Fostering the Spirit of Kamala Harris Cognition 2021
Spirit of Kamala Harris 2021 – Citations by ReTHINK INDIA
Spirit of Kamala Harris 2021 – Citations by ReTHINK INDIA
Download the PDF of the NOMINATION FORM for ready reference.
However, the same has to be filled in the following ONLINE CONSOLE ONLY.
“Our first necessity, if India is to survive and do her appointed work in the world, is that the youth of India should learn to think – to think on all subjects, to think INDEPENDENTLY, FRUITFULLY, going to the HEART of THINGS, NOT STOPPED by their surface, free of PREJUDGEMENTS, shearing SOPHISM and PREJUDICE asunder as with a sharp sword, smiting down OBSCURANTISM of all kinds as with the mace of Bhima. Sri Aurobindo (CWSA Vol. 12 p 40)
Furthering the aforesaid Mission Statement ReTHINK INDIA has chosen to Commemorate a host of important occasions in an ONLINE MODE on a regular basis.
The details of the same shall be updated and communicated through our Substack Microsite.
WhatsAPP Us at 9910050957 to be added to our Regular Mailing Lists
PPI2018 – Dr. Niyati Chitkara by ReTHINK INDIA
Sector 25 West, Udyog Path, Chandigarh, 160014, India
https://www.facebook.com/chitkaraschool
Section A :: The Socializing Function
Section B :: The Philosophical Foundation & Vision of the eSCHOOL thus Curated
Section C :: Overall Architecture & Design of the eSCHOOL
Section D :: Enrollment Details
Section E :: Management of Micro Teaching-Learning Processes (TLPs) at the eSCHOOL
Section F :: Overall Impact on LEARNING OUTCOMES with this Tech Deployment
Section G :: Area Wise Efficacy of the eSCHOOL
Section H :: eSCHOOL Innovations & Extras
Section I :: Facets of Teacher-Parent Compact
Socializing Intervention 1
The school’s 24/7 redressal system and ERP i.e. SchoolPad and Mobile App have come in handy in grappling the COVID-19 situation vis-à-vis keeping the momentum of interaction flowing. This platform has facilitated effective school-home communication and student socialization. Through App and SchoolPad, parents and students can get quick updates/ information with regards to the timetable, syllabus, topic wise performance, pictures of online classroom activities, names and pictures of classmates and teachers, ongoing/upcoming events and their results, date sheets, study tips from the academic team, general guidance from the school counsellor and doctor and number of fun quizzes and games to engage in. Overall, SchoolPad and Mobile App have helped in making the online school system more efficient, close-knit and social.
Socializing Intervention 2
Chitkara International School (CIS) is harnessing and utilising available technological tools to enable students to reap maximum in the academic field. In line to this, the school has come up with various initiatives such as e-Learning Window, Online Classes through Zoom & Microsoft Teams App, Online Home timetables and many more. Thus the virtual society of the peers through online class has enabled the children to learn acceptable behaviour, reciprocal relationships, the norms of society.
Socializing Intervention 3
At Chitkara International School, we have made an online co-curricular curriculum that aims to give students a broader, deeper, richer co-curricular & vocational experience through online co-curricular classes by recognizing each student’s strongest talents and building on them in order to ensure that all the areas of talent are developed. The students depending upon their areas of interest are allotted online co-curricular squads that keep them occupied and help them to channelize their energy in the right direction. Apart from this, Co-curricular classes and events have spurred team-spirit, team-work and appropriate conflict resolution among students.
Socializing Intervention 4
There are many social media tools & online initiatives that the school takes advantage of for edification & socialization of students of all age, from elementary all the way through senior secondary school. School uses social media to connect the school and digitally bring closer the Chitkarians. Through online initiatives like Online Family Time Diaries, Home Timetable Anecdotes etc., the school aims at providing a smoother, more direct social & communication tools between students, peers, teachers and parents.
Socializing Intervention 5
Online school academia-industry interface allows our students to interact with the industry professionals, educationists, leaders and entrepreneurs who have made a mark in their respective field. The school knows that active industry-academic interface is required to achieve the goal of grooming “industry ready” students who are well rounded and quick learners. Thus the school offers a wide range of online opportunities and programs that enable the students to confidently participate in the diverse student community and ingrain elements of adequate behaviour, mutual relationships, the norms of society etc.
Socializing Intervention 6
The school runs online student workshops, events and sessions from time to time. The workshops cover scores of topics, but the focus is mainly on critical thinking, co-curricular activities & life skills. All the online programmes & events encourage students to question their assumptions, evaluate arguments and develop a broader perspective.
Various online workshops like Shadow Puppetry, Animation Workshop (Pixel Play), Bhangra Dance Show etc. act as the edifice of empowered learning. The school’s goal throughout is to inspire students with a love of learning and to help them become independent thinkers and responsible citizens of the world.
Socializing Intervention 7
Chitkara International School believes that it can gain much by actively engaging with various organisations and religiously following government guidelines. At its core, the school wants to develop in the students, the knowledge and skills which will enable them to grow into allrounders.
Hence by unlocking online opportunities like various online competitions, programmes etc. (as organised by different organisations and government bodies) give students a chance to virtually socialize with the community and learn norms of the society & acceptable behaviour.
Salient Feature ONE
From the ground up, Chitkara International School has inherently believed in nurturing its students for unparalleled excellence. Much in line with its earnestly-held convictions, the school’s vision statement, “We will Take a Hand, Open a Mind, Touch a Heart & Shape the Future” reflects the school’s culture of skillfully supporting, educating and edifying youngsters for a better tomorrow.
Naturally, when CIS undertook the requisite task of transforming itself into a fully-functional e-school, the inclination was strongly towards upholding its authentic vision with greatest sincerity and mindfulness. The various features of the e-school’s philosophical foundation thus rightly emanated from its principal credo and vision statement.
The beliefs have indubitably been decisive in fixing the trajectory of school’s transformation and further evaluating the efficacy of the same. The first salient feature discusses how students were carefully led and guided through the sharp change under the school’s ‘TAKE A HAND’ principle:
TAKE A HAND: From digitising academics to co-curricular activities, Chitkara International School consciously undertook every necessary step that helped in normalising the transformation in the best possible manner. Adopting the highly-effective Learning Management System viz. Microsoft Teams, the school initially designed each digital lesson with a heavy focus on building important students’ skills those were required to utilise the e-learning tool effectively and optimally.
The beginning of the e-session thus reasonably witnessed ample impartation of relevant internet knowledge to both faculty members and students. One of the school’s priorities was further to keep the young students in high spirits and positive frame of mind. For the same, the school designed a functional learning programme that not only ensured comfortable study schedules but also struck a fine balance between e-academics and e-co-curricular activities.
Besides conducting academic lessons, co-curricular activities, notebook checking sessions, celebratory events and squad lessons online, the school regularly shared with its students informative resources like PPTs (with narrations), Worksheets, Video links, Home Learning Sheets, Textbook PDFs, E-links, Bi-monthly Planners, Practice Logs, etc. that ensured uninterrupted reception of knowledge for the youngsters.
The organisation of various enjoyable sessions, activities, competitions and events for the students, parents and staff members further helped the school in maintaining a positive, transparent and effective flow of communication between itself and the stakeholders. Lastly, keeping in mind the need of evaluating children comprehensively rather than just academically, the school designed such digital assessment framework, which mandatorily focused on following up students and ensuring their optimum growth.
Today, the students look forward to attending the e-school, which not only provides them with opportunities to learn, but also to enjoy, express, communicate and recreate.
Salient Feature TWO
The second salient feature highlights the school’s role in instilling an unfeigned affinity for science, technology and research in youngsters under its ‘OPEN A MIND’ principle:
OPEN A MIND: Chitkara International School’s USP lies in its omnipotent alliance with Chitkara University, its key guiding force, which has enabled it to firmly establish a unique research-based curriculum. Following a reversed integrated learning model i.e. University to Kindergarten, the school has been highly successful in helping the students transcend various boundaries of knowledge and experiences.
When the platform of learning transformed to the digital one, the task of instilling technology, research, professional and scientific skills in students, frankly seemed a bit challenging. However, the challenge was skillfully met and overcome by the unique curriculum of the e-school that necessitated the amalgamation of co-curricular with academics, ensured the impartation of holistic and multi-disciplinary education and implemented the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education programme with desired precision. The same helped the instructors instil relevant skills in students that stay necessary for attaining professional success in the new technological age (Industry 4.0).
In light of the same, the school organised various enlightening events such as Coding Sessions (for Coding Skills), Skill-Building Boot Camp (for Soft/Professional Skills), Diamond Challenge (for Entrepreneurial Skills), Change the Game Session (for Industrial and Research Skills), Theme-based Art Competitions and Quizzes (for Artistic and Critical Thinking Skills) and Ozone-o-logy Quiz (for Scientific Skills). Under the school’s distinctive Technology curriculum viz. TEK-8, the school meticulously held e-sessions on Computer Science, Electronics, Mobile Technology, Automobiles, Robotics and Household Technology that enhanced the technology skills of students.
The various sessions so held apprised students of the rudiments of computers (theory of computation & designing software systems), designing of circuits using microchips and transistors, CDMA technology, GPS navigation, handheld gaming consoles, mobile computing, navigation systems, cooling systems (in automobiles), designing of robots and mechanisms of domestic technologies (kitchen appliances, washing machines, etc.) respectively.
Salient Feature THREE
The third salient feature exhibits school’s commitment towards nurturing kindhearted, talented, successful and responsible citizens of the nation for a better and brighter tomorrow under its ‘TOUCH A HEART’ and ‘SHAPE THE FUTURE’ principles:
TOUCH A HEART: All members of Chitkara International School possess a deep understanding of children’s behaviour, for the school firmly believes that a tender heart remains indispensable for righteous actions. In this regard, the aim is not just to be kind to the youngsters, but it is also to nurture kindness and sense of inclusivity in them. For the same, the school consciously imparts value-based education, avidly organises various child-friendly events, sincerely acknowledges each student’s efforts and strongly encourages young children to partake in community outreach programmes.
As the educational setup changed from physical to virtual amid the global pandemic, the school’s primary focus remained on ensuring that its students were in cheerful and high spirits. In light of the same and understanding the significance of meeting the emotional needs of young children, the school dutifully organised numerous online counselling sessions for students, which were, at times, conducted individually according to the child’s need.Furthermore, to ensure children’s high happiness quotient, various enjoyable online shows on Dance, Story Telling, Art & Craft, Puppetry, etc. were organised for them, which certainly helped the youngsters in rejuvenating themselves.
Besides the stated, the worthy children of government school and the school’s adopted village were also not forgotten as informative e-sessions on ‘Health & Immunity’ were conducted for them by the school’s general physician. The sessions aimed to equip the rural youth with beneficial health knowledge that ensured both mental and physical fitness.
SHAPE THE FUTURE
Chitkara International School’s fruitful association with Chitkara University along with the sui-generis University to K learning model allows the school to effectively ensure students’ success not only at the school level but also beyond that. To begin with, the school’s highly-productive and research-based curriculum enables the instructors to impart relevant multidisciplinary education to the students, which remains imperative for ensuring their professional and entrepreneurial success in the new technological age.
Emphasising on vocational training, the school also runs well-devised squad lessons on acting, singing, painting, photography, robotics, hospitality, speaking etc., which essentially focus on skill-based learning and intend to provide students with the platform for exploring, developing and refining their talents. Last but not the least, the Office of Academic Support at CIS meticulously provides relevant admission-related information, conducts helpful career aptitude tests and organises informative career counselling sessions for the high school students to fruitfully ensure their growth and success.
With the commencement of the online academic session, the school consciously undertook all requisite steps to ensure an effective continuation of vocational training for youngsters. For the same, the school designed online squad lessons for children, which helped them refine their talents from the comfort of their homes. Various Skill-Enhancing Programmes like Coding Sessions, Skill-Building Boot Camp, Diamond Challenge (for Entrepreneurial Skills), Change the Game Session (for Industrial and Research Skills) and Technology Sessions were organised for students so that they successfully gain relevant knowledge and effectually polish their soft and professional skills.
To let students understand the various career options that remain available to them after schooling, an informative e-session viz. “Roadmap to Careers” was fastidiously organised by the Office of Career Guidance of the school. The same aimed to provide youngsters with ample knowledge of various industries and further apprise them of the necessary skills, which remain essential to be professionally successful.
Architecture & Design Feature 1
To bring the sneak peek of the lush green & avant-garde campuses through the click of the buttons, Chitkara International School introduced 360° Virtual Tour for both its campuses viz. Chandigarh and Panchkula. Just by selecting and browsing through the arrows and track pad, one can view the innovative infrastructure stretching from learning walkways and hallways to its one of the kind treehouse from the comfort of home.
https://www.chitkaraschool.in/chandigarh/school-campus/
Architecture & Design Feature 2
School Pad
The school’s ERP viz. SchoolPad, Mobile App and E-Portfolios are at the heart of the working of the e-school. This architectural & design feature enables the parents to easily keep a track on the development of social and academic skills of their child on a day to day basis. Furthermore, this also lets the parents stay in touch with the institution and promptly communicate with any member, as and when required. It provides a platform to the parents to ensure comprehensive online education for their child. Moreover by using this platform, parents can provide feedback and take advice from the teachers and the Principal on a regular basis. Such effective collaboration certainly leads to good performance and better output of the scholar. Hence this e-architectural design feature creates a way for parents to be active players in the educational process without sacrificing time and convenience.
Architecture & Design Feature 3
HYBRID PEDAGOGY
The school has effectively integrated the concept of hybrid pedagogy into its modules and infrastructure. Highlighting the same, the school has designed classrooms based on future career choices as per industry 4.0 and the vocational squads (clubs on art & craft, photography, oration, hospitality, coding, media & animation etc.).
Within the classrooms, there are unique as well as insightful elements like Green Windows (blinds which display the pertinent environment-related information to enable the pupils to be environment conscious & adopt a sustainable lifestyle), Selfie Signage and Outlook Express (space provided for the exhibition of creative ideas to enhance creativity among students), Informative Career Walls (information regarding booming career opportunities), Fact Windows ( informative facts to cater the needs of inquisitive minds ), The Project Skirting (slots given for the projects showcasing), The Readers’ Closet (compact classroom library), Mobile Racks (library on wheels), Activity Corners (topic-based decorated nooks) and Value Windows (window on moral values). The hybrid classrooms are one of the many innovative architecture & design features that facilitate hybrid e-learning and ignite the spirit of research in the young minds to think, express and inquire.
Architecture & Design Feature 4
e-AUDITORIUM
Chitkara International School promotes new avenues for the all-round development of the students. A significant and critical feature of e-school’s facilities is the e-auditorium. This online grand hall is the centre stage for a number of online sessions and workshops. As a central and vital space, the e-auditorium holds numerous fun-filled and exhilarating online programs, workshops and sessions that encourage learning among students.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HFhO0s0S9pk1ZkjgH29XcFi9m0EiQzFm/view?usp=sharing
Architecture & Design Feature 5
E-labs & E- libraries
Working and experimenting in a laboratory forms the basis of comprehension and quintessentially this is what learning is about. Applying theoretical knowledge and using it in experiments is the most effective way to master the subject. Therefore keeping with this spirit, the school provides students various e-laboratories to foster and expedite learning in the most effective way.
Similarly CIS’s e-library is a one-stop to pacify hunger for knowledge and wisdom, as it is one of the places hoarded with brain food i.e. e-books. The e-library of the school functions on KOHA software and enables parents/students to get access to highly engaging e- book. Besides this, OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) services are available for the students of CIS and their parents and grandparents. Patrons can make category-based searches (according to age, subject, etc) on the catalogue available on SchoolPad.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yEaZst36Ml5w1A5HZvP_knShW_Wmcpvj/view?usp=sharing
Architecture & Design Feature 6
E- Admission Chambers & E- Grievance redressal Chambers
Another ultra-modern design feature of the e-school is e-admission chambers and e-grievance redressal chambers. E-Admission chambers facilitate easy address of admission queries of the parents seeking admission. Furthermore, through exceptional software called “SchoolPad”, the school has designed a 24/7 e-grievance redressal chamber wherein the queries of the parents are reviewed and replied within working 24 hours.
https://www.chitkaraschool.in/admissions
Architecture & Design Feature 7
E- International Edge
With a prospect of sharing and seeking optimal and utilitarian ideas across the globe, CIS offers collaborative learning to its students for a comprehensive learning environment. The school successfully uses technology tools to facilitate Webinars, Skype sessions, online courses/competitions etc. in order to connect and give exposure to superlative minds across the globe. The school indulges students into various sessions and programs which functions in collaboration with various international universities and schools. The positive streak of this architecture and design feature is that the contemporary experts from varied fields allocate their prospects and ideas through several Skype sessions and webinars in a fruitful way.
Dedicated Faculty (Class Wise)
Faculty Remains at the Core of an EMPOWERING eSCHOOL as they are the ones who deploy TECH TOOLS so that the process of Teaching & Learning goes on unabated.
Support Staff
From Academic Support to Administrative Support to Facility Support, a School Universe revolves around these unsung heroes. As a part of the eSCHOOLS Listing 2021, the macros of these Support Staff need to be brought out to the knowledge and awareness of one and all.
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: SchoolPad System
Adoption: In order to enable the parents, engage and to keep them updated about their child’s performance and activities without sacrificing time and convenience, the SchoolPad was made a part of the school’s nervous system.
Challenge Faced: Initially, the school staff and the parents found it difficult to use. Lots of training session both for teachers and parents were specially planned on regular basis to acquaint them with its working. It took us almost a year to completely bring all the parents online with this mechanism. Now, we have all our parents engaged online through the SchoolPad.
Adaption: Every now and then, new tabs are being generated as per the ongoing needs in the education world.
Mobile App
Adoption: As these days, everything is moving to mobile. To help parents and students connect and communicate with the school just at the click of the button, instead of opening their laptops and PCs on returning to homes after their work, school has come up with its mobile app further making the system more efficient.
Challenge Faced: Most of the parents were not tech savvy and did not had mobile app on their phones, instead they were happy using the SchoolPad on desktop. Slowly and gradually after regular training and orientation sessions, parents were made aware about the easy use of using the app both in groups and individually.
Adaption: Parents can access various resources, circulars etc. through a mobile application. Apart from this, CIS Mobile App also acts as an innovative tool for mobile teaching, mobile learning and mobile assessment.
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: Software cost
Adoption: In order to follow the saying, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”, a digital learning app, “ExtraMarks” was made a part of our school’s pedagogy. It actually builds a relationship between “what a student knows” and “what he/she needs to learn.” Also, this app associates new material with something familiar and thus making it easier for students to understand better and retain new information.
Challenge Faced: Rigorous research was done as most of the learning apps were almost similar. To actually look for the one which matches the ideology of our school and renders latest updating. Appropriate and easily understandable language both for students and teachers, adaptive learning, scheduler, progress tracker and collaborative learning with various groups of learners across the globe were few of the parameters which were taken into consideration before finalising the digital learning app.
TLP 3
It outlines the entire annual academic plan including the assessments and evaluation criteria with eLINKS & VIDEOS
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: SchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop
Adoption: Due to the busy schedule and sudden personal engagements arising up, parents and students do tend to get pressurised to fulfil their academic tasks. A plan was needed to inform the parent about the entire academic session which could include monthly topic bifurcation, related e-links and video links, activities related to the topics, assessment plan along with the evaluation criteria. Thus, an innovative pedagogy , “ Annual Blue Print” for all the subjects (both academic and non- academic) was created and was made available to the parents on the SchoolPad at the start of the session.
Challenge Faced: Change of content in one or the other subject book every year might delay in updating the Blueprint. Also, the links and guidelines from the education department regarding adding learning outcomes, adding art integrating activities etc keep on changing, so regular updating is required.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly as per the latest curriculum.
TLP 4
This research-based learning plan contains innovative learning tools like Brain Work, Word Wall, Word Web, Word Search etc
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: SchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop
Adoption: include suggestive activities of all subjects for home like brain work, word wall, word web, life skill activities etc.
Challenge: No Challenges were faced.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly as per the latest curriculum
TLP NameBi- Monthly Dosages: These are subject-based worksheets that are suggestive in nature and are required to be done at home.
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop
Adoption: Parents were with the notion that students should be given homework on regular basis but few of them felt that the homework should not be given every day as they don’t get time to relax at home. So, in order to cater to their needs, Bi-monthly Dosages were introduced and the same were made suggestive. These are uploaded bi-monthly on SchoolPad.
Challenge: No Challenges were faced.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly as per the latest curriculum.
TLP NameBoosters: These are weekly practice worksheets for Maths, English Grammar & GK
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw
Adoption: In order to acquaint students with the rudiments of English and Mathematics, practice plays a crucial part. Regular practice of English Grammar and Mathematics keeps students aware and updated with the concepts and also streamlines their productivity. Bearing this in mind, the school, felt the need to start with Grammar, GK & Maths Booster – A convenient way to practice grammatical concepts and Mathematics through worksheets.
Challenge Faced: Framing of questions for the boosters needed lot of research.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly in the boosters.
TLP NameHome Timetables: The vital reason behind creating a home timetable is developing a routine and scheduling the time appropriately for various subjects.
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad
Adoption: During COVID, the reason behind introducing home timetable was to develop a routine and schedule the time appropriately for various subjects.
Challenge Faced: Getting and sharing the content online to the parents. Asking parent to update their phones or PCs to open files in different formats like PDFs, PPTs etc. Preparing the explanatory content for students by adding all the elements like videos, hands on activities, real life objects etc.
Adaption: Regular additions are being made to the Timetables with activities self-recorded by the school teachers, links to online celebration of various events etc.
TLP NameActometer: It is an innovative effort to infuse brilliant communication skills, self expression and interpersonal interaction in the students
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop, Adobe Premium Pro, After Effects, Adobe audition
Adoption: In order to infuse brilliant communication skills, self expression and interpersonal interaction in the students, school made an effort of catching the child young, developing the self-confidence and the independence by giving them a platform of “Actometer” for the students of Grade 1-2.
Challenge Faced: Non -availability of the parents lead to lesser participation for this age group.
Adaption: The topics given are related to the theme so that students have a liberty to talk about anything as per the theme mentioned. Due to Covid, the Actometer has been shifted to online mode, so the availability of the parents is taken into consideration as students of this age group cannot handle online participation on their own.
TLP NameVirtual Show & Tell
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop, Adobe Premium Pro, After Effects, Adobe audition
Online Classes
Adoption: In this phase of social distancing due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), it is indispensable that learning continues. Keeping the same thought in mind, school curated online classes to keep the students engaged and facilitate active learning.
Challenge Faced: Deciding upon the medium for the online classes which is safe, secure and user friendly. Bringing all the parents on the online platform. Online orientation session for both parents & students, written guidelines through online circulars along with individual parent training through calls on how to use the recommended app for taking online classes. Resolving the parental queries in case of any technical glitch. Instructing them on updating the app timely to have un-interrupted online classes were few of the challenges that were faced initially but the with the passage of time, these queries have been lessen and more than 95% students are involved in the online classes. Availability of the parents especially for the Kindergarteners to Grade 2.
Adaption: Initially the online classes were started for classes 6 onwards, but later with the success of the same, the whole school was involved in the online classes. Zoom was shifted to Microsoft team due to cyber security. Changed the timings of the online classes as per the availability of the parents especially for the Kindergarteners to Grade 2.
Virtual Show & Tell
Adoption: To employ hybrid pedagogy for the effective and holistic development of its students and preparing them in their future endeavours, school initiated a public speaking platform viz. Show & Tell for the Kindergarteners.
Challenge Faced: Non -availability of the parents lead to lesser participation of students.
Adaption: Due to Covid, the Show & Tell has been shifted to online mode, so the availability of the parents is taken into consideration as students of this age group cannot handle online participation on their own.
TLP NameTek 8 Curriculumcustomised and research backed curriculum of technology having different modules like, mobile, energy, automobile,computer science etc
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSoftware supporting the modules, SchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw, Photoshop, Collaboration with the Chitkara University subject experts
Adoption: In order to map the school education and the students to the latest emerging trends in the hi-tech world, school did a rigorous research and coordinated with various industries to revamp technology curriculum instead just not merely stick to only teaching of Computer Science. So, an innovative pedagogy “Tek 8” came into being.
Challenge Faced: Collaborating with the subject experts and industries to customise the modules as per the level of the students to give hands-on experience as per the modules included in Tek 8 required hard work. Training the school staff to deliver the basic knowledge of the modules to the students was also demanding. Making the parents understand the need of Tek 8 and ensuring the safety and security of the students was another challenging task.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly to make the students future ready.
TLP NameAssessments throughTraffic lights
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment MadeSchoolPad
Adoption: To acquaint the parents about the child’s knowledge and understanding of a particular subjects’ chapter under various categories (topics), an innovative online platform, “Planner Performance – Traffic Lights” was introduced.
Challenge Faced: Nil
Adaption: Nil
TLP 12
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: SchoolPad
Adoption
This evaluation is basically for the Kindergartners. In order to motivate them to focus towards the teaching learning process better, the concept of positive reinforcement, “Starred evaluation” was innovated wherein by seeing the Starred performance of his/her own, the child would work for his/her betterment.
Challenge Faced
Nil
Adaption
Nil
TLP 13
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: SchoolPad, Adobe Acrobat, Coral draw
Adoption
In the age of extreme pressure by the parents, peers and anxiety where the contemporary education is undertaking the rat race, the school thought to come up with an innovative practice of setting a practical goal by the child and thereafter working to achieve the set target in the form of “Goal Graphs”. This helped the students to avoid racing with others, and inducing them to race with themselves.
Challenge Faced
At times, students happened to set high goals for the sake of show-off.
Adaption
Regular orientation sessions and class-wise trainings are done to help students understand the ideology behind this tool.
TLP 14
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Typical Investment Made :: Assessment software like Bilog, MG3, Pascale, Calibre, Curve Experts, Birt
Adoption: The outline of analyzing result at CIS is not defined by one single aspect but takes into consideration every attribute and learning curve of each child in a threat free way so that every child can channelize his/her energy and is engrossed to the learning process.
Challenges Faced: NIL
Adaption: NIL
TLP 15
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
SPOC SESSIONS
Adoption: In order to coordinate &guide the parent & the child through the academic session with any assistance or remedial measures, the school has come up with “SPOC”. This School has allotted two SPOCs viz. School SPOC and Home SPOC (parent who takes care of home study).
Challenge Faced: At times, SPOCs are tutors, so tutor would not come to school to meet the school SPOC, so in that case, the coordination was done telephonically.
Adaption: SPOC data is maintained for each and every child from the time he/she takes admission. This also helps in the process of hand holding the child to the next school SPOC for the next class.
TLP 16
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Recommended Family Time
Adoption: As spending quality time with family does help in coping with challenges, instil an emotion of security, inculcate family values, fill kids with confidence, and much more. Hence, CIS has come up with various suggestive Family Time Activities with the parents and students to perform and enjoy.
Challenge Faced: Careful planning of the activities as per the level of the students is taken care of and at the same activities are planned in such a manner that these does not favour any religion or hearts the sentiments of the society.
Adaption: The content is updated regularly as per the festivals, occasions etc.
TLP 17
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
E-Learning Window
Adoption: With an endeavour to provide the students with the best of the learning opportunities available online, this platform to cater students with easy to use, reliable and useful links to various learning resources was conceived.
Challenge Faced: This learning window comprises of different learning sites & apps which are vast resource of learning material. Segregation of the appropriate topic related content needs lot of skimming.
Adaption: The window is updated regularly.
TLP NameBook & Author of the Month &Online Library
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Book & Author of the Month
Adoption: To make student aware about good authors and some interesting books (beyond text books) the school, on a monthly basis, uploads book/author of the month on SchoolPad.
Challenge Faced: NIL
Adaption: The information regarding books and authors is updated regularly.
Online Library:
Adoption: OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) services were made available for the students & parents of CIS to enable them to search the books through the mentioned different subject categories on SchoolPad.
Challenge Faced: NIL
Adaption: NIL
TLP NamePystoon & Cisflix
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
PsyToon
Adoption: The PsyToon was designed to provide an insight and help the parents understand their children even better.
Challenge Faced: The content needs to be researched thoroughly & prepared in order to make it easy for the parents and students to understand.
Adaption: Different issues are catered every time to assist easeful parenting.
CIS FLIX
Adoption: Providing students an online streaming of fun and enjoyable short films and videos for children.
Challenge Faced: Looking for educational videos which are free of copyright and as per the level of students is demanding.
Adaption: New content is looked for and shared every time.
TLP NameGlobal Edpulse
Tech Tool DeployedDesktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
GlobalEd Pulse
Adoption: GlobalEd Pulse was adopted in order to share the information regarding various scholarships being offered by International Universities for our students along with details regarding upcoming summer programs, short mobility programs, workshops, online sessions, etc being offered by these universities.
Challenge Faced: Lot of research is required to look for latest information on various universities and different scholarships being offered by the same.
Adaption: Information vis-à-vis new programmes & universities are updated from time to time.
TLP 21
Tech Tool Deployed :: Desktop, Mobile Phone, Tablet
Adoption
CTG was conceived to allow our students to interact with the Industry professionals, educationists, leaders and entrepreneurs who have actually made a mark in their respective industries.
Challenge Faced
Looking for appropriate experts related to the Industry professionals, educationists, leaders and entrepreneurs who have actually made a mark in their respective industries was challenging.
Adaption
Experts from different fields are invited from time to time.
With frequent, easy-to-attempt quizzes on Microsoft Teams App, the students’ understanding of each concept/topic stands strengthened and improved beyond doubt. Since the online platform demanded radical overhaul of the educational assessment system, the diligent faculty members of Chitkara International School put in their unstinted efforts to form comprehensive yet intelligible questionnaires for students to solve from the comfort of their homes. The increased emphasis on “Objective-Type” questions in light of the remote learning has certainly enabled students to enhance their memorisation and critical thinking skills and at the same time, display a fine ability to apply the core principles of a given subject.
Besides the amplified stress on Multiple Choice Questions or the Objective-Type Questions, the students of Chitkara International School also stood benefitted from the regularly-assigned online projects, primarily the online class presentations, which required them to carry in-depth research on the allotted topics from reliable sources. The same has helped the youngsters tremendously in not only gaining but also retaining the knowledge of various concepts.
Also, now that the students were given questions from within the text instead of a few definite ones, they were motivated to read the same comprehensively, thereby acquiring greater knowledge.
The digital teaching-learning process has, without a doubt, allowed students to apply and test their knowledge practically. Especially for the younger lot that relies heavily on instructors for the practical application of say, scientific knowledge, the transformation has brought in wonderful changes for them as it has enabled them to independently carry out research and scientific/technological activities with of course, the remote yet careful supervision of the teacher.
In light of the foregoing, the Tech Deployment has definitely permitted the students to apply their knowledge more freely and frequently.
With the internet and technology to their rescue at all times, students were able to analyse each topic by either looking it up on the net for details or with the help of the informative digital content shared by their teachers. Consequently, the eSCHOOL effectively enhanced and improved the analytical skills of youngsters who remain not only informed of the methods of extracting important information from a given piece of text, but who now also stand conscious of smarter, more efficient ways of internet searching.
Due to the recurrent online tests and quizzes, students effectively gained meaningful insights into their academic performances and enhancements thereof. Their evaluation skills improved greatly in light of the new forms of assessment (MCQs/ Objective-Type Questions) that essentially impelled them to comprehend concepts, examine facts and apply principles. Because the answers remained primarily fact-based, the novel ways of assessment helped both the learners and teachers to quickly test the understanding of a particular idea or concept.
As the children were now able to apply their knowledge practically, they could also evaluate their understanding of a certain topic by the successfulness of a completed project. With definite answers, clear explanations and prompt feedback, students were able to assess the shortcomings, if any, and work on them accordingly.
With greater independence and intriguing ways of learning, students were organically propelled towards adopting new and creative methods of approaching a problem. From online assignment submission to enjoyment and self-expression, the students displayed admirable creativity on the digital platform. Whether it was making audio files, PDFs, PPTs or videos, students utilised the power of technology in the best possible manner.
By dint of enhanced comprehension skills, evaluation skills and analytical skills, they also came up with new yet meaningful definitions of various concepts and ideas, which indeed remain a testament to their enhanced creativity skills.
Last but not the least, greater independence has also effectively boosted the confidence of children that in turn shall ensure the speedy growth of their personality for a sound future.
Children vary greatly in their language literacy levels. They have different personalities and learning preferences. Some need a lot of structure and guidance while others are self directed and independent learners. Keeping these things in mind, the various skills of language learning – Listening, Speaking, Reading (both guided and self – selected) and Writing – as well as Phonetics are stressed upon when it comes to different languages like English, Hindi, Punjabi and French.
Students are made to encounter the words given in the Word Wall helping them to pronounce, spell through Word Search and elaborate them to sentences and finally paragraphs via Word Web, Word Ladder, Word Episode. Further innovative practice of Virtual Actometer and language oriented e-events like Virtual Hindi Diwas help the students to excel various languages in a fun way.
Students explore various areas of Science and gain knowledge on various topics ranging from the early Existence of Man to current discoveries of Outer Space in their classes. With respect to Mathematics, children are encouraged to develop lifelong interest in the subject through deliberately designed e-curriculum. To ensure time, speed and accuracy which are the three important elements to master Mathematics, CIS has created an online Dodging Table software through which our students learn tricky calculations in an easy and interactive manner.
Overall, students get an online environment conducive to learning mathematics & science that nurtures and supports their mathematical & scientific thinking with the help of exclusive student-friendly softwares. Various opportunities are given to develop the problem solving skills in the students through various online national and international Olympiads.
In our ever-changing technology-focused world, the Humanities are needed in our classrooms now more than ever to provide balance and perspective. The Humanities strengthen our global view, broaden our intellectual foundation, teach us to communicate clearly, help us to develop creative and critical thinking skills, teach us to be problem solvers, create engaged citizens and thinkers, reinforce cultural and ethical responsibilities and values, help us to understand the impact that science, technology, and medicine have had on society, and create well-rounded academics, students and thinkers.
Hence through various online events, sessions, workshops and classes on art, philosophy, geography, history, politics etc, Humanities form an essential part vis-à-vis a well-rounded education at Chitkara International School.
As in the development of physique through Sports, Exercise et al
Chitkara International School puts great emphasis on the physical and socio development of its students. Students at CIS are motivated to participate in regular online sports activities like Yoga, Skipping challenge, Dribbling Challenge, Beginners Workout, Free hand exercise etc.
The online timetable also includes regular sports lessons/classes to ensure students’ supreme fitness and wellness. School is also a religious promoter of “Fit India Movement” (which is a nation-wide movement in India to encourage people to remain healthy and fit) and from time to time it organises various fitness activities to celebrate the same
As in keeping the Mental Health Intact and in High Spirits through a spree of measures like yoga, meditation, counseling, games etc.
CIS covers a wide range of online activities to provide psychosocial support to students for Mental Health and Emotional Well-being. Apart from this, the school psychologist regularly conducts one on one and group online & telephonic counselling sessions to boost mental resilience of the students. Counselling at CIS also extends in the form of Psytoons (cartoon strip for counselling) and e-counselling videos.
Besides this, the students depending upon their areas of interest are allotted co-curricular squads which largely come handy in keeping the students occupied and helping them to channelize their energy in the right direction. Furthermore, regular online sessions and events like Aligned (yoga), mental health awareness week, Manodarpan etc. help the children develop good judgement, wisdom and sound mental health.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 1
Despite being homebound in wake of the global pandemic, people worldwide maintained reassuring connectivity, positivity and sense of unity. In light of the foregoing, Chitkara International School too recognised the opportunity of enhancing and strengthening the school and student family relations.
As the eSCHOOL took us (virtually) to the warm homes of our students, the interactions weren’t limited just to the children. Both the diligent faculty of the school and the thoughtful family members of students rightly joined hands to ensure supreme impartation of quality education. Consequently, the enriching experience provided us all with valuable insights into the true dynamics of educational process.
Having gained such useful insights, the school organised various informative and enjoyable sessions for not only the parents but also the grandparents of the children who undoubtedly play a significant role in nurturing the young ones. From conducting online training sessions on the use of the newly-adopted Learning Management System (LMS) to organising various celebratory events such as the National Parents’ Day Event, Mothers’ Day Wonder Mom Session, Fathers’ Day Fitness Challenge and Grandparents’ Day Laughter Therapy Session, the school consciously worked towards bolstering the connectivity between itself and its worthy stakeholders.
Allotting sufficient time to each parent or guardian, the virtual PTMs were conducted on the Microsoft Teams App with the primary aim of benefitting children and providing constructive feedback to each of them. The challenges that arose with the adoption of the new medium of education were collectively addressed by the instructors and the parents/guardians.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 2
With the changed educational setup and teaching-learning process, the need to impart relevant training to the instructors increased tremendously. In light of the same, Chitkara International School, in association with Chitkara University, rolled out a unique Virtual Master Class Series viz. Pedagogical Interface, wherein the instructors were apprised of innovative teaching techniques, which can be employed effectively on digital platforms. The Module 1 of the informative interface notified the teachers of a distinct pedagogical innovation called “E-Buddy Teaching” and the implementation and significance thereof.
When employed in the online classrooms, the E-Buddy Teaching allowed students to first comprehend and then teach a certain topic to their peers through creative PPTs and videos. Aimed at enhancing the confidence and communication skills of students, the activity provided enriching experience to the participants who not only avidly presented the topics to their classmates, but also open-mindedly received constructive feedback from them. The programme further successfully enhanced and strengthened the presenters’ knowledge of the topic.
Recently, the Module 2 of the Pedagogical Interface was organised virtually by the school, which apprised instructors of the concept, significance and usefulness of ‘mnemonics’.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 3
Staying mindful of the need of instilling technology, research, professional and scientific skills in students, Chitkara International School leveraged its industrial and international connect by organising various enlightening online events such as Coding Sessions (for Coding Skills), Skill-Building Boot Camp (for Soft/Professional Skills), Diamond Challenge (for Entrepreneurial Skills) and Change-the-Game Sessions (for Industrial and Research Skills) for its students on the digital platform.
While the Diamond Challenge enabled students to refine and exhibit their entrepreneurial skills via creativity and research, the Change-the-Game Sessions apprised them of Careers in Filmmaking and Voicing (Voice Artistry).
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 4
E-Timelines: To level the field for the new students who have covered or learnt lesser topics than their peers, the school initiated e-timelines. Clearly mapping the topics to be covered, these timelines ensured that the missed-out concepts were covered simultaneously with the ongoing class studies.
Online SPOC & Timely Feedback: The Sole-Point-of-Contact (SPOC) of a student at CIS ensures the overall development of the child through continued and constructive feedback and communication with the child’s SPOC at home (parent or guardian).
With the commencement of the eSCHOOL, the SPOC Sessions were too conducted virtually with each child and parent communicating directly with the respective SPOCs on digital platforms. Addressing the challenges faced by children in adopting “the new normal”, the sessions were held regularly to ensure timely feedback and continuous development of the students.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 5
With the unique curriculum of the e-school necessitating the amalgamation of co-curricular with academics, the impartation of multi-disciplinary education and the implementation of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education programme was easily yet effectively ensured.
From the get go, the eSHOOL’s priority was to keep the young students in high spirits and positive frame of mind. For the same, the school designed a functional learning programme that not only ensured comfortable study schedules but also struck a fine balance between e-academics and e-co-curricular activities.
In addition to the academic classes and focusing on vocational training, the eSCHOOL also conducted enjoyable squad lessons on acting, singing, painting, photography, robotics, hospitality, speaking etc., for the children, which ensured the exploration, development and refinement of raw talents.
Furthermore, various fun online shows on Dance, Story Telling, Art & Craft, Puppetry, etc. were organised for the youngsters, which certainly helped them rejuvenate themselves.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 6
Children enjoy most when they exhibit supreme talents and receive genuine praises. In light of the same, Chitkara International School organised several online competitions and quizzes for students wherein they confidently displayed their talents and admirably gained acknowledgement for the same.
Some of these online competitions and quizzes included Essay-writing Competition, Poem-writing Competition, Art & Craft Competition, Poster-making Competition, Ozone-o-logy Quiz (Scientific Quiz on World Ozone Day), Football Quiz, Chess Quiz, etc.
eSCHOOL Innovation & Extra 7
While an hour-long Yoga session for all the school’s stakeholders at the same time would have been uncommon in the physical setup, the virtual world allowed the school to do just that with utmost ease and comfort. In light of the same, Chitkara International School conducted a 3-day long digital yoga camp viz. “Aligned – A Three-day Yoga Chronicle” for all the teachers, support staff members, students and parents.
Similarly, the sports or fitness activities and challenges weren’t limited just to the children, but were also organised for all the wonderful stakeholders. The school certainly witnessed avid participation from both the parents and the students in various sports activities that were conducted by it such as the Plank Challenge (students), Skipping Challenge (students), Push-up Challenge (for fathers), etc. Furthermore, several informative sessions on health viz. Eye Care Session, Immunity Boosters Session, Cancer Awareness Session, etc. were organised by the school to impart relevant health-related information to the stakeholders.
Besides the stated, the “Goodie Foodie” weeks were frequently organised for the adorable kindergarteners on the digital platform to promote the significance of having a nutritional and balanced meal among the little children.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 1
SPOC (Sole Point of Contact) and Chat sessions are the platforms that bring the duo of parent-teacher close and render a productive time to the parents & teachers in order to have fruitful conversation encircling students’ performance in every aspect.
The whole idea behind conducting these sessions is to review and examine students’ performance and to catalyse students’ progress with joint collaboration of parent and teacher.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 2
The school’s ERP virtually connects the parent and teacher at the click of a button. Through SchoolPad and Mobile App, teacher and parent can contact each other 24/7 and promptly communicate with each other to further the learning of students.
Additionally parents can check their child’s class attendance on any point of time and from any point of place in the world. They can also view important faculty comments/Principal’s communication and access various academic resources, articles, tips, circulars, notices etc.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 3
Special celebratory days like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Women’s Day etc. and webinars like Super Dads, Wonder Mom etc. are virtually held exclusively at Chitkara International School. These celebratory events & webinars act as vehicle to haul parents and teachers even closer in more relaxed setting.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 4
In order to keep parents well informed of what is being done in the school with respect to academics, Daily Academic Track is uploaded on SchoolPad daily. Through this, parents get to know about the class work and home work. Similarly, school has devised Behavioural Track which helps to gauge the behavioural patterns of each and every child.
These tracks not only aid in updating parents about their ward’s performance & behaviour, but also act as a platform for parents and teachers to work in partnership and study the child comprehensively.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 5
Teachers of Chitkara International School provide hand-holding to the students and parents at every step. Through Orientation sessions & handholding, the teachers work harmoniously with the parents and cater them with requisite direction related to new programme, concept, during new admission to class etc. Apart from providing parents with the clear idea about the said matter, these sessions also serve as a channel for open parent-teacher interaction.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 6
Parent-Teacher meetings (PTMs) & are some of the most important days of the school year. Here, parents and teachers come together to make sure students are progressing and collaborate to determine ways they can both help them continue to succeed.
Hence, the virtual PTMs are conducted at CIS on the Microsoft Teams App with the primary aim of benefitting children and providing constructive feedback to each of them. From time to time, the challenges & feedback with the students’ progress are collectively addressed by the instructors and the parents/guardians through this means of communication.
Teacher-Parent Compact :: Facet 7
The school believes education is a consequential phase in a child’s development and growth. Parents and teachers should work together as a team, towards creating the best possible learning environment for the child and foster physical, emotional and intellectual well-being. In line with this, a lot of one on one and group career, health and counselling sessions with the parents and students are conducted by the teachers. During these interactions, parents and teacher collaborate and work hand-in-hand for the best learning experience of the students.
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