Just like Microsoft Word allows us to type content, edit files, and save documents, Google Docs is a web-based word processor, that is available for free to everyone across the globe, including users in Dubai and the Middle East. The Google Docs Editor was launched to audiences on 9th March 2006 by Google, and ever since its popularity has grown, reaching nearly 25 million users worldwide. Through this article, let us learn some interesting facts about Google Docs.

One can access Google Docs by logging into their Gmail account from any device. It is compatible with tab, mobile, laptops, and desktops, depending on your level of comfort. Also, there is no constraint about the kind of operating software one uses; Android or iOS are equally compatible. Simply download the Google Docs app and get started, anywhere, anytime.

The beauty of Google Docs is that multiple users can edit the same sheet in real-time, for more effective working. This eliminates the task of having to email your saved Microsoft Word Documents to the recipient and then asking them to make corrections & drop an email in response to yours. This back & forth is eliminated, thanks to the Google Docs platform.

Once you open a fresh Docs in the web browser the first message you will see on the sheet is ‘type @ to insert’. With this feature, you can tag people (from your Gmail contacts) on the sheet, use any emoji that you like, add notes in reference to the meeting that is to be scheduled, and even insert a predefined template of a table that indicates the different stages at which your work is progressing; not started, in progress, or launched, etc. Besides this, adding images from your local drive, making a checklist, writing a footnote, and much more is possible with the shortcut ‘@’ key.

Each sheet can be shared with as many as 100 people at a time, and every participant can be assigned a different level of authority; editor, viewer, or commenter. Collaboration is the key feature of this cloud-based platform and thereby working simultaneously can benefit every user.

Another interesting feature of Google Docs is that your document history is recorded meticulously and can be retrieved for referencing all the changes that were made. All the modifications can be tracked along with their date & time so that the older versions can be retrieved if need be. This is a huge plus point, especially for professionals and freelancers, who use Google Docs extensively for editing work documents, drafting letters, and curating content for web pages. Even if you close the browser accidentally or the network connectivity goes off midway, your data is never lost.

We are also impressed with its ‘smart compose’ attribute, which makes using Docs an even more pleasurable experience. The system prompts you to correct spellings, use correct grammar, and gives the writer an option to translate the text. And if you’re bored of typing, why not try speaking into your microphone, to auto-type the paragraphs? Thanks to voice commands, we can now take a walk in the park while penning down our thoughts on the sheet, simply by giving voice commands. The versatility of this platform makes it a suitable option for all; students, business people, freelancers, professional authors, and journalists, alike.

Most K-12 schools in UAE & other parts of the world, aim to include Google Docs lessons as a part of their classroom curriculum, as children need to be well-versed in computer literacy and take advantage of the recent trends.

Therefore, integrating the TechnoKids curriculum into the STEAM model of education is preferred, to benefit them from project-based learning. TechnoKids is universally popular and has a loyal user base in the GCC region.

The TechnoEditor module from TechnoKids Junior Collection (Grade 3-6) focuses on teaching kids editing skills and therefore students get to extensively uses the Google Docs platform and experiment with it. This prepares them to professionally edit; stories, poems, & comics, as if they had to send their work to a publication house for printing. TechnoEditor builds confidence & prepares kids to become experts at using Google Docs.

Contact us

Our parents always motivate us by saying ‘reach for the stars’. Luckily, kids of K-12 schools in Dubai and all over the world, have this opportunity to imagine the universe in their classrooms, thanks to the Matatalab Kit.

Travel in the Universe: Matatalab Activity

Time: 45 minutes | Age Group: 6 to 11 years | Area of focus: Art & Coding

Start by explaining the following before initiating the activity:

What is Universe?

The universe is a very vast concept, it includes everything we see, sense, and touch around us. So, this means, all living beings, plants, animals, stones, galaxies, stars, etc. are all part of the universe. The list can’t be curtailed and would run into pages if we noted down everything that exists in the universe. But when children study this concept, they start to admire the beauty of its vastness and feel grateful!

What is the Solar System?

The solar system is very much a part of the universe. There are eight planets in the solar system, namely; Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Earth is the third planet from the sun and all of us live on planet Earth. Did you know that most of the major planets have their own moon, which orbits around the planets? So, stars, moons, asteroids, comets, and planets, together comprise the solar system.

Step 1: Google an image of the universe and show it to children as a reference, along with a picture of the solar system.

Step 2: Let children observe the different shapes and structures in the frame.

Step 3: Distribute sheets of large white paper on which children will need to draw.

Step 4: Let kids make use of their MatataBot with art extension. All necessary accessories come along with the Matatalab kit and if you want to learn about its availability in the GCC region or anywhere in the Middle East, simply visit this link https://knowledge-hub.com/matatalab/

Step 5: Demonstrate how to use the MatataBot to make shapes like; circles, triangles, squares, and pentagrams by using the degree blocks. Explain how the 360-degree block is used for drawing a circle.

Step 6: Divide children into groups or let them do this activity individually.

Step 7: Give sufficient time to figure out arrow keys and instruct the MatataBot to draw a picture of the universe.

Step 8: Let children color the picture and make it attractive.

Step 9: Congratulate students for their efforts and correct them, if necessary.

Recall the activity, by asking which shapes were used:

Pentagram: It is a five-pointed star that is formed by drawing continuous lines in five straight segments.

Triangle: A triangle has three straight sides and three angles. The sum of the angles of the triangle adds up to 180°. The vertex is the point where two lines meet in the triangle and therefore there are three vertices in any triangle.

Square: It is a four-sided polygon that has all four sides of equal length and the measure of all the angles are 90° each.

Circle: A round plane on which all the points are equidistant from the center point, is called a circle. It has no corners and no lines. The boundary line of the circle is called its circumference.

At the end of the session, ask these questions:

Q1) What do you understand by the term universe?

Q2) How many planets are there in our solar system?

Q3) Can you explain what a square is?

Q4) Does a circle have any sides?

Q5) Did you have fun drawing?

Q6) If you changed the path of the MatataBot from the left arrow to the right arrow would you notice any change in programming?

Q7) What vehicle does the astronaut use to travel to outer space?

This is how learning is made exciting for kids and the recall value is stronger through hands-on practice. The best part is that no prior knowledge is required for students to start their coding journey and even a complete beginner can learn to code using the Matatalab kit which is easily available in UAE.

Contact us

Children love stories and look forward to their 10-minute story time session with teachers and parents each day. Through stories, they meet different characters, learn new ideas, and even further expand their imagination. Illustrious picture books are captivating and inspires our little ones to become creative thinkers. Math on the other hand is the least favorite subject for most of us. How can math be made more meaningful to kids? Read through this Blog to discover some storybooks that integrate math learning and vocabulary, through pictures, songs, and rhyming words.

What Time is It Tim?

A simple storybook that helps children understand the concept of Time. The characters in the book are interesting and the scenes are relatable, as they are a part of the child’s everyday life. Best suited for children of age group 2 years to 5 years.

100 Bugs! A Counting Book

Kate Narita (Author), Suzanne Kaufman (Illustrator)

Who says counting isn’t fun? Packed with thrilling adventure and mysterious revelations, this book keeps children fascinated from beginning to end. Join the young lad and his sister, as they set off to find different kinds of bugs and count them in sets of 10. As you proceed, you will discover different ways of counting to 10, until you finally reach the magic figure of 100! Alongside counting, our curious learners learn about different species of plants & names of bugs.

My Granny Went to Market 

Stella Blackstone (Author), Christopher Corr (Illustrator)

We’ve heard Aladdin loves to fly around on his magic carpet, but now it’s granny’s turn! In this book, granny uses a carpet to travel the globe exploring cities and regions, while collecting different kinds of souvenirs. It makes for an enchanting read, with rhyming verse and colorful illustrations. So, hop onto the carpet with dear granny and travel the globe.

Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes

Roseanne Thong (Author), John Parra (Illustrator)

Shapes are all around us! Our earth is spherical, the pizza slice is triangle shaped, and the television is a rectangle. This book ‘Round Is a Tortilla’ focuses on introducing kids to a variety of objects and draws the attention of the reader towards identifying different shapes. Shape by shape, you playfully notice that the bar of ice cream is a rectangle, and quesadillas form triangles, similar to the piece of watermelon. Can you think of anything that is oval in shape? Every now & then in the book, you will also find some Spanish words, which can be translated as a passing reference to add to your child’s vocabulary. The book is indeed written with a witty sense of humor and the verses make for a delightful read.

One Is a Snail, Ten Is a Crab A Counting by Feet Book

April Pulley Sayre (Author), Jeff Sayre (Author), Randy Cecil (Illustrator)

If you are a seasoned educator, you would have probably picked this one for story telling sessions and discussed it with kids during circle time. Most Dubai and other GCC region based IB schools have this book on their library shelf. As you flip through the pages, the characters become more real and you feel a sense of involvement. It is indeed super fun learning counting and multiplication with big feet and small feet and meeting people, spiders, dogs, and insects, on the way- from 1 to 100! If you are a seasoned educator, you would have probably picked this one for storytelling sessions and discussed it with kids during circle time.

Inch by Inch

Leo Lionni (Author, Illustrator)

This book features a smart ‘inchworm’ who can measure almost anything. It can measure the flamingo’s neck, the robin’s tail, and the beak of the toucan. But one day a nightingale threatens to eat the inchworm if he is unable to measure its song. To know how cleverly the inchworm manages this situation, read the book and find out for yourself.

To further strengthen your child’s math skills, the Mathseeds platform offers a comprehensive fun-filled learning program that fosters a love for Math, while reinforcing concepts that are taught in schools across UAE in the Middle East, and globally. They even offer a 30-day free trial to learners who seem keen on using this platform for their everyday after-school Math revision: https://knowledge-hub.com/mathseeds/

Contact us

Globally, we are becoming digitally advanced and moving towards a connected future. Technology evolves at a rapid pace and its dynamism cannot be curtailed. Our dear friend ‘Elon Musk’ is revolutionizing the way technology plays a role in ‘space travel’ & ‘robotics’ thereby proving that ‘anything is possible with the correct use of technology’. Before we say goodbye to 2022, let us learn some of the cool tech trends that are shaping our lives & making the world a better place to live in.

#1 Blockchain

Information is ‘the most’ important aspect for carrying out business and running smooth operations. Therefore, companies need access to accurate information in real-time, to be able to take important decisions and make plans for the future. Blockchain is like a digital ledger that stores information and makes it available whenever needed. By accessing blockchain, one can get transparent and reliable data related to; business orders placed by clients, payment schedules, accounts, the scale of production, etc. Basically, it automates the process of having to manage huge amounts of data manually, and that-to error-free without any scope for duplication. Blockchain is exciting and without even us realizing it, we reap the benefits of Blockchain in our everyday lives. Blockchain is used for fast money transfers by banks & also eliminates the need for intervention by a third party. Our mobile ‘wallets’ like Google Pay make cashless transactions possible and also reward customers for their loyalty.

#2 5G

5G (fifth generation) wireless is currently the most advanced mobile broadband technology standard in the world. The 5G download speed can reach 10 gigabits per second and is attributed to be 100 times faster than the previously used 4G network. One can access files, videos, and programs without any waiting time due to its almost zero-latency promise and higher execution capacity. This means that 5G is a trustworthy network that clearly ticks all boxes when it comes to speed, security, coverage, & exponential capacity. Private organizations, government services, and multinational conglomerates today rely on 5G data to conduct their business and service customers across the globe. Even high-demanding jobs in sectors such as; manufacturing, healthcare, and energy transmission that require utmost precision & where every milli-second counts, can comfortably rely on 5G connectivity. Fun fact, did you know; UAE is amongst the world’s fastest countries in deploying 5G networks?

#3 Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality is used in different industries to train their staff and get employees ready to handle highly-skilled jobs. In the medical field, the simulators create a 3D scenario of a patient on whom a critical operation needs to be performed, and the trainee surgeon gets to practice step-by-step operation without putting the patient at risk. VR can also be used to train military armed forces by creating different war-zone-like scenarios, thereby preparing them to tackle any enemy attack that they may have to combat. Even the education sector is making utmost use of VR to excite students and transport them to any country or region across the globe to study landscapes, observe monuments, and learn about its topography. Dubai is pretty tech-savvy and most schools encourage students to participate in simulated environments to foster their creativity.

The comprehensive computer curriculum by TechnoKids is supporting this VR revolution and therefore introduced the TechnoMinds module. Using remote control programming, children can experience VR and all that it has to offer. TechnoKids is adopted by K12 schools world-over, including those in GCC regions in the Middle East.

#4 Edge Computing

We have heard the term Cloud Computing, but what is Edge Computing? Cloud Computing became popular in 2010 and now Edge Computing has taken over in 2022. It is one level advanced to Cloud Computing and assumes more reliable & efficient processing. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology extensively makes use of Edge Computing phenomena. Basically, Edge distributes the computing framework and brings enterprise applications closer to data sources, such as IoT devices or local edge servers. This proximity to data to its source can benefit by providing faster insights, improved response, and stronger bandwidth availability.

Contact us

Robotics competitions are the new trend and students from across nations are invited to participate to flaunt their Coding Skills. Middle-school & secondary graders are invited to solve some engineering problems and showcase their ingenuity at such competitions that take place in GCC regions, including UAE. Some of these events allow students to select their topics, while others have a theme that needs to be kept in mind while submitting the final project entries. Such competitions prepare students to be NextGen designers, engineers, and builders, with a passion to raise to challenges & find innovative solutions.

Here are some tips that will help you prepare in advance for the competition:

1. Get to know your teammates well. A good team has a mix of members who demonstrate different capabilities. Someone may be proficient at preparing a plan and the other may excel at executing the project. So, learn each teammate’s strengths and weaknesses, well in advance.
2. Practice using the tools and Robotic kits that you would have to make use of at the competition. Every participant needs to be acquainted with the toolkit so that there is no panic at the end moment. Experiment with building a variety of Robots using the toolkit, well in advance before the competition date.
3. Involve your team in virtual simulator games so that you can estimate each member’s timing and aim to improve their speed of working. Robotify is an excellent virtual coding platform that allows students to practice coding without physically using hardware or any additional software. Robotify also has coding games like; Treasure Trove, Drone Park, Axel’s Mars Adventure, so that children don’t get bored while working with tricky Python codes! Robotify subscription is available to all students and its popularity is evident in Dubai & other UAE regions.
4. Create your own bugs while preparing for the contest, so that you can find out which teammate demonstrates the best ‘problem-solving’ abilities and entrust him the duty to guide everyone on competition day. Become friends with ‘common bugs’ such as; error in syntax and error in calculation, so that you know how to proceed further without panicking. But also, be prepared for unexpected surprises!
5. It is a great idea to approach a senior mentor or someone whose everyday job involves making Robots so that you can get some handy tips for extra advantage in the competition. Your mentor will provide you with guidance & direction, thereby mentoring your team to be more confident in completing the coding tasks.
6. Push your limits and don’t settle for less! Participating in the Robot competition could be a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity and your team needs to aim at winning the annual Robotics cup. Therefore, keep reworking your models until you are satisfied with the outcome. Power your Robot to challenge itself because there’s nothing that a Robot can’t be made to do.
7. Delegating responsibility is the basic fundamental of how an organization works. The success of any project is measured by the capacity of the team to put bits & pieces together to form a complete deliverable. If one member is entrusted with the duty of testing, the others should manage construction, drawing, and prototyping, so that the final model is robust enough to carry out its functions & does not falter at the time of presentation.
8. Practice your presentation to impress judges. Once you have your Robot ready, it comes to how you present it before your esteemed audiences. The panellists need to understand what value your Robot is adding and how is it better than the projects submitted by other teams. Practice your pitch in advance and choose the best communicator in the team to do the needful.

Contact us