The Dangers of Dishonesty in Online Learning

In this age of online classes, many parents and guardians are doing their best to help their children cope online. This is good because teaching your child is an excellent opportunity to bond and spend time with them. Unfortunately, a few guardians or parents take it too far and end up doing two things that may harm their children's learning and character.

First, teachers have observed that some parents or guardians spoon-feed their children answers behind the scene during online class discussions. Teachers have reported that they can hear an adult's whispers telling the student answers during their class recitations. Sometimes they see adult hands visibly typing the answers for them.

Another concern among teachers is that there is a discrepancy between the homework and online class performance among some students. There are students always get perfect marks on their homework. However, during online classes, the teacher finds out that they haven't mastered the lesson yet. This begs the question, did the student really answer the homework themselves?

When this happens it has several harmful effects on the child’s academic and moral character such as:

• It teaches dishonesty.

• Dishonesty and cheating is usually not a one time thing. It can become a habit that may spread to other areas of the child's life and cause them to disregard others and face trouble in the future.

• When the child makes dishonesty a habit, it may bring trouble in their adult lives. For example, you can fail the course and eventually expelled if you are caught cheating in many schools and universities. Dishonesty in the workplace can easily get you fired.

• Dishonesty hampers progress and leads to failure. How can the child learn when someone else is answering the assignment for them? It is a waste of everyone’s time.

• It makes it more difficult for the teacher to properly assess the child's abilities, making progress difficult and slower.

• It robs children of the satisfaction of doing a job well done.

• It damages you children's self-confidence. When someone else answers the assignment, it is subconsciously telling the child that "You are not good enough to do it. That is why I will do it instead!"

• It causes embarrassment and kills trust. Any teacher can quickly tell if someone else has answered their students' homework because they know their own students' abilities.

• If classmates see parents help their child cheat, your child will lose the respect and trust of their classmates.
  

We strongly discourage all forms of dishonesty. News everywhere shows us that we do not progress as a nation because of the dishonest people in power. We cannot change our country's direction if we raise a generation of dishonest men and women. As educators, parents, and guardians, our sacred duty to the Lord Jesus Christ and our children is to emphasize the importance of honesty and integrity to our children in every part of our lives. 

10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Wifi Internet connection for Online Classes

10 Simple Tips to Improve Your Internet connection for Online Classes

1. Try to place your wireless Wifi internet router at the center of the room if possible to maximize coverage.

2. Make sure your child’s computer is in the same room as your Wifi router. Do not go too far. Sometimes just moving closer to the router will improve your signal.

3. Place your router as elevated as possible. Do not put it on the floor.

4. Place your Wifi router in an open space, do not put it in a closet or near walls. Wifi signals have problems penetrating brick, stone, and concrete walls.

5. Do not place it near metal objects. Metal tends to disrupt Wifi signals.

6. Avoid placing the Wifi router near other electronic devices like TVs or Microwaves. Other electronic devices that also emit radio waves can interfere with your Wifi signal. Avoid placing your Wifi router in places like the Kitchen.

7. Avoid placing the Wifi router near mirrors and fishtanks. The mirrors will reflect back the signals, and the water in the fishtanks will distort the signal.

8. If your internet slows down or stops, try to restart the router and modem by turning it off for a few seconds and on again. Most of the time, this resolves the issue. Restarting the computer may also help.

9. If you have the budget for it, we suggest investing in a second internet service as a backup. For example, some of our parents subscribe to both Converge ICT and Globe so that their child's online lesson cannot be interrupted by outages.

10. The best way to make your connection more reliable and stable is to connect directly to your wireless router through a LAN cable. Most wireless routers have ports labeled "LAN 1, LAN 2, LAN 3, and LAN 4, etc." You can purchase a CAT5 or CAT6 LAN network cable in most computer shops or hardware stores and connect your child's laptop directly to the router. This tip mostly applies to most notebook computers because they have built-in network ports or have adapters to connect to network cables.

11 Technology Rules and Responsibilities of a Franciscan

Technology such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers are now essential tools in this age of online learning. They are also expensive and fragile, you need to know how to treat your devices properly. Here are the eleven technology rules and responsibilities of a Franciscan:

Technology Rule Number 1. Always Test Your Devices Before Classes

Do not wait until a few minutes before class. Always test at least an hour beforehand so that you will have enough time to fix any technical problems. There is nothing more frustrating than having technical difficulties during the class periods.

Here is the list of things you must test in advance

1. Test your internet connection

The most straightforward way to test your internet connection is to go to Youtube and play a few videos. Another way to test your connection is to go to your browser and type speedtest.net, an easy-to-use internet speed testing website. All you have to check your internet connection is tap or click on the big circle with "Go" and watch the test run.

2. Test your headset and webcam

The easiest way to test your headset and webcam is to log into your conferencing app and test it there. The conferencing apps like Zoom or Google meet have features that will test your camera, mic, and headphone.

3. Make sure your laptop or tablet's battery is fully charged

A laptop with an empty battery will run slower and lag even when it is plugged in. Running a laptop with an empty battery while charging will slow down your system. For a laptop to run at full power, it needs to use both its battery power and its power adaptor. So always make sure it always fully charged before online classes.

Rule Number 2. Always use a good headset with a mic

We require all students to use a headset because:

• A good headset will help the child hear the lecture clearly. Also thanks to the built-in mic, the recitations and questions of the student will be heard loud and clear by the teacher and classmates.

• A headset is more ergonomic than earbuds with a mic because earbuds require you to lift and hold the mic near your mouth to be able to speak clearly. In contrast, a headset's mic is always positioned near the mouth. 

• Headsets keep the students' hands on the keyboard and mouse so they can focus on their school work. Headsets promote good posture and proper blood circulation because it gives students the freedom to move and sit in any comfortable way.

Technology Rule Number 3. Do Not Eat or Drink Near your Computer

Like in a regular classroom, eating and drinking are not permitted during sessions. Eating during online classes makes it more difficult for you to focus on the lesson and it may distract your classmates, especially if you are eating something delicious. Your hands must always be free and ready to use the mouse or the keyboard whenever the teacher calls you to do an activity.

Also, having food and drinks near your computer can be harmful even dangerous. While eating, bits of food may fall into the keyboard or enter your laptop. The scraps could attract molds, small insects, and mice to try to get into your computer, making dirty and damage it.

Some drinks or sauces could spill over the keyboard or into your computer, damaging the hardware.

So you should always ensure your computer's cleanliness by protecting it against dirt, dust, and any other things that could damage it.

Here is a quick simple tip. So that you won't get hungry or thirsty during class, eat a hearty breakfast or lunch and drink some water or juice beforehand.

Technology Rule Number 4. Always carry your tablet or Laptop with Two hands.

Your parents have worked very hard to buy you an expensive device so that you can use it for study. The cheap tablet (and I air quote cheap) can cost more than 5000 pesos while a cheap laptop is 15,000 pesos or more. No matter how you look at it, that's a lot of money. Laptops and tablets are fragile, and one accident like a drop on the floor could totally destroy it. So if you break it, your parents might not be able to replace it.

So carry your computer or tablet firmly with two hands. When you bring it around with you, walk carefully, and when you put it down, set it down gently.

Technology Rule Number 5. Handle your device gently. 

Like we said before, your device is fragile and expensive, so handle it gently. Use only your fingers and hands to touch your device. Keyboards and touch screens are sensitive, so lightly tap the keys or screen when doing your work. Being gentle with your device keeps it working well and in good condition for a long time.

Unlike laptops, tablets are prone to be dropped more. So it's always a good idea to invest in a thick protective tablet case and tempered glass screen protector to protect your tablet.

Technology Rule Number 6. Wash your hands before using your device.

Let's just say that our hands and fingers tend to go to a lot of dirty places. A study by CBT Nugget, an IT-training company, suggests that many devices we use every day have more bacteria and germs than even our toilet! In fact, they found out that the keyboards of most offices has exactly 20,589 times more bacteria than your average toilet seat. Gross! 

When you touch things such as food, parts of your body, or if you come from outside, you might be bringing in dirt and germs that might settle in your laptop or tablet, so wash your hands before touching your device. In this age of the pandemic, you can never be too careful.

Technology Rule Number 7. Always keep your device clean. 

As we said before, our devices are dirt and germ magnets because we touch it a lot. So after using your device, always keep it clean by wiping it down with a soft cloth. We suggest adding a little 70% isopropyl alcohol to a soft cloth and wipe it down to disinfect your device.

To wet your cleaning cloth properly, just put a little alcohol, just enough to soak the fabric so that it can lightly spread and disinfect the surface. Don't put too much because the liquid might drip inside your gadget and damage it. 

The whole body of a tablet and laptops could be wiped down with isopropyl alcohol safely.

Technology Rule Number 8. Limit your screen time

When doing distance learning, you will be spending a lot of time looking at the screen of your computer. Spending too much time in front of a monitor can cause side effects like eye strain and headaches, and you may find it difficult to sleep. For every hour of screen time, we suggest you give your eyes a break for 15 minutes. 

In our class schedules, we provide each student with a 15-minute break for every hour of class. During those breaks, we suggest you stand up, walk around, stretch, and relax your eyes by closing them for a few minutes.

When you are done with all your online classes and schoolwork, avoid playing video games, chatting, checking social media, or watching TV. Instead, unwind by spending time with your family, cook and eat some delicious food, talk with your friends on the phone, help your parents with the household chores, play some sports or indoor games,  and give your eyes some much-needed rest by taking a nap. 

Technology Rule Number 9. When You're Done, Keep Your Laptop or Tablet in a Safe Place

When you are done with your online studies, make sure to place your laptop, tablet, headsets, and other devices in a safe, clean, and dry place. Keep your devices where it won't get damaged like a cool and dry drawer, bookcase, or cupboard, or in a box with the rest of your gadgets.  Keep your devices away from your younger siblings, walking paths, near pets, in hot or wet areas like the cooking area of your kitchen. Also, as we said in Rule number 1, always keep your device fully charged before putting it away for the day.

Technology Rule Number 10: Don't make your passwords easy to guess and Keep it a Secret!

Your passwords are very important! You need your password to log in to your accounts and apps! Don't make your password easy to guess and the first thing you need to do when you receive your account is to change your password to something more difficult to guess. use a long password with at least 8 letters and mix them with words, numbers, and special characters. Most accounts are hacked because the victim used very easy to guess passwords like their birthday, their name, or simple numbers like "12345." In fact the most common password according to Wikipedia is "password."

Wikipedia: List of Most Common Passwords

The most effective way to not lose your password is to write them down in a notebook! Trust me just do it! You can also add your passwords to your cell phone or computer but what happens if your device breaks? So to be extra safe, make sure to write it down in a notebook. Parents if you are listening. I highly suggest that you also keep a list of your children's passwords just in case!

 You can share your password with your family but do not share them with your friends and especially do not share them with strangers! If you give your password away to a stranger, that person can hack your account and cause a lot of trouble! We suggest you apply these principles not only to your SFAMSC Accounts but also to all your social media and other online accounts. 

Technology Rule Number 11: Master Your Technology

Learning how to use your devices and apps is very important for online learning. You must always practice your technology to become digitally literate. How to turn your computer on and off, how to drag and drop with your mouse, and how to use your apps. If you master your digital tool  you can become independent,  learn faster, and enjoy your study more.

Final Word

And there you have it, the 11 technology rules and responsibilities of a Franciscan. If you are mindful of these rules and practice your responsibilities diligently,  you will become an effective online student and an upstanding digital citizen that everybody can trust and respect. Good luck, and God bless! 

10 Online Learning Rules and Responsibilities of a Franciscan

Rule Number 1. Create a Dedicated Space for Study. Stay in a Quiet and Comfortable Place that is Well-Lit

It is essential to have a dedicated space where you can study every day. Stay in a peaceful and quiet environment so that you can hear everything your teachers and classmates share during online classes. Also, sitting in a quiet and comfortable place keeps you relaxed and sharpens your mind because it improves concentration. 

The place must also be well lit so that you can easily read your notebooks and textbooks. A bright room will also help your teachers and classmates can see your face clearly through the webcam during online classes. 

Here is a quick and easy tip to look good on your webcam. Never put the light behind you when you face the webcam; going against the light will cast a shadow on your face, and no one will see you. Instead, position yourself where the light source is directly in front of you. One right way to get good lighting is to simply use a lamp and place it in front of you or face towards a window.

One more thing, avoid viewing at a bright screen in a dark room because it can cause eye strain and give you a headache. Always use your computer or tablet in a well-lit room. 

Rule Number 2. Tidy Up Your Study Area and Keep it Free from Distractions. 

Tidy up your study area and remove all distractions:

• Put away your toys and unnecessary gadgets 

• Move aways your pets 

• Send your brothers and sisters to another room 

• Stay away or turn off the TV, Radio, and Music Players. 

A clean and tidy room will help you stay focus and looks good on camera. While A messy room is embarrassing and can be distracting to the classmates. The neatness of your background will also be a part of your deportment grade. 

Rule Number 3. Wear Your School Uniform 

Students are required to wear their uniforms because we want to instill discipline in them and train them to act like professionals when they attend an online meeting. According to Forbes magazine's 8 Cardinal Rules of Running A Virtual Meeting, - professionals must "Work from home, but dress for work." This is what they have to say:

"You will work better if you are dressed for it. On top of that, people on the other end of your call will take you more seriously. The bottom line, if you want to be treated like a professional, follow your team's dress code even while working from home. This is super important in sales meetings and cardinal in interviews."

Wearing a school uniform will develop the habits of proper grooming and good appearance when working with others online. When they grow up and become professionals, their presence will create good impressions with their clients. And people who create good impressions are more persuasive and successful.

Rule Number 4. Be Prepared 

There are three things you need to take care of when preparing for our online school

• First, prepare your body and mind

• Second, prepare your school materials

• Third, test your computer equipment.

4.1 Prepare your Body and Mind for School

Get enough sleep for the night so that your mind is clear, and your body is rested ready for study when you wake up. Also, always take a morning shower. A morning shower will wake you up and make you more alert by improving your blood circulation.

If you are in the morning section, have a good breakfast, and if you are in the afternoon section, have a hearty lunch so that you will have enough energy and not go hungry during class.

4.2 Prepare your School Materials

Always prepare your notebooks, pencils, rulers, textbooks, and modules before classes. Arrange your digital assignment and files so that they are easy to find. We suggest arranging them in an easy-to-access folder and labeling them properly so that they are easy to find. When prepared, you are less stressed and more focused because a prepared person knows what to do.

4.3 Always Test Your Equipment

Do not wait until the last few minutes before the class. Always test at least an hour before your online classes begin. Test your computer, check your tablet, test your internet connection, and test your apps beforehand. We will go with this in more detail in our next video: The 11 Technology Rules and Responsibilities of a Franciscan.

Rule Number 5. Show up! Always Attend in Your Online Classes

The great Saint Mother Teresa once said, "Just show up, and things will happen." The great American director and actor Woody Allen once said, "80 percent of success is just showing up."

Just like in a regular classroom, your attendance is essential in the online classroom. To become a successful student, the first step you must do to always show up for class. When you attend your class, you learn, develop your skills, and form good habits that will make you an excellent student. This is also an excellent opportunity for you to see you, teachers and classmates, every day.

Attending your classes also teaches you two important values: commitment and consistency. When you have commitment and consistency, you will become a reliable person, and people will trust and respect you. When you have commitment and consistency you develop good habits that will make you successful in life.

Rule Number 6. Be Attentive

When you are in an online class, always focus on classroom conversations and activities. Do not talk while the teachers and your classmates are talking. Listen and learn from them. Take notes with your computer or your notebook so that you can review them later. If you want to speak or participate, click on the "raise your hand" button and wait for the teacher to call you. When it is your turn to talk, always stay on topic, don't talk about irrelevant things.

Be as active as you can and always join class activities like games, recitations, and discussions. If you are active in your online classes, you will learn a lot, get good grades, and enjoy your studies.

Rule Number 7. Be Respectful

In both the real and online world, you need to follow the golden rule: "Treat others the way you want to be treated." If you are kind and respectful to your teachers and classmates, they will also treat you with kindness and respect. 

What are the things you must do to be respectful and kind? Here are a few guidelines

• First, no yelling during class

• Wait for your turn

• When you want to say something, raise your hand or press the "raise your hand button."

• Do not say bad words, only kind words.

• Always encourage your classmates and support them.

• If your classmates make mistakes, tell them its okay, we learn from our mistakes.

• If a classmate hurts your feeling, forgive them because we all make mistakes.

• Always wait for your turn. Always wait for the teacher's approval.

• Be a good listener when others are talking.

• Respect the opinions of your classmates even if you do not agree with them. If you need to disagree, do so respectfully.

• Remember to say "Please" and "Thank you" when asking for help from your teachers and classmates.

Rule Number 8. Be Honest 

It is easy to cheat online, you can just search for something on Google, and you can answer any question. However, as a Franciscan, we trust you to be honest because it is the right thing to do. Accomplishing something feels good and helps build your self-confidence. When you cheat, you are telling yourself that you do not believe in your own abilities. You may get a 90% in an exam, but deep in your heart, you did not earn or deserve it. Cheating is no different from lying or stealing. Every time you cheated on a test and submitted it, you tell the teacher you did it on your own, lying. Cheating is stealing because you are taking someone else work and claiming it as your own.

If it becomes a habit, cheating also leads to failure because it discourages you from working hard. Without honest effort, you will never develop the critical values of persistence, hard work, and sacrifice - important values you must have to become successful in life. 

Dishonest people like corrupt politicians who steal money from our country were once students who cheated. Do not be like them. Someday when you become leaders yourselves, be honest leaders so that you can change the Philippines for the better. You are Franciscans, the future of the Philippines.

Rule Number 9. Be Diligent 

Diligence means determination and hard work. Your purpose as a student is to learn so that someday you will use the knowledge and values you gained from your teachers to make your dreams come true. So do your very best to become a good student. 

• Listen attentively to your teacher 

• Submit your assignments and projects on time

• Review your lessons daily, 

• Practice your equations, practice your reading, practice your speaking, practice your skills, practice practice practice

• Participate in your school activities

If you do all this, you develop good habits, good knowledge, good values, and good skills. Essential values that will help you become successful in whatever career or business you choose someday. All successful men and women in the world are diligent because they are determined and work very hard. 

Rule Number 10: Always Ask an Adult for Help

If you have any problems, concerns, or questions with your lessons, or your device or your app, feel free always to ask your teacher, daddy, or mommy for help. If you want to know how to do something online, the teacher will be there to help and advise you, ask them during online class or send them a private message. Its also okay to have an adult besides you, helping you during class.

School Opening and Parent-Student Orientation

We have consulted the Department of Education, and they have informed us that the October 5 opening is for Public schools. Private schools can set the date of their opening.

With that said, the first day of school will begin on September 1, 2020 (Tuesday). We decided to move our opening date because of three reasons:

1. MECQ affected our teacher training and technical testing schedules. An online school is like an IT company that requires intensive training and testing to make sure our online classes go smoothly. We do not want to skip on that.

2. We have received a lot of requests from parents asking us to give them more time for enrolment.

3. We are waiting for our third backup internet line from Globe. Although we already have dedicated and high-speed lines from PLDT and Converge, we decided to have a third backup because we do not want to take any chances. We will be hosting over 300 students simultaneously every day for many hours on our unique online platforms, and that requires fast, consistent, and reliable internet connections. 

The start of our Student Orientation will begin on August 24 and our Parent Orientation on August 27. We will be using a different and more practical approach than the usual Zoom conference. We will release more details shortly.

We promise to keep you updated. May God always bless you and your family and keep them all safe.

Grade 4 Science Demo Class with Teacher Abie

Join Teacher Abie's online science class with the grade 4 students as they discuss the parts of the human brain. This record is one of the many demo classes ongoing as we prepare for the new normal. Stay safe during the pandemic and study at home with us at St. Francis Cainta.