachers already having used Google Classroom and Suites over years now, we were confident that this upgrade will be nothing less than exciting and enriching for all of us.
PowerSchool is the #1 leading education technology platform for K-12, serving more than 32 million students, 66 million parents, and 100 million users in over 70 countries around the world.
Screenshots of the current Unified Classrooms at Ekya Schools
What adds to our excitement is the fact that we are the first Indian group of Schools to launch PowerSchool’s Unified Classroom. The award-winning Unified Classroom facilitates a centralized instructional process for Ekya and CMR, bringing together student information system, assessment, learning and grading into a single unified platform.
Stay tuned for more updates on our technology journey.
Parents of Ekya
Click here for a step-by-step walkthrough of PowerSchool Unified Classroom at Ekya Schools.The Art of Pencil – Poem by Ms. Sribaghya S, Teacher at Ekya School BTM Layout
The Art of Pencil
Penned by Ms. Sribaghya, English Teacher at Ekya School BTM Layout, The Art of Pencil takes a step back and looks into the perspective of a pencil and its role of creating the art around us.Somehow writing with a pencil seems beautiful even without a stencil. How do you know this absolute? It may be, the cause of our primary teacher’s put! “Oh! What a wonderful handwriting!”- Applauded the gathering, The boy won the credit while the object maintained distance a bit! Isn’t it beautiful to see lead inside a beautiful wooden carving? Why are only the exhibited materials shown a craving? I personally wonder and am inspired by the person who created this thing. For he/she is such a creator who gave us an opportunity to write and make it fun-filling. It may be of different brands, it may be of different range but one quality that does not differ, is the style that occur! I’m very much enraged with the thought that you are not awed by a lot. You get sharpened on each time of blunt by the possessor, yet you don’t squeal, wail or grunt. Hey, selfless creature! Do you not regret becoming smaller and smaller each time of the day arising? Written by:- Sribaghya S Teacher, Ekya School BTM Layout
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