Posts made by Hendra

We have learnt so much, and so many things/elements that have become our inspirations. We delve into various topics and discussions from across subjects from so many educators here. So which one has inspired you the most and stimulate/trigger you to implement something differently?

For me, I learnt so much about on how to design and implement gamification in my classes. Things could start small and partially, to scaffold the students' ability to process the true concept behind the gameplay.

The second thing is how we should also focus on the importance of balancing the uses of technology as simple as the internet with the activity that are 'offline'. It is not to disconnect people but to reconnect individuals to understand the root of mankind, which is empathy and compassion.

How about yours?

1. What are your experiences, insights, and suggestion on how our cultural values play significant impact on our parenting style, how parents perceive the future of their children's academics and achievements?

2. What are the biggest challenges in aligning educational concepts or pedagogy around you or at your workplace?

3. How strong these values influence the way your students see their future or layout their pathway into the career they dream about?

4. Do you have any successful stories in aligning these values with your efforts in guiding your students to have the appropriate field of study based on their interests and talents?

5. How far could you go, as their teachers, in giving the needed information and understanding to parents whose cultural values that dismiss the facts of their children's academics?

E.g. parents who insist their child to take biology or medical school while their child, even they're capable of doing so, has other interests or passion, perhaps in music, or entrepreneurship. Each time, there could be differences in assessing one's abilities and performances. While the parents have the rightfully place to make a decision, as teachers we sometimes hear more from their child when they share with us about their passions in life.

We live by our culture and its values, however, in education community, we sometimes have ourselves in a position where we should give appropriate feedback, that is not the same with the parents' plans or dreams.

I would resonate the same excitation Ms. Sobia. I've learnt a lot from this competition and its forum for the past few weeks. It has given me the opportunity and spark to engage in various topics and discussions, in which has enriched me as en educator.

Every topic I read has allowed me to re-evaluate our teaching community and my own growth and development as a teacher. Thank you UNESCO IITE and NetDragon for such a wonderful platform to not only showcase our activities, experiences and achievements but as well connecting us to one another. I've met some great and inspiring teachers here, and this motivates me deeper to give more to our students. I wish all participants the best of luck, each of us is a potential winner. Hopefully there will be more program such this and reach more educators to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights.

After all, we all are bound by one true nature: we love our students, and we always wish to be able to give out our best efforts in educating and preparing them for their future. I hope all of us could stay in touch for future correspondences or even collaborations.

Once again, all the best and good luck, everyone!

Totally agree, e-textbooks could help students by having lighter backpack, easier to access, and won't have books swapped by accident. However, there are some concerns with e-textbook. One is being to make students use their electronic devices, and to some extents this could be used as an excuse to keep hogging on their gadgets more often while they're not using it for learning purposes the entire time.

It is prone to distraction from other things that will be easily accessed such as social media apps, online streaming and video games. A simple message or pop-up will take their attention away. Lastly, e-textbooks are prone to copyright infringement due to either the price is still pretty steep so they will try to find the most affordable (or even free) version of it. Which could create a situation where we want to teach and instill the value of integrity to our students, while we know the prices of e-textbooks don't always come in an affordable price.

@Shaista-Begum said in Backseaters and frontseaters in a classroom setting:

Always at the back — "less attention" zone Right up front — closest to the teacherAvoid eye contact to not be picked Hand up before the question is finished.There’s always a group at the back trying not to get noticed.
There’s always a student at the front answering every question.
Teachers even anticipate it: “Let’s hear from someone besides the front row
Backseaters are often misunderstood. While some may be disengaged, many just prefer a quieter, less visible spot in class. The key isn't to force them to the front, but to engage them where they are and help them build confidence and responsibility.
Many backseaters feel disconnected or invisible.
They're less likely to volunteer, but they often have good thoughts.

Thank you Ms. Shaista for bringing this up. Yes, we have classrooms that have a seating arrangement which will allow students to freely choose and sit at the back. It doesn't always mean they will pay less attention to the class or planning to create noises with their peers. I've had students who are actually high achievers but they prefer to stay at the back of the class. There are several reasons of this, sometimes they don't want to become the center of attention by sitting close to teacher desk, or they prefer to have the back rows as their comfort zone.

For my classes, I always arrange them into clusters. There will be between 4 to 6 students in each cluster. This will give the illusion to the students that there is a detachment between their seating position to the whole group. So then it won't matter which side they will sit at, even if their cluster is actually at the front part of the classroom. However, the downside of this arrangement is it will only be very suitable for small to medium size of classroom, say between 15 to 24 students. Larger group would be challenging as the room might not be able to accommodate cluster seating.

Yes, schools are now open yoga practices for teachers, tho perhaps the most suitable one would be in the afternoon or early evening. I am sure yoga is also a good choice for students. It will teach them the concept of mindfulness, calm, and finding serenity in the middle of their busy schedules.

Canva has become a blessing for educators and students! It has helped a lot of users who used to struggle to create presentation files or multimedia presentation. However, Canva has evolved and it is now equipped with richer features. Learning Canva can be a bit overwhelming so people start to learn from others in forums or online environment.

I'd love to know if there are great sources to learn Canva so I could also share them with my colleagues and students.

Nap time should be introduced to schools. Letting our brains to totally rest, and to freshen up will definitely help the productivity and focus of students and even teachers. However, such idea is not yet suitable to most schools. Due to the long hours of studying and academic demands, even lunch or recess times have to be made as short as possible to allow more academic hours.

Empathy is one element that can be challenging to be taught in classes. At times, there are so many topics or chapters that are not relatable to the concept of empathy. It should be identified as one element to create a generation of young learners with compassion and empathy. Hence, schools should start paying more attention to collaborative projects in which students will perform several tasks and at the completion of such task, they will understand or even practice the importance of empathy.

We know that it is perhaps the most ideal project that every school dreams to have and to do. While with the hectic schedules, and responsibilities, such approach might be overlooked.

From what I've observed, resistance to technology from teachers could be caused by several factors, however the majority of them is because the learning curves. There are so many apps and software that teachers could use for their teaching session. From creating assessment, designing simple games, to creating or generating ideas for presentation files. However, there are so much to learn, and teachers already have enough on their plates, which then hinders the progress to learn this other aspect of teaching using technology.

I was actually amazed when one day I was looking for resources for my classes. I joined a Discord channel where there are lots and lots of users sharing their notes, suggestions, and strategies in mastering topics in various subjects. It is a virtual community where learners and educators meet to share and even collaborate.

For me, I don't stay away from the use of AI. I endorse the use of AI to my students, however, I equip them with some values and knowledge of boundaries. It has been proven that AI could help students to summarize topics for instance. This is a very good approach if the students are experiencing challenges in trying to comprehend a specific topic.

Finding ideas using AI is also recommended, however, I remind my students to remember to insert the sources for references. It is now our main responsibilities as educators where we instill these values to our students. So they will use AI responsibly, with full accountability. AI uses should not be taken as free library where things can be just taken or copied freely.

@HAZAR0c50a82765 said in Hey Teachers, Keep Hearts Beating in the Digital Classroom!:

Re: Should traditional classrooms be replaced by fully virtual learning environments by 2025?

Reading through this conversation, I’m truly fired up. One thing’s crystal clear: yes, education is evolving — fast, brilliantly, digitally. But in this great transformation, we must never let it lose its soul.

We’ve celebrated how digital tools can personalize learning, boost engagement, and open doors in the most underserved corners of the world. That’s powerful. That’s necessary. But let’s not forget what really keeps students coming back — not apps or algorithms, but adults who care.

A teacher isn’t just a content provider. They’re a lifeline. A safe place. A spark of hope when everything else feels dark. For the student weighed down by problems at home, drowning in silence, or on the verge of giving up — it’s not the latest software that saves them. It’s the teacher who sees them. Who leans in and says, “Hey… I’m here. I believe in you.”

Let’s face it:

Some students don’t need more tech — they need more trust.

They don’t need faster Wi-Fi — they need someone who won’t give up on them.

Let’s remind ourselves:

A caring look can turn a whole day around.

A kind word can rewrite someone’s story.

A teacher’s belief can light a fire that lasts a lifetime.

So here’s the real question we should be asking: In a world rushing toward digital, how do we keep room for empathy, compassion, and healing?

Imagine a classroom where: Technology frees up time — not replaces care.
Digital tools spark creativity — but never eclipse humanity.
Every student feels safe, heard, valued — and loved.

Let’s build a future where no child is left behind — not because we had the best tech, but because we had the biggest hearts. ️

So… what if the most groundbreaking innovation in education isn’t AI, but empathy?

Let’s talk.
#HumanFirst #EdTechWithHeart #TeachersMatter #InnovationWithSoul

Thank you Ms. @HAZAR0c50a82765 for this beautifully written thread. This is a very good reminder for all of us educators, that in an era where everything goes fast, even instant, there are young souls who are thirsty in their own ways.

The struggles they are experiencing everyday cannot be just solved by using AI, or fast internet speed. The touch of empathy cannot be replaced by technology or digital content. Compassion and healing need human touch and connection, and cannot be always represented by digital environment.

Your question is deep and thought-provoking, we shouldn't just evolve around AI, but it should be empathy. We are teaching young souls who will carry out whichever values in life that we show and teach them. Without us taking the lead to be compassionate, and breed empathy; they will grow up as smart generations but losing the human connection, losing the true value in humanity.

@Imamuddin-Khaskh said in Education and AI:

In my opinion, either we allow or not, the students will use AI tools to ease their work. These days, everyone has smart mobiles phones and AI tools are very interesting to use.
No doubt, question can be raised over the students' creativity and problem solving skills.
In a nut shell, we can not stop them from using AI tools to their work whether it is their home work or else.

Totally agree, the uses of AI shouldn't be discussed as whether we should or should not allow it to integrate with learning process. AI will and is definitely integrating into more and more aspects of education and learning. It is an inevitable evolution of technology and computer chips, and this should be embraced appropriately.

It has been proven how AI helps both educators and learners to enhance their preparation, learning processes, analyzing results, and generating data/information. It has provided a new pathway into a new hybrid of educational system, and teaching realms. The uses of AI should be endorsed with other elements such as the value of integrity, open-minded attitudes, and innovative mindset.

To produce a responsible future generations with high value of integrity, accountability, and creativity is the responsibility for the current's generation of educators. We should hand in hand build a tight cooperation to instill these values into our student's mindset and perspective about AI. It should be taken as supporting aspect to gain further comprehension of their study field.

Forgotten In Class, Found On Screen by @Mishael-Naqash

Good day Ms. Mishael! I would like to commend and praise your approaches shown in your submission on providing inclusive and equitable quality education for all, especially to female students, using engaging social media content. It must be quite a challenging circumstances for you as an educator when being hindered by several factors or barriers. It is such a bold approach by you to initiate this project in order to build a more inclusive and equitable future for education.

In this era where information travels in just seconds, that could also include topics for education and learning, there are regions in the world where access to such basic needs is neglected or not being put into high priority. There have been different determinants that limit the passage to gain equal and essential education. The decision of using the available and simple technology is commendable. A mean of communication that serves another domain, which is to spread education and learning access for those who might find it difficult or obstructed.

The activity you did with your students was remarkably a genuine and authentic way to reach out to the female students, and also to display to the external groups. It shows the creativity, excitement, and motivation from these young learners. They had this tool in their hands where they can resonate their eagerness, and yearning to learning. It has given them the opportunity to shine despite of some constraints. I do hope your video and project will spark a much larger movement to giving our best to the younger generations, and instill the true value of education to all.

All the very best, Ms. Mishael!

Kind regards,

Hendra

@Sanaa said in Approaches in Gamification Across Subjects:

@Hendra Absolutely agree! Gamification has the power to turn passive learning into an engaging, memorable experience. In my own practice, I've incorporated low-cost, interactive quizzes, classroom competitions, and project-based challenges where students earn points for creativity and collaboration. The biggest challenge has been time—balancing curriculum coverage with game-based elements. But the biggest win? Watching shy students come alive and participate with confidence. My advice to fellow educators: start small, use free tools like Genially or Kahoot, and focus on fun with purpose. Even simple games can make a lasting impact! Let’s keep inspiring one another.

I agree, the biggest reward is when our most shy students show some excitement and actively involve with the gameplay. It is a good start, and can further motivate them to keep being engaged with their peers. I also agree on your suggestion to start small, and use the apps available freely on the internet. Even my oldest group of students will smile widely to Kahoot games. Implementing the existing games with our topics would help us greatly to save time, costs, and preparation. We could shift the focus on how to maintain their focus during the session, and to design assessment to measure their understanding after the session.

@Mishael-Naqash said in Approaches in Gamification Across Subjects:

@Hendra
Speaking of Challenges,
Technical Issues: Integrating gamification platforms with existing Learning Management Systems.
Student Engagement: Maintaining student interest and motivation over time.
Assessment: Measuring the effectiveness of gamification in achieving learning objectives.

Thank you Ms. Mishael, these are on point! There are aspects that should be outlined before we make the decision on how the gameplay would be. Even the majority of students would be excited, there will be some of might lose the interest and motivation. They would rather just to watch and contribute passively.

The assessment part is the critical and most important one. In which, we are as educators should obtain the data to define if the gamification has successfully delivers the LO's to our students. While to some extents, and gameplay, their scores in the game cannot be just simply translated that they have master the topic entirely.

@Oojala-Tasneem Thank you so much for your feedback, Ms! It had become my focus to find activity where my students (in business finance) would see the consequences of their analysis and decisions in real time. I am just glad that they could feel it from one round to another.

Yes, thank you for pointing that out, I actually have the same thoughts, that it should be accompanied by more classroom footage rather than just still images. I will keep that in mind! Thank you and have a good one!

@HAZAR0c50a82765 Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It can be pretty challenging to find the most suitable idea or activity for gamification for the older students. They are not only looking for the fun but the technicality that can challenge their thinking process. It should be simple to learn but challenging to master.

I hope that I can find more ideas to bring gamification into learning with my students.

Play with Purpose by @Samia-mhad18

Hi Ms. Samia! Allow me to post some feedback about your submission on gamification category. The best element of your submission and activities with your students is simplicity. It was such a delightful view to see how you successfully blended the struggles/challenges that your students facing in learning English, with the fact how fast they learn and master with controlling video games. Nothing will speed up the enthusiasm and excitement for students to learn than the ability to control and decide they feel will bring them closer to a winning spot.

You also share the benefits or perhaps, the advantages of each apps you use with your students. The four apps you introduced and explained on the video are very helpful for other educators who might are looking for alternatives to insert or conduct gamification in their classes. So, thank you for that!

The activities are also being broken down into easy steps that everyone could implement right-away. Again, the simplicity element in gamification activity is sometimes easier said than done, however you have implemented it elegantly. I love the honesty your students shared about their experience after one term doing gamification with you. Also, on your video, you actually mentioned something that could be overlooked by educators when they are about to design a gamification: focus on one skill each month. This is actually very crucial since gamification at times (especially with older students) would bring in several expected skills or contexts or sub-topics into its session, in which might deter the valuable objective of the activity. Thank you for such reminder that it is important to achieve one skill from the gamification session than just throwing several for students to master which could make them unfocused.

I hope you will keep inspiring others to implement gamification activity in their classes, and I also hope you will keep creating interactive and fun learning sessions with your students. All the best, Ms Samia!

Kind regards,

Hendra