Closer View At Classes Online

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Most of us are very well familiar with the concept of a traditional classroom, be it in school, college or any other educational institution. We know how lectures are taken in these classes and how the teachers and students function in such setups. Offline and traditional learning was the only method of education before the pandemic hit and the entire world went under lockdown. Online classes are a very new concept when compared to offline classes but these classes have proven beneficial for all during testing times like that of a pandemic. In this article, we will be zooming in and taking a very close look at online classrooms and what goes on inside these classrooms. We will look at how these online classes are similar to offline classes and the ways in which they are different from offline classes.

A classroom is a place of learning where students and teachers interact and learn more about new topics related to various subjects. A classroom can be virtual and exist in the online space as well as real or offline and be in a school, college or any other type of educational institution. To understand the differences and similarities between these two types of classes, we must first clearly define both of them. This will help us perform a comparative analysis about the same. We will also look at the various features of both types of classrooms and how different activities related to teaching and learning take place in them.

First, let us discuss a traditional offline classroom since most of us are already familiar with the same. An offline class takes place in schools, colleges and other educational institutions like tuition centres or coaching centres. In this type of classroom, a teacher and a group of students are present physically in real-time. There is usually a blackboard or a whiteboard using which the teacher explains concepts and teaches about different topics related to their subject. The students and the teacher interact with each other during the class by asking questions and answering them, clearing doubts related to the lesson being explained and so on. Students raise their hands to seek permission before speaking to avoid any sort of chaos or confusion during the lecture. The teacher is supposed to mark and record attendance for their class to keep a count of how many students are present and attending the class. Different subject teachers come to the same classroom as per the set timetable and deliver lectures on their subjects to the students. Exams and tests are also conducted in the classrooms and the teachers have to set question papers for the same as well as mark the answer sheets.

This is how the offline traditional classes take place. Over the last two years educational institutions, be it schools, colleges, coaching or tuition centers, have remained shut due to the pandemic. All types of classes are being conducted online using apps, websites, software and online portals. Constant attempts have been made to ensure that online tools such as apps and websites make online learning and online classes much more similar to offline classes. This has been done to make these classes easier to understand and the tools easier to use for both students and teachers.

A mobile teacher app, a classroom app, an app for video meetings and an app for finding e-books are some of the different types of apps that are most commonly used by teachers and students in online class. Some apps and platforms offer the features of all these apps in one place as well. An online Virtual classroom takes place using a video meeting platform where everyone can turn their cameras and mics on and use them for communicating. These classes allow teachers and students to interact in real-time. Students can use features like raising their hands to answer questions or ask their doubts. Virtual whiteboards can be used to explain concepts similar to offline classes. Other than this tool, teachers and students also have the possibility of sharing their screens and showing videos, pictures and other media to help enhance the lessons. Unlike offline classes, attendance can be recorded and maintained automatically. Sometimes even question papers can be set using certain platforms and portals. Some apps also allow digital assessment of answer sheets.

SMDC’s Calm Residences: A Steadfast Investment To Fulfill Your Dreams

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As the Lion City of South Luzon, Santa Rosa has, time and time, proven itself to be a vital economic enclave — connecting many development hubs, and thus, driving growth within and beyond its community. It’s Santa Rosa City’s commercial and industrial growth that have paved the way for residential communities to thrive amid such unwavering progress.

Regardless of whatever stage in life you are in, investing in an SM Development Corporation (SMDC) property guarantees a future of security for you. The minimum capital outlay, alone, opens doors to immeasurable lifestyle opportunities — for those looking to start a family, a home to set the pace; for those in search of a new environment, a hearth to change your space; and perhaps, for those eager for financial contingency, a reliable source of passive income, and in turn, a ladder to help you climb your goals and aspirations.

Discover why Calm Residences, in particular, not only brings the best out of Santa Rosa lifestyle, but also merges the city's promise of business opportunity with SMDC's legacy of real estate service excellence.

Solace in Suburban Living

With such a prime, suburban location, Santa Rosa is within reach to fundamental places of interest. Reputable schools such as Xavier School and De La Salle University - Laguna Campus, and the impending University of Santo Tomas - Laguna and University of the East - Laguna reside in the area. Hospitals, malls, and other commercial centers, as well, lie within the sprawling green spaces of the city — all together, promoting not only a well-rounded lifestyle, but even a competitive one.

Santa Rosa also offers a plethora of employment, business, and investment opportunities. In 2010, industrial locators in the fields of manufacturing, food processing, and business process outsourcing multiplied from 21 to 102, most of which are situated in the seven Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered industrial estates. The businesses generated a combined employment of 100,000, and contributed almost eight billion dollars to the country's export earnings.

Easily accessible from the city, as well, are major thoroughfares such as the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), which give invaluable access to Metro Manila and other key destinations such as Tagaytay City.

To top it all off, Calm Residences houses a wide array of holistic amenities geared to cater to your every need — whether it’s the pleasures of leisure you seek, or simply a breather from the daily grind. These and more give you a strong sense of peace and comfort; an assurance that your real estate investment is here to last.



Sanctuary of Stillness

Carrying SMDC's unique brand of ‘the good life,’ Calm Residences yearns to provide its homeowners with tranquility and wellness, above all else.

Residents are granted with generous choices of lifestyle activities. Relish the lush greeneries at various pocket parks, pavilions, and gardens.

Give in to the inviting resort-styled swimming pool, or perhaps get fit at the designated sports area. Brought together, such facilities not only encourage relaxation and recreation, but also promote a culture of camaraderie within the community.

With the dedicated services of the professional property management team, as well, you are guaranteed 24/7 security, and the kind of upkeep that ensures your own little sanctuary stays just like that — a sanctuary.



Security in Stability

Calm Residences extends a sense of calm not only to its residents but also to its cared-for investors.

A recent study by Leechiu Property Consultants showed that SMDC developments in Santa Rosa have a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of up to 23 percent. This means investors at Calm Residences can expect healthy capital appreciation, factoring the rapid development and commercialization of the area, as well as SMDC’s industry-leading offerings.

Top-notch property management services ensure you live with peace of mind every day. Meanwhile, maximize the returns of your investment, hassle-free, with SMDC Prime Key Leasing, your professional and dependable partner in managing your SMDC property.

Whether it is personal success, financial security, or sustainable living you envision, one thing is for sure — that a real estate investment with SMDC offers you maximum calm, confidence, and convenience as you carve a path from dreams to reality.

Invest now and spend the rest of your days worry-free. To know more about Calm Residences, visit https://smdc.com/properties/calm-residences/.

DepEd hands over chairpersonship of ASEAN Education Sector to Vietnam

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After two years at the helm, the Philippine Department of Education formally turned over the leadership of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Education Sector organizations to the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam.

“We would like to give our deepest appreciation to the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Secretaries and Ministers of Education in the Region, and other officials for supporting us during our tenure,” Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones said.

“The Department was able to assist our neighboring countries in crafting initiatives and ideas to improve the education delivery, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Our leadership was challenging, but the endless support of the member countries made it easier for us,” she added.

Guided by the theme “Transforming Education the ASEAN Way: Forging Partnerships in the Global Age of Disruptions,” the Philippine chairpersonship highlighted the relentless and unified effort of the ASEAN Ministries of Education in ensuring that learning continues and thrives even in times of disruption.

The Department spearheaded and hosted 26 meetings and adopted ten documents and declarations to ensure continuous coordination despite travel restrictions.

DepEd worked closely with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) throughout its term, following the principle of a trifocalized education system.

In line with this, Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training Prof. Dr. Nguyen Kim Son is now the head of the ASEAN Education Ministers Meeting, ASEAN Plus Three Education Ministers Meeting, East Asia Summit Education Ministers Meeting, and their related senior officials’ meetings.

“On behalf of the Department of Education, we would like to congratulate the Vietnam'sMinistry of Education and Training as they take over the ASEAN Education Sector’s organizations. Rest assured that you have the country’s support in your plans moving forward,” Secretary Briones said.

The flow of chairmanship among the member states of the ASEAN education sector follows the alphabetical order. However, with the demands of its current chairmanship of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) council, Singapore shall assume its term as chair in 2024 instead of this year following Vietnam.