Embedded Files
Discord vs Zoom for Online Learning
Discord vs Zoom for Online Learning
Ben R.
Since the Covid-19 virus hit major cities around the world, schools have switched to online learning so students can continue their learning from home. School systems have been using online learning websites and apps such as Zoom, Google meetings and Microsoft Teams to video call and host class online. Overall, these platforms have been considered as effective as possible throughout this past year.
According to many students, Discord is the popular choice when it comes to online social interactions and talking to their friends.
Discord and Zoom both have similar features that allow the basic functions of an online classroom environment to function. Video chats, calling and Direct Messaging are features that exist on both platforms, but there are defining features that differentiate the video platforms from each other.
“If I were to choose between Discord or Zoom, I would choose Discord because I am more familiar with the interface and am more comfortable with it,” says Zayden R., an 8th student at ISM. “I use Discord every day for different uses. I can contact other grade students for help with school as well as share media with friends.”
Discord, a competetor app to Teamspeak, was made mainly for people to play video games and communicate with each other whilst playing them. Now Discord is mainly used to create and connect with other communities and build them through servers and group chats. From the outside, Discord would seem like the ideal online learning platform for schools, but in reality, the complex interface and advanced integrations are also the disadvantages of Discord.
Here are some of Discord's intuitive designs and features for communication.
Recent News
Recent News
NASA Announces Mars Rover Landing
NASA Announces Mars Rover Landing
Michael S.
NASA announced to the public on February, 13 the estimated arrival of their new Perseverance probe on Mars on February 18, 3:55 p.m. EST.
Communications Associate Administrator Marc Etkind said, “If there’s one thing we know, it’s that landing on Mars is never easy.”
On-air coverage of the landing will begin on the afternoon of the 18th, along with virtual activities to engage the public. The agency would also host a first-ever Spanish show for the landing. “We’d like to highlight the role of Hispanic scientists and engineers in this achievement,” says Etkind.
Numerous individuals have already signed up for the activities and are quite ecstatic about the landing.
“With all of this pandemic going on,” says Jack, a college student, “it’s a nice change of pace for the world.”
More information about the online activities can be read on the official NASA website.
DONALD TRUMP ACQUITTED… AGAIN
DONALD TRUMP ACQUITTED… AGAIN
Emilio B.
Former President Donald J. Trump won his impeachment trial on February 14, at the High Court of Impeachment.
After the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol, Democrats in Congress and the Senate deemed it necessary to put former President Donald Trump on trial despite him no longer being president. As a result, Trump’s lawyers and Republicans that sided with him stated the trial was ‘unconstitutional.’
There are three major steps for Trump's conviction to succeed: impeachment passes through Congress, impeachment is available to be on trial in the Senate, and the actual Senate trial.
After the impeachment papers arrived at Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi moved quicker than usual on bills to pass the Impeachment Trial through Congress. In a statement she gave during the trial, Pelosi firmly believed that President Trump should be impeached. All 222 Democrats in the House along with several Republicans voted for the bill to pass through Congress.
On February 9, 2021, all 50 Senate Democrats along with six Republicans voted that the impeachment trial was constitutional. Bill Cassidy, one of the Republicans who voted that the trial was constitutional, stated, “There are those who think that I should put President Trump above the Constitution. That’s not conservatism, that is not Republicanism, and I reject it.”
After the impeachment was put on trial at the United States Senate, 57 Senators voted to convict Trump, while 43 voted to acquit Former President Donald Trump.
According to the filibuster rule in the senate, two-thirds of the Senate has to vote to convict the person on trial in order for the impeachment to be successful. Former President Donald Trump’s trial did not receive two thirds of the Senate vote, and so he was acquitted.
Pandemic in Pictures
Pandemic in Pictures
Features
Features
Do Students Think We Should Have Face-To-Face Classes?
Do Students Think We Should Have Face-To-Face Classes?
Emilio B.
What if the phrase ‘living under a rock' became reality? What if that reality lasted for years? Imagine going to school one day, not knowing that it might be your last day there. Imagine your morning routine disrupted. Imagine, your hobbies, education, and even friends and family taken away. Before you know it, it’s too late and you’ll never know if you’ll ever get a proper goodbye. That has been the reality of thousands of International School Manila (ISM) students and faculty ever since March 13, 2020.
Here is a recap of events from the last year. January 22, 2020: The first case of Covid-19 was reported in Philippine territory. March 7, 2020: An International School Manila parent tests positive for Covid-19. March 9, 2020: The last day ISM students and faculty will step foot in ISM for the rest of the school year. March 10, 2020: ISM announces that face-to-face classes will be switching to online for the week. March 13, 2020: Philippine president, Rodrigo Duterte puts Metro Manila on lockdown. The quarantine was extended till April 15, then to April 30, then May 15, then May 31, and so on. As of March 1, 2021, one year later, Metro Manila is on General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and ISM students have been ‘Zooming’ every day since.
As this pandemic continues to stretch and reveal its wrath on the world, students are one of the most affected groups. As a result, the idea of going back to face-to-face classes has become increasingly prevalent as vaccine accessibility grows. Do students want to see their friends? Do students like the comfort of going to school at home? Do the pros outweigh the cons?
Monica L., a seventh-grade student believes we should go back “because it will improve people’s social life, mental health, and it will have us more connected. Some people don’t join anything at all because it’s all online.” As a contradiction, Ava P., another seventh-grade student states, “several people are still out of the country. It’s not like the cases in the Philippines are getting any better. There are too many people and too many cases.”
Many students complain about the heavy workload during distance learning. (See below for survey and data.) This includes screen time issues, as well as reduced social interaction. All this ultimately affects a student’s mental health. Counselors and friends receive complaints and cries for help every day. (See below for survey and data.)
However, as of today, March 1, 2021, the Philippines has 578,381 Covid-19 cases, 12,322 deaths, and 2,037 new cases. Moreover, vaccines have only begun rolling out today for the first time. The first vaccines legally distributed in the Philippines, the ones that arrived today, are Sinovac and only 50.4% effective, unlike other vaccines such as Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca-- all of which have yet to arrive in the Philippines. AstraZeneca is set to arrive on Thursday, March 4.
People that support face-to-face classes talk about how the mental health and social interactions of students are suffering as a result of distance learning. People that support the continuation of distance learning elaborate on the need for Covid-19 to be under control. Both sides represent valid points. Perhaps we shouldn’t be asking ourselves about the pros and cons. The real question we should be asking is: should we prioritize the mental health of students or the physical risks of the Covid-19 situation?
Netflix To Release New Weekly Movie in 2021
Netflix To Release New Weekly Movie in 2021
Ines L.
With the COVID-19 pandemic confining us to our homes, people have been desperately searching for a way to entertain themselves amidst lockdown, allowing streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu to expand their audiences. Yet large streaming companies are not the only ones that have taken advantage of the situation. The lockdown has also been giving rise to other streaming services such as Peacock, Disney+, HBO MAX, Amazon Prime Video, and Youtube TV. However, Netflix has started a new venture that will distinguish itself from the rest of the competition.
Last month Netflix announced that they would be “kicking off 2021 with a bang”. The streaming service revealed that they would be releasing a new movie every week throughout this year.
A press release stated that "Netflix will bring you a new movie every week featuring the biggest stars including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sandra Bullock, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Meryl Streep, Zendaya, Jennifer Lawrence, Ryan Reynolds, Jennifer Garner, Gal Gadot, Dave Bautista, Naomi Watts, Jake Gyllenhaal, John David Washington, and Octavia Spencer".
The company did not only make way for possibly one of the most star-studded cast line-ups in history but were able to hire some of the biggest directors such as Martin Scorsese, Adam McKay, and more, as well as produce movies from actors Halle Berry and Lin-Manuel Miranda who have taken the director’s chair.
The first of the promised 70 movies was released on January 29, 2021, entitled Malcolm & Marie, and was followed by The White Tiger, To All the Boys: Always and Forever, I Care A Lot and Call Me Crazy.
2021 will not only be an exciting year for Netflix but a fairly risky one as well. The company has spent millions of dollars in order to get all the stars and directors to work with them, which means that if they are not able to make back the money they invested, they will be in serious debt and 2021 will not be as successful for them as they had hoped. “Netflix has all these projects up their sleeve, but if they are not executed correctly, the result will be a catastrophic failure for their company.” says Roman A., an ISM student and Netflix enthusiast.
On January 12, 2021, Netflix released a 2021 film preview on their Youtube page, sharing snippets from each of the upcoming movies. Since the pandemic has forced movie theaters to remain closed and empty, Netflix has found a way to keep the film business alive and audiences engaged without having to risk their lives.
Can a Student's Work Space Affect Their School Performance?
Can a Student's Work Space Affect Their School Performance?
Maddigan S.
If your schoolwork area at home is a disastrous mess with a tipsy laptop and books scattered around the desks and floor, then it’s possible that your schoolwork and grades might be affected. A messy workspace might indicate a creative mind but essential work might not be able to be found in the mess. You might be comfortable at first with all your papers and notes in random piles but eventually, one-by-one, things will be devoured into the clumps of mess.
If you become too distracted from your assignments then your grades will probably become affected. By looking at someone’s desk, you can know a lot about them. Marie Kondo, a Japanese organizing consultant said, "Visible mess helps distract us from the true source of the disorder." Kondo is trying to inform us that one can be distracted just by looking at a desktop mess. So, can a student’s workspace affect his school performance? Probably.
A messy physical desktop can cause your computer desktop to also be messy. Your love for snacks can be an issue, so sacrificing your snacks can be an option for a tidy desk. Your Oreo cookies and other snack crumbs might overwhelm your desk and those little ants and cockroaches might be attracted to your messy party. Unfortunately, these insects might not be able to help you with your assignments as school assignment notes might become misplaced.
Having a disarranged desk isn’t as horrible as one might think. According to ABC News, “numerous historic photos of Einstein's office show he was no neat freak.” yet Einstein was still successful. Untidiness shows how creativity can show several great ideas you have.
However, it is worth considering trying to not being too unorganized, as this can make finding things complex. However, these distractions on your desk such as a phone, a television, and any other sign of communication can cause procrastination in trying to meet assignment deadlines.
There are mixed opinions regarding whether a messy desk is good for your creative energy or if it distracts you. It can affect your performance in both good and bad ways.
Preparation of American Schools To Resume In-Person Learning
Preparation of American Schools To Resume In-Person Learning
Clare M.
As schools begin to reopen in the United States, many questions are on the minds of students and parents alike. How will my kid stay protected during school? What steps is the school taking to bring teaching back to what it was pre-pandemic? Little information has been given to many families as there was much to be discussed and planned beforehand. But now, more information has been confirmed with the schools and the government.
Out of the 50 States, over 30 have yet to place orders on potential openings, as each individual district decides the best plan for their school. This does not mean that schools are not open, it simply means there is no official plan nationwide. Most state governors have instructed schools prioritize in-person learning. Currently, four states have officially ordered schools open, which means that governors have signed bills requiring an in-person learning option in every school. These states are Iowa, Arkansas, Texas, and Florida. One potential reason these openings are required could be the loss of state funding. Similarly, five states have ordered partial closures, which means that the majority of students continue with online learning, but around 20% go to school regularly. These states include Delaware, DC, New Mexico, California, and Hawaii. For more information on school closures, visit here.
Schools are trying to go back to ‘normal’, but how will students stay safe as school begins to reopen?
One student who recently started going back to school in a hybrid model in Virginia spoke to us about Covid precautions.
‘Masks are required in my school and in DC everywhere,’ she says. ‘In school, you have to wear two masks at all times unless eating. If you’re going to wear a shield two masks are still required. You can never be in a situation where you’re too close to someone, as spaces are designed to suit social distancing. When working out you can take off masks, but most people decide to leave them on for extra protection.’ She continues. ‘When leaving the classrooms you must fill out a form every time that tracks where you plan to go, how long you’re gone for, and where you’re coming from.’
Of course, each school is preparing differently, and who knows? Maybe all schools will be open by the end of the year.
Mars Perseverance Rover
Mars Perseverance Rover
Matej P.
NASA’s new Perseverance rover landed in the Jezero Crater on Mars on the 18th of February this year. It took 7 months for the rover to land on the Red Planet. The rover is there to investigate Mars’s surface.
The Mars rover isn't there just because NASA was bored. The main mission of the rover is to seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rocks and regolith-broken soil and rocks-for a possible return to Earth. The rover has a very complicated data collection system at the front and bottom of the rover. The rover will perform many tests including producing oxygen from the Martian atmosphere, identifying resources such as subsurface water, improving landing techniques, and characterizing weather, dust, and other potential environmental conditions that could affect future astronauts living and working on Mars.
One of Perseverance’s new upgrades is a tech demo called the Mars Helicopter. Its’ main job is to test the first powered flight on Mars. The helicopter rode to Mars attached to the belly of the Perseverance rover. The small helicopter will also observe Mars’s surface from a closer distance than our telescopes and create a view of Mars.
The Perseverance also employs an InSight lander which measures temperature, weather, wind, pressure, etc. This is an important part of the mission to report any changes that may affect the rover. This lander has cost $800 million USD.
Politics
Politics
2022 Philippine Elections: Who Will Run?
2022 Philippine Elections: Who Will Run?
Marijn R.
Nearing just over a year before the highly awaited elections of May 2022, indications of those likely to seek the archipelago nation of the Philippines’ highest position have already begun to surface. Awaiting a highly significant election, those living in this nation are hoping to acquire vigilance and support as they long for “light at the end of the tunnel," in hopes to escape the hardships brought upon them by the COVID pandemic. They begin their quest to answer one question; who, and how will this country be led out of a nationwide recession? Who will seek to free them of the poverty and informal settlements that have become the reality for over 13 million Filipinos? And, most importantly, what say will they have? What could these next 6 years look like?
Former senator Bongbong Marcos, Vice President Leni Robredo, Senator Manny Pacquiao, as well as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, are only a few amongst a list of 16 potential candidates for President of the Philippines in the coming elections of May, 2022. To better understand the candidates, and opportunities they may hinder and offer the Filipino citizens, let’s dig deeper into those who may come to be in power six years to follow the unprecedented May 2022 elections.
Sara Duterte, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte, was identified as one of the forerunners of projected candidates to be voted into the 2022 presidency by a survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research, Incorporated. Although Duterte has publicly spoken against the running of women for president, the Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte remains professionally qualified, young, and in the hands of the Duterte family’s coalition and resources, proving her tough potential as an opposition candidate.
Previously defeated vice-presidential candidate "Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s election candidacy plans have been announced by his lawyer, Vic Rodriguez. Bongbong, son of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos (President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986), has remained a controversial candidate in the eyes of many. He has questioned “What am I to apologize for?”, when asked about his father’s regime that is often criticized for numerous human rights violations as well as corruption.
PDP-Laban Party member and world-renowned boxer, Manny Pacquiao, is another candidate seeking power over the 2022 presidential elections. His famous “rags to riches'' story allows him to appeal in relatability to many, his conquest has been well celebrated and documented. In an interview with Nas Daily he states, “It’s because of the system of politics [where] there are a lot of corrupt politicians, but I’m here and I want to help people in need because I’ve been there.” Many “salute Pacquiao’s compassion for the people '' however, worry about his “capability of running for the presidency,” telling others to ‘vote wisely’. Read: President Pacquiao in 2022?
Further speculations of current Vice President Leni Robredo, often called “dishonest” and “incapable of truth” by Duterte, have nonetheless begun to arise in her campaigning efforts for the 2022 presidency. Robredo, a fifty-five-year-old member of the Liberal Party, contains a stable approval rating of 57% according to Pulse Asia’s recent presidential survey. Known for her strong advocacy of the Freedom of Information Act, and her hopes to improve government transparency, she is another oppositional candidate who may be seen running in the unprecedented elections of May 2022.
With less than two years awaiting the elections that 2022 has to hold, speculations of not only potential candidates, however also the corruption, freedom, or even voice that they may offer the Filipino people are becoming more evident amongst the nation today. Some may argue that the neck-to-neck American elections of late 2020 have uncovered the true importance of practicing the right of voting, and as the date nears May of 2022, this same reality is becoming increasingly evident. Those unable to vote may only watch. Those able to, remember. No matter who you vote for, vote with power, vote for your rights. And most importantly, vote knowing that the influence held within these next six years, maybe sat in the palm of your hand.
Inside the Myanmar Coup
Inside the Myanmar Coup
Michael S.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a country located in southeast Asia which is populated by more than 54 million citizens. The country is known for its primarily Buddhist cultures and its exotic oriental cuisine. However, an internal conflict had risen from its government.
On the 1st of February, the day wherein the new democratic officials were to be sworn in the parliament, a coup d’etat, or a seizure in power (of the government), had begun. Military officials seized President Win Myint and Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi along with other parliamentary members. But why did the military initiate a seize of power?
The nation of Myanmar had been under military rule since 1962 up to 2011. During this political reign, both social and economic aspects of the nation had been under the military’s oversight. However, citizens saw it unfit that they had not given a voice with the nation’s future, and so they fought for a more presidential-elect form of government. In order to keep power, the military arrested and detained any civilian or political opposition. That is, until the rise of Aung San Suu Kyi. Ms. Suu Kyi is a democratic diplomat who has fought for the transition of the state of Burma to be a democratic country. She was first arrested in 1989, wherein the democratic party had won the elections, yet the generals had ignored the voting results. After a few decades of detainment, Ms. Suu Kyi was released and the country had become temporarily open for diplomatic meetings as of 2010.
5 years later in 2015, her party, the National League of Democracy, had won the election decisively. The military, unexpectedly, had honored the results and withdrew its’ presidential powers. This did not, however, mean that the military has lost all its political control. They had lurked in the background, due to the military constitution preserving a quarter of the military officials in the parliament.
On the 1st of February in 2021, the military staged a coup early in the morning. Ms. Suu Kyi and other party members were detained in the raid. Citizens erupted in protests against the arrest of the members of the democratic party. A nationwide blackout had also begun to minimize citizen communication with the country’s capital, Naypyitaw, as well as contact with the outside world. Nevertheless, the people’s efforts to protest were not cut short. From those who still found a way to communicate overseas, streets were seen to be filled with anti-riot police and citizens who were shown no leniency. There have also been some reports and videos of killings of over 30 innocent civilians at the Sagaing division. Those who could not protest outside banged their pots and pans as an act of protest, a plea of peace.
The UN is still to take action against the coup.
Entertainment
Entertainment
Alexis A.
The 78th annual Golden Globes show kicked off the awards season with a bang! Last Sunday, February 28, the Golden Globes went live. The Golden Globes are an award show that recognizes excellence in movies and TV shows. Actors and actresses from all over the world were nominated in different categories and people had the chance to vote for their favorites.
Due to COVID-19, the show will be held virtually, unlike the normal stage show. This year, the show was hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. According to Los Angeles Times, the slideshow above contains the winners.
During the Golden Globes, many memorable moments occurred. Tracy Morgan was one of the people announcing the winners of the categories and during one of the announcements, he mispronounced the popular Disney Pixar movie, Soul. He said, “And the Golden Globe goes to, Sal.”
When the late Chadwick Boseman won a Golden Globe, his wife made a speech in honor of him that left people speechless and left them with a tear.
Overall, the Golden Globes did the best they could with the circumstances and it was one award show that people will never forget.
Opinion
Opinion
The Future of Diagnosticians In The Hands of Dogs
The Future of Diagnosticians In The Hands of Dogs
Olivia T.
Many people have long pondered whether robots might actually take over human jobs, but what about dogs? Dogs have a unique sense of smell that has been found to be able to detect Covid-19 infections as well as some cancers and even diseases such as malaria. While it’s likely that only some dogs can be trained to detect diseases, this brings up the interesting prospect of dogs basically “working” in the role of a diagnostician in some medical offices. Perhaps, in addition to paying one’s doctor’s bill, something will need to be left behind for the dog - a bone? If we train more dogs to detect other diseases, they could serve as diagnosticians.
There are some flaws, however. While we can train dogs to diagnose humans, not every dog would be suited for this job, as they have different personalities. Some dogs may not be suitable for diagnosing and be trained for the wrong position. For example, search and rescue dogs should be hunters to the bone and do intense work, like an athlete. Diagnostic dogs would be more precise like scientists and doctors have to be. Surely there are persevering dogs out there...
Dr. Cindy Otto, the founder and executive director of the Working Dog Center, explained how she notes that some dogs present their skills early and get specialized training. 'Late bloomers' would need more time and might send different signals on the job for them. This can become a significant problem, as dogs have shorter lifespans than humans (around 10-13 human years), and it would be a waste to spend too much of their short lifespan in training. Dog diagnosticians would have to start training from when they are eight weeks old.
Dogs need to eat, drink, and have shelter, just like humans. The process of training dogs will involve equipment and trainers, which will undoubtedly be costly. There will need to be frequent dogs constantly coming in and out of training, due to their relatively short lifespan. Robots would be much more efficient in diagnosing, as they will not need training or essentials for living. The only problem is that we have dogs who can do this now but no AI robots yet.
The question is not whether dogs can replace diagnosticians but whether we want them to. Yet, it is the greater sensitivity of the dogs’ sense of smell that makes this diagnostic option so intriguing and potentially quite valuable as lifesavers, There have been many discussions and concerns about robots eventually replacing humans. Many of these concerns will also apply to dog diagnosticians. We have to decide if we will let these furry animals be the new diagnosticians of 2021 and beyond in our post-Covid world, or if we just keep these many cuddly creatures as our heartwarmers and best friends.
Why We Should Move To Blended Learning
Why We Should Move To Blended Learning
Tamara A.
As of March 2021, the Philippines is one of 13 countries that has not started in-person schooling according to unesco.org. We are not getting our full education by socializing and learning face-to-face. I believe that schools should switch to Blended Learning and it doesn’t even have to be every single day. I am proposing to do Blended Learning which means we go to school two times a week but half of the school on each day.
I suggest that instead of students travelling through classes with different classmates, we should assign students to a consistent group who travels together throughout the day and we split the big group in half by last names. Half of the grade can go on Monday while the other half goes on Tuesday, and Friday everyone will be online. I think school should start at 8 and end at 3, the same times as online so it's not too complicated. After we show that we can be responsible through Blended Learning, schools should start to open fully.
Covid 19 has affected everyone negatively, this includes people, businesses, and schools. I, therefore, conclude that to help students through this global pandemic, we should slowly switch to blended learning. Online schooling is not doing any good to anyone, it affects people's mental health, and is not as effective as the traditional face-to-face learning model. We should switch to blended learning following the plan stated above.
Face Shields?
Face Shields?
The face shield is a requirement in the Philippines, granting you access to go into stores or your nearby 7-eleven. It also “minimizes the spread of Covid." But do we really need it?
The face shield is a requirement in the Philippines, granting you access to go into stores or your nearby 7-eleven. It also “minimizes the spread of Covid." But do we really need it?
Yes!
Yes!
Sofi A.
Face shields should be considered one of the many underrated heroes during these Covid-ridden times. The face shield protects its user's face, but more importantly their eyes from particles in a sneeze or cough that could lead to infection and transmission.
Many would argue that the requirement of the face shield is unnecessary, but I care to disagree because the face shield in fact has many uses and advantages:
1. It’s Reusable
Unlike the disposable masks that most wear, the standard plastic face shield can be worn infinitely, since it is made out of durable plastic. With proper care like cleaning and being careful, it can last a long time. Another important reason why the face shield is such a crucial piece in the 2021 pandemic puzzle is that its reusability has a more positive effect on the environment. Single-use face masks that are understandably used once and protect the user are already thrown out at a rate of 94 million masks a week (as of November 2020).
2. It Can Reduce How Many Times You Touch Your Face
Covid can be transmitted through aerosol particles coming from coughs or
Sneezes, landing on foreign surfaces becoming infectious. According to a study by Healthline, an average person touches their face around 16 times an hour. While it may be common sense not to touch your face, dirty hands and all, the real danger comes from the fact that infection seeps in through the eyes, nose and mouth. The face shield is just the most effective way of hopefully preventing it.
3. It’s Affordable
Another reason why face shields are so crucial is that they’re so cheap--costing between 26 and 50 pesos per piece. Along with the previously mentioned advantages, it would seem logical to invest in as many as possible!
Finally, I would like to point out that while the face shield does not entirely prevent the spread of Covid, it at least slows things down, as it is important to stay free of the virus to benefit yourself and your community.
Not Necessary!
Not Necessary!
Alina S.
Due to COVID everyone’s lives around the world have been affected, whether it may be because people were evicted, reduced income, loss of a friend or family member, being locked up at home, or even wearing masks. However, in the Philippines, President Duterte has required that every person wears a face shield along with the mask. This is based on the recommendation of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), to control the transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Recently, a rule was implemented that when there is more than one passenger--even in a private vehicle--it is required that they too wear a mask and a face shield. This rule of wearing a face shield in the car and outside has been neglected by many citizens. When walking on the streets, many people are only carrying the face shields and some aren’t even wearing the masks properly.
Evidence provided by Healthline states that the face shield is NOT a substitute for the face mask but rather something that people could wear to feel safer. When the face shield is worn alone it has little to no protection to the person and people around.
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID is to wear a face mask properly. When the mask and the face shield are worn together--properly--they play the same role, collecting spit/sneeze particles that come from you and from others. However, the face shield simply catches spit/sneeze particles, which masks do as well, from entering your eyes. I feel that the face shield is unnecessary.
Other than just our health, the face shield is made out mainly of plastic, which when disposed of after use produces more plastic trash. Even if you reuse the face shields some time you will have to dispose of them when they break or when the virus is over. So far, the single-use face mask, or any face mask, alone has caused a new worry on top of the plastic issue which has increased with takeouts and deliveries.
The information shows people that the face shield doesn't offer much additional protection to what the masks do. But, for some people, the face shield can make them feel safer. However, many Middle School students said that they don’t like the face shield but think that it is a necessity to minimize the spread of COVID. When will this nightmare end?
Real or Fake? Spot the Difference?
Real or Fake? Spot the Difference?
Duterte Signals the “OK” for Pilot Hybrid Learning Plans
Duterte Signals the “OK” for Pilot Hybrid Learning Plans
Marijn R.
Philippine President Duterte has approved pilot plans for hybrid learning for schools in low-risk areas to begin on March 11, 2021.
Yesterday morning, at a press conference regarding the deteriorating mental health of children due to the COVID pandemic in the island of Northern Luzon, Rodrigo Duterte stated, “The approval of the implementation of pilot plans is to be further discussed in the coming month of February.”
He later went on to mention that schools “must and will reopen in a timely and safe manner” in the month of March.
Many worry, finding these statements hard to believe, knowing Rodrigo Duterte for his “statements made with little or no evidence or thought behind them,” says Maddie Roberto, age 25.
Others believe precautionary measures implemented against the reopening of schools are necessary to slow the curve of the COVID virus. In fact, Angelica dela Cruz, mother of two, worries for the health of at-risk groups such as the elderly and frontline workers. She states, “the kids must continue their online studies, for not only their health but for the health of those most at risk.”
However, citizens remain hopeful as they wait for further conferences regarding COVID precautions, and the potential reopening of the country and its economy, particularly hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Visit here for nationwide updates on the escalation of the COVID pandemic in the Philippines. Fake
ISM Starts Having Classes on Saturdays
ISM Starts Having Classes on Saturdays
Maddigan S.
Last Tuesday afternoon, ISM Principal, David Toze, announced a new regulation in which ISM students will begin conducting classes on Saturdays. Mr. Toze worries students lack time and ability to learn during distance learning. In fact, he states, “With this extra day of learning, I wish that students can learn more and have better learning support by having more class and tutorial time.
This rule has caused students and teachers to protest yet the headmaster hasn’t responded to the issue. Most parents were pleased with this rule, unlike their children.
Parent Rachel Smith stated “My son has been playing video games non-stop recently and each time I tell him to do his homework, he always says that he has none which I checked, is apparently true. I’m so glad this rule was implemented as I have been worried about his education. With this additional school day, hopefully, my son can learn more and truly be wiser”
Since the argument of whether Saturday school days were necessary, students have been skipping school and were deceitful towards their parents as they would lie about being in their classes.
Mr. Toze finally sent an email regarding the issue. “We haven’t expected this rule to cause this much of a disaster. As a Bearcat, we need to be kind and loyal towards our actions. The middle school team will discuss what we should do about this situation. For now, we will continue to have Saturday classes.”
ISM presently has 620 students attending virtual Middle school via Zoom. Fake
14 year old Given Two Million Dollars
14 year old Given Two Million Dollars
Ben R.
Larry Beter, a multi-millionaire businessman says he might have sent a loan of 1.9 million dollars to a 14 year old boy through an online trading card market. Larry Beter had hoped to buy himself a first edition copy of a holographic charizard pokemon card.
For Syoon Kin it was all just chance that he also had the same name as the seller that was already selling the Pokemon card to Larry Beter. “I guess that the universe just wants me to have the 2 mil” says Syoon Kin, who is still denying that he was just lucky.
Larry Beter realized the misunderstanding the next day. He does not plan on getting the money back from Syoon Kin. “I feel like this kid will do great things in the future, and I may or may not be only investing into his future to get money back from him later in his life” stated Larry Beter after exchanging the money with the real Syoon Kin.
Syoon Kim is a Pokemon collector who owns over 40000 cards. Fake
Classes Extended to 4pm
Classes Extended to 4pm
Gabrielle S.
ISManila’s classes are to be extended to 4pm beginning next week. This will have an effect on all students currently attending the school, regardless of timezone, due to everyone having to attend the extended classes.
Mr. Toze , ISM Superintendent, decided this would, “Benefit every student due to how short the school days have been recently, and the nature of online classes”.
This has caused a major outburst from parents, teachers, and students alike, leading to some families even withdrawing their children from ISM completely due to stress.
“My children can barely handle the amount of work they were giving out before this, I simply cannot continue to let them go to school at ISM anymore.” says Abee Bola Bola, adistressed parent stated.
Fake
Online Learning
Online Learning
The Effect of Quarantine and Distance Learning on Students
The Effect of Quarantine and Distance Learning on Students
Abee
Quarantine. Distance Learning. Everyone in the world has been dealing with these for nearly a year now, but there are a few side effects to having to stay in our homes for such a long period of time.
Around January last year, COVID-19 had started to spread, leading to governments advising everyone to minimize contact with others. Schools, of course, had to adapt to this, thus the distance learning program was created. Zoom started becoming utilized and used daily by many ever since then.
In general, human-to-human contact has decreased. Students see each other less and less. Many likely have not been able to physically speak to another person their age within the whole time span. This marks nearly a year at the time of writing. Since humans are social creatures by nature, this can take an extreme toll on a person’s mental health.
An additional effect that distance learning has is that everyone is experiencing ‘zoom fatigue’. Many teachers and students have to strain their eyes constantly to be on calls. It is incredibly easy for a student to go off task and become unfocused, due to having their computer right in front of them and easily being able to switch tabs.
With the fact that we only are able to see a person from their shoulders up, it becomes incredibly hard for those who are reliant on visual cues to pick up information. Sometimes, those with a bad internet connection cannot even pick out anything other than brief flashes of emotions on a call.
Maddigan S., a Grade 7 ISM student, says that distance learning can be “exhausting, especially at the beginning of the year when you aren’t used to learning through Zoom.” It was hard for everyone in the beginning as well, since not many had done online classes before the quarantine. However, everyone is slowly getting used to this new normal.
Distance learning can sometimes be exhausting especially at the beginning of the year when you aren't used to learning through Zoom.
Differences Between Online and Physical Tests
Differences Between Online and Physical Tests
Seyoon K.
The majority of school now is done through online learning. Tests and assessments are handed out and students complete them for a grade. In this new online learning environment, what are the differences between physical tests and online?
Material. The amount of resources like paper, pencil and time can be significantly cut down through online learning. When we do tests or assessments online we can use online resources like Google docs and websites, compared to paper, markers and different physical materials that come from trees, minerals and etc. Time could be saved when doing tests/assessments online, as a computer can take in the results of a test extremely quickly. On the other hand, for language subjects making recordings of yourself or talking/responding to questions through Zoom might take longer due to the teacher having to individually watch the video or test them in Zoom.
Integrity. When we compare the integrity of an online test to a physical test the difference couldn’t be clearer. Physical tests are done in a controlled environment where the teacher can watch over the students and what resources might be near the student. However, in an online test students could have access to more resources to help them when they do the test. For example search engines like Google, sharing answers and hiding answers/notes in their own rooms can affect the tests’ integrity. These are the few ways students can cheat during these online tests.
Effectiveness. Tests and assessments are meant to track a student’s progression of their learning. How students perform on tests reflects on their grades. A study was conducted in June last year on how college students feel towards online learning. 75% of students reported that they feel more anxious and stressed about online tests and learning. Studies that look into the correlation between stress and grades found out that students with a lot of stress tend to drop out of school and negatively reflect on their grades.
Both online and physical tests both have good and bad points about them. There are multiple noticeable differences and similarities like resources, integrity and effectiveness.
How do you feel about online tests and physical tests? Let us know at bambooms@ismanila.org.
Continued...Discord vs Zoom for Online Learning
Continued...Discord vs Zoom for Online Learning
Here are some of Discord's intuitive designs and features for communication.
Servers
Discord servers are very useful tools for communication and are the main difference compared to zoom and other communication apps. Servers can occupy more than 200 people and consist of text channels and voice channels for the users to communicate with.
Voice channel and video quality/screen share quality.
Discord's voice and video call bitrate speeds are unmatched by Zoom. Having the option to lower the bitrate and increase it depending on your wifi connection can really save the quality of the meeting.
Embeds
Discord, unlike Zoom, can embed and link google slides, docs, sheets and basically any link and have the option to pin the message in a message channel. This opens up the ability for students to join zoom meetings and every other school-related website relatively faster than scrolling down on google classroom or spamming links in the Zoom chat for every late student that joins.
Zoom is a video conference website made for colleagues and students/teachers to contact each other online. When Covid-19 hit the main cities and countries, zoom got an extreme spike in users because everyone was at home. Many schools switched to apps like Zoom to continue their learning. After a year of distance learning, students have become accustomed to using Zoom every day.
Zooms' massive spike in users since pandemic
These are some of the advantages of using Zoom over Discord
Zoom host meeting moderation.
Since Zoom was mainly made for just video conferences, the limitations and settings for individual meetings far exceed Discord. The Zoom host can limit the number of users in the call, mute people, kick them, put them in waiting rooms and much much more.
Breakout rooms
Breakout rooms allow teachers to put students in assigned or random breakout rooms to let students discuss privately. This is more efficient than having separate group chats for students on Discord as it is almost instant. As well as having a timer that closes the breakout rooms instantly.
Simplicity
Zooms user interface is probably more ideal to someone who isn’t used to using discord for a long time. Unlike Discord, all the features and widgets aren’t all on one screen the whole time. For Zoom, it is extremely simple to use, as in you just click a link and you're sent to the video call. This is the main reason why students would benefit from using Zoom over Discord. “I definitely prefer Zoom because Discord is too confusing at times, and plus, everyone already uses Zoom,” says Lia Rakusin.
Zoom and Discord both have their advantages and disadvantages, and when it comes to online learning, they both have their target audience. When it comes down to it, they are both viable options for online learning and there isn’t a clear better app. If you want a more quality call connection but at an expense for the confusing user interface, use Discord. But if you want to keep the classes more structured and simple, use Zoom. But for now, it seems like we are going to continue using Zoom for online learning and really only wonder what it would be like if we used Discord over Zoom.
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