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Project-Based Learning

The article “Project-Based Learning Research Review” in edutopia is an excellent piece of knowledge that sums up the benefits and scope of the project-based learning. The article explores the vast body of research on the topic and in the series of five articles; it detail the definition of project-based learning, review the possible learning outcomes, give recommendations of evidence-based components for successful PBL and suggest the best practices across disciplines, to name a few. What is Project-Based Learning? The basic principle of project-based learning is an inquiry-based approach of teaching and learning. Teacher provides the students with a question or problem that could be driving, challenging or intriguing and that in turn encourage and guide their learning. Students are free to work in groups, pairs or individually to conduct research, collect or construct material and evidences. They, therefore, approach the problem in a systematic and guided way in order to create m
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Personal Learning Environments

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Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) can be defined as the phenomenon that is continuously redefining the domain of e-learning. According to Wikipedia definition, Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) are systems that help learners take control of and manage their own learning. This includes providing support for learners to: set their own learning goals  manage their learning, both content and process  communicate with others in the process of learning  As per this article ,  The term Personal Learning Environment (PLE) describes the tools, communities, and services that constitute the individual educational platforms learners use to direct their own learning and pursue educational goals. Since last few years, there is an increasing attention towards Personal Learning Environments (PLEs) as an effective framework to support lifelong learners. PLEs also implies to the personal collections of tools and resources a person assembles to support his or her own learning, and they
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In Search for Higgs Boson

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As per the Moriond Conference on March 13, the ATLAS and CMS collaborators at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) presented preliminary new results that they are closer to the findings that the new particle is looking more and more like a Higgs boson. Many of us remember that the project on Large Hadron Collider was started amid blaze of publicity. Till date, LHC is world's biggest and highest-energy particle accelerator made so far. In laymen's term, it is believed to answer the some of the basic questions in Physics, most basic one being the formation of universe. In scientific terms, it is aimed to answer validity and limitations of the Standard Model, which is the basis of modern elementary particle physics. It also hopes to answer the existence of the hypothesized Higgs boson along with other particles. The Higgs boson is supposed to gives mass to the elementary particles. For those interested in visualizing and learning in detail about it, there is a virtual applicat
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Fractal Geometry

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Since my Professor introduced me to this relatively new branch of mathematics, known as ‘Fractal geometry’; I am fascinated by it as it very well explains the beauty behind the repeating patterns, I always found enchanting. Superficially, one can recognize fractals as beautiful patterns and images seen on computer wallpapers, snowflakes or in arts or maybe if you observe carefully in many things around us. Benoit Mandelbrot (in 1980) was the first mathematician to coin the term ‘fractals’ and present the mathematics behind the fractals. To brush up the memory, I have uploaded few images, and I am sure everybody must have observed these images all around in their life. On observing carefully the shapes of snowflakes, clouds, mountain ranges; one can recognize self-similar shapes that seem to repeat again and again; hence mathematically fractals are thought to be infinitely complex. The following series of videos very interestingly explains the phenomenon and intri
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Using Technology to Support Multiple Intelligences

It is refreshing to go through the concept of multiple intelligences in a Special-Ed. course, I am taking currently. In the words of  Howard Gardner ,  “We are all so different largely because we have different combinations of intelligences. If we recognize this, we will have a better chance of dealing appropriately with the many problems that we face in the world. "  According to Howard Gardner, all humans have varying degrees of intelligences (nine types) based upon their experiences and genetics set-up. These multiple intelligences can be nurtured, strengthened, or ignored and weakened with use or by paying special attention. His theory is widely accepted in the education community, as it enables us to understand the significance of incorporating music, art, visuals arts and drama to make learning a meaningful process. Besides, it also supports the concept of differentiated instruction. By acknowledging various learning preferences, teachers can create authentic opport
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Google Search Education

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‘Help your students become better searchers' is the mantra for  Google  to have Google Search Education. Not only, for students, but it is a great tool for educators as well.  I feel this is yet another resource must to have in one’s library!   With power search option, it offers tips and tricks to become a fast and effective fact-finder.  Besides, it provides help in downloading appropriate lesson plans and activities   and also  give s live trainings in the form of webinars. One section, I found very interesting to check out is a puzzle ‘A Google A Day challenge’ that facilitate to develop complex search skills  among students , and thereby ignite their interest, thus engaging them to learn and explore more. Here are few examples of the challenges from the Science section of the website: Questions: While quietly standing at sea level, you are suddenly whacked on the ankle with a guitar. Did you hear it or feel it first? If you stacked $20 bills until you reache
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Lessons from Space!

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It was intriguing to watch the astronaut Chris Hadfield giving elementary school students at Chris Hadfield Public School in Milton an out-of-this-world lessons, on CTV news . Chris Hadfield interacted with the students from the spacecraft Soyuz and is actually the second Canadian to take part in a long-duration spaceflight aboard to the International Space Station (ISS), to work for five months as part of the crew of Expedition 34/35 . And the thing, worth taking note was the excitement and thrill of students as they spoke with someone directly from the space. I felt a great jest among the students as they asked questions about his scientific space discoveries, the solar system and life aboard the space station. One second-grader asked how the stars really look like in space, so she can draw them better. He told them facts about gravity and showed how he adjusts in weightlessness. Another interesting tidbit the astronaut told them that he watches sunset 20 times a day as their ISS or
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