School radio has become a popular extra-curricular avenue for students to showcase their talent and voice their opinions at such a young age. It is seriously a gift to be able to anchor a program and keep the audience engaged for hours together. What radio can achieve, cannot be learned in a classroom set-up during formal school lectures. One gets the opportunity to develop their communication skills, become more confident individuals, and interact with fellow community members in the UAE and other parts of the world, thanks to the School radio cult.

In our previous blogs, we have talked about the efforts that go into making a radio show a success. In this one, let’s learn about the different equipment that is needed to make the back-end magic happen.

#1 Audio Console

The audio console is the heart of the studio and it basically controls all other devices that are connected to it and is responsible for what audiences hear on-air. All the sounds from different sources are mixed on the console before being sent to the transmitter. The radio announcer needs to be well versed in knowing how to handle the console. When you turn on the microphone, the radio console flashes a light to indicate it’s time to ‘go live’.

#2 Microphone

A broadcast microphone is one that converts sound into electrical impulses. The microphone is usually mounted on an arm, with adjustable height, so that the announcer is comfortable & at ease while speaking into it.

#3 Play Out and Automation Software

Playout covers the broadcasting equipment and software needed to convert and play source media into an on-air environment externally. It has the potential to save a lot of media and play the pre-recordings whenever necessary. The system is controlled by the RJ (radio jockey), but it has the potential to auto-run the music & Ads when the human is not around.

#4 Level Meters

A level meter maintains a proper range for sound in the studio and on-air. It is used by the studio operator to gauge whether the sound is too loud or too soft at any given point in time. There are multiple meters showing levels at different phases. So the phrase ‘Clarity within, leads to clarity without’ is also applicable in this scenario.

#5 Studio Monitor Speakers

Studio Monitor Speakers are huge output devices that enable you to hear what’s going on air, without the need for headphones. They are very high-quality speakers so that there is clarity on the show and distractions are kept to a minimum.

#6 Headphones

The speaker is going to need a good pair of headphones, to be able to host a 1 – 3 hour show seamlessly. The headphone selection should be such that the RJ can hear what’s airing, minus the background noise from the studio. In order to monitor the audio output as it should sound to the listeners, proper headphones need to be carefully chosen.

#7 Talent Panel

Often guests are invited into the studio and don’t have access to the main audio console. To mute oneself while taking a quick coffee break in the studio, guests are furnished with their own control system which they can turn on/off as per convenience. These panels are mounted in front of each guest’s microphone with an attachment to the headphone jack.

#8 On-Air Sign

Silence please, in-studio recording is work-in-progress! A sign above the recording room clearly states ‘On Air’ when the RJ is conducting a show. Do you know what the secret is? No one turns the sign on or off, it happens automatically! The sign automatically reacts to the functioning of the audio console and turns on/off, in tandem with it.

School Radio provides a platform to educational institutes in Dubai and all over the world, including other regions of the Middle East. They take responsibility for setting up a functional radio studio in the school with all the necessary types of equipment, to facilitate an authentic experience.

Why choose School Radio?

• Free Demo Provided
• Customized Packages Available for Broadcasting
• Offers Installation and Training
• Handy Resources Available to create Content for shows
• Connect with a wider community by Broadcasting shows on Websites and Mobile Apps

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MiRo-E’s appearance and features stand out and appeal to all. Providing a comprehensive and technologically advanced platform for use across different departments. Introduce new students to robotics and computer science, increase the scope of research issues, and serve as a fantastic outreach and public engagement tool.

Miro-E has seen incredible popularity with parents from UAE and the rest of Middle East, specifically in urban setups in Dubai and the rest of GCC.

Here are some frequently asked questions about Moro-E:

Why does my robot sound like a satellite?

The main battery voltage is low, as indicated by this sound. MiRo’s batteries should be recharged.

Why does my robot sound like an airport?

This sound means the system is being updated via the internet. You should strive to be patient, which is tough in today’s fast-paced environment.

Why is the update not working (with error message “git pull failed”)?

Your robot must be linked to the internet in order to update the on-board software. If not, connect your robot to a network by entering network credentials and rebooting it, then verify that it has a valid IP address and that the network to which it is attached is likewise linked to the internet. Now attempt the update once more.

Why is the update not working (with error message “lock could not be acquired”)?

Automatic system updates were conducted automatically in older programme versions on a regular basis. These are now carried out during robot software updates, however you cannot do a robot software update while a system upgrade is in progress. Please wait a few minutes for the update to complete, after which you will be ready to proceed.

To minimise system corruption, it is advised to avoid rebooting in this circumstance and instead wait for the updates to finish. Following the update, system updates will be made only when necessary, eliminating this issue.

Why is the update not working (with error message “server certificate verification failed”)?

This occurs when the on-board computer fails to update its system time, preventing distant certificates from being checked. This can happen if the robot’s network blocks NTP (time server) packets.

You can either contact your system administrator or connect through SSH and manually set the time. Support for setting the time from MiRoapp will be implemented in the near future, providing another solution to this problem.

Why is the update not working (software state is ‘modified’)?

It is strongly advised that you do not make any changes to the MDK directory on-board your robot. If you do, the software’s “State” on the Software manager page will be “changed,” and you won’t be able to update it.

You can revert any modifications to the MDK directory by signing in to your robot. Please save any files you want to keep first, and then follow the steps below.

• The first step is to restore the MDK repository to its previous state.
• The second step is to remove any additional files from the MDK directory. You can find them as follows; you should manually delete them.

Why does my robot just sit there wagging its tail with its eyes half-closed?

When you turn on MiRo, the touch sensors self-calibrate. To avoid miscalibration of these sensors after restarting MiRo, please only touch the grey (lower) areas of the case. If this is the case, you can simply re-calibrate the sensors by following the steps below. Perform an Embedded reset by simply touching the grey sections of the casing.

Why can I not reach the on-board ROS master?

You’ll be able to query the ROS master on the robot to see a list of ROS topics broadcast by the robot after your environment is configured appropriately. You might get something like this instead:

ERROR: Cannot communicate with master! $ rostopic list The most likely issue is that the ROS MASTER URI variable is incorrectly set—that is, it does not contain your robot’s address. To learn how to properly set this, go to Off-board.

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You must have observed that matter changes form which converts water into vapor and ice into water. Why does this happen? Changing states of matter occur when matter absorbs energy or loses energy. The atoms in the substance act upon the external stimuli which compel it to change form. An increase in kinetic energy leads to the atoms moving away from each other and thereby changing the state of matter.

What are the different states of matter? We are aware that there are three states of matter; solid, liquid, and gas. In the solid-state, atom molecules are tightly packed against each other and hence the substance is more compact, having great intermolecular strength. In a liquid state, the atoms are slightly spaced between each other and hence the force of attraction is lesser than that of solid-state. In a gas state, the atoms are far apart and thus have very little force of attraction.

To summarize the above, you can say when there is a change in pressure or temperature of a substance, its state of matter also changes.

Change of state from Liquids to Solids:

How do you convert water into ice cubes? The process is simply by filling the tray with water and then putting it in the freezer. But do you know what magic happens behind cool doors?

When you place the tray in the chiller section, a transfer of heat occurs between the cool air in the fridge and the warm tray. Water in the tray loses its heat due to the cool temperatures within and the molecules become more compact due to the force of attraction. This process continues till the atoms become very compact, leaving no more space and getting fixed in one position. This is when water becomes ice. The temperature at which water gets converted into ice is called the freezing point.

Change of state from Solid to Liquid:

Now if you take the same ice cube and expose it to outside temperature by leaving it on a plate in a warm room, the cube will melt. The warm air is absorbed by the cube and this energy forces the particles to separate from each other, thereby the ice loses its fixed position. In this way, solids change to liquids, and the temperature at which it happens is called the melting point.

Change of state from Liquid to Gas:

Liquids when heated turn into gas. When you boil water in a pot, after a while, you will notice that the amount of water has reduced, because it gets converted into gas and evaporates in the atmosphere. This happens as the particles in liquid water get enough energy to overcome the forces of attraction, and therefore the molecules separate until it becomes gas. The process in which a liquid boils and changes to a gas is called vaporization.

Change of state from Gas to Liquids:

When you close the lid of the vessel in which water is boiling, you will see some water droplets on the lid. This is because vapor came in touch with the cooler lid surface, so it lost its energy and it no more had the strength to overcome the forces of attraction. The process in which gas turns into water is called condensation.

Carolina has been a biology supply company, associated with schools, colleges, & home-tutoring groups. Many K-12 educational institutes in Dubai and GCC regions, trust Carolina for their laboratory set-up and rely on its learning modules, to make Science more fun for students.

Carolina’s module on ‘Properties and States of Matter’ is specially designed for students of Grades 6-12. The learning kit includes a set of visual, digital, and hands-on resources to support teacher instruction and provide students with the skills to master key concepts on properties and states of matter. When kids conduct experimentation themselves, they feel more confident and are able to grasp concepts well. If you reside in the UAE, across the Middle East, simply send us a request and we will arrange for a demo at the earliest:

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Every parent wishes to give his or her child access to the best level of education. However, with good education comes a great amount of homework and coursework. This ends up causing tons of anxiousness and lack of motivation among students. In order to be successful at school, every student needs to take a keen interest in the homework given by teachers. While this doesn’t mean you spend hours hand-holding them, you can support and encourage them in multiple ways. Motivating your students with their homework will not only help them understand subjects better but also act as a great bonding tool. Here are a few ways you can successfully encourage your child to finish their homework in an effective manner.

#1 Explore the Next Learning Platform

The generation of students today is different and hence they require different tools and features to effectively study and do their homework. This is why using the Next Learning Platform is a highly impactful idea. Numerous educators across Dubai, UAE, GCC and the Middle East are using this platform to not only conduct live lessons and assign homework but to also track homework and performance of individual students.

#2 Create a homework friendly space

Setting up a dedicated space for your kids to do their homework is very important. It not only promotes increased focus but also creates an environment where your kids feel comfortable studying. This space should have supplies like pens, pencils, an eraser, a stapler etc. so they do not have to get up every now and then.

#3 Decide regular ‘homework hours’

Some kids like to finish their homework right after school, some wait until they get a snack and some do it after dinner. Every child is different and works best at different hours. So, it is important to create a schedule for homework and follow it religiously. This will encourage increased retention and promote persistence and discipline among them.

#4 Avoid creating any distractions

While your child is finishing their coursework, make sure you don’t cause any distractions by speaking too loudly on the phone or switching on the TV that is in line with their vision. By keeping distractions to a minimum, you’re allowing your child to concentrate.

#5 Praise their hard work

Kids thrive through positive reinforcements. So, always make it a point to recognise their efforts and praise them as well. Make it a point to mention their academic achievements or applaud their completed homework in front of the family. This simple practice lays a highly positive impact on students and motivates them to study often.

#6 Remember to take breaks

It’s unhealthy for your child to over-function and under-perform. This is why it is important for them to take breaks between their homework. You can create a schedule wherein after each subject they can take a small break and do whatever they like. In this way, the child will not feel overburdened or exhausted.

#7 Know the teacher

This may sound like a no-brainer but it is critical when it comes to the overall performance of your kid. Having a comfortable relationship with the teacher allows you to understand their teaching pattern and in turn, helps your child comprehend the kind of homework they give effectively.

These are just a few steps out of the many that you can try in order to motivate your child to do their homework. To help your kid be at par with the global standards of education, it is important for parents and guardians to actively take interest in their child’s education and encourage them to do better every step of the way.

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Today everything in the world has gone digital, which is why, our kids spend more time in front of the screen than outside in the backyard. This ever-growing pattern proves that children and pre-teens across the globe are getting more and more addicted to their digital devices with every passing day. While it is important for kids to be technologically savvy but it is equally vital for them to reduce their excessive screen time. The solution here is to strike a balance between the two by drawing out some interesting ways to reduce screen time for kids. However, first, let’s understand why excessive screen time is something parents should be concerned about.

While digital devices are a significant part of many children’s lives now, long hours in front of the screen can cause a whole range of health issues such as chronic fatigue, exhaustion, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, strained eyes and much more. While cutting off total access to digital devices is impossible now, here are some interesting ways to limit their usage.

#1 Create ‘technology-free’ zones

Children today have the habit of carrying their smartphones or tablets wherever they go. It is ideal to establish zones in your house that are strictly technology-free. For example, no cellular devices, video games or tablets are allowed in the kitchen or the dining room. Those areas are reserved just for healthy family discussions.

#2 Make use of their screen-time productively

While children today simply cannot escape technology, parents can make sure they are making good use of it. For example, parents and educators across Dubai, UAE, GCC and the Middle East are signing their kids up on CodeMonkey where they can learn coding online in a fun, engaging and interactive manner in a game-based environment. In this way, they can make good use of their time in front of the screen.

#3 Set a ‘Digital Detox’ time

Set aside some amount of time during the day when the entire family has to unplug from any and all digital devices. This time can be used to catch up with family members and spend quality time together. However, it is important for the entire family to follow this rule and not just make the children do it.

#4 Explain the reason behind limited screen-time

Children today are much smarter than we think. Don’t cut off their access to technology without giving them a legitimate reason. They might consider this treatment ‘harsh’ or ‘mean’ and resist your efforts to limit screen time. Instead, make them understand the disadvantages and the harmful consequences of digital explosion. In that case, they are more likely to follow the rules you have set.

#5 Encourage offline activities

Encourage your child to participate in activities that do not require a screen. In today’s scenario, it is so easy for your kid to become reliant on technology for entertainment. This is why you must encourage activities like reading a book, playing sports, exploring nature etc. A good way of making them interested in offline activities is to practise them yourself. Children have the tendency to model their parents. If they see you enjoying a basketball game in your backyard, they are more likely to participate themselves.

Putting down the phone is certainly a challenging task for many young children today and it is a growing concern among parents. This is why setting some ground rules to limit screen time can help you and your child strike a balance between healthy access to technology and offline activities.

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Do you remember the first book you ever read as a toddler? We bet it must have been a picture book, full of colorful illustrations of birds, flowers, and fruits, depending on your interest at that time. Picture books are suited for beginners who haven’t yet learnt their ABC’s, but are intrigued to discover a new vegetable or the name of a kitchen appliance by adding to their oral vocabulary.

Children have a photographic memory and can remember things by looking at the object or its picture in a book. Hence, let’s not undermine the importance of a good ‘picture book’. If you haven’t introduced one to your kiddo, below are a few good reasons to go for it now:

#1 Vocabulary Enrichment

Repeated exposure is what kids need when they are young, so that they get the confidence to identify anything that is shown to them and then talk about it in more detail. By the age of 3 years, children should have a rich vocabulary of 200-300 words, and a good way to add words to the child’s bank is by introducing them to multiple picture books. Also, while learning letters via the phonetic method, children learn to associate the letter sound /a/ to apple and /b/ for ball. There are plenty of picture books that teach kids letters and their associated words in a fun & interesting way.

#2 Making Stories More Interesting

We all know this famous idiom, a picture is worth a thousand words! Kids love stories, especially ones that have many pictures. By simply turning the pages of a fairytale book, one is transported into magic land, where unicorns fly. Children meet characters through stories, and learn good habits from Paddington the bear and Winnie the Pooh. The all-time classic ones are Goldielocks, Cinderella, and The Ugly Duckling, amongst many others. Allow kids to browse through the book, though they can’t read the one-liner captions. Let kids share what they understood from the story and hear how they interpreted the story and its moral.

#3 A Habit for Reading

Former Microsoft CEO Bill Gates attributes his secret of success to his habit of being able to read around 50 books a year. And the famous Tesla owner, Elon Musk, read for 10 hours a day, before he became the world’s richest person. Inculcating the habit of reading should be started as early as possible. Even though it’s just a picture book, make sure your child dedicates 30 minutes each to reading-time. This will help them continue the practice, even when they’ve grown to become teenagers and learn to appreciate books.

#4 Emotional Maturity

Understand that your child is not just growing physically but also mentally and emotionally. To invoke emotions such as joy, empathy, self-control, etc. children need to experience related life situations or read a good picture book that brings up these emotions. A mystery or thriller edition like ‘Nancy Drew’ will get children to experience excitement, terror, and surprise, while a story like ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf’ will lead to expressing some other emotions such as; sadness, anger, and laughter. Explain to your kid which emotions are healthy and which ones are not healthy. For example, anger should be kept at bay by training the mind to focus on other productive things.

So, are you excited to gift your kiddo the childhood they deserve? Picture books are invaluable tools that have multiple benefits, such as improving vocabulary, building understanding of important things, and evoking emotional intelligence. Wondering where to find interesting books with illustrations?

Reading Eggs is a great place to start your child’s reading journey. This is a unique online programme available in Dubai, the GCC regions and other countries across the globe, with the aim of promoting interest in books amongst children. The readers are free to progress at their own rate and partake in exciting quizzes and challenges at the end of the story. Most schools in the Middle East, recommend Reading Eggs to support the students’ academic progress. Their growing collection of picture books is a must-read for every enthusiastic reader. For more information about downloading Reading Eggs in the UAE, visit our website: :link:

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