e-Learning Trends in K-12 Education

E-learning had been rapidly growing and changing the entire field of education. From time to time, new technologies are constantly applied to greatly improve the teaching-learning process. It also creates  new dimension for education that will propel us to greater achievements, and as future educators, we should also be aware of these trends so that we can cope to the changes in our field of expertise.

The list below shows 5 eLearning trends in K-12 education according to an article posted on Techhub.com.

1. Apple iPads, Smart phones and Mobile devices in the Classroom

Apple iPads, smart phones and mobile devices are used by teachers on other countries in the world to easily monitor progress of their students, plus they can also provide their own lessons on the gadget itself. However, we cannot do the same here in the Philippines because this kind of gadgets are expensive and cannot be afforded especially for public schools teachers and students.

2. Tech-based Monitoring of Student Progress

Programs like Blackboard and online grade-tracking systems are making it easier for teachers to follow students progress, no matter where they are. Online and offline courses alike are making use of this great new technology and the explosion of available programs and websites.

3. Truly Educational Gaming

There are always educational games for students to play at home or in school, but these days the variety and accessibility of it grows rapidly. Educators who are hoping to increase interest in subjects like math, history and science have begun bringing games into the classroom, allowing students to play while they learn.

4. Social Networking for Learning

Blogs and social networking sites like Facebook are becoming more and more popular among educators all over the nation. They let students collaborate and give, even the most shy of students, a voice. Better yet, these social sites are perfect for online education, allowing students who can’t get classroom access to enjoy some of the same benefits as their counterparts who can.

5. Electronic, Interactive Textbooks

Traditional textbooks can be great, but they can’t match the power of new, interactive electronic books found online and on mobile devices. These textbooks, popular in both classrooms and in e-learning, can supplement the classic text and photos with videos, audio clips and even interactive activities for students to complete.

A Call for a Change

I believe that everyone, including the rich as well as the poor, were all part of this planet, and a true global change needs unity if we really look forward to a better future. I personally believe that we need to accept by heart the beauty of diversity because it will be the foundation to unite all areas of society; religious beliefs, social classes, political ideals and nations. To unite a world is not an easy thing to do, but it is obviously the primary requisite for us to truly solve all the unfolding issues, and provide a better world for our children and to the next generation.

There is so much potential in humanity to unfold a series of events which bring positive outcomes. Maybe if we can accept all the good and bad from ourselves, our governments, our religions, and those around us, rich and poor, we might have the opportunity to make a real and positive change for everyone. Not in the way that we all need to be exactly the same but united in our differences with a common goal of providing the very basic for us to  move in a positive direction.

Kaleidoscope

“Every color and every hue

Is represented by me and you

Take a slide in the slope

Take a look in the kaleidoscope

Spinnin' round, make it twirl

In this kaleidoscope world”

   

Kaleidoscope World by Francis Magalona

        In the song “Kaleidoscope World”, different races of the world were compared to the beautiful colors created by the mirrors. At the first glance, it is indeed stunning, but once we twist and turn the kaleidoscope, we will then realize that it can create more fascinating combination of colors that we can ever imagine. These simply tells us that despite of our differences in races, religions, views and interests, if we just learn to learn to live together, then we can create a better world for every one of us. 

Personally, I really believe that the world will be a better place to live in if we all realize our special functions that we need to do with positive attitude and cooperation. In work and in life, it’s important not to forget that everyone has value and they play roles that are bound to create an impact on the society. I found out that if someone treats other people, regardless of their status and physical appearance, it will be a good barometer of person’s characteristics.  In our society we have come to worship fame, beauty, power and wealth much more than we should which is the main reason why we struggle to create a society that is filled with harmony and cooperation. In fact, we can all achieve our goals and live in peace and harmony by simply allowing our fellow human being to maintain his/her dignity and self-respect regardless of the circumstances.

We should remember that all aspects of the world’s society and culture are just small fragments that make up a bigger construction, and these bigger constructions maintain harmony in the system. To me, this is a standard view of how society works, looking at it from a “building block” perspective. We are all part of a puzzle that will play important roles for the improvement of our society. We, ourselves, can witness how certain aspects–family, or religion, come to mind–represent specific facets of our culture that help us blend together in a cohesive manner.

 

The Fall of Political Dynasties

Philippine politics is really interesting and entertaining, yet, very intriguing.  It is a ground for people who can do anything for the realization of their dreams. It is built for those who want to serve others and for those who want to be served by others as well. It is the origin of wonderful promises that became the roots of enormous disappointments and eventually produce misery and poverty to our country.

Philippine politics brings hope to the Filipino but it is the same reason of despair and downfall of this country. Throughout the time, it became the jumping board of unlawful and corrupt practices instead of a response to the needs of struggling Filipinos living in our land and other countries as well. It also became a high profitable means of livelihood for some greedy politicians whose priority is to be wealthy rather than to serve their country and their people. This is the main reason why some of them tends to cling on their position for a very long period of time and in turn give birth to the so called political dynasties. Through their time of service, they have a lot of family interests to protect. Thus, to be able to hold the power longer than it should be, they tend to pass the torch to their relatives and other members of their families. Honestly, it is quite intriguing how they were able to do it considering that our populations have reached a hundred millions and there are certainly a lot of other people who can serve our country a lot better than them.

I personally believe that political power should not be controlled by only few families whom for the longest time deprive others of having an equal opportunity to run for public offices. This dynasties undermine the principles of political equality and in turn limits the liberating potential of the democratic process. Although political dynasties have been with us for less than a hundred years, it is foolhardy to think they will go away on their own. Everyone should act against it and we should call for a major reform on our system of government. It’s about time to break this stranglehold of the family dynasties on Philippine politics and should give chances for those who are willing to sacrifice their personal interest just so serve our country better.