Hola MaHigh-School - Vol 8 Issue 8 - August 2019

Hola MaHigh School Volume 8, issue 8, August 2019

Technology in the classroom

the toolbox

Immersive classrooms

pro’s and con’s

... And exam tips!

Gauteng, home to Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, boasts an exciting mix of urban lifestyle, diverse cultural and natural attractions, as well as advanced infrastructure.

Call us and we’ll show you why Gauteng in South Africa is the perfect location to bring your big idea to vibrant, colourful life.

e t n o C e l b Ta of

Editor’s Letter

06

Contributors

10

Holler at us

11

Technology

12

Month of September

14

The classroom is the focus

Heritage

The world requires .. 18 Technology: Pro’s and con’s

22

t en Tech: The toolbox

24

Spring moods

26

Exam tips

28

Agriculture

32

The absolute don’ts

Food security: so much more

Exam: in the room 34 Immersive classrooms 36 Hong Kong protests

38

It is Movie-time We need writers

40

Next Issue

46

44

Sybil Otterstrom Editor and CEO

I loveAugust. Dusty and hot. And I love to do the August edition of Hola MaHigh-School.

Spring is around the corner but it also means that grade 12 is nearly finished and should now start to prepare for ‘what next..’

This time we look at the huge topic of ‘Technology in the Classroom’. I have learned a few things there.

We look at the latest in technology but it also means that we may start to see some of these things in South Africa.

Of course we have international and movies, but we might also start to see competitions. Look out, as it is not cast in stone yet.

Good read!

Sybil

Tshwane South Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Do you youhave havea aGrade Grade 9 certificate or higher?

Have decided Do 9 certificate orEducation higher?

Have you you decided College operating under the Department of Higher and which career path to follow?

Training thepath fourthto largest TVET College in terms of enrolwhichbecame career follow? ments in 2018.

Over and above that thethe College managed to attainVocational - NC (V) and Well choose National Certificate Well don’t don’tlook lookany anyfurther further choose the National Certificate Vocational - NC(V) the fifth rank in the 2019 T119 national results.

The College was also start studying for your career path? and start studying for your career path.for the fields of Meselected as one of the Centres of Specialisation chanical Fitter, and Fitting and Turning, Electrician, Boilermaking and What is National Certificate Vocational NC(V)?

Millwright 2017.

What isinNational Certificate Vocational (NCV)?

TheNational NationalCertificate Certificate Vocational NC(V) is aand new and modern qualification The Vocational (NCV) is a new modern qualification offered

Employing ±470 staff TVET members, theTVET College aims to2007. equip students offered at Tshwane South College since offered at Tshwane South College since January It isJanuary offered at2007.

LevelsIt2,is3 and 4 with the skills required by the job market and has Alumni that work of National Framework are equivalent to Grades 10, 11 and at the Levels 2, 3Qualifications and 4 of the Nationalwhich Qualifications Framework which are for renowned Engineering companies like WBHO, to name but a few.

12.

It is regarded as one of quality andas high knowledge pro- skills, equivalent to Grades 10,the 11high andskills, 12. Ithigh is regarded one of the high grammes that provides experience of the workplace environment and is intended toof high quality and high knowledge programmes that provides experience Under the auspices of Department of Higher Education Training, the directly respond to the priority.

This qualification will also provide you an opportunithe workplace environment and is intended to 9directly College targets learners who have completed their Grade to 11 forrespond to the priority. ty to be admitted higher studies is subject appropriate NC (V) courses as wellatas learners who haveyou completed their Gradetoto 12be This qualification will alsoeducation provide an that opportunity admitted subject at higher combination. for NATED/Report 191 programmes. education studies that is subject to appropriate subject combination.

Duration of the qualification: The College offers Report 191 programmes N1 to N6 in Mechanical, Duration of the qualification: Civil and Electrical Engineering, N4 to N6 Management Assistant, FiNCV isManagement aisthree yearyear qualification offered at 2, 3inand Each4.level takes a full NC(V) a three qualification offered Levels 2, 4.

3 and Each level takes nancial and Hospitality Studies.

NCLevels (V)atL2-L4 Electrical year of study.

A student is issued with a certificate on the successful completion of a full year Construction, of study. A Engineering student isand issued with a certificate Infrastructure Related Design, Informa- on the successful each level of of study. tion Technology, Tourism, Officeof Administration, Civil Construction and completion each level study.

Hospitality. Learnerships are also offered at the College.

At TSC TVET we offer the following NC(V) programmes: At TSC TVET we offer the following NC (V) programmes:

Tshwane South TVET Currently comprises of the following Campuses: Atteridgeville, Centurion, •• Finance, Finance, Economicsand andAccounting Accounting Economics Odi and Pretoria West.

•• Office Office Administration Administration • Information Technology Computer Scienceskills of its Hospitality students The College’s campus in Centurion isand famed for the Science culinary • Information Technology and Computer •• Civil Civil Engineering Building Construction and for having the best machinery for practical engineering training workshops. Atteridgeville Engineering & &Building Construction •• Electrical Electrical Infrastructure Construction Campus is known for its Civil Engineering.

Pretoria Infrastructure Construction West is offering Engineering for both Report 191 and Engineering NC (V) andand hasand been identified as an Engineering Report 191 and for Engineering and IT •• Engineering Related Design Related Design courses.

The Odi campus, in Mabopane, is acclaimed for its NC (V) Tourism Programme.

•• Hospitality Hospitality •• Tourism Tourism

Want to be part of the fourth industrial revolution let TSC TVET assist you to achieve the future!

LIL\17619086

COURSES OFFERED AT TSHWANE SOUTH TVET COLLEGE NATIONAL CERTIFICATE VOCATIONAL *L2 - L4 : • • • • • • • •

Tourism Hospitality Information Technology & Computer Science Civil Engineering & Building Construction Electrical Infrastructure Construction Engineering & Related Design Office Administration Finance Economics & Accounting

PRE LEARNING PROGRAMME • PLP – Pre Learning Programme (NEW)

REPORT 191: GENERAL STUDIES *N4 - N6 : • Intro Business Studies N4 • Intro Catering services N4 • Management Assistant • Financial Management • Hospitality Studies

REPORT 191: NATURAL SCIENCE (ENGENEERING STUDIES)

*N4 - N6 :

• Electrical, Mechanical & Civil Engineering

SKILLS PROGRAMME • • • •

Clothing Production Artisan Training Gandhi – Mandela Centre of Specialisation for Artisan Skills (NEW) Centre of Specialisation for tting & turning (NEW)

LEARNERSHIP • Early Childhood Development • Community House Building • Building and Civil Construction CAMPUS CONTACT DETAILS:

General Enquiries: 012 401 5000 Atteridgeville: 012 373 1200 Centurion: 012 660 8500/1 Pretoria West: 012 380 5000 Odi: 012 725 1800

Tshwane South TVET College has been selected as one of the Centres of Specialisation for the elds of Mechanical Fitter and Fitter & Turning.

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT : www.tsc.edu.za

FOLLOW US: @OfficialTshwaneSouthCollege/ @tsc_tvet @tsc_tvet

Meet our contributors Masiziba Hadebe is a final year Agricultural Economics student at the University of the Free State (UFS). She is driven to make a change and is a passionate volunteer for community projects. She loves reading and writing about science, agriculture and anything in between. She believes you can wear a smile whatever the weather!

My name is Marcia Ramodike a 22 year young lady from Limpopo Tzaneen at lenyenye.

Besides being a student at the university of the free state i am also an author. I am passionate about writing and i live to give hope and wish to change the world. I love reading and in most of my time i write my favourite book is ‘Her Mothers Hope by Francine Rivers and favourite quote is when the caterpillar thought it was the end of the world it turned into a butterfly My name is Fikile Unifire Zulu. I’m a career driven, bold, diligent, go-getter and self-motivated young lady from Evaton West in the Vaal Triangle. I’m a firm believer in reading because it nurtures ones’ mind and makes you see the world from a new perspective. I co-founded a non-profit organistation I love relaxing with nothing but a book and I enjoy writing.

HOLLER AT US MaHigh-School The stuff we need to mention:

Website www.romele.co.za

Editor & Publisher Sybil Otterstrom sybil@romele.co.za Advertising sales Next level Management services cc 011 614 5046 076 360 1792 sybil@next-level.co.za Publlishing Romele Publications cc 32 Eleanor street Troyeville 2094 011 614 5046/076 360 1792

Hola Ma High School When you post your comments here, it will go to the website

Enquiries Romele Publications cc 32 Eleanor Street Troyeville 2094 Production and Art Direction Ivan Otterstrom ivan@romele.co.za

follow us on Twitter @holamahigh When you post your comments here, it will go to the website

Technology where are we?

This time we look at technology in the classroom. There is no doubt that we all have to be technology proficient to be able to compete in the workplace – and in the global village.

The big question is: what technology? What is technology? What is required? And most importantly: are we prepared for the future as discussed in numerous conferences on 4IR. It is probably not possible to come up with any one good answer to all the questions this arises. However, we can try to ‘take the temperature’ of the environment we provide for all learners.

The article on what the world requires is written based on our own experience in driving a company for now many years. We know what we would like to see as technology proficient.

We have a look into the future (or maybe it is coming faster than we think?): Immersive Classrooms.

This is not just a new thing. It is a quantum leap in terms of how we view learning. Sooner or later we might have to look at the term ’learning’ and redefine it. … and that is why it is exciting to be in grade 10-12 today!

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR CAREER Knowing yourself and your capabilities

Choo se Subj your ects

Care Plan er ning

eer Car ice o ch

For you to pursue your career choice.

You need to pass your Nationa l Senior Certi ficate!

The Eastern Ca pe Department of Education enco urages learners to choose suitable career path, by collecting inform ation that will he lp them pursue their career / field of study.

“it is in your hands “ - Nelson Rolihl

ahla Mandela

Sondlo & Knopp Advertising

THE HAUNTING MELODY OF FREEDOM PARK Heritage Month

As I close my eyes whenever I see the names of those who died in the fateful quest for our liberty, a melodious voice from the past permeates my trance, so reminiscent of our San and Khoi ancestors.

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n 1990 Nelson Mandela said: “the day should not be far off, when we have shall have a people’s shrine, a Freedom Park, where we shall honour with all dignity they deserve, those who endured pain so we should experience the joy of freedom.”

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hat day has arrived and, driven by the necessity for the diverse people of South Africa and the world to understand and appreciate the country’s struggle for liberation.

Freedom Park was born as a national and international icon of humanity and freedom.

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reedom Park is located on a 52-hectare site on Salvokop in Pretoria, a vantage point that offers visitors a spectacular panorama of our capital city and beyond.

Visitors are guaranteed to stand in awe at the sharply contrasting view, offering the opposites of our world – the hustle and industry of the city centre on the north and the tranquillity and lush vegetation to the south.

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he last element to be completed is /hapo. This is the phase which will draw all the elements in the 52 hectare site together to present as a whole. /hapo tells the story dating back 3.6 billion years, focussing specifically on Southern Africa, but also touching on the rest of the continent. Our rich and colourful history unfolds in seven epochs or eras, from creation to the issues of reconciliation and nationbuilding that we face today.

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hat sets //hapo apart is that it turns the visitor or observer into a participant. Within // hapo, the history of our region is brought to life as visitors are transported beyond a mere taking in of facts but are encouraged to live and experience the bygone ages. Each story is revealed in layers, thus creating a sense of wonderment and curiosity.

Instead of simply stating the facts, //hapo equips visitors with clues and tools that allow each and every one to paint a picture of “what might it have been like for me”.

/

/Hapo tells our story in seven epochs, namely Creation, Ancestors, Peopling, Colonisation and Resistance, Industrialisation and Urbanisation, Nationalism and the Struggle as well as Reconciliation and Nation Building.

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first of its kind internationally Freedom Park offers its visitors a unique and exceptional opportunity to experience and appreciate our history, to walk where our ancestors have walked and to learn from our shared heritage as brothers and sisters of the diverse nation of South Africa.

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n the mind’s eye Freedom Park brings back to life ancient warriors that roamed the planes of Southern Africa – it recalls to memory the thousands of men and women bearing the yoke of slavery and of a people and a culture so nearly destroyed by genocide. Above all it showcases a nation that does not shrink from even the greatest sacrifice to achieve the extraordinary.

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t is the heartbeat of all that is South African- our history, our spirituality and heritage-the hub though which to know this land of promise in all its diversity.

Rogini Govender is writing in her personal capacity

Voted in the top 10 of the most strikingly architecturally beautiful museums in the world, Freedom Park is breathtakingly spectacular. A vantage point that offers visitors a spectacular panoramic view of our city and beyond, visitors are guaranteed to stand in awe at the contrasting view, offering the opposites of our world.

Lauded for its effortless beauty, Freedom Park is the perfect hidden venue for all events, as people escape the bustle of the city and enjoy the serenity and peace of the surrounding nature. Amidst the enchanting architecture, Freedom Park helps create unforgettable memories.

Why not experience it for yourself! www.freedompark.co.za | call: +27 12 336 4000

What is Freedom Park?

This is all from their website: Freedom Park celebrates South Africa’s heritage. It is a centre of knowledge aimed at deepening the understanding of the nation. It strives to accommodate all of the country’s experiences and symbols to tell one coherent story.

Freedom Park is a national and international site that celebrates the ideals of liberty, diversity and human rights.

Freedom Park is a cultural institution housing a museum and a memorial dedicated to chronicling and honouring the many who contributed to South Africa’s liberation. The museum aims to preserve and narrate the story of the African continent, and specifically South Africa, from the dawn of humanity, through pre-colonial, colonial and apartheid history and heritage, to the post-apartheid nation of today. It is a long walk, spanning some 3.6 billion years.

Vision To be a leading national and international icon of humanity and freedom.

Mission To provide a pioneering and empowering heritage destination in order to mobilise for reconciliation and nation building in our country; To reflect upon our past, improving our present and building our future as a united nation; and To contribute continentally and internationally to the formation of better human understanding among nations and peoples; The Freedom Park cultural precinct: • Advocates for tolerance, inclusivity, transparency, and accountability; • Archives and preserves South Africa’s indigenous knowledge; • Tells the South African story as it unfolds; • Honours those who gave their lives for South Africa’s freedom; • Provides a place where visitors can experience the diversity of our history and remember loved ones who played a role in the country’s history; • Provides a venue where South Africa’s unique heritage and cultures can be remembered, cherished and celebrated; • Fosters a South African community spirit, by being a symbol of unity through diversity; and, • Works with African and other international institutions to tell the story of Africa from an African perspective.

What does the w Let us start with a little video. It might just put it into perspective.

She is indeed proficient in a lot of things, but he might not see it that way.

What do we require then?

Let us start with the easy stuff. Anyone must be able to read an amazing amount of text and understand it. Maybe not in detail (that can be accomplished later if need be), but surely to get through to the salient points and get the gist of it. That leads into: have you done a speed reading course? If not, it is time!

Xcel and Word must be mastered. We all live on these two things.

Efficient diary and note taking.

And now to communication: Email, SMS and Whatsapp.

Anyone working for us must be able to integrate it all. Getting a doc to me on whatapp is a must.

Getting from point A to B using Google Maps?

Of course.

Siri or Alice or even M? If you can’t do it, well, we are losing out here!

world require?

What is the device of choice? It can be the laptop or the smart-phone. But one thing is for sure: typing speed. Have you done speed typing yet? If not, it is time.

I like my keyboard but if you can type with your thumbs, I am also OK. As a matter of fact, I would expect anybody to be able to use a smart phone as much as a laptop.

Flexible hours? As long as daily tasks get done, I am OK. Is it even necessary to go to an office? Not all the time. Tasks must get done and that is really the only thing that is of importance.

What is equally important is to be aware of new technology creeping up on us. Anyone who can show me something new (whether it is really working well or not) will get my attention.

This is in essence the future that will await you.

We are not different from other employers after all. The lesson to be learned? Get into technology.

Oh yes: as an employee here: be nice to my cat.

Not this!

South West Gauteng TVET College Profile South West Gauteng College is a public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), formerly, FET college, operating under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in terms of the Continuing Education and Training Act, Act No.16 of 2006, as amended. The College is accredited by Umalusi and several Sector Education and Training Authorities (Seta’s) to offer education and training, mostly in the FET band (NQF Level 2 to 4). Some programmes are offered in the Higher Education band i.e. the N4 to N6 levels.

With its head office located at Molapo Campus, Soweto and campuses spread through Soweto (3) to Roodepoort (2) and Randburg (1),Including the “LAND IS WEALTH FARM” in Sterkfontein, the College is a real citadel of education and training for communities in its wide catchment area and beyond.

With the Distance learning and e-learning mode, driven through the Technisa Campus in Randburg, it is no exaggeration to say “we now surface everywhere!”

Starting from 2007, the (FET )TVET colleges have been offering the new three year TVET curriculum, which culminates in the awarding of the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)] to students. This qualification is opening two doors to the successful students. Since their education will have had a deliberate vocational slant, the students completing the NC (V) Level 4 qualification are able to enter the job market. The first cohort of NC (V) graduates came out at the end of 2009 and was received well by the economy.

The Level 4 NC (V) graduates are also able to proceed to the Higher Education and pursue some post-NQF Level 4 education at Universities or Universities of Technology, depending on their results in Level 4. If they choose this route, they do so on a very strong technical foundation, which they have obtained from their three years at the College. The entry requirements for Higher Education for students who have completed NC (V) Level 4 qualification can be obtained from the College’s Student Support or Marketing Offices and in the College Prospectus.

The important thing is that if one wants to follow a vocational direction, either in Engineering Studies, Business Studies, or Utility Studies, one does not need to stay at school until one has passed Grade 12, since colleges are offering a three-year vocational qualification. To enrol for this qualification, one only needs to have passed the minimum of Grade 9, but the qualification is more suitable for learners with a higher school grade, e.g. Grade 11 or even Grade 12.

The qualification will give students vocational training culminating in an NQF Level 4 qualification, which will open doors to the world of work for them. Students are not able to enter this National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 3 or Level 4, even if they have passed Grade 11 or 12 at school. They have to start this qualification at Level 2, and continue with it for three years, until they complete the NQF Level 4 NC (V) qualification, which is where they will be awarded the NC (V) certificate.

The Department of Higher Education and Training has also made millions of rands available for bursaries. Any NC (V) student may apply for a bursary, subject to a means test. The means test determines if the student is needy and therefore qualifies for assistance in the form of a bursary. The bursary does not only consider economic need, it also factors in the student’s scholastic academic capability.

So, good performance (results), after enrolment, guarantees continuation of the bursary until completion. The DHET bursaries also cover N-courses for needy and academically capable students. It is a condition of the bursary that the recipients commit to their studies and attend their lectures and classes regularly.

The drastic skills shortage in the economy has resulted in the Department allowing colleges to continue enrolling students in the N-courses (Report 191 NATED Courses) in Engineering, from N1-N6 and N4 to N6 in Business Studies and Utility Studies.

This arrangement is not intended to dissuade students from NC (V) to N-courses, even though the N-courses appear shorter than the NC (V) on the surface. Prospective students must note that whereas the NC (V) is a complete qualification incorporating some practical learning in a workplace, after completing N6 at the College, for a student to be awarded an N6 Diploma, he/she must find a workplace to do experiential learning for a period of 18 months.

Work hard and make our Top Ten Student List college-wide and possibly join a fully sponsored study excursion to our partner college in Holland!

College Principal

TM

TM

SERIOUS

ABOUT YOUR

FUTURE?

FOR A CAREER IN: BUSINESS, ENGINEERING OR UTILITY STUDIES

AWAKEN YOUR DREAM CAREER AND ENROLLING FOR ANY OF THE [NC(V)] PROGRAMMES BELLOW

The College is offering an opportunity to all Grade 10-12 learners as well as youth seeking to further their education or advance their careers in the fields of Engineering, Business and Utility Studies.

2 1

BUSINESS STUDIES

National Curriculum (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Finance Economics & Accounting | Management | Marketing | Office Administration

We are therefore inviting all eligible and interested prospective students to visit any of our campuses for more information.

Prospective Students who wish to study at the College through NSFAS Bursary must APPLY ONLINE !

To enquire more about bursaries, contact/visit Student Support Offices at the Campuses headoffice@swgc.co.za | www.swgc.co.za |

086 176 8849

ENGINEERING STUDIES

National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Civil Engineering & Building Construction | Electrical Infrastructure Construction | Engineering & Related Design

3

National Certificate (Vocational) [NC (V)]: Levels 2 - 4 Education & Development | Hospitality | Information Technology & Computer Science | Primary Agriculture | Primary Health | Safety in Society | Tourism | Transport & Logistics

SWGC Period! Enough Said!

NEW BEGINNINGS START

TODAY

MAKE TODAY MATTER AND

CHALLENGE THE FUTURE

UTILITY STUDIES / GENERAL STUDIES

Technology in Pros an We need to realise that the best part (if not all) students in grade 10-12 are technology savvy. That means a lot in terms of preparing students for the real life out there.

We might be able to design classroom experiences around this fact, where the tool of choice could be the smart phone.

It also changes what we want to learn our students.

Let us imagine a task: Evaluate the rule of President Nasser in Egypt in terms of living standard, GDP and foreign investments. Present it an animated presentation.

What would it entail? Use of the internet, evaluate sources, use a spreadsheet and do an animated presentation. Simple stuff? Can it be done on a smart phone?

Yes it can.

It talks to the imagination of students and will allow them to use technology in an educational way.

HOWEVER! Students may be on twitter instead of listening to the teacher. Taking notes might not be so interesting compared to Twitter. Run the risk!

the classroom nd cons The hard fact is that students may not have access to the same level of smart phones. Their favourite tool might be a bit dated and will mean that they cannot do the task as well as other students.

We cannot introduce differences into the classroom but can we then distribute the latest in smart phones to all?

The other drawback is that the teacher must be even more techno-savvy than the students. That is a hard job.

Planning a lecture or a task as a teacher will entail a lot more research and planning. On top of: the teacher must be able to do the task as well, meaning being perfect in Siri, Xcel, PowerPoint, internet culture, etc etc.

The conclusion is somewhat disappointing: We have to accept that students will seek information on the internet via a smartphone. We have to accept that that the tool of choice is the smartphone.

If we do not start to adapt our teaching to this fact, we will not arm the students with sufficient background to move n the real world.

Can it be done?

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When we look at the toolbox for technology in the classroom, do we then only look at the famous tablet? Do we see other things in the classroom?

As we may realise, there are plenty of new things we see flowinginto the educational environment.

The following is inspired by an article from: https://www.kajeet.net/extracurricular/what-devices-are-used-in-the-k-12-classroom.

US usage of devices in the classroom was some 79% by end of 2018. It has probably increased by now. “Google Chromebooks, the most popular device (31 percent) among educators in the Kajeet survey, are affordable, shareable laptops that come preloaded with free classroom apps. A few pros to Chromebooks include its ease of use, low cost, and simple deployment according to Education Dive. https://www.educationdive.com/news/10-chromebook-uses-howgoogle-powered-laptops-are-enhancing-classrooms/334644/ Among tablets, Apple iPads are the most frequently used (26 percent), followed by their Android (five percent) and Windows tablets (three percent) counterparts.

Be aware, this is an American survey and may not reflect South Africa.

The interesting part is that technology is not limited to the tablet. The survey also found the following: • • • •

78 percent said SmartBoards 36 percent said 3D Printers 29 percent said Makerspaces 13 percent said Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets

Makerspaces is a continuing trend that includes hardware like 3D printers, robotics systems, die cutters, scientific sensors and probes, and 3D scanners. Makerspaces help students go from content consumption to creation.

ess rinting proc p D 3 e h T Wiki: nal e-dimensio re th a s d il ed bu mputer-aid o c a m o fr y object odel, usuall m ) D A (C n desig materiely adding iv s s e c c u s y y b which is wh r, e y la y b r e al lay e manlled additiv a c o ls a is it conand unlike ufacturing, ng hining, casti c a m l a n o ti ven where processes, and forging om a removed fr material is to a r poured in o m e it k c s of sto ed by mean p a h s d n a mold rs. and hamme s e s s re p , s die

Wiki: A virtua l reality headse t is a head-mounte d device that provides virtual re ality for the w earer.

Virtual reality (VR) headsets are widely used w ith video gam e s but they are a lso used in oth er applications, including sim ulators and train ers. They com prise a stereoscopic head-mounte d display (provid ing separate im ages for each eye), stereo so und, and head mo tion tracking sensors (which may in clude gyrosco pes, acceleromete rs, magnetom eters, structured lig ht systems etc .).

Some VR hea dsets also hav e eye tracking senso rs[3] and gam ing controllers.

It is Spring! And it makes us happy Is it true that spring makes us happy? That spring impacts on our mood? Well, yes it is indeed.

I found these things from different websites (all referenced).

This is from: Spring is so inextricably linked with a more sunny outlook that the UN General Assembly decided in 2013 that March 20, the first day of spring (Northern hemisphere, ed), should become International Happiness Day. Obviously most important is the combination of increased light and warmth. When it’s dark outside, our melatonin levels rise and cause us to feel sleepy. That means we have to work harder to stay alert during the long periods of darkness each day.

The arrival of spring brings more daylight, so we can enjoy the energy that is no longer needed to fight off drowsiness. The increased light

also triggers the release of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps us feel happier.

The rising temperature means we’re more likely to be active, and as a result we release endorphin, the hormone that minimises pain and boosts mood.

We also tend to socialise more and numerous studies, for example Paul Dolan’s work at Imperial College London, have shown that positive social contact is closely linked to a sense of wellbeing.

Furthermore, when we laugh with friends, we release endorphin, and when we hug those we love, we release oxytocin, another mood-enhancing chemical.

But as spring might cheer us up, we should also look at the other seasons. What about those? This is from: “It’s real,” Kathryn A. Roecklein, an associate professor in the department of psychology at University of Pittsburgh, told The Huffington Post.

It’s your body’s circadian clock that monitors changes in day length, Roecklein explained. The circadian clock is the body’s internal time-keeper; it tells us when to feel sleepy and when to wake up, and plays a big role in a lot of other systems in our body, like hormone release, temperature regulation, metabolism and mood.

Exam: the don’ts

The little video is the serious one. This next bit is my own experience of absolutely no-no never do!

We often hear about all the things we must do, drink loads of water, carry at least two pencils, and tons of other things.

But what about the things we really should avoid?

Here is the problem: who will stand up and confess to having been really stupid?

Ok, we have an example on that as well!

Studying Computer Science (university) is a lot of math. Trust me!

This is Math 101 and 102 for the first six months and then Math 103 and 104 for the next six months. This is HARD. Next year: Math 201 and 202 and 203 and 204.

HARDER! But I managed, somehow.

I was also doing a Master’s at School of Economics and one of the modules for the first two years was – statistics. What can be more pedestrian when one is having Math 101-204! Easy stuff.

So I didn’t open the set of books. I was after all busy doing two Master’s. And statistics? Really?

So after 2 years the exam is coming up.

As a good student I decided that at least I would just open the books for this statistics stuff – 2 weeks before the exam.

I had forgotten the best part of it! There were a few new things and in essence; DISASTER is looming!

One way forward: Try to cram two years into two weeks. Cannot be done but it was done. With average sleep of 3 hours per day.

I looked like a zombie, actually like two zombies at exam. I was pale and shaking and sick.

Four hours later, finished. And I knew this was not good.

I scraped past with 1% margin. And never will I be this stupid again!

Advise: open the books before exam. It might help you!

Agricultu

By Masizi Agricultural systems used in South Africa and worldwide are all an attempt to satisfy food needs sustainably. But where did it all start and what is happening today?

Do we even have a heritage or has it all been a long development without any major events?

For most of existence, humans were hunter-gatherers.

People lived a nomadic lifestyle, following the food supply – animals – as these migrated according to the seasons.

This is still the case in many countries: Sami people following the reindeers in Finland and Northern Russia.

Another is the Fula, numbering about 40 million people in total, and is one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. A significant proportion of the Fula – a third, or an estimated 12 to 13 million – are pastoralists, and their ethnic group is the largest nomadic pastoral community in the world (Wiki).

History shows that as the glaciers retreated and plant life patterns and growth areas changed in response, the need to move so often became slightly less essential Moreover, early civilization can be considered a boom time in agricultural science and technology. Around 5500 BC, the Sumerian civilization of the Middle East and other early pre Greco-Roman civilizations understood the need for a specialized agricultural workforce for their societies to thrive. This enabled the

ural Heritage iba Hadebe first cities to flourish Modern farming began around the 18th century, referred to as “The British Agricultural Revolution” when several advances and changes were made to farming in a short space of time that saw massive increases in yield and more efficient processes.

Regulated land management and selective cross-breeding began on an industrial scale to increase crop size as well as yields. Animal husbandry also improved, leading to a greater surplus than had been possible before. It is said that these changes triggered the industrial revolution and even greater concentration of urban developments.

Further gains were made through the ‘Green Revolution’ in the 1960’s: the massive usage and production of chemicals to increase yields and curb plant diseases.

Usage of ‘chemicals’ is not new: Plant nasturtium next to tomatoes which will then be protected from larvae. They don’t like the smell of nasturtium. Such remedies have been used for hundreds of thousands of years.

Today, however, “Sustainability” is the buzzword as the aim is to balance several conflicting needs - to protect the environment and to initiate practices that protects it while providing for the growing needs of the future population growth.

Conclusion is complex: agricultural heritage goes back to the earliest humans and we have to recognise the process for our survival.

Exam: In the room

This is inspired by an article from: https://www.openpolytechnic.ac.nz/current-students/ study-tips-and-techniques/studying-for-exams/tipsfor-during-your-exam/ I have tried to draw the salient points and it is not just a copy from the website.

It is of course important to know the topic. So we assume we are all reasonable prepared in that department.

Look at this little video as well:

Read Read the question – carefully. Understand what they are asking.

Plan your time Understand what they are after and dot down a few pointers per question. It is important to get a feel for the questions and to make sure you will get to answer along those lines.

Make sure you answer the questions where you are OK first. Leave the hard stuff for later – if there is time.

Got stuck?

Go to the next question. Don’t take time away from answering what you know you can answer.

What does stress look like?

Some signs of stress include: • • • • • • • • • •

Feeling confused Losing touch with friends Feeling moody and low Having trouble making decisions Feeling overwhelmed Lack of motivation to do anything Trouble sleeping or getting out of bed Tense muscles or headaches Having an upset stomach or feeling sick Fidgeting, nail biting, teeth grinding

Check the easy answers The answers where you are confident must be the ‘deal-breakers’.

They have to be perfect so check them.

Out of time?

This can happen. Make sure the easy answers are OK, but also use the last minutes to outline your answers for the hard questions.

Convince the people marking the papers that you have at least given it a thought and provided some insights into your thinking.

...and if this happened?

Have a giggle!

Immersive C The fu This article is not really about technology (well, yes it is sort of). It is about something new that might be the future of learning.

Is it time to wave goodbye to the tables and the hi-end cell? Is it time to look at immersive classrooms?

Now a classroom in the traditional world is something with chairs and a desk and a white-board and a podium for the teacher maybe. But what if it is all a 3D VR world? A world where we learn by doing things, solving problems, walk through the universe, fly over the jungle? What if we are in the Matrix?

By definition, immersive classroom is of course where we will ‘immerse’ ourselves into the VR room.

It is vastly different from just getting the VR headset on. This is a room where the walls, the ceiling and the floor are all VR displays. Think about it.

This is multi-sensory: visual, audio, feel and more to come.

Instead of talking more, let us just turn to a few pics.

You will get the idea. ... and imagine a world where you don’t even see the teacher as the teacher is designing the learning experience.

Remember: It is all virtual

Classrooms uture?

Far cry from this!!

Hong Kong Protests: Why now?

We read about the protest taking place right now.

But are they significant and why now?

Let us just do a bit of history.

The British empire exported opium to China as payment for tea (with the hard currency being silver) during the 1800’s. The British empire and other countries involved had ‘treaty ports’ on the Chinese mainland. The Chinese government tried to stop the opium trade by blockading and occupying the treaty ports.

It was realised that the trump card was possession of an island, protected by the Royal Navy.

In comes Hong Kong – the island. A treaty is signed which is a lease of Hong Kong for 150 years. Signature date: 1842.

So, in rolls 1990’s and China wants Hong Kong back. Negotiations and agreement up to the Chinese take-over in 1997 guaranteed Hong Kong’s system of democracy. Hong Kong was after all an economic power in many ways so it all made sense not to rock the boat.

The ‘one country, two systems’ policy is now being challenged. China is now a giant in its own right and is not dependant on Hong Kong in terms of finances anymore.

The first protest was in 2014 – the umbrella revolution. Reason: It was felt in Hong Kong that legislation in Beijing was aimed at pre-screening candidates for the Hong Kong legislature.

So thousand protested by unfolding a yellow umbrella (sound peaceful? Despite the crack-down – yes it was not greatly violent).

people in Hong Kong.

And the current reason: New legislation is being introduced where a person convicted of a crime can be transferred to mainland China.

The claim from Hong Kong is that they might be mis-treated and treated differently from

Let it be said: People in Hong Kong are very aware of any attempts of changing their way of life. Right or wrong? You judge it yourself.

Way of protests: This time they have escalated into violence from both sides and that is unusual. Even to the point of having closed down the airport.

Solution and my prediction: There will be a negotiated solution and nobody will really be happy. And next year we will see another attempt of folding Hong Kong into the mainland system. That will carry on until Hong Kong difference is no more.

It is called the salami-tactic: one tiny slice at a time!

It is mo

September has got a few n

Teen Spirit

A shy teenager living on the Isle of Wight dreams of pop stardom.

With the help of an unlikely mentor, she enters a singing competition that will test her integrity, talent, and ambition Release date: 22 August 2019

ovie time!

nice one’s. This is all from:

Florianópolis Dream

This time we turn to South America. Not often we see this. So enjoy.

Lucrecia, Pedro, and their teenage kids Julian and Florencia set out from Buenos Aires one sweltering day in a rattletrap Renault to vacation in the Brazilian summer resort of Florianópolis.

Release date: 24 August 2019

We provide loans and bursaries to students at all 26 public universities and 50 public TVET colleges throughout the country.

We need writers!

Hola MaHigh-School is YOUR magazine. That is why we would love to see students writing for students about student life and everything of importance to a student in any grade10-12 across the country.

What is required? That is easy: You have to be in grade 10-12 somewhere Impeccable in your preferred language-and that might not be English. We try to be more than just English.

Passionate about your topic of choice - no dull articles here.

Do you get anything out of it?

Well, not money, sorrry. BUT if we publish your articles you will have: Your bio in a commercial magazine A photo of yourself You can put it all on your CV you can use us as a reference

Is it important?

YES it is.

Look what Rofhiwa said: My name is Rofhiwa and I love to write. I have used my skills to express my thoughts on international dealings of the world which have been published in Hola MaHigh-School.

It has paid off, not only is my work printed for young people in the country to read, but it also contributed to me gettng a bursary from CNBC-Africa to do my post-graduate studies.

Would be a lot harder to get by if I didn’t have a platform like Hola MaHigh-School.

Email

What me on

to do?

ivan@ ro name mele.co.za : Cell n u m b e E-ma r i ... and l address we wi ll talk !

Next Issue September is a great month! Spring is finally arriving and it ought to be warmer.

Bursaries! That major topic. It is time to start looking at what we have in South Africa.

There are things than and we will finding the

many more just NSFAS help you in right thing.

The shift 10 to 11, 12 is not so after all.

from grade from 11 to easy to do

Let us look at how to adjust to the new environments, because hey, it is another year of life.

September is also heritage month. That is an important occasion to reflect on who we are and where we are going. ... and the things I also love: conspiracies, movies and fun.

Sybil