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Ekya / December 02, 2021 Posted by : administrator

“Technology is best when it brings people together” – Matt Mullenweg

Technology has always been used in education since ancient times. But with a sudden shift to online education in the year 2020 due to the pandemic, teachers across the globe scrambled to find the perfect technological tools. Personally, I loved this phase as there were so many tools that made learning interesting and effective.

I absolutely love using Google Suite especially Google Slides. There are so many templates that I can and have used to make my presentations eye-catching and interactive. There are many options like animation or using GIFs that make the transaction of a lesson very effective.

Another great discovery was the tool named “Canva”. This app has various preloaded templates and pictures that allow the user to create a poster, an invitation, a card, or even a presentation. My children from grades 8 to 10 love using this tool as it is very user-friendly and easy to use.

Quizzing was made interesting by Kahoot. The interface is great and the children use it to create their own quizzes and host them too. This inculcated the spirit of friendly competition and confidence in them.

Keeping in line with Ekya’s ideals, I was initially in a pickle thinking of interesting ways to put up the Plan for each class. Then I got introduced to Microsoft Whiteboard. It made my life so easy – I could plan and keep my points handy prior to transacting the class. I could draw and illustrate pretty easily too.

Tools like Padlet and Mentimeter made my online transactions easy too. From using them as a forum for expressing ideas, feelings, and thoughts to even voting on a topic, everything became so much easier.

While as a teacher, I looked for innovative ways to make teaching an enriching experience, I also came up with interesting ideas that made Internal Assessments and assignments more fun. One such assignment was to imagine as an author and create a book for Middle School children on the types of mountains. There were so many interesting, out-of-the-box submissions that made me reflect on the potential this generation carries. Another assignment involved creating awareness videos on the conservation of nature and I received very professional well-curated videos. Some children personally expressed their gratitude for giving them such assignments where they could learn and hone their skills.

After from general tools, I found some learning-area specific tools like a Visual Dictionary that not only gave the meaning of the word but also the synonyms and antonyms, the various ways it can be used in a sentence and various forms of grammar (https://visuwords.com).

Another website helped in understanding the concept of antipodal arrangement of land and water in Geography.

With the evolution of technology, the capabilities of the education industry are increasing manifold. The Internet is a vast electronic library of information, and both research and instruction can be achieved through a click of the mouse. With these advances come new responsibilities to the teacher to make sure that learning and growing never stop.

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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

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#StudentBlogger: Back To School By, Prerana Moolchandani, Grade 9A, Ekya JP Nagar

Back to School

With bated breath, I was awaiting the fresh and vivacious day to bring some peace to my restless self. I felt a ripple of excitement at the thought of the very first day of my new school. I had only spoken to my classmates online for one year. The first day of offline school in an unknown place that I had never seen, was truly making me nervous and apprehensive.

My expectations from offline school were plenty. I was looking forward to a better learning experience, not just academically but socially as well. Online classes were really tiresome and not as productive as an offline class could be. Offline classes provided so many opportunities like lab classes, physical and co-curricular activities.

People usually are taken aback when they take a bite of the sandwich of reality but fortunately that was not the case with me. I must admit that my school measured up to my expectations and that the accolades that my friends had expressed regarding the school were completely real.

On my first day of school, we were taken to the science lab.I silently heaved and peered all around the place. Who would want to miss such a mesmerizing experience?

After the lab session, I was quite optimistic about the rest of the day. I was fervently waiting for the recess to break the ice and start a conversation with my new acquaintances.

The offline school was something that I was persistently looking forward to, but it’s well said: “the grass is greener on the other side”. Something similar happened to me. After attending classes in the comfort of my home I was so unaccustomed to moving around and donning the uniform along with an asphyxiating mask for long hours. To be honest I felt suffocated and throttled by that innocent-looking skirt.

Nevertheless, I got adjusted to it in a few hours and found myself enjoying coding in the computer lab. This lab was not as large as the science lab, however, it had an impressively large range of computers. The transparency of the glass panes allowed the luminous light to light up the whole room and it was oddly comforting. Though I faced a lot of problems in coding during online classes, offline classes made me a better coder. My teacher kept guiding me and eventually I too found myself engrossed in coding.

The day was definitely tiring but gave me such beautiful experiences which when revived made me feel eager and comfortable in my awesome new school. After all, who would want a tedious online class, when such a refreshing and fascinating offline class was an option?

-Prerana Moolchandani, Grade 9A, Ekya JP Nagar

#TeacherBlogger: What it Takes to be a Teacher By, Priyanka Ghosh High School English Educator, Ekya Jp Nagar

‘What prompted you to be a teacher?’

-Well, my teachers have inspired me and  I consider teaching as a noble profession.

-I adore children and love spending time with them.

-My passion for my discipline drove me to this profession.

-‘Teaching is one profession that helps you learn as you teach.

The question I penned down above is a common ice breaker that teachers encounter time and again. The probable answers are not too tough to guess. Hence, it was easy enough for me to use it as a springboard to my humble attempt at self-discovery as a teacher.

What exactly does it take to be a good teacher?

To me, teaching is always about giving back.

Returning the gentle pat, from my kindergarten teacher, on my eager head, before she lined us up, the proud smile from my language teachers when they read out my compositions to the entire class, admonishments from my Math teacher since I never quite met up with his expectations, the spirited lectures on Shakespeare’s poetry which made my hair stand up on its end by its sheer brilliance and articulation. All of it.

I have been privileged to be on the receiving end of masterly teaching and heartwarming kindness from my teachers. I have always felt the need to pass on this good turn [again taught by my Moral Science teacher in Grade 1] to my children...my students. Teaching is a responsibility that has been bestowed upon my weak shoulders by these awe-inspiring men and women who have pieced together the jigsaw of my intellect and soul.

I like to believe that through my teaching I make my contribution to the poetry of life.

Teachers are performers in class...storytellers in the staff room and worriers when they try to catch a wink. I have grave doubts about how much our students remember what we officially teach in class. But they sure do remember when we cracked a joke, helped them open their lunch boxes, or praised them in front of their parents. In all these decades of being a teacher, I have realised that the core quality that a teacher needs is the ability to never give up on his/her students. Despite our quota of frustration, silent rage, and disappointment, we keep on scheming and planning to bring out the best in them. Affirmations, one-to-one talks, catching them doing the right things go a long way. Once the bridge of empathy strengthens between the student and teacher, the other jobs become relatively easy.

Like satellites, that glow on borrowed light from planetary bodies, we teachers thrive on the glory of our children. Let every molecule of their effort make us proud...let them grab our hands when they slip and realise if not anyone else, their teacher will stand by them. Always.

Or as Prophet in Khalil Gibran would say,

You give but little when you give of your possessions.

It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.

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