Here on the east coast, our students lost a number of vital learning days because of snow. Now I have as much fun in the snow as anyone else, however, in this age of technology, should our kids stop learning because of snow? How many of our kids were on the computer during those snow days? Each of them could have spent some time learning.
There is a need for educators to utilize the latest technologies to provide learning even during snow days. What are some of these technologies? A new feature that has hit the web is MyDailyHomeworkby EducAid Technology. This is a simple web application that allows educators to load homework assignments to the web. Then parents, teachers and others can download it at there convenience. Like many of the other web applications for homework assignments, it can be used as a fun raiser for the schools as well.
Some other technologies that are out there are Google Docs. An educator can create practice exams and have the students complete them using Google Docs. Educators can even have a classroom like discussion using a class blog.
Another technology that can be utilized is WiZiQ. This feature can be used to conduct an online class with audio, video, a virtual whiteboard and chat capabilities. This technology is free and offers a premium membership to educators.
Do I want to take the fun out of snow days? Not at all. I enjoy the beauties of winter just as much as the kids. However, I know that the education of our children should not because of snow. Not when the technology of today allows us to do so much. Your child will no doubt be on a computer anyway, so why not continue their learning, even on snow days.
We all have our busy lives and the constant distractions of the world makes it difficult for us to stay focused on our goals.
For many of us, there are several things constantly competing for our time – work, school, shopping, homework, daily activities, personal commitments etc. In my experience, whenever I try to work on many things at the same time, none of them actually gets done.
Here are 11 techniques from Dave Cheong, to help us stay focused in life:
- Having well defined goals. I can’t stress the importance of this too much. Having goals which are well defined along good guidelines is key. I’ve found writing my goals down really helps. Whenever I get distracted, I read my goals and I’m reminded of what I am trying to do and why.
- Breaking things into bite sized chunks. Having broad high level goals are good but having an actionable plan is essential. A plan can identify how you can get from where you are to where you want go. Breaking goals into smaller actionable chunks (tasks) is great – it gives me motivation to start and allows me to get things done in one sitting.
- Prioritising constantly. To figure out which task I should be working on, I prioritise constantly. Some tasks are more important than others. Some tasks are more urgent than others. I’ve found that working on urgent tasks followed by tasks which have the greatest impact to work well for me – urgent tasks allow me to get things done on time and important tasks allow me to maximise the benefits I receive.
- Tracking progress vigorously. Each of us wants to improve our lives. However, it is easy to start with good intentions but more difficult to sustain commitment. I’ve found that by tracking my progress, I have more visibility on what I’ve done and can better gauge how much effort is left.
- Planning ahead without fail. Concentrating on the remaining effort can help reinforce commitment. Some might think they’ll get discouraged, however I haven’t found this to be the case because my tasks are bite sized and easy to finish. I’ve found it really helps to look at my goals and task lists periodically, so I can assess how much time it’ll take to do something and determine the best time to sit down and work on it.
- Rewarding myself when warranted. By all means focus on what’s outstanding, but also take stock of what’s done. I always reflect on what I’ve done, whether it is reading a post I did awhile ago or looking at the ticks I’ve made alongside my task lists. Whenever I accomplish a logical piece of work, I always reward myself. It really does help with maintaining motivation.
- Having positive patterns in my routine. I’ve found having good habits and positive patterns to be instrumental. At the moment, I can consistently get more done. As these patterns continue to establish into a routine, I’m finding that I can better judge the periods of the day in which I really need to focus and work.
- Removing distractions as best I can. The best way not to give in to temptation is not to have the option to. What seems to work for me is making the distractions difficult or inconvenient to access. Because it takes too much effort to indulge in the distraction, I find it is less likely for me to give in.
- Blocking out some time. In a previous post I wrote about waking up early and consistently. You don’t necessarily have to do this but I’ve found that having quiet time, set aside specifically for accomplishing a given task, to be very productive. I also tend to be more focused in the morning after a restful night.
- Keeping the results clear in mind. Instead of concentrating too much on the task at hand, sometimes I put some attention on the feelings I ultimately wish to experience. By focusing on the results, it is easier for me to maintain my motivation especially when working on things that I am not by nature motivated by.
- Enlisting my family and friends for help. I communicate with my family and friends about my goals all the time. Not only have they been helpful with gentle reminders whenever they see my behaviour is not consistent with my goals, but they also give me constant incentives to work at my goals and succeed.
Use these techniques to help yourself and your children to stay focused!
Do you suspect that your child may have ADHD? Children with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder usually exhibit hyperactive, impulsive, and inattentive behavior. However, not all children who display such behaviors have ADHD. In fact, most normal children may show hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention at some time in their young lives. The best way to be sure if your child indeed has ADHD is to take him to a specialist. The doctor can give your child a series of tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD.
To test for ADHD, the doctor may give your child the following types of tests:
• WISC-R
• WRAT
• TOVA
• Bender Gestalt Test
WISC-R stands for Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. This is an intelligence test designed for children ages 6 to 16. Usually performed by using the process called pattern analysis, this test is also done to determine if a child has a learning disability. However, this may not be as effective in leading to a correct diagnosis of ADHD.
WRAT is acronym for Wide Range Achievement Test. Like WISC-R, this test is performed to determine if a child has a learning disability. The Wide Range Achievement Test is used to measure a child’s reading comprehension, arithmetic, and spelling ability
TOVA or Test of Variables of Attention Continuous Performance Test is a computer test used to measure a child’s hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention, and the number of times he can respond to questions or situations. This is usually used to gauge the effectiveness of the medication taken by the child; thus, this test is usually given before and after the child takes the medication. TOVA is considered by professionals to be a highly accurate test.
The Bender gestalt test is a psychological examination used to measure a child’s emotions, neurological development, and visual skills. This is usually done with the use of cards having nine geometric designs. Children taking the test are usually asked to redraw the designs of each card from memory after each one has been shown individually.
These tests are important for doctors to determine if the child is really suffering from ADHD. If your child is diagnosed as having ADHD after undergoing these types of tests, do not worry. There are several medications which can help you and your child in relieving the symptoms of the disorder.
If you are worried of the dangerous side effects that ADHD medications bring, you can talk to your doctor and ask for alternative treatments. Certainly, the doctor will give you choices of alternative treatments to choose from.
The doctor may suggest therapy and other alternative treatments such as homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies. Homeopathic remedies and herbal remedies do not have any side effects and are therefore safe for your child. Moreover, they have properties that can improve the brain function of your child, relieving him of the symptoms of ADHD.
Most parents may hesitate to have their child take a test for ADHD. But it is a crucial step to determine the right approach to use to help the child.
Jennifer Kaplan is a passionate researcher on ADHD in both adults and children. She has gained considerable amount of knowledge on ADHD through her research and recommends parents to have their children take a test for ADHD if they suspect their children have the disorder. She believes that tests to diagnose ADD and ADHD can help parents find ways to help their children.
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