T H E
TM
N O W L E DEducation. G E RInnovation. E V I Success EW
2020 | VOL. - 09 | ISSUE - 04
The
Best Promising
INSTITUTIONS in
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EDITOR’S NOTE
EDUCATION IN CANADA GET A GLOBAL DEGREE
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he most exciting and apprehensive stage in a student’s life is while choosing a university or an institution for higher education. And if the student decides to study abroad the apprehension and excitement only multiplies. We have simplified things for you in this edition of The Knowledge Review so that you can make the right choice. And Canada it is! In a country where education is compulsory for everyone up to the age of 16 in most of the provinces and a country that welcomes international students with open arms, Canada is today the first choice for students. The education floodgates have always been open to those keen on seeking knowledge. The multi-cultural society, easy immigration, security, moderate cost of living as compared to many other countries, and quality education beckon international students to the Canadian soil. It is the safest place for international students. The unique economy of Canada is the most relevant reason for inviting immigrants and students.
Its standard of education can be gauged from the fact that Canada ranks sixth in the world in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It also ranks fourth in the world in research and is a leader in computer science and information technology. Students get the best form of education that is globally acclaimed and that too in low cost. To encourage international students the government also provides scholarships to them. Students can work during their free time. Canadian degrees are highly valued in the international job market. The country has the highest literacy rate and best qualified people. An icing on the cake is that the country also has lucrative job opportunities for those who have graduated from there. But there could also be a flip side to it. Since securing a global degree from Canada is easy, students could be spoilt for choices. Thus, choosing the appropriate educational institute is of paramount importance.
Morgan International: Offering many professional certification and diploma programs catering to the needs of the finance, accountancy, human resources, marketing, and logistics’ fields. Rocket Sky: An Online 3D Animation school, specializing in the most elusive art form: Character Animation, training passionate, career minded students for work in the Television, Feature Film and Video Game industries. Seneca College: Creating great student experiences that provide enriching learning opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom. While learning about these esteemed institutions do not forget exceptional articles masterly crafted by prominent educational leaders and our in-house editors. We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we did while curating it for you! T R
With this focus in mind, we bring to you some insightful articles in our latest edition, The Ten Best Educational Institutions in Canada. Develop your skills, boost your prospects, plunge into the ocean of opportunities, and explore the country that is known for world class education. This edition features: Canadian Training Institute: Contributing to the development of knowledge, skills and services that reduce social conflict and promote active participation that builds healthy individuals, agencies, workplaces, and communities. Durham College: A historical legacy demonstrating an unwavering commitment to student success, highquality programs led by exceptional professors with real-world experience, graduates who have achieved outstanding career success and a treasured relationship with the community.
Sumita Sarkar sumita@theknowledgereview.com
Contents 08 Rocket Sky RedeďŹ ning the Standards of Animation Studies
Articles 18
24
30
Innovation & Experimentation Best Institutes in Canada
Global Education Education in Canada: Perks and Advantages
Essentials of Marketing Marketing Programs: Prep Course for the Real Business World
Cxo 28
22 Upgrading Education Training Young Entrepreneurs
14 Edu Talk Influence of Technology on Education
Educator’s Viewpoint Today’s Leaders Tomorrow’s Learners
36 32 Educator’s Column Expert's Viewpoint Evolution of Animation in India
What are the Innovative Ways to Encourage Active Learning?
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ROCKET SKY Redefining the Standards of Animation Studies
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he discipline of animation is recognized as one of the most exciting fields to study and work, for those who possess a knack for creative imagination and a passion for new technologies. Whether one envisions to create web animation, work for the world’s biggest blockbusters, or outstanding television series, the foundation one receives will open doors of numerous opportunities. As such, the responsibility for quality education befalls on the shoulders of the animation schools. They must complement the creativity of individuals and strive to deliver the best of knowledge. While there are several animation institutes providing quality education, seldom are any founded on the principle, ‘How can we create the greatest animation school in the world?’ With this same significant question, an erudite personality and the head instructor, Mr. Garth Drake, brought Rocket Sky to life. His experience in producing and teaching, helped him to build a school that understands the quality of education students must receive. As such, he set out his quest to build the best animation school in the industry. What makes Rocket Sky unique is its offerings. While
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the other animation institutes are quite saturated with 3D Generalist programs, where students learn a little bit of everything, Rocket Sky offers specialization in Character Animation. This specialization is the primary reason, where only 6-8% of people who take a 3D program around the world ever end up working in the industry and Rocket Sky’s graduates enjoy 97% success as professional animators. All of that is possible because Rocket Sky specializes in attaining complete control over one aspect of the animation process.
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The 10 Best Promising Institutions in Canada-2020
Understanding Rocket Sky Rocket Sky is an online digital art school specializing in Character Animation. It leads the industry with the mission of providing the best possible online education with the atmosphere of a real, live college campus, a real-life production studio. It came to life from decades of professional and instructional experience and, at present, works as a Simulated Production Environment. Being an online school, Rocket Sky offers students the ability to train at a full-time or part-time basis on their time and pace. A particular focus is on those students who have completed a 3D program course but were unsuccessful in gaining employment after their course completion. Most of the students at Rocket Sky work full-time and train after hours to better their lives, and the institute complements them adequately to ensure their success. Despite being an online school, students can rest assure that the environment and communications are much like that of an in-house studio.
rate, describe how easily it sails and shapes the waves of the animation industry.
A Qualified Campus An Elevated Learning Curve Rocket Sky can be described as the culmination of great studios around the world with its happy, positive approach to the hard work involved with mastering the most challenging art form of all. The passionate instructors engaged in the teaching process understand the importance of the right environment and leave no stones unturned in providing the same to the students. The animation institute is quite proud to have world-class and feature film animators such as Kelsey Wagner and Chris Buckley. Their credits spread across films such as Hotel Transylvania I-III, Angry Birds, Smurfs, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Alice through the Looking Glass, Jurassic World and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, among others. Their dedication and contribution in instructing the advanced modules to push student’s skill levels as far as possible. Coupling both, a robust infrastructure and erudite instructors, Rocket Sky trains students in the art of Character Animation, bringing characters to life. It’s the most difficult of all fine arts to master, and the institute’s processes and techniques, along with incredible placement
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Students at Rocket Sky can expect to be on a production team, but still, be learning through the one-on-one method. The process involves students watching highly produced tutorials, demos, and written content, and later, a projectbased assignment to be submitted for review. And this is the part where the simulated professional experience and the real learning begins. Within this submissionfeedback-revision stage, which indeed parallels a real-life animation studio, the students receive professional feedback, just like in real production, and the process continues until it is approved. This is where professional-quality
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skills are honed, all while being conditioned to work in the real world. Rocket Sky’s this simple yet unique approach renders highly skilled and productionready students. A Reliable Setup While observing, one can easily find that the student’s development stays consistent within the student population as the school focuses on individual development and the mastery of every facet of the art form. It provides the best of classes with the advantage of developing quality skills at their own pace and time. Not only that, in the advanced stages, the school implements these skills with an actual production simulation. Consequently, this develops the highest quality skills while conditioning the students in a real-world studio environment. As a result, upon graduation, the program produces a very consistent and professional-level digital artist. The students working for over a year or two as leading animators today, moving faster than the average employees, are a testament to the fact that Rocket Sky offers an unbeatable education.
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Hence, due to this unique program, graduates are ready to enter the industry with confidence and be production-ready to contribute to TV, feature films, or video games. Built for All Comparing the other high-end animation institutes in North America and possibly the world, Rocket Sky offers education at the most economical rates. Further, students can opt for long-term financing with the institute’s Tuition Installment Plans. It covers monthly, interest-free, equal payment plans spread across 6, 18, 24, 30, and even 36 months. With such a plan, the school makes sure that students don’t have to think about the debt and can focus on their studies without any second doubts. It works very hard to ensure students become highly education and debt-free.
with the outline focused on creating an on-campus, professional production studio. He intends to set up a crowdfunding campaign to help with these productions. For the betterment of students, the plan further entails collaborating with a team that has been developing a children’s show. And at present, the school has already begun to design, write, and develop scripts, boards, episodes, complete with professional quality models to animate. For forthcoming years, such setup will open doors of opportunities for students to experience first-hand, a real production, and the school seems pretty excited about the upcoming years. Visit www.rocketsky.ca to know more.
Understanding the field of animation as a never-ending quest for betterment, the school provides lifetime school membership for students. Hence, graduates enjoy free modern content, refer it, submit files, and assist juniors with ease. With the belief of being a big happy family, the school has made it possible for every aspiring artist to reach the zenith of success, regardless of their financial situation. Rotoscoping the Future Mr. Drake reveals that the school has a restless year ahead
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LEARNERS
TOMORROW’S
LEADERS I
n selecting a school for our children, there are many elements parents will investigate. In choosing the correct pathway and setting for any child, decisions will be based on a range of factors. Here in Dubai, the range of options is vast, in terms of price point, curriculum and location. One aspect of critical importance on any child’s successful learning journey which should be founded in success, challenge and happiness will be their readiness and agility in selecting and managing their own professional or vocational and career pathway. Equipping students with the skills necessary needs to be an area of focus for all schools and educators, strategically embedded in both the formal and hidden curriculum at schools.
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Ruth Burke, currently works as a Director of Deira International School. She is a school leader with the distinction of having led outstanding schools in Dubai for over ten years. Educated in Trinity College, Dublin and later in Bath University UK, Ruth holds a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership and is a strong proponent of empowering staff through distributed leadership models. Her strong connection with Learning and Teaching, as well as her aspirational approaches to all aspects of education, make Ruth a very in touch and visible presence to students, staff and parents. Her relentless pursuit for excellence has been instrumental in building schools of considerable repute where inspection, academic outcomes and aspiration levels evidence her high expectations approach and a culture of collaboration, with parents as partners as a key component. Mother of three, with children, spanning 6 years to 24 years of age, her passion for creating high- performing learning opportunities for both students and staff is tangible and her drive to ensure quality outcomes for all learners is refreshing.
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EDUCATOR’S VIEWPOINT
Ruth Burke
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Director
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An emphasis on developing leadership skills and opportunities in students within and beyond the school gates should be significant. From primary age, a range of leadership groups can work closely with staff, parents and their peers to positively impact practices, policy and provision. Groups such as our Wellbeing Warriors, Heritage Heroes and Tech Gurus are an integral part of many school approaches to leadership development with Student Counselors, Performing Arts Leaders, Journalists and Paparazzi groups work diligently to impact both within and beyond the school gates. A focus on communication, collaboration and connectivity, cultivated from early years with peer led learning opportunities and a formalized buddy learning system in place can further develop the skills required for students to be ready and able to maximize their learning opportunities. The Wakeham Review of STEM (Science, Technology, and Engineering & Mathematics) degree provision and employability (2016) stressed the importance of building transferable skills and providing work experience. It commented on the need for ‘softer skills such team-work and project management’ to be embedded in the curriculum and for more employers to offer work experience. Many Schools offer a program of structured vocational support and work experiences including access to a range of specialist speakers, mentors and facilitators who help to inspire students and make the world of work tangible and highly accessible. Internships for example, afford students great scope to develop their experiential learning. The IBCP (International Baccalaureate Career-related Program) includes a work placement component, an area highly valued by employers, 59% of employers rating it as one of their most important factors when recruiting graduates (CBI/Pearson, 2017). 65% of employers in the Employers Perspectives Survey (2016) rated relevant work experience as critical or significant when recruiting too, rating it more highly than academic or vocational qualifications (Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards, 2017). In addition, higher education students who undertook any type of work experience are more likely to attain a graduate job (BIS, 2013). It’s proven that school systems which systematically develop work placement opportunities engender the success of students over the long-term. Brandon Busteed, executive director of Gallup’s higher education division, claims that setting up students in a professional environment, interning, for example, is key in preparing them for a successful transition to working lifestyle, expectations and the environment of the workplace. The traditional model of preparing students for tertiary education needs review. Students must be nurtured, through all programs, to develop and refine the skills, attitudes and knowledge for life beyond formal education. The additional value brought by ensuring meaningful work placement with honest feedback and systems in place to support improvement will contribute to personal growth and to deeper learning.
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Best INSTITU 18
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Innovation & Experimentation
UTES IN Canada September | 2020
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ome educational institutions are formerly recognized for the purpose of the Designated Educational Institutions. Yes, Canada’s education system is ranked number three and among the best countries for education, the reason being innovative tools and techniques in its education to students.
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University of British Columbia is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. With students coming to McGill University from over 150 it is known as one of the leading universities in the world. It is recognized around the world for the excellence in its teaching and research programs.
Being one of the G-7 countries, the Canadian government has a multicultural environment, world-renowned institutions, economical tuition fees, etc. With its hi-tech and state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities, studying in Canada will be of great benefit.
One of the only four Canadian Universities ranked among the top 70 in the world is McMaster University. It is home to more than 70 research centres and institutes. University of Montreal ranks third in the country in terms of volume of its research activities. It was founded with the goal of offering higher education and is founded with three faculties - theology, law and medicine. It plays a leading role in the development of Montreal’s Artificial Intelligence Hub.
According to the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2020, 30 universities in Canada are amongst the best ones in the world. Further, these internationally renowned universities bring globally accomplished faculty members as well as encouraging international relations with universities and colleges across the globe. Let us have a look at some of the Best Institutes in Canada. Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto has evolved into Canada’s leading institution. Top students from across Canada and around the globe are drawn to University of Toronto for its comprehensive excellence, diversity, and commitment to equity and accessibility. It is one of the world’s largest and most highly regarded institutes for advanced education at the master’s and doctoral level. The University of Toronto is a global leader in research and teaching and has a significant impact, in Canada as well as around the world.
The University of Alberta is one of Canada’s top teaching research universities, to improve human health and fostering social change, for the benefit of all. Located at the heart of Canada’s capital University of Ottawa is the largest bilingual university in the world. It advances in social sciences, health, engineering, science and the humanities make Ottawa a unique place to learn, grow and excel. Canada is among the top 10 peaceful countries in the world as per the Global Peace Index 2019. It means it is welcoming study destination for international students around the globe. Emphasizing the values of multicultural environment, these universities cater students wholeheartedly around the world. - Sourabh More
A global centre for teaching, learning and research,
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INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGY ON EDUCATION I
n this era of time and space compressions, social connections are empowered by an explosion of technological advancements that mandate reframing our views of technology in the classroom. Technological advancements enlightened and conquered. It broadened possibilities and accelerated achievements. Major technological innovations are evident in various aspects of our lives. Today, voice-controlled assistants help in setting clocks and adjusting home thermostats, smartphone applications allow sharing images across the globe in an instant, and artificial Intelligence guide driving, predict purchasing habits, and provide real-time traffic updates. Big data analytics is fundamentally shaping our lives. Smart cities use information and communication technologies to improve efficiency of operations and services. This same technology is altering teaching as we know it, marking a paradigm shift and ushering a new era in education. Educators are already implementing Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) in classrooms to achieve learning outcomes. Integrating technology in teaching enrich learning experience by supporting teachers and providing students with 21st century skills. While traditional teaching methods necessitate the instructor to occupy center stage with little or no student
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interaction, modern teaching methodologies call for greater student engagement. Integrating technology into our classrooms promote active learning, collaboration, autonomy and life-long skills. Active learning, a technique that engages students in the learning process, promotes student classroom participation and involvement. Technology made this involvement conceivable. Simulation software such as virtual reality and 3D models allow students to visually observe the object of study, interact with processes, components, and analyze the fundamentals of the investigated object. Developing intercultural competence is crucial in the 21st century. It is described as the active pursuit to understand and accept others through interaction and communication especially outside one’s own environment. Through virtual communities, students create products, communicate, and teach each other anywhere around the world. This provides heightened awareness, understanding and tolerance of diverse views. Technology enables increased collaboration in the classroom. Collaboration constitutes effective communication among students resulting in problem solving skills crucial in the professional world. Flipped classrooms requires interactive learning and collective September | 2020
Edu Talk work. In flipped classrooms, the content is learned outside the class, while classroom time is allocated for students working together on assignments. Technological pedagogy in the classroom aids in student autonomy. Students independently progress in mastering concepts. Customized curriculum accommodates students’ learning styles and needs. Interactive books and testing platforms adapt to students’ level and offer personalized activities and assessments. While education should continue to prepare students for future careers, this generation grew up using tablets and smart phones. Employing technology in the classroom fosters digital literacy and digital citizenship skills such as responsibility, time management, confidence and kindness. Academic institutions should facilitate the integration of technology in the classroom to empower faculty and teaching staff. It is important to offer pedagogical workshops and training in technological pedagogical knowledge. This knowledge focuses on ways to enhance teaching and learning through technology. It includes pedagogical feasibility of technological tools related to specific discipline. Another approach is to introduce learning management systems that allow faculty to integrate e-learning into the curriculum. Traditional teaching and learning methodology are inevitably evolving with the influx of technology in our classroom nowadays. Educators continue to develop products that enhance students learning. Data generated from apps and programs provide insight into student progress and offer specific personalized recommendations to enhance student performance. The teacher becomes a guide and coach steering students through the learning process while providing support at the appropriate time. Education today extends beyond bricks and mortar. Technology offers exciting opportunity for life-long learning, a keystone of a progressive society. It empowers individuals to acquire new skills thus building capacity and transforming knowledge into outcomes. Educational institutions are regarding technology an integral component of teaching and learning. Faculty are encouraged to view this as a tool to customize knowledge transfer and address various student needs. This empowers students and facilitates their success.
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Nadia Awaida Associate Professor
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nadia Awaida is the Associate Professor of education and coordinator of the teaching diploma programme. She earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Florida. Her research focuses on intercultural competence, diversity, and classroom implications. She is passionate about promoting 21st century skills in education and considers intercultural awareness to be a governing force in our global time. She has over 12 years of teaching experience in the United States and the MENA region.
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Education PERKS AND ADVANTAGES
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ducation differs from country to country. It also differs from institute to institute as not every institute offers the same courses, same degrees, same quality of education, etc. Every country has its own culture which can be seen in the way of teaching as well. Students all over the world want education from recognized colleges of the world. Now-a-days it has become a trend for students to pursue education away from their homeland. Canada is one of the best countries in the world and it also offers internationally recognized education from some of the top educators and academicians. It has become one of the preferred destinations for education among the students. The international students choose Canada over other potential destinations like, United States, United Kingdom, France, and other countries. The reason behind this is there are attractive advantages that education from Canada brings to them. Tuition Cost One of the main reasons for students choosing Canada over United States or United Kingdom is the cost of education. As compared to other countries the tuition fees for international students in Canada is lesser. The accommodation and other living expenses remain competitive.
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Global Education
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World-Class Universities
Campus Lifestyle
The Canadian universities and colleges are renowned for their research and innovation. There is a diversity of higher education in Canada. The size, scope, character and breadth of programs vary. The academic standards are high and the quality control systems give students the benefit of high quality education. Generally, a Canadian degree or diploma is recognized equivalent to that obtained from United States or any other Commonwealth countries.
In Canada, it is not all work and no play. Canada’s postsecondary campuses are wired with abundant latest technology. They also offer countless modern amenities for the students to enjoy. There are sports facilities, concert halls, art galleries, etc. University campuses offer numerous possibilities for learning as well as leisure.
Study and Work
The post graduate work permit is a typical path for a student to gain a permanent resident status in Canada. This is not available in most other countries, and even if it is available it is difficult to obtain. This is a work permit that may be issued after the completion of the study program. The duration of this permit is either the duration of the completed course or up to a maximum of three years. If a student has completed a thirteenmonth course then their permit will be of thirteen months and if a student has completed a four-year course the permit will be given only for three years.
Among the various other benefits, one of the benefits for students studying in Canada is that they can work while they study. They can earn and manage their finances without incurring enormous loans. There are a few guidelines that need to be followed by students to work off-campus. • They should have a valid study permit • They should be a full-time student • They should be studying in an academic, vocational or professional training program that leads to a degree, diploma or certificate that is at least six months in duration • They should be enrolled at a designated learning institution at the post-secondary level, or in Quebec, a vocational program at the secondary level If the candidate is eligible according to the abovementioned requirements, then the study permit allows him/her to:
Post Graduate Work Permit
Canada Wants Students According to reports, Canada does not see international students as a source of income. It wants international students because Canada is all about nation-building. It wants students to study there and contribute to the country socially and economically, and if possible stay permanently. -Shreevarshita Gupta
• Work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions, and • Work full-time during scheduled breaks, such as the winter and summer holidays or spring break.
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TRAINING YOUNG
ENTREPRENEURS W
hen Two High School entrepreneur groups from Dominican International School, Taipei (DIS) participated in Taipei’s Dragon’s Chamber 2019 event, it was a further step forward in the development of 21st Century project Based Learning in its third experimental year at the school. In this annual event finalists pitch their businesses to long-term, established expatriate entrepreneurs in Taipei. The organizers gave two of the school’s student businesses the opportunity to pitch their businesses to showcase the Dragon’s Chamber organizers’ commitment to the training of young entrepreneurs for the past three years. The young entrepreneurs are senior high school students in their final school year who are running real startup businesses as a school subject. Entrepreneurship is part of Dominican International School’s 21st Century Project Based Learning. After extensive research into the merits and methodology of 21st Century PBL, Mercia de Souza started the new subject for Grade 12 students four years ago. The Buck Institute for Education in the US is a leading organization in the field of PBL. They describe it as “… a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and
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respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge” The Dominican International School PBL program was initially based on their framework for PBL course development. 21st Century Project Based Learning teaches Generation Z students critical survival skills for the 21st century. There are many descriptions of these essential skills, but the so-called 4Cs are the ones most widely accepted critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. Students learn from their own project research; they are not taught any facts. Usually, teachers provide readings, worksheets and other forms of information before students do a project, but 21st century PBL is different, students do not just apply what they have learned from a teacher, they learn the material from completing the project. Students take responsibility for their own learning, because the teacher becomes a facilitator. Students learn how to solve problems and how to think beyond the box. They learn to work together to achieve a common goal and to communicate in such a way that they convey their ideas clearly. No more fact regurgitation as they learn to think critically, learn problem solving skills, learn to manage their time and learn to be organized.
Furthermore, they have to do teamwork – just as on a real job. They learn communication skills, because they have to do regular presentations about their progress to their peers and teacher. The DIS students also have to pitch their businesses to the judges for the Dragon’s Chamber competition. Students’ creativity is enhanced as they find new ways to grow their businesses. An example of the students’ creativity is the way in which the DIS entrepreneurs coped with the new challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They moved their businesses online, some even brought about new product ranges, and the income and expenditure statements looked very healthy at the end of the 2019/20 school year. Community involvement is important. Students create a public product, which means that they present or display their work to an audience beyond the classroom. For this to be successful, community members share what they know with students – for example, guest speakers, project consultants and other community members who are willing to give of their time and expertise. The school teams up with outside partners to help students create a public product with the help of established and well-known Taipei entrepreneurs. September | 2020
Upgrading Education
This means that students present their work to an audience beyond the classroom and get input from people with the expertise to guide them. The student entrepreneurs run real businesses and the successful ones step away with well-earned profits at the end of the school year. Some of these young entrepreneurs even went on to partially fund their university education from their own start-ups after leaving school.
Mercia de Souza Three years ago Dominican International School student entrepreneurs pitched their businesses for the first time to the “dragons” in the first elimination round of the Dragon’s Chamber hoping to eventually get into the final. The organizers of the event have supported the young entrepreneurs ever since and every year, they participate in the first elimination round of The Dragon’s Chamber. There they learn what the world away from the school’s protection has in store when they get very frank assessments of their businesses. During the 2019/20 school year, the organizers gave the two most promising high school businesses the chance to showcase what they were doing, and to show the support the Dragon’s Chamber gives the school and the young entrepreneurs in Taipei. This gave them the opportunity to do business-to-business trade and one group had very lucrative dealings with businesses they met at the Dragon’s Chamber final event. The school hopes to showcase the students’ entrepreneurship skills again, even if it has to be virtually, because of the current pandemic. Elias Ek, one of Taipei’s best known expatriate entrepreneurs and the author of “How to Start a Business in Taiwan” September | 2020
Mercia de Souza holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, and Master’s degrees in Applied Linguistics and Marketing Management. She is an international conference presenter and she has published texts books, study notes, and numerous educationrelated articles in newsletters, magazines and journals. She also wrote prospectuses and website materials for academic institutions. She owned a successful business in South Africa which she sold when she relocated to South Korea to work for Samsung Corporation’s Globalization Team. Mercia moved to Taiwan in 2007 where she is Dominican International School’s Professional Development Coordinator, Head of the Communication Arts Department, and the Chairperson of the school’s Recruitment, and Steering Committees. She is an AP instructor for Macroeconomics, but Grade 12 project-based Entrepreneurship course is her passion.
is one of the school’s esteemed supporters of the Entrepreneurship project. He knows how to identify with the young entrepreneurs and how to inspire them, because he started his first business at the age of fifteen. The students feel that they are given real advice and they act on the recommendations of the business people present during their initial pitch. Jessie Hung, one of the main organizers of the 2019 Dragon’s Chamber has also been a student supporter for the past three years. She is always ready to share valuable ideas with them, and to give much needed advice. Assessment is important, but students do not get assessed on their profits or sales, but on how well they develop their businesses. The progress is assessed through a series of benchmarks that their teacherfacilitator gives them and how they achieve those benchmarks. Examples are their product development, their marketing plan, and the development of their bookkeeping system. They also have an opportunity for regular peer assessment of their contribution to the project that makes up a substantial portion of the grade they achieve for the subject. st
21 Century PBL is exciting methodology that correlates with the research that people have done about Generation Z. Several studies found that they were are self-sufficient, entrepreneurial, prefer peer-based information, and want hands-on experience. Entrepreneurship fits into these needs and enhances the learning of a new generation of 21st century students. T R
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MARKETING PROGRAM Prep Course for the Real Business World
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Essentials of Marketing
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arketing has its own perks and benefits. It is not necessary that one needs to be educated about the need or importance of marketing. However, we cannot say that everyone knows the appropriate way of marketing a certain product, service or business for that matter. Here is where the marketing education programs come into picture. Marketing programs teach people the right type, way, method, time, etc. of marketing. These courses teach everything related to marketing. Well, people may have the doubt as in if marketing courses are really necessary. One can learn about marketing from the Internet as well. However, the value of taking an educational course for marketing is way better than learning from the Internet. There are various things that these courses offer to students. These courses are especially useful for those who wish to start a business of their own or want to take over their family business. People with a business mindset can take up these programs and learn a lot from it. Here are a few things that these programs offer. Decision Making Marketing involves a lot of interpretations, assumptions, analysis, etc. As much as marketing can be taught, it also needs to be learnt through practice. Marketing is a game of targeting the right people at the right time for the right product or service. One can only become good at this game when they keep practicing it. Certain decisions need to be made at a particular time for it to be effective. These marketing programs give the students practice of making decisions before they enter the actual world. It allows them to make mistakes and learn from them as well. Listening Skills
the title of being a King will not be sufficient. Things need to work according to the customer requirements up to some extent. One needs to listen to what the customer is saying and comprehend from it too. The marketing programs are long and lengthy in some places. This builds up the patience and understanding levels of the students. This habit of listening develops during these courses, which are useful in the marketplace. Experience of the Marketplace These marketing programs are designed to give the ultimate marketing experience to each student. There are various risks in a business and marketing is one factor that helps avoid risk of failure. Although, people might say that marketing is a risk all by itself, it is essential to succeed. The experience gained in college will not be complete, but it will be of use. One can make mistakes at no or minimal risk and learn from those. Learning from the mistakes is what matters the most. It is easier to learn in a safe environment as well. Customer Understanding For any businessperson, understanding their customer is the main motive. It is also one of the most crucial tasks of being a business person. Understanding the ultimate requirement of the customer is the main marketing focus. Without this ability, a big part of the overall business would be missing. These courses prepare the students for the global business market. These are preparatory courses that help students understand what they are about to enter. They get a feel of the real market. It helps them interpret the marketing life they are headed towards. It prepares them to face anything and everything in the business market. -Shreevarshita Gupta
In every business, customer is the said to be the king. However, only giving the customer September | 2020
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Evolution of
Animation in India R
am Mohan was the first man in India who build a strong pillar of animation (in 2D & 3D). Ram Mohan (26 August 1931 – 11 October 2019) who was also known as the father of the Indian Animation, started his career from the Cartoon Films Unit, Films Division of India, Government of India in 1956. Owned an animation company in Mumbai called Graphiti Multimedia in 1995, and later, he also established the Graphiti School of Animation in 2006. He won multiple awards, like Padmashree award in 2014, lifetime achievement award at Mumbai international film festival in 2006 & national film award for non-feature animated films, You Said it (1972) and Fire Games (1983). He started an era of animation in the 80's and 90’s in 2D animation. In the early 80’s and 90’s there are a lot of animated movies like The Legend of Prince Rama, Homo saps, which are co-directed by Ram Mohan. The history of Animation in India can be seen in the earlier 20th century. In those days’animation such as shadow puppets and slide shows entertained audiences before cinema. Great Men such as Dadasaheb Phalke, Gunamoy Banerjee, K.S. Gupte, and G.K. Ghokle kept the tradition of animation alive during the first 50 years of the 20th century. They are so impact-full and full of emotions that they were usually selftaught and were inspired by foreign cartoons. Roadside Romeo (2008) is India’s first 3D animated film, which is a joint venture between Yash Raj Films and the Indian division of the Walt Disney Company. In between these couple of years, some of the best-animated movies was released which are as follows: • Pandavas - The Five Warriors 3D animation (2000)
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About the Author Mayank Nimavat is the Founder & CEO of Sarvam FX. The company is working in many serials, and films from Hollywood and Bollywood as well as shows are live on Netflix, Amazon Prime, DISNEY XD, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon, Colors Rishtey, Hungama Tv, etc. It has many renowned clients like Coca-Cola, Airtel, Aditya Birla, Elite-18, Champs Diaper, Nissan, Bollywood Animated Films & Serials, Balaji Wafer, Roger motors. Sarvam FX received the 2018 MSME award for the best Animation studio in Gujarat. It is active in the Animation & Visual Effect Industry & Growing more. September | 2020
Expert's Viewpoint
Mayank Nimavat Founder & CEO
September | 2020
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• Alibaba & the Forty Thieves (2002) • Hanuman (2005) • Bal Hanuman (2006) • Krishna (2006) • Bal Ganesh (2007) • Dashavatar(2008) • Cheenti Cheenti Bang Bang (2008) • Jumbo (2008) Current status The Indian animation industry grows very well in the past 10 years, and now we can say that India finally finds a unique and most amazing way in the animation industry to make animated movies. In 2008 Hanuman, O my friend Ganesha & Roadside Romeo these 3 movies produced by using amazing 2D & 3D techniques. ‘Arjun- The Warrior Prince’ was released in 2012 in India and the US. The Picture quality of this movie is totally extraordinary & most amazing. Big Hollywood production houses & studios have business tie-ups with Indian production houses and studios. After milestone success of roadside Romeo Indian animation industry just release the totally brand-new animated movies which are as follows: • • • • • • • •
Bal Ganesh 2(2009) Pangaa Gang (2009) Ramayana: The Epic (2010) Toonpur Ka Superhero (2010) Jumbo 2: The Return of the Big Elephant (2011) Arjun – The Warrior Prince (2012) Delhi Safari (2012) Chhota Bheem and the Curse of Damyaan (2012)
After Avatar (2009) movie came, it changed the whole concept and its base in a totally different way; we can also say that avatar build a brand-new future of upcoming animation movies. In technology-related avatar change, these two things which are too huge, and it is 1) Stereoscopic 3D in cinema, 2) Motion Capture Technology. Stereoscopic 3D in cinema A three-dimensional stereoscopic film (also known as threedimensional film, 3D film) is a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth of field, which adds the third dimension. In this approach, a regular motion picture camera system is used to record the images as seen from two perspectives (or computer-generated imagery generates 3D conversation)
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You can also make a 3D stereoscopic movie from your regular movies by using a 3D conversation technique. There are also some directors who made 3D movies by using their 2D movies in 3D conversation techniques like Titanic, Jurassic Park, etc. Stereoscope (also called stereoscopic, or stereo imaging) is a film technique for creating or enhancing the depth of field in an image by means of binocular vision. Motion Capture Technology To automate that process, animators looked to motion capture. Bio-kinetic researchers like Simon Fraser University’s Tom Calvert were breaking new ground with mechanical capture suits. 1 company created the “Waldo” face and body capture devices, which can be used by an actor to drive a Nintendo Mario avatar, who interacted with crowds at trade shows. mocap was a studio process where tight-suited actors were alone insets surrounded by special cameras and lights. Avatar introduced “performance capture,” Which includes facial expressions, lip movement & body movement. And also, it used in Games GTA 5, Spider-man 2018, call of duty, Red Redemption, God of War 4 & much more also drastically improved realism by combining facial and fullbody capture. Current Situation in Indian animation Nowadays there are very big companies who tied up with Bollywood and Hollywood movies & animated projects. India has its own animated series and as well as animated movies, which are now popular worldwide. VFX is used most in animation because nowadays, in animation, VFX has its own beautiful and most amazing places which can be used in animated movies for a better experience. The animation is used almost 80% to 90% in VFX, so animation comes with VFX. VFX has very great and huge contribution in Indian movies like Koi Mil Gaya after its 2nd part released which includes Stunning and well-balanced use of VFX ,at that time it’s called totally impressing and awardable movies of all time.Ra.one also made its stunning impact on animated industry, but after sometime robot movie release which carries heavy VFX and live-action scenes which is totally looking amazing and much impressing, after that, the movie comes with a hit which ruled whole Indian cinema on its own, and it is Bahubali saga which includes its two-part, and two of them contain huge uses of VFX and animation, and it’s a first-ever movie which set in Indian studio. T R September | 2020
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his is a great question and one that we need to ask ourselves on a frequent basis. In fact, it is the question, par excellence, that all educators must ask themselves. Happily, what a delight it is to sit down with our Pre-Primary and Primary teachers and discuss great ways to engage all our students in their learning. First, we believe that our very environment sets the tone. Although, in our case, we are a relatively new British-international school in Mexico City, banish the thought of our vibrant community working within the confines of a concrete campus. Rather, think of a semi-rural site on the city’s western edge, basking in sunlight most days, and all surrounded by low smooth hills carpeted with trees. And fortunate enough to have a purpose-built first construction using spacious, light-filled classrooms in which teachers experiment. With children hailing from some thirty countries, and Buenos Aires sitting down with Berlin, wonderful cross-cultural friendships burgeon. To be truly modern and creative, innovative educators continually need to mix the old with the right amount of the new, furnishing pupils’ learning styles with sufficient variety. To make our motto “Strive, Learn and Serve” a reality, we also operate with the International Primary Curriculum (both its Early Years, and its mainstream Milestone programmes). The projects we select from it always allow us that flexibility in both content and skills so
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useful to any enthusiastic teacher’s heart. Teachers are not trammeled, then, in what they can attempt to do with the curriculum. In our planning, main classroom teachers work hand-in-hand with specialist classes. We especially promote music – every post-Kindergarten child plays a stringed instrument – also linking it wherever possible to many discrete subject areas within bespoke IPC projects. Wasn’t it E. M. Forster who once said, “Only connect”? “Serve” is extremely important to our school community, providing us with plenty of opportunities to be innovative. Classroom teachers very deliberately fuse the IPC with our School of Character, exploiting teachable moments to promote positive values. Moreover, innovative learning stems from pupils – in an age-appropriate way – researching and selecting practical initiatives to help others. For example, it was the pupils, not the teachers, who opted for writing letters for lonely old folks (and visiting them subsequently), creating a whole World Cup football competition with a local Primary, composed of fifteen full teams, plus an extensive toy collection and distribution campaign for the less fortunate in society. When children sense the justice of something, they grow in confidence and display tremendous drive. Holding fast to the ‘traditional’ in education, the things time and cultures have told us work, we have ensured we have placed the library at the heart of our campus. Three of its
September | 2020
Educator's Column
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Tom Wingate Founder
About the Author Tom Wingate, Founder of The Wingate School was educated at St. George’s College, Weybridge, Surrey, in Great Britain. His school’s mission is to touch lives, promoting excellent academic standards imbued with values. He completed his undergraduate degree in English and History and Theory of Art from the University of Kent and postgraduate degree in teaching from the University of Leeds. He kick-started his career as teacher administrator at an international school in Mexico City. Later, in the 1990s, he served as the Principal and Assistant Headmaster of a developing high school, also receiving his Masters in Administration and Supervision from Georgia State University. Head of the intake Year 9 at City of London School in the early 2000s, he coached many successful public speaking and debating teams, winning the ESU's British and International Debate Competition in 2006. He also holds a postgraduate degree in Victorian Studies from Birkbeck College, University of London. Tom has taught from kindergarten to teachers in their Masters programmes. He is an artist and photographer, greatly enjoying history of art. An avid collector of old documents, with a special interest in the life of Dickens, he also contributes to the international “Dickensian” magazine. September | 2020
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four sides are largely composed of glass. Children, walking by, both inside or out, cannot but help to peer in, see and be intrigued by the constant activity. It welcomes them; it engages. With much mobile library shelving, its spaces are instantly and effortlessly ‘redesigned’. Activities held there typically include: ICT classes using Chromebooks; weekly assemblies underpinning IPC topics; drama practises; much live reading to groups; personal assistance with book selection, and – naturally! – quiet reading and book processing. (For books - new, old, bought, donated - are constantly being added.) Matching expressed interests, books are frequently given to children by the school to keep, too. Books, stimulating innovative lines of thought in young minds, still very much count and always will. Yet, as we rocket into the new millennium, we inevitably reach out to the innovative and the new. Deliberately sited within that large open library, staff and children access a lot of our technological gadgets. They are mere tools to our academic ends, but, what tools! (We are setting up audio and visual contact with divers on the Great Barrier Reef, in real time.) Most of our Smartboards are fixed within classrooms. However, others kept in the library can be wheeled into action, like strange wooden fire engines fomenting those intellectual “conflagrations” poet Alan Paton spoke of, rather than putting them out. What, then, is the nature of the modern library? The speed of technological advance today is mind-boggling. Thus, the jury is still out, because the fascinating conversation constantly twists and turns. The classroom, where teaching and learning occur, now is so much more than a big box. We encourage a host of innovative afternoon activities where young pupils (and their parents) can begin to choose less orthodox areas of interest. For example, highly athletic Irish dancing can and does complement our official P.E curriculum. Gardening Club, linked to the Royal Horticultural Society levels for schools, is ripe for innovation. (For one, pupils have chosen where new bird boxes will adorn the campus.) Gardening, along with woodland walks for our pupils in the huge ranch in which we are located, opens up so many avenues, both for hands-on experiences as well as for incipient science-inclined minds. We have a Debate Club, too. When all is said and done, our teachers’ collegiality is the engine that powers the active, innovative learning throughout the school. However, as we genuinely try to put our pupils at the heart of our project, their sense of contentment and ‘voice’ also are extremely important to us. Our pupils constantly use personal (but shared) agendas in which all constituents – line managers, all teachers, the pupils and parents – write reflective contributions. When ‘in class,’ collating knowledge, pupils are much encouraged to work in various teams. They are crucibles in which to learn content and, more than that, the arena where they acquire and practise transferrable skills. Invariably, their strengths and weaknesses are tested in the general give and take. That way they, and their teachers, understand better the needs of patience and teamwork, analysis and critical thought. T R
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September | 2020