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Showing posts with label Educational technology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Educational technology. Show all posts

Tuesday, 6 March 2018

Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In School ?

Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In School
Okay, we can simply say Yes' cell phones should be allowed in school, or go the other way by simply saying 'NO' What would students need a cell phone for?

In any way, that would never fill you in, so we'll bring different factors into this debate and then reach a consensus on the correct answer.

For a start, there is no doubting the benefits the human race has enjoyed since the invention of the cell phone.

Also in this era that educational technology is passively wiping away the traditional teaching methods, we can perfectly understand the reason why two-thirds of students own a cell phone.

If you're a student reading this, then the chances are higher that you are reading it from your own device and not a parent's.

This is one of the benefits students get to enjoy because they have access to a cell phone. Let's see others

Reasons Why A Student Needs A Cell Phone


1.The cell phone relieves you of the stress that comes with going to the library to search for books that may not be there. Students can now access and download loads of book directly to their mobile from websites like www.b-ok.org pdfdrive.net and other online bookstores.

2.Websites like Google that can be used for online research is available on their cell phone.

3.A student can as well connect with friends or educative groups such as Innovative Students

4.Staying updated with latest happenings by logging onto a news website is easier from a mobile cell phone.

Those are the reasons why a  healthy percentage of parents do not shudder at the thought of granting their child access to a cellphone. We love that too!

However, amidst all these benefits, are a lot of dangers risked when a student is allowed to step into the school setting with a cell phone.

Here's one

Two teens in Quebec used a cell phone to secretly film a teacher yelling in class. They posted the video on YouTube and other social media paltforms. Soon the video went viral and did a lot of damage to the teacher's profile.

The truth is that opinions vary with regard to this growing syndrome - Allowing cell phones in school.

So, we have come up with four reasons why a school is not the right place for students to take their cell phones to. It's safe to suggest that a cell phone should be banned in the school esp college.

Why Cell Phones Should Be Banned In School



1.Cheating In Examination 



We do not know of any other stress-free and cheap medium that facilitates cheating in exams, other than the cell phone.

Answers to test questions can be sent via SMS or personal social media account right in the examination hall while Google provides the student with access to almost all the answers to the test question.

When a student learns to depend on this cunny means of passing an examination, he is less inclined to pay attention to his studies. That's a lose-lose situation for everyone - the student, teacher, and parent.
This also is the reason why a cell phone is among the items banned by Jamb for 2018.


2.Cyber-bullying


This is the practice of sending threatening messages or spreading a harmful rumor about a fellow student via an electronic means of communication.

A student who has an ill feeling towards another student could use the social media platform available on the cell phone to spread untrue information about the person.
This distracts a student from the major purpose of being in school -which is to learn.



3.Stealing & Pickpockets

Is this a problem?

Yes, we think so.

When a student is tempted to steal another's cell phone, simply because they see that it has perhaps more features than theirs or is more expensive, it becomes a real problem. 30% of school pickpockets involve student's cell phones and this can totally be avoided if cell phones are banned in school

Also, a student who has no cell phone seems abject and faces the challenge of focusing on his studies while other students move around with their cell phones.


4.Distraction And Failure In Education


Cell phones are huge distractions to a child's education because of the other features available on a modern cell phone (smartphone).

Several things can be done using a cell phone texting, playing games, listening to music, browsing the internet and social networking which are distractions on its own and of all places the school setting.

Students could also use any free time in school to attend to their smartphones instead of their books.
    60% of examination failure has been attributed to the use of a cell phone, therefore this medium of distraction should not be harbored in the school setting.


    5.Moral Decadence

    With pornography, gambling and other social vices often painted as harmless on the internet and social media, students who get in touch with these are likely to promote it to fellow students who are also likely going to want to give it a try.

    This is done without the notice of teachers and parents and because peer pressure is powerful in this regard, the end result is more harm to our society.

    Rounding Up


    We already mentioned that the cell phone has become an integral part of life in this tech-driven century and definitely serves various purposes.

    If the young student is taught to see the cell phone for what it really should be - a learning tool, then they can use it effectively while they are away from school or under close supervision while in the school setting.


    Now your turn to join the debate
    Do you think its right to use the cell phone in school?

    YES OR NO?

    Don't Leave Without Commenting, We Would Love To Know Your View.
    Read More »

    Friday, 23 February 2018

    4 Profitable Computer Skills For Students

    Profitable computer skills for 21st century students
    Okay!

    You probably know that the world has gone digital and it is very difficult to get along and make a great impact in this tech-driven century, without a good knowledge of the computer.


    In fact, computer skill is actually the most sought after in the world right now and you already have a good knowledge of it, since you could get to this post from your mobile device without needing anyone's assistance.

    Where it gets tough however is trying to get closer to tech and choosing a profitable computer skill to concentrate on as a student or teenager.

    This post has a list of the best computer skills you can really make a lot of money from in this modern era, that is if you develop a passion for it.


    Four Profitable Computer Skills For Students



    1. Word Processing


    Written text will always remain a part of human endeavor and becomes more and more crucial because of the need to organize and transfer human thoughts to a device

    Presenting written text in a clear and readable format is the goal of word processing.

    Computer software such as Word Pad, Microsoft Office Word, and Grammarly is used for this purpose.

    Becoming a word processing expert affords you the opportunity to work with firms that need your services, the pay is really handsome.

    Here's are things you can do



    • Create text documents  for several purposes
    • Convert texts across different text formats TXT, PDF, EPUB, DOC etc


    You could also make a lot of money teaching people what you know about word processing.

    Another way of cashing in on this skill is by providing professional services on websites like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.



    2. Programming /Coding


    Okay.

    This is the most trending skill on this list and is being touted as a hot prospect for the near future.

    Programming also knew as coding is the general term used to describe the work of people who create computer software.

    The use of common computer programming languages such as Assembly, COBOL, Python, Java, Lisp and C++ in developing computer software, websites, mobile application or embedded firmware is a great prospect for any young person.

    Coding computer skill for students
    (Coding)

    The good thing about coding is that you can actually learn it online using websites like codeavengers.com and codeacademy.com.
    Google can also help a student get access to free coding resources on the web.

    In fact, in countries like China and US, Coding is now a school subject for five-year-olds.

    The number of software, mobile apps and website are on the increase.

    Every upgrading 21st-century organization needs the service of a programmer at one point or the other and the pay package is really huge.

    You can also make more money by organizing coding classes for interested people.


    3. Graphics Designing


    This works perfectly for very creative students and teens and is sure to sell because every organization needs graphics work done at one time or the other.

    Creating logos, editing pictures, designing fliers and banners, infographics and book covers are basically what a graphic designer does.

    You can offer this skill in exchange for money on fiverr.com or simply start up your offline or online business in order to get clients that you can work for.

    Another potential source of income is teaching people how to do real graphics, but you need to be an expert in other to succeed with this.



    4. Spreadsheet Management


    Collecting and managing data has been made super easy with the aid of a spreadsheet software such as Microsoft Office Excel, Lotus 123, Open Office calc etc

    This, however, is not a job for everyone as data mismanagement can lead to a great loss for any firm. Hence, the need to hire experts.

    Getting this skill set in your portfolio means that you can carefully present a large volume of data in a simple and easy to understand format, using spreadsheet packages.

    Organizations who deal with data (everyone does) are always on the lookout for expert spreadsheet managers and the salary is quite attractive.

    Just like any other skill, you can make money from teaching others what you know.


    Rounding Up


    Tech is taking over the world.

    Gathering a wealth of theoretical and practical knowledge of any of the skills listed above are guaranteed to make you loads of money and is better than being addicted to your mobile phone.

    But you must remain strongly focused with one and get mastery over it. Become an expert and you can go on to build your own brand.

    Now, you found this article helpful. Please share with your friends

    You Will Also Like To Read - Where To Do Online Research After Lectures

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    4 Profitable Computer Skills For Students

    Profitable computer skills for 21st century students
    Okay!

    You probably know that the world has gone digital and it is very difficult to get along and make a great impact in this tech-driven century, without a good knowledge of the computer.
    Read More »

    Wednesday, 21 February 2018

    Microsoft 365 Education Finally Launched In Nigeria

    Microsoft 365 Education Finally in Nigeria
    Microsoft has finally announced the launch of Microsoft 365 Education in Nigeria – a single, affordable technology solution built for education.


    This revelation was made on Tuesday in Abuja at the Microsoft ‘Windows in the Classroom’ event, in partnership with Sidmach, an ICT firm based in Nigeria.


    The operating system solution brings together Office 365, Windows 10, Intune for Education, Minecraft: Education Edition and Enterprise Mobility + Security, all in a single cloud-based package now available in Nigeria.

    Ms Jordan Belmonte, Education Programme Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, said that Microsoft provided easy and skillful modes of modern teaching.

    Speaking on the goal of Microsoft 365 Education, Ms Belmonte said

    “With mounting pressure on educational institutions to continually improve students’ achievement and prepare them with skills they will need when they enter the workforce, the aim of Microsoft 365 Education is to get schools up and running faster through simplified acquisition and deployment.

    “This eliminates wasted time and delivers new capabilities to teachers and students to help them learn and work in new ways.

    The features are also well suited to learning in Nigerian classrooms 

    “Microsoft 365 is able to connect all the teachers in the world. Some of the features embedded like One Note, aids multiple language learning and has features suitable for special needs of children.

    “With Skype, for instance, teachers can also connect their classrooms to other classrooms around the world, making for an immersive and interactive learning,’’ she said.

    Speaking at the event ,Mr Mark East, Microsoft Regional Leader for Education in Europe, Middle East and Africa, mentioned that modern schools want simple to purchase, easy to manage, secure and efficient systems.

    Therefore , Microsoft 365 Education was designed to fill the need.

    He said.

    “Millions of teachers and students are already using Office 365 for Education to communicate and collaborate with each other every day.

    “With Microsoft 365 Education, we are providing a complete solution for schools in a single purchase that is a less expensive option than purchasing the same products individually.

    “It is also part of our drive to simplify and modernise our licensing programmes ,” she said.

    Mrs Jaye Richards-Hills, Business Development Manager, Education, Microsoft, speaking at the same event, said that gone were the days when the classroom teacher was an all-knowing instructor


    Now, the pupils had access to knowledge through technology.

    Related - 6 Ways Google Can Help Students 

    She made it clear, there was a shift from the traditional teacher-led mode of learning to a more collaborative mode.

    According to her, Microsoft developers look at what the teachers wanted and build them to pedagogical tools.

    “The desire to prepare students for the future is what is propelling Microsoft to build technology that’s easy to use and empowering for both teachers and students,’’ she said.

    Microsoft 365 Education makes it possible to unlock creativity in each student with immersive and engaging apps like Minecraft: Education Edition.

    It enhances independence and efficiency for students of all abilities using intelligent tools built into office apps.'

    Microsoft 365 education is also excellent for classroom use because it represents what young people will be using when they join the work force in a couple of years , therefore granting them access to it right now makes the process of integration faster.

    Teachers drawn from selected secondary schools participated in the event which was held in Abuja.

    Source - Nta.ng


    What are your thoughts on this new technology?
    Can it really be integrated into Nigerian Classrooms?

    Follow Innovative Future on Facebook 

    Read More »

    Microsoft 365 Education Finally Launched In Nigeria

    Microsoft 365 Education Finally in Nigeria
    Microsoft has finally announced the launch of Microsoft 365 Education in Nigeria – a single, affordable technology solution built for education.
    Read More »

    Monday, 5 February 2018

    Where To Do Online Research After Lectures

    Where to do online research after lectures
    Successful scholars are those who perfectly understood the fact that learning does not end in the classroom or lecture hall. They know this and take the bull by the horn by doing a lot of research after lectures.


    Designating some time to engage in intensive and extensive research is undoubtedly beneficial for the following reasons


    • It's an easy way to review and store information quickly.
    • You get an advanced knowledge of the study topic
    • You can assess the quality of the lecture you have received
    • Comprehending the next lecture is made easy.


    We bet you knew these benefits are real and give you an edge over other students, but the little question we're going to tackle in this post is the best places to do some research after the classroom work has ended.


    1. Google Search


    This would always be in first place, considering the fact that the world has gone digital and Google seems to have just about the answer to any question you can key in.

    Just head to google.com and type in the keyword for the topic that you just learned about. Google will provide you with a comprehensive list of web pages that has relevant content.
    This is just one of the six ways Google can help a student.

    The glitch with using Google for research is the fact that you could eventually get bombarded with a lot of information that it becomes difficult the decipher exactly what you need.

    To get the wheels running, before you log on to Google, outline exactly the information you're going to search for and resist the urge to devour every link you see on the search engines result page.

    This way, you get the best information in a sufficient quantity. Research is done.


    2. Wikipedia


    Wikipedia is one of the biggest information banks on the internet. They have an article on almost any topic you can think of, this is the reason why you will always see them on the first line of Google's search results.

    Wikipedia is even more awesome for online research because of the extensive internal linking strategy that makes it easy for you to immediately access loads of information from a single page.

    So, the next time you want to do online research after lectures, head to Wikipedia.com and type in your query.
    Boom!


    3.World Reader


    This is an online bookstore that grants you access to textbooks that you may not be able to find in your locale or country.


    worldreader.org


    Yes! World reader has the best collection of fiction, science, technology, political and religious books.

    You know the best part, access to world reader is free. So if you're looking to save yourself the stress of visiting a library to search for books, you can simply visit worldreader.org on your mobile or download the Worldreader app from Google's play store and get unlimited access to the best books in digital format.




    4.Quora


    Quora is more like a discussion platform that allows you to ask and receive answers to your questions. These answers are provided by other members of the community, and you can also contribute your thoughts when other users ask questions.

    Simply go to quora.com, sign up and create a profile, then the next time you need to do some research, visit your dashboard and drop your questions. You can expect to get real answers and explanations.


    5. YouTube


    Okay, If you're not a fan of reading lengthy text on your mobile screen, then you'll definitely get around with the numerous videos available for free on YouTube.

    YouTube has detailed videos for just about any topic you can think of and is the go-to place if you ever wish to learn and research new things quickly.

    Who doesn't know how to get to YouTube?

    It's by logging on to YouTube.com and then using the search bar to quickly access the video that has the information you seek, by typing in your keyword.



    Rounding Up

    Now, there are loads of other places where students can do research online after lectures but these are the easiest to use and all of them requires no penny, except of course your mobile data connection.

    What are you waiting for?

    Share with your friends now and let them know you've found a piece of information that they need.

    RELATED - How To Reduce Addiction To Your Mobile Phone

    Read More »

    Where To Do Online Research After Lectures

    Where to do online research after lectures
    Successful scholars are those who perfectly understood the fact that learning does not end in the classroom or lecture hall. They know this and take the bull by the horn by doing a lot of research after lectures.
    Read More »

    Tuesday, 2 January 2018

    6 Ways Google Can Help A Student

    Since it's establishment on 4th September 1998 at Menlo Park, California, United States. Google an LLC technical company has made a tremendous impact on the 21st-century revolution.

    Although the Google Search engine is the most widely used of all Google resources, Google has also been earmarked as helpful for students all over the world.


    Have you ever wondered how Google can help students?

    We'll consider


    6 Ways Google Aids and Improve Learning For Students.



    1. Use Of Google Search


    By simply typing in a search keyword into the google search bar, a student is provided with a list of web pages that has relevant content to their keyword. This has saved students the stress of having to spend a lot of hours in the library scanning through books to get resources for their school projects and assignment.
    Google search is conveniently available both on mobile and desktop.

    What's More?

    Google has formatted searches to suit specific needs.

    For instance, resources for school-age children can be found by logging on to www.kiddle.co. This ensures safe search and protects kids from adult content.


    How google can help a student

    Kpedia is Google's Wikipedia for kids and has resources covering a variety of topics ranging from Science, computers, and Internet, Energy, transportation, recreation, History, Geography and lots more.Parents can help their young child make the most of this free tool by Google.


    Scholar.google.com allows students to search for scholarly literature across many disciplines and sources like books, articles, abstracts, theses and court opinions. This has a global reach and fulfills Google's initiative to bring the world even closer.

    Also Read - Innovative Future Introduces Free Digital Training By Google 


    2.Learning On Youtube


    Visual aids work best for students and Youtube is another free learning tool from Google that has the world's largest video base.

    Students can access a variety of videos related to just about whatever information they are searching for.
    Since Google enforces strict restrictions about what Youtube users make available on their channel, students can be assured that they are getting the right information by interacting with educational Videos on Youtube.
    Students can also subscribe to channels that are related to their study focus and get much value.


    3.Saving Resources On Google Docs


    Google doc is a convenient bank for students to store text resources and school projects on a cloud.
    Text resources can include information they have gathered on the web while researching for a project, school notebooks or personal writing works.
    Documents saved in Google Docs is never lost unless an individual loses access to their Google account.

    What students would simply need to access Google Docs is a working Google account and no fees are attached.

    Google Docs is available for Android or IOS as mobile apps and can simply be accessed either on mobile or PC by logging on to docs.google.com.


    4. Meeting Professionals On Google+


    This social media platform from Google can help a student get in contact with professionals from all walks of life and allow them closely follow the activities of their chosen role models.
    Meet a role model



    5.Google Translate


    This free aid by Google especially translates words, phrases, and texts between English and over 100 languages including Spanish, French, Arabic, Azerbaijani, Croatian, Czech, German, Chinese, Igbo, Russian etc.
    If you are studying Linguistics or just want to learn the basics of a new language, then this powerful Google tool is what you need.
    Google Translate is found in the URL translate.google.com


    6. Google Maps


    Launched on February 8, 2005, Google map is a great way students can learn and understand geographical contents, location, map reading and accurate distance measurement.

    An even more exciting feature on Google is the Google Map for education that provides a lot of free resources for Geography classroom activities.


    Rounding Up On Ways Google Can Help A Student



    We're sure you knew Google was around, but now you know how to make the most out of it as a student.
    It will take sometime and practice to get mastery over these tools but the effort will be well worth it.

    Remember to share!


    Also Read - How Blogging Can Shape Learning In Classrooms

    Read More »

    6 Ways Google Can Help A Student

    Since it's establishment on 4th September 1998 at Menlo Park, California, United States. Google an LLC technical company has made a tremendous impact on the 21st-century revolution.

    Although the Google Search engine is the most widely used of all Google resources, Google has also been earmarked as helpful for students all over the world.
    Read More »

    Monday, 1 January 2018

    How Blogging Will Shape Learning In Nigerian Classrooms

    Blogging shapes learning in Nigerian Classrooms
    When will blogging become a feature of classroom learning in Nigeria?


    Technology has reformed the way information is dispensed but only very few of these reformed ways have been incorporated into the educational system in Nigeria.

    Sports, news, entertainment, and lifestyle blogs are trends in Nigeria but blogs can be used to even greater good in the educational sector.

    Albeit, the integration of ICT in some external examination for students, such as JAMB CBT, Nigeria has never been a great example when it comes to embracing 21st-century educational technology aids.

    This post discusses



    • How blogging as a new teaching method can be integrated into classroom learning in Nigeria
    • How blogging can improve the learning experience in Nigerian classrooms.


    First,


    What Is A Blog?


    A blog is the modern version of websites created in 1994 as weblogs.
    A blog is a website created by an individual or organization, primarily for the purpose of giving out information about anything they believe would appeal to an audience.

    Contributing to a blog is called blogging.

    Blogs that can be used in a school or classroom setting is the simplest form of e-learning that can be implemented in Nigeria.

    1.School blog - a blog managed by a school admin and provides the latest update on school activities. Check out Opal School Blog


    2.Teachers blog - Managed by a teacher and can be used for a variety of purposes such as teaching, organizing polls and announcing test results.

    3.Student's personal blog - managed by each student and provides a platform for each student, including the shy ones, to share their thoughts

    4.Classroom blog - A blog managed by individual students in a class and are usually set up for specific school projects. This encourages community building.

    So here's


    How Blogging Can Be Integrated Into Classroom Learning In Nigeria



    1.Teachers Can Teach On Their Blog


    Since a lot of students are now generally inclined to learn on a screen than on a chalkboard, a well-tailored blog post can serve as a teaching avenue for teachers.

    Videos are also supported on blogs, therefore, teachers can always prepare or use already existing video aids to help students learn faster.


    Students will be notified of a new lesson once they are subscribed to the teacher's blog and can now learn at their own pace.


    2.Students Can Submit School Projects On a Personal or Classroom Blog


    School assignments and projects can be directly submitted to a student's personal blog or a classroom blog which the teacher can access at any time.

    The teacher after handing out an assignment should give the students a deadline to complete and publish their projects.


    3.Sharing Important Updates


    A classroom or school blog is a great and convenient way to disseminate important updates such as an upcoming holiday, a sick teacher or student, an examination timetable, school curriculum, new time arrangement for extra classes, and lots more.

    Students and teachers will be just a click away from getting these updates.


    4.Getting Feedback From Parents


    Blogs support the use of comment boxes, parents, therefore, can easily and conveniently share their thoughts on any new developments in the school or their child.

    They can get even further involved in their child's learning by being featured periodically on an interview segment of the school blog.

    Blogs can easily fill in all these needs and if you need assistance on setting up a personal, school, classroom or teachers blog ,contact us here



    How Blogging Can Improve The Learning Experience In Nigerian Classrooms



    1.Exposure To Technology


    It's fair to say that classroom technology is underused in Nigeria, therefore embarking on the exciting journey of building a blog can practically bring to life theoretical classes and provide an advanced hands-on approach to learning how to use technology.

    Students and teachers who get involved in the building process are now automatically internet savvy and become propagators of e-learning in any part of Nigeria.


    2.Convenient Learning


    Students can learn at their own pace and from any location as long as they have internet access.
    No need to trek or get on a school bus when you have every lesson deliciously served on the classroom blog.

    Classroom blogs also provide a convenient platform for the shy students to express themselves as they must from time to time contribute to the blog and interact with contents produced by fellow students.


    3.No Dull Moment


    Since everything is done a PC or mobile screen which students are now inclined to, learning becomes a fun-filled experience.

    Since visual aids are usually more appealing, students are less likely to doze off on their screen than in a physical classroom.


    4.Community Building


    Getting students to work on projects from time to time can help them learn the principles of teamwork and leadership. This can eventually help them to build a great study team.

    Each student contributes his own quota to ensure that they can eventually complete the work. The team receives either the accolades or criticisms at the end of the day.


    5. Honing Great Writers


    Blogging is a great way to discover students or teachers who have got really great writing skills.

    Such ones can be groomed into professional writers and can eventually go on to become professional bloggers, authors, and freelancers.


    Rounding Up On How Blogging Will Shape Learning In Nigerian Classrooms


    Integrating blogs with the learning process in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions will only make learning more engaging and exciting and represents a simple way to equip students with digital skills.

    Join the global shift to digital, start a classroom, personal or school blog today.
    Read More »

    How Blogging Will Shape Learning In Nigerian Classrooms

    Blogging shapes learning in Nigerian Classrooms
    When will blogging become a feature of classroom learning in Nigeria?
    Read More »