Brief understanding on Virtual meetings.

Aug 8, 2021 | Uncategorized

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Refer to a material published on 03 December 2020 on https://www.nature.com/
Link to original article : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-00758-7
Following is a brief summary:   

The art of virtual mentoring in the twenty-first century for STEM majors and beyond

Social quarantine has severely impacted the training of new scientists, but the use of virtual platforms can supplement mentorship, making career development seamless.

What is virtual mentoring?

Virtual mentoring enables the exchange of information through the use of one or more digital platforms.

ZoomAudio and video call application
SkypeAudio and video call application
TrelloProject management tool
SlackCollaboration software
BlueJeansVideo conferencing application
TwitterSocial media platform
FacebookSocial media platform
WeChatMessaging app
WhatsAppMessaging app
QQMessaging app
LINEMessaging app
KAIKO talkMessaging app
Table above : Virtual mentoring platforms, with application type

Pros

  • Flexible and time-efficient
  • Less judgmental form of communication
  • Meetings can be recorded (obtain permission)
  • Chat feature for general and direct messages
  • Allows for useful multitasking and immediate information sharing Partaking in virtual meetings may intimidate participants, especially those who are shy
  • Meeting participants are not limited by physical distance
  • Accurate automated written transcription

Cons

  • Requires stable internet connection and a working electronic device
  • Lack confidentiality (see Zoom bombing)
  • Virtual meetings may not capture the ambience of in-person meetings
  • Participants may experience discomfort sharing their surrounding environment

Facilitating virtual mentoring sessions

  • Setting up the virtual mentoring space
  • Agenda
  • Tell stories of failure before success
  • Build your team
  • Ask about their well-being
  • End the meeting

How long and how often?

Holding frequent meetings allows mentors to reassure their trainees and demonstrate that mentors care about the well-being and success of their trainees.

For details please visit : https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-020-00758-7

The article focuses on virtual mentoring, but this helps in making one further think and apply modern technology in their business, organizations, and even educational institutions like schools and tuition centers.

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    The Importance of Play and Outdoor Activities: Let Your Child Shine

    The Importance of Play and Outdoor Activities: Let Your Child Shine

    In our bustling, tech-savvy world, with screens competing for attention and busy schedules cramming every hour, it’s easy to see why kids spend less time outside. However, this decline in outdoor play impacts children’s development in ways we might not immediately realize.

    The Power of Play: Benefits of Outdoor Adventures

    Getting outside and engaging in play isn’t just about burning off energy—though that’s certainly a perk! Outdoor activities offer a wealth of benefits for children:

    Physical Health

    Running, jumping, and climbing are not just fun but vital for physical development. Outdoor play helps children build strong muscles, improve coordination, and maintain a healthy weight. Plus, sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health. Remember to keep hydrated and use sunscreen!

    Cognitive Growth

    Nature is the ultimate classroom. When kids explore outside, they learn about the world around them. They observe, ask questions, and develop creative solutions to challenges, boosting their problem-solving skills and curiosity.

    Social Skills

    Playing outside often involves interacting with other children. This teaches valuable social skills like sharing, cooperation, and conflict resolution. Whether it’s a game of tag or building a fort, these interactions help kids develop strong, healthy relationships.

    Emotional Well-being

    Outdoor play is a fantastic stress reliever. It can reduce anxiety and improve mood. The freedom of playing outside allows children to express themselves, feel more confident, and develop a sense of independence.

    Fun Ideas for Outdoor Activities

    Ready to get the kids outside? Here are some ideas that families of all shapes and sizes can enjoy together:

    • Nature Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items commonly found in your local park or backyard—like a feather, a smooth rock, or a yellow flower. Challenge your kids to find them all!
    • Obstacle Course: Use what you have at home—chairs, ropes, or even sticks and stones—to create a fun obstacle course. Time each other and see who can complete it the fastest.
    • Garden Together: Planting flowers or vegetables can be rewarding whether you have a big backyard or just a small balcony. Kids love watching their plants grow, and it teaches them about nature and responsibility.
    • Picnic: Pack a simple meal and enjoy it outdoors. This can be at a park or even just in your backyard. The change of scenery makes mealtime more exciting.
    • Classic Games: Rediscover the joy of hide and seek, hopscotch, or frisbee. These timeless games never fail to entertain and are great for physical activity.

    Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Play

    We understand that providing outdoor playtime can come with its own set of challenges. Here are some practical tips to help:

    Limited Time?

    Incorporate short outdoor breaks into your routine. Even a 15-minute walk after dinner can make a huge difference.

    Lack of Space?

    Utilize community resources. Local parks, playgrounds, and nature reserves are excellent places for kids to explore without needing a large backyard.

    Weather Woes?

    Don’t let rain dampen your spirits. Invest in good rain gear and embrace puddle-jumping. On hot days, play in the shade or visit a splash pad.

    Safety Concerns?

    Supervise younger children closely and teach older kids about safety rules. Establish clear boundaries and ensure they know how to seek help if needed.

    Outdoor play is essential for children’s well-being, offering countless benefits beyond physical health. By prioritizing outdoor activities, we can help our children grow into well-rounded, happy individuals. So, grab a ball, pack a picnic, or just step outside and let your child shine. Let’s create wonderful memories and share our outdoor adventures together!

    Ignite Your Child’s Imagination: The Magic of Storytelling

    Ignite Your Child’s Imagination: The Magic of Storytelling

    “Greetings, imaginative caregivers!! Are you ready to dive into an adventure with your little ones? Let’s explore the wonderful world of storytelling and see how it can spark your child’s imagination in delightful ways.

    Imagine this: it’s a cozy evening, and your child is curled up next to you, eyes wide with excitement. You open a book, and suddenly, their world fills with colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and a whirlwind of emotions. Storytelling is so much more than reading words on a page; it’s about creating dreams and nurturing creativity. Let’s break down why it’s so magical!

    Sparking Creativity

    As parents, you hold the key to unlocking your child’s creativity. When you read to them, you’re opening doors to endless possibilities. Each story introduces new ideas, places, and scenarios, encouraging your child to think outside the box. You’re giving them a ticket to a boundless world of ideas, and that’s an incredible educational gift!

    Quality Time Together

    In our busy lives, finding time to bond with our kids can be challenging. Storytelling offers a perfect chance to connect deeply. Reading together, you share experiences, make memories, and build a strong emotional bond. Plus, there’s nothing like seeing their eyes light up with excitement as they get lost in the story!

    Boosting Language and Communication

    Did you know that storytelling can supercharge your child’s language and communication skills? Each story brings in new words, sentence structures, and expressions. Your child learns to articulate thoughts and emotions better, which helps them communicate more effectively. They’ll start using new words in everyday conversations, impressing everyone with their growing vocabulary. It’s like a turbo boost for their language skills!

    Developing Emotional Intelligence

    Stories are a great way to explore emotions and empathy. Through the characters’ experiences, your child learns to understand and express their own feelings. They see different emotions, from joy to sadness to fear, and learn how to handle them. This builds their emotional intelligence, making them more empathetic and compassionate. They also learn that feeling a range of emotions is okay – it’s all part of being human!

    Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

    Many stories involve challenges and obstacles that characters must overcome. This helps your child learn about problem-solving and critical thinking. They see that every problem has a solution, often requiring creativity, teamwork, or perseverance. This mindset translates to real-life experiences, making them resilient and resourceful problem-solvers. Who knew bedtime stories could teach such valuable life skills?

    Learning About Different Perspectives

    One of the best things about storytelling is how it introduces your child to diverse cultures, traditions, and viewpoints. Through stories, they learn about different ways of life, fostering appreciation for diversity and inclusivity. They become more open-minded and curious about the world around them. This cultural awareness is a priceless gift that will stay with them as they grow and meet people from all walks of life.

    So, parents, let’s embrace the magic of storytelling and ignite our children’s imagination. Grab a book, snuggle up, and let the adventure begin!