Blended learning solution for 21st century classrooms

Teaching and learning in today's educational landscape pose significant challenges to schools and institutions that are unable to keep up with the trends of the times. This is compounded even further by the introduction of a brand-new K to 12 curriculum that leaves students and teachers with more questions than answers. How can schools bridge the divide between old methods of instruction and new ways of learning? How can the K to 12 curriculum be made more responsive to this sweeping shift in teaching and learning?

Bearing these questions in mind, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) National Center for Teacher Education, together with Vibal Publishing House, Inc. and the Vibal Foundation, presented the "2nd Digital Education Conference: K to 12 & Teaching and Learning with Technology." The 2-day conference was held on May 20-21 at the PNU Center for Teaching Excellence Auditorium, HRD Building (across the main building of PNU), PNU campus in Taft Avenue, Manila, while the subsequent workshops on teaching and learning with technology using the K to 12 curriculum was conducted on May 22-23.

The conference featured talks by leading ICT and industry figures. The event also witnessed the launch of Vibal's pioneering line of innovative e-learning solutions meant to bolster the entry of Filipino classrooms into the age of digital learning.

Dr. Ester B. Ogena, president of PNU, delivered the welcome remarks for the conference. Salman Khan, creator of Khan Academy, kick started the series of lectures with his talk, "Education for Anyone, Anywhere," which he presented (fittingly) via Skype teleconference. Dr. Rosalina J. Villaneza, chief of curriculum of DepEd's Bureau of Elementary Education, presented on "K to 12 Curriculum and Technology Integration" while Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas of PNU gave a talk on "Assessment and Technology." This was followed by a presentation on "The La Salle Green Hills and La Salle Zobel Experiences: Early Technology Adopters" by Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC of La Salle Zobel and Mrs. Amy Galang, High School Principal of La Salle Green Hills.

The highlight of the conference was the launch of V-Smart offline e-learning solution by Gaspar A. Vibal, president of Vibal Publishing House, Inc. V-Smart represents a leap from the traditional modes of instruction and learning, spawning an ecosystem for digital learning that presents a comprehensive suite of solutions including an integrated e-textbook reader, classroom learning management, social learning platform, and classroom and mobile device management system.

The second day of the event featured sessions on Media Literacy, Social Media in the Classroom, plus simultaneous digital classroom presentations by Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and Vibal. Days 3 and 4 proceeded with the Summer Course on Technology Integration in the K to 12 Curriculum for selected participants.

The “K to 12 & Teaching and Learning with Technology” conference was organized by Vibal Publishing House, Inc., Vibal Foundation, and PNU, with support from Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung. 

Pagtalbog ng Sasakyan sa Biyahe—Paano Iiwasan?

 

Simple lang ang pamilya ni Carlito Morona, tubong Nueva Ecija pero laking Kalookan—na may sariling paupahan ng mga vans. At tuwing nakakaluwag siya pagdating ng bakasyon ng mga anak sa eskwela, niyayaya niya ang mga ito na magbakasyon sa probinsya nila at kung saan-saan pa gamit ang isa sa kanyang apat na vans na lahat ay mahigit walong taon na mula nang mabili niyang segunda mano.

Sa umpisa, hindi komportable ang biyahe nilang mag-anak sa probinsya, lalo na kung sila ay dadaan sa mga malubak o di maayos na kalsada. Balewala man ang init ng summer dahil nasa kundisyon ang mga aircon ng kanyang mga sasakyan, naiirita siya sa kahit maliit na bato sa kalsada.

Pero nakaraan na para sa kanya ang matagtag na biyahe dahil ngayon, komportable na ang kanyang buong pamilya kahit na hindi bago ang kanilang sasakyan. Ito ay dahil sa pagtangkilik ni Morona sa molye (leaf spring) na gawa ng Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation (Roberts AIPMC), ang kumpanya na nakabase sa Cabuyao, Laguna at bahagi ng Uratex na gumagawa ng mga foam at mattress.

“Sa Tiger Leaf Spring na gawa ng Roberts, tiyak at garantisado ang komportableng biyahe, ma-off road man ito o hindi. Hindi kagaya ng ibang molye, ang Tiger leaf spring ay may katangiang kakaiba sa ibang mga manufacturers. Para kang bumibiyahe ng nakalutang,” sambit ni Morona.

“Tama si Ginoong Morona. Ang mga molye ng Roberts na may brand na ‘Tiger’ ay gawa sa isang mahusay na proseso at dumaan sa mas masusing pagsusuri ng aming mga eksperto. Ang mga ito ay dumaan pa sa matinding pagsubok na ang resulta ay lubos na ginhawa para sa driver at mga pasahero,” ani Mike Gonzalez, ang general manager ng Roberts Automotive and Industrial Parts Manufacturing Corporation (Roberts AIPMC).

 
Si Rafael Lucindo naman, ayon kay Gonzalez, ay isa ring katulad ni Morona na tradisyon na sa pamilya ang magbakasyon kung saan-saan kapag tag-araw.  Hindi nila alintana ang init—maski ang kundisyon ng kalsada.

Hindi daw biro ang mga kalsada sa Cordillera, walang aspalto o semento man lang, dagdag pa ni Lucindo. Maputik, mabitak pero nakaya nila lahat dahil gamit nila ang Tiger leaf spring ng Roberts AIPMC.

Idinagdag din ni Morona ang iba pa niyang mga karanasan sa paggamit ng Tiger leaf spring, pati na sa mga katulad niyang nagpapaupa rin ng mga sasakyan na tumangkilik na sa maasahang produkto na ito.

“Isang barangay na kami sa Kalookan na gumagamit ng Tiger na molye mula sa Roberts AIPMC. Pati mga mekaniko ng aming mga sasakyan ay inererekomenda na ang Tiger,” ani Morona.

Para sa iba pang kaalaman tungkol sa Tiger leaf spring, pati na din sa Evercool radiator na gawa ng Roberts AIPMC, tanungin ang inyong paboritong mekaniko o magtungo sa kanilang website, www.roberts.com.ph.

How to deal with dust mite allergies

House dust mites are very tiny almost invisible to the naked eye. Dust mites are not parasitic, but they have powerful allergens contained in the mites, their cast skins, fecal material and secretions that can cause allergic reactions in asthmatics and others who are allergic to their feces. Their primary food is skin scales (dander) contained in house dust. Since the greatest fallout occurs in areas of human and pet activity, the mites tend to be most numerous in beds, sofas, chairs, and carpeted areas. 

Studies show that dust mites may be a factor in 50 to 80 percent of asthmatics, as well as in countless cases of eczema, hay fever and other allergic ailments. In the United Kingdom, one in 10 children and one in 12 adults suffer from asthma (source www.asthma.org.uk) while everyone either knows or is related to someone who suffers from an allergy or eczema.

According to Mayo Clinic, dust mite allergy symptoms caused by inflammation of nasal passages include: sneezing, runny nose, itchy red watery eyes, nasal congestion, itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat, postnatal drip, cough, facial pressure and pain, frequent awakening, swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes, in a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose.

Here then are some tips shared by Mayo Clinic to combat this household problem. 

Use allergen-proof bed covers. Cover your mattress and pillows in dust-proof or allergen-blocking covers.

Wash bedding weekly. Wash all sheets, blankets, pillowcases and bedcovers in hot water that is at least 130 F (54.4 C) to kill dust mites and remove allergens.

            Keep humidity low. Maintain a relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent in your home.

Choose bedding wisely. Avoid bedcovers that trap dust easily and are difficult to clean

frequently.

Buy washable stuffed toys. Wash them often in hot water and dry thoroughly. Also, keep stuffed toys off beds.

Remove dust. Use a damp or oiled mop or rag rather than dry materials to clean up dust. This prevents dust from becoming airborne and resettling.

Cut clutter. If it collects dust, it also collects dust mites. Remove knickknacks, tabletop ornaments, books, magazines and newspapers from your bedroom.

Remove carpeting and other dust mite habitats. Carpeting provides a comfortable habitat for dust mites. If possible, replace wall-to-wall bedroom carpeting with tile, wood, linoleum or vinyl flooring.          

Use Air purifiers
Air purifiers collect airborne dust in your home and can help with controlling dust if you also maintain vigorous cleaning practices. 

Vacuum regularly. This is where RAYCOP, the first UVC anti-allergy vacuum plays a big role.

Raycop is the first UVC anti-allergy vacuum cleaner that kills 99 percent of bacteria and eliminates almost 94 percent of dust mites. It is especially designed to clean bed linens and other fabrics helping to create a healthier home by cleaning deep into the household fabrics, mattresses, sofas, chairs, futons, crib, pads, bed sheets, pillows and curtains.

The process of eliminating bacteria and other allergens employed by the vacuum cleaner is through its patented 3-step allergy care system. First, the vibrating pad shakes particles and dust mites away from mattresses at a whopping 3,600 times per minute (twice that in some models), making sure that even the most stubborn dust mites are removed.

This is followed by the UVC sterilization lamp that kills bacteria to leave surfaces germ-free. The lamp uses a highly efficient and effective 253.7 nanometer wavelength, the same germicidal ultraviolet wavelength used in hospitals, clinics and laboratories for almost seven decades now.

Finally, the device uses a cartridge filter that captures the larger particles and traps them so they cannot go back to the room.

           

Distributed by Zinven Int’l Corp., the Raycop UVC anti-allergy vacuum cleaner is available at Rustan’s department stores, S & R, Landmark, Wilcon Builders Libis, and Abenson’s department stores. For more information about Raycop product lines and its outstanding features, visit their Web site www.raycop.com.

Cheers to a night of rockin music and fun

Special occasions such as birthdays and weddings and milestones like graduation and career promotion, are more fun when celebrated socially. Gathering with special people allows us to share our stories, engage them with our feelings, and interact with them. This is why a local distiller encourages Filipinos to have some “we-time.”

Last May 16, Emperador Distillers, makers of Carlo Rossi red wine, organized a blogger's party were everyone got to experience. great music, fun and games, tasty food and of course, a perfect glass of the best red wine red wine. The event was held at The Gallery, Richmonde Hotel, Eastwood City.

Emperador Distillers brings Rossi Sweet Red, a sweet red wine crafted from grapes grown in California’s sun-drenched vineyards and bursting with flavor and aroma, as your perfect companion for making every “we-time” more fun and remarkable. It has layers of vanilla, bright cherry and wild raspberry flavors, creating a different kind of sweetness.

From left: Program host Jong Tapang; Von de Torres, Managing Director of
Emperador Distillers; blogger Sef Tiburcio, Rock-eoke Champ of the Night; and Arbie Belmonte of AMPR

 “Getting together with family and friends or ‘we-time’ is equally important and can be just as relaxing,” says Von de Torres, Managing Director, Emperador Distillers.

The best way to have “we-time” with friends and loved ones is over fine food and good wine.  A glass of good real sweet red wine can create a difference in every celebration. As it denotes grandness, having wine can make even very simple occasions unforgettable.

 

According to De Torres, every “we-time” can be made more memorable with Rossi Sweet Red. “‘We time’ can be made sweeter. Rossi Sweet Red is best suited for the Filipino palate—a different kind of sweet but still real red wine.”

Apart from its unique sweetness, Rossi Sweet Red proves it goes well with any celebration. Not only can it be paired with nearly any kind of food, but may be enjoyed—on-the-rocks—making it a great alternative to regular beverages (e.g. sodas, juices, iced tea).

“We’re used to partnering food with sodas or any cold sweet beverage so sweet red wine is a natural progression. Its sweetness and appropriate alcohol content, plus the cooling sensation of ice cubes make Rossi Sweet Red on-the-rocks your drink for ‘we-time’.”

“We-time” provides a chance to create shared experiences and stories with friends and loved ones that stand the test of time. Collective memories are made in every “we-time” spent. Make sure that these are good and happy recollections. Celebrate and cherish them the best way possible, with Rossi Sweet Red.

Thanks to Carlo Rossi for one of the best bloggers' party I have attended!

Philips sends out Mother’s Day love with these gift ideas

Moms are probably the most hard-working, dedicated, and selfless people. You can be sure that your mom would always put you first above anything, and that she has your best interests at heart.

This Mother’s Day, return some of the love she has given you by planning a special day for her. Pamper her, give her the royal treatment, take her out and make her feel extra special with these Mother's Day gift ideas courtesy of Philips.

1. A healthier diet, with the Philips Avance Juicer



Help Mom stay fit and strong by providing her with a healthier way to prepare juices. She deserves nothing but fresh and pure fruit juices, made with a juicer that does not require pre-cutting or peeling, so she can get every bit of nutrient she needs.

The Avance Juicer features an extra large feeding tube and a powerful 800W motor, so you can put in whole fruits and vegetables — such as apples, pears and carrots — whole, without the need for pre-cutting. Easy to assemble, use and clean, the Avance Juicer produces 10% more juice compared to other juicers — just what mom needs to stay healthy.

2. A radiant glow, with the Philips ActiveCare Hair Dryer


Moms are always beautiful, inside and out. But there's no harm in making her bloom even more. Help her get a makeover right at home with the Philips ActiveCare Hair Dryer.

The ActiveCare Hair Dryer HP8260 lessens hair damage and overheating with an Even Heat Distribution technology. This allows the dryer to use an air outlet that ensures heat is always distributed very evenly — even at high temperatures — to prevent damaging hot spots. ThermoProtect temperature provides optimal drying temperature, while a volume diffuser enhances volume for bouncy hairstyles. Mom can also achieve shiny and frizz-free hair with ion conditioning, where charged negative ions eliminate static hair, condition the hair, and smooth down the hair cuticles.

The ActiveCare Hair Dryer will make mom look radiant when she steps out with you for dinner on Mother’s Day, and will keep her looking beautiful everyday even when she’s too busy to visit the salon.

3. A healthy smile, with the Philips FlexCare Plus


Actions speak louder than words. And nothing says it better than a flash of mom’s healthy pearly whites thanks to the Philips FlexCare Plus toothbrush.

Help mom achieve whiter teeth with the Philips FlexCare Plus equipped with its own patented sonic technology that helps improve gum health in just two weeks. It also provides superior cleaning action by gently and effectively reaching deep between teeth and along the gum line. If mom is new to the world of electronic toothbrushes, the Philips FlexCare Plus also includes an easy start program to help in acclimating mom to the Sonicare experience.

For all the sacrifices and unconditional love that your mom has been giving you all these years, she deserves nothing short of the best. Show her your appreciation and gratitude with these simple presents, and let her know that you love her too, no matter what.

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2012 sales of EUR 24.8 billion and employs approximately 118,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming, home and portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.