BalaSwecha @ NSKK High School

Can it get better than this? I get to implement Free Software in my school, NSKK High School where I first saw a real computer.

BalaSwecha

BalaSwecha is a GNU/Linux distribution developed by Swecha to cater to the needs of a school. It helps teachers use tools which can enhance their teaching methodology by using IT and helps students to learn new concepts using interactive tools. The distro has a huge collection of free software which are being developed and explored across the world.

Teachers Training at NSKK High School

Teachers Training in BalaSwecha

The training sessions were organized for subject teachers who are used to the usual classroom teaching using blackboards, charts and textbooks. The schedule was spread across three days:

Day 1 – Mathematics

Day 2 – Science (Physics & Chemistry)

Day 3 – Social Studies

Unfortunately day 3 was cancelled because of the ongoing bandhs and uncertainity in the city. But there were teachers who came all the way from places like A.S Rao Nagar for the training. The computer teachers (4 in number) were earlier trained to introduce to the GNU/Linux environment and basic system administration. They did have a bit of trouble in getting the grip of things initially, but over time with practice they seem to be quite comfortable using it now.

Mathematics

Below are the software tools that we demonstrated on day 1 for mathematics teachers:

1. Geogebra
   Geogebra is an interactive software for teaching and learning mathematics covering Geometry, Algebra and Calculus. In NSKK, this can be primarily used for two purposes: (1) Practice geometric construction. (2) Visual proof of various mathematical theorems. I had demonstrated the basic proportionality theorem’s proof during the morning session. This was the point where the teachers actually got convinced that software can help teach in better ways.
   

   Visual Proof of Basic Proportionality Theorem in Geogebra

2. Tux Math
   Tux Math is an arcade game based on Missile Command, featuring Commander Tux whose mission is to rescue igloos housing tiny penguins by solving math questions and shooting the falling comets. It also has support for multiplayer. Should be an interesting way to get students to practice simple math problems. This one is targeted for primary school children.
   

   Solve the problem - Save the igloos

3. KBruch
   This one is a part of the KDE system. Its used to demonstrate how addition of fraction numbers work.
   

   Learn Fractions

4. Kalcul
   Kalcul is for simple arithmetic tests. It helps students practice simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. The teachers can configure the complexity of questions and other aspects of the testing methods.
   

   Simple Arithmetics

5. GCompris
   Again, this one is for very small kids. Its a bunch of tools, mostly puzzle games involving arithmetic, identifying letters and numbers, cartoon characters etc. One of the students of the school who happened to be a teacher’s child was engrossed with GCompris, while her mother kept saying that she’s not complaining like she does when asked to do similar kind of homework at home. Hence proved that games for education works.
   

   GCompris - for kids

Science (Physics & Chemistry)

1. Step
   This is a very interesting tool which simulates the laws of physics from the real world in a virtual 2D world. It has got particles, rigid bodies which can have masses of desired value, velocity, angular velocity. Then there are devices like springs, linear motors, circular motors and lot more. Though it looks too complex for school kids, it can be used by the teachers to show how the laws of physics apply which would otherwise require a physics lab and loads of equipment.
   

   Step - simulating gas

2. Avogadro
   A cross-platform molecule editor for teaching chemistry. Atoms, bonds, molecular structures, properties of molecules under various conditions etc., can be demonstrated using this tool.
   

   Avogadro

3. Kalzium
   A Periodic table which gives tons of information for chemistry students about elements, isotopes etc. Very resourceful indeed.
   

   Kalzium

Volunteers Required

The workshop is incomplete and will have to continue with training to Social Studies teachers. This will be followed by another round for computer teachers to teach them KTurtle, which will help teach the students the basics of programming. I am sure most of us who learnt computers at school will remember LOGO, the turtle that draws at our commend. “FD 40, RT 90, PEN UP, PEN DOWN”. KTurtle is a modern version of the same tool.

Right now its just me, Naveen and Sindhu doing most of the stuff. But we need volunteers to do a lot of tasks coming ahead.

• Preparing material for teaching
• Exercises for students and teachers
• Finding bugs in some of the software like Step
• Fixing the bugs found in these software

If you are interested in joining the work, send out a mail to sms-at-swecha-dot-net.

It would be great fun when we start working with the students. Waiting to post when that’s done.