Thursday, August 13, 2009

MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES FOR QUALITY EDUCATION

MOBILIZATION OF RESOURCES FOR QUALITY EDUCATION
X. Vengo Regis *
Introduction
Resources is nothing but the collection of knowledge in the form of primary source and secondary source i.e., man and materials. In this resources can be establish the high and better education while which is using right time in the right direction. In the field of education and other departments we can produce any type of successful and quality solution or report with the help of the resources.
Sources and relevance of learning experience
Some of the sources which help the students to get experiences for learning purposes are given below.
Home: Right from the birth, the child learns everything such as sitting, walking, running, talking, reading etc. from home. A home can be called one non-formal institution.
Society: This is also one of the non-formal institutions. Experiences which are relished by the society, not relished by the society can also be team as experiences from the society.
Peer Group: The experiences which are experience through the peer group also provide learning. In addition, qualities like honesty, friendly; being cordial etc. can be acquired from the peer group.
School and College: school and colleges are miniature society. This is formal institution where learning experience are provided in a systematic manner. The various activities organized in the schools and colleges provide different learning experiences to the students.
Resources
Resources are nothing but using original material and sources in the teaching learning process. By providing first hand experience this resources leads to better understanding of the subjects. There are two types of resources they are,
1. Primary sources
2. Secondary sources

Primary sources
Primary sources include physical remains or relics of unconscious testimony in far off historical sites, roads, pyramids, human remains, clothing, food, fortification, utensils, pottery, building, implements, machinery, furniture, weapons, fine arts and museum pieces of many kinds, inscription, chiseled stories, monuments, tombs, coins, stamps, tape strips, sceneries and portraits, sculptures, historical paintings, etc.
Consciously transmitted information in the form of oral or written testimony.
Oral tradition includes ballads, anecdotes, tales and saga.
Written sources include constitutions, charters, court decision, official minutes or records, autobiographies letters diaries, genealogies, contracts, deeds, wills, permits, licenses, affidavits, deposition, declarations, proclamations, certificates, bills, receipts, magazines and newspapers, accounts, advertisement, maps, diagrams, books, pamphlets, films, catalogues, paintings, inscriptions, recordings, transcriptions and research reports.
Experiments, Excursion and Visits, Exhibition they are also the major primary sources.
Secondary sources
These are those sources which are written by those who are not on the scene of the event. They simply describe the reports of those persons who either participated in an event or were eye witnesses to the events. Generally they are several times removed from the original firsthand account of events and as such they are usually of limited worth.
An act passed by the parliament is a primary data whereas its extracts published in newspapers are covered by the secondary data. The report of the University Education Commission is primary data but content are published in textbooks from the secondary data. Many history textbooks and encyclopedias are examples of secondary sources.
Utilizing Library Resources
Library is a resource centre which is extensively used by all members of the school family. It helps the teacher to enrich curriculum and facilities personal and professional reading. It helps the students to gain meaningful experiences in reading thinking and forming independent judgments. To the community, it provides for recreational and hobby interests. Library can this justify its position as a basic tool for instructional programme. Because of the above reasons library occupies a unique position in modern school and it cannot be replaced by any other agencies.
The important functions of library are:
(i) It provides material for instructions and for reading.
(ii) It stimulates reading for recreation and enjoyment
(iii) It teaches the technique of using the library effectively.
(iv) It provides the opportunities to students to assume responsibility.
Materials for library
1. Library should contain useful audio-visual aids required for teaching the subjects. The educational pictures, charts, maps, posters about all the subjects should be in the library.
2. Text-books
3. Reference Materials
4. Literary Materials
5. Sources Materials
Community resources
Community resources are nothing but the resources which is considered as a laboratory for providing first hand learning about the ways of living. If a well equipped teacher developed a planned programme he can bring the school and community quite close to each other.
Using community resources:
To achieve great efficiency in teaching the teacher should consider the following community resources.
1. Daily experiences
2. Study tours
3. Informal walks
4. Places of civics interest
5. Visit to places of cultural interest
6. Places of geographical interest

Materials used for research
a. Journals
b. Encyclopedia
c. Magazines
d. Websites
e. Online resources
f. Books
g. Project reports
h. Administrative documents
Suggestion for quality education on using resources
1. All the resources should be available in all the schools, colleges and universities.
2. Encyclopedia, journals, and text books should be digitalized and disseminate as an open sources.
3. Online libraries must be insisted in all the educational institutions.
4. Resources must be accessible to the students.
5. Universities should inform about the current available resources to all the educational institutions in order to improve their teaching learning process.
6. Teachers should motivate and encourage their students about the usage of online resources.
7. For pupils learning and satisfaction of teaching adequate convenient and attractive facilities must be provided by the institutions.
Conclusion
All these can provide tangible and concrete resources which are quite interesting meaningful and dynamic for teaching learning process. Students can gain concrete knowledge in different ways. Resources on the whole should aim at enabling the learners to acquire knowledge, develop concepts and inculcate skills, attitudes, values and habits conducive to the all round development of their personality and commensurate with the social, cultural, economic and environment realities.

References
1. Methods of teaching social studies, B.N Dash and Dr. I.V RadhaKrishnamoorthy.
2. Teaching of History., Nirmal Yadav
3. Teaching of History, J.C Aggarwal.
4. University News A weekly journal of higher education, Vol. 45. No. 13. March, 2007.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

SWINE FLU

H1N1- Swine Flu Symptoms

If your child has any flu-like symptoms, it may be the Swine flu. The symptoms of this virus are like many others. Monitor their symptoms and look for a high fever over 101 degrees following a cold. Worsening cough is also a sign of Swine Flu. If you are treating your child for flu, and their cough worsens, it is a symptom of the virus.
2
Look for a Rash

Look for a rash that accompanies the fever. This is an indication of Swine Flu infection. The child may also have a blue color to their skin. This indicates a lack of oxygen and requires immediate emergency care.
3
Stops Drinking

If your child quits drinking fluids do not hesitate to rush them to the emergency room. Dehydration is a killer for young children. In addition, if they have explosive diarrhea or vomiting you should seek immediate emergency treatment.

Breathing Problems

If they appear to be breathing quickly or having any shortness of breath, get them help quickly. The faster you get emergency help in this situation, the more likely they will suffer no adverse affects.

Body Aches

If they act as if they are in pain when you hold them, or try to wriggle away because they appear uncomfortable, it could indicate severe body pain. Get them to a treatment facility immediately. This is an indication of a Swine Flu virus infection.

Flat Affect

If they are not maintaining eye contact, or appear flat in affectation this is a warning sign of severe viral infection. Get to an emergency facility.

Will Not Wake Up

Finally, if you are unable to wake your child, call an ambulance immediately. Do not hesitate in this situation. Swine Flu is a deadly virus and can be treated with antiviral medications such as Tamiflu so getting your child treated immediately can save your child's life. The Swine Flu epidemic is likely to get worse before it gets better and it is important to be aware of symptoms of the virus that may require emergency care.


Q&A of Swine Flu
What can I do to protect myself from catching influenza A(H1N1)?
The main route of transmission of the new influenza A(H1N1) virus seems to be similar to seasonal influenza, via droplets that are expelled by speaking, sneezing or coughing. You can prevent getting infected by avoiding close contact with people who show influenza-like symptoms (trying to maintain a distance of about 1 metre if possible) and taking the following measures:
• avoid touching your mouth and nose;
• clean hands thoroughly with soap and water, or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub on a regular basis (especially if touching the mouth and nose, or surfaces that are potentially contaminated);
• avoid close contact with people who might be ill;
• reduce the time spent in crowded settings if possible;
• improve airflow in your living space by opening windows;
• practise good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.
What about using a mask? What does WHO recommend?
If you are not sick you do not have to wear a mask.
If you are caring for a sick person, you can wear a mask when you are in close contact with the ill person and dispose of it immediately after contact, and cleanse your hands thoroughly afterwards.
If you are sick and must travel or be around others, cover your mouth and nose.
Using a mask correctly in all situations is essential. Incorrect use actually increases the chance of spreading infection.
How do I know if I have influenza A(H1N1)?
You will not be able to tell the difference between seasonal flu and influenza A(H1N1) without medical help. Typical symptoms to watch for are similar to seasonal viruses and include fever, cough, headache, body aches, sore throat and runny nose. Only your medical practitioner and local health authority can confirm a case of influenza A(H1N1).
What should I do if I think I have the illness?
If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:
• stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds;
• rest and take plenty of fluids;
• cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing and, if using tissues, make sure you dispose of them carefully. Clean your hands immediately after with soap and water or cleanse them with an alcohol-based hand rub;
• if you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook of your elbow;
• use a mask to help you contain the spread of droplets when you are around others, but be sure to do so correctly;
• inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with other people;
• If possible, contact a health professional before traveling to a health facility to discuss whether a medical examination is necessary.
Should I take an antiviral now just in case I catch the new virus?
No. You should only take an antiviral, such as oseltamivir or zanamivir, if your health care provider advises you to do so. Individuals should not buy medicines to prevent or fight this new influenza without a prescription, and they should exercise caution in buying antivirals over the Internet.
What about breastfeeding? Should I stop if I am ill?
No, not unless your health care provider advises it. Studies on other influenza infections show that breastfeeding is most likely protective for babies - it passes on helpful maternal immunities and lowers the risk of respiratory disease. Breastfeeding provides the best overall nutrition for babies and increases their defense factors to fight illness.
When should someone seek medical care?
A person should seek medical care if they experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or if a fever continues more than three days. For parents with a young child who is ill, seek medical care if a child has fast or labored breathing, continuing fever or convulsions (seizures).
Supportive care at home - resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using a pain reliever for aches - is adequate for recovery in most cases. (A non-aspirin pain reliever should be used by children and young adults because of the risk of Reye's syndrome.)
Should I go to work if I have the flu but am feeling OK?
No. Whether you have influenza A(H1N1) or a seasonal influenza, you should stay home and away from work through the duration of your symptoms. This is a precaution that can protect your work colleagues and others.
Can I travel?
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of influenza, you should not travel. If you have any doubts about your health, you should check with your health care provider
The Union Government has identified the Communicable Disease Hospital, 87, T.H. Road, Tondiarpet, as the isolation facility, specifically for testing suspected swine flu patients in Chennai. The government has set up a screening facility at the Chennai International Airport for all the inbound passengers to prevent the spread of H1N1. Doctors from the Hospital are round the clock screening the passengers at the Airport.

Key Contact center for Swine Flu in Tamil Nadu
1. Communicable Disease Hospital, 87, T.H. Road, Tondiarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu {Isolation Facility} [Dr. Lakshmi- 044-25912688. M- 09841250567]
2. Annal Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Puthur, Trichy-17, Tamil Nadu {Isolation and Critical care} [Dr. Veerapande – 09443913446]
3. Dist. Headquarter Hospital, Mannapari {Isolation Facility} [Dr. Veerapande – 09443913446]
4. Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, Trichy Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu {Isolation and Critical care} [Dr. Kumaran – 09442012555]
5. Swine Flu Help line Chennai- 044 - 2432 1569

A confirmed case of swine flu infection is a person with an acute respiratory illness with laboratory confirmed swine flu infection by one or more of the following tests:
• Real-time RT-PCR
• Viral culture
• Two laboratories in Tamil Nadu — Kings Institute of Preventive Medicine and Christian Medical College, Vellore — and JIPMER in Puducherry are authorised to screen people for the infection. Throat swabs will be sent to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, New Delhi and the National Institute of Virology, Pune, for verification.
More information can be found in the following links:
1. www.mohfw.nic.in and www.nicd.nic.in
2. http://www.swinefluindia.com
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_flu_pandemic
4. http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/what/en/index.html
5. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103506962
6. http://www.ehow.com/how_4933047_flu-symptoms-baby-young-child.html