Since March 2020, many countries have enforced lockdowns to control the spread of COVID-19. These measures have affected most sectors, including education. For the first time, learners put their studies on hold to watch how everything unfolds. Thankfully, many governments have worked out ways to ensure learning continues. The result is a paradigm shift in the average student’s daily life.

Interrupted Learning

The pandemic’s major impact was a suspension in educational activities across all levels. Before, learning went on as usual, with scheduled lessons, exams, and school breaks all planned. Pre-COVID-19 times were marked with certainty, and there was a sense of direction.

A few months later, everything changed. Many learning institutions closed their doors, hoping to reopen in a few weeks from March. Weeks turned to months, and before the dust could settle, half the year was gone. These unprecedented events changed the lives of students globally.

Nothing was certain anymore. International students had a challenging time facing lockdown away from their homes. Some had to postpone their courses as they hopped on flights back to their countries.

Massive Shift to Online Learning

In recent years, online learning has gained popularity globally and is now a major player in the education sector. The public’s massive uptake of technology has given a lifeline to remote learning. Educational institutions were already experimenting with digital learning, either full-time or part-time. Choosing to study online or attend classes was a matter of personal preference for the average student.

After the onset of the pandemic, the shift to online learning has been on a scale larger than seen before. For the first time in years, learning institutions stared at the possibility of indefinite closure. A few months down the line, most schools took measures to organize online classes and ensure students can pick up from where they left.

It was no longer about choice, and everyone had to embrace digital classes. Even with the reopening of schools, many institutions continue to educate people online. The demand for online essay writers is also at an all-time high, given that instructors don’t lower their expectations.

Isolation and Less Interaction

Many learners look forward to school to meet and interact with their peers. The average student spends at least eight hours of their day in school. They make friends and form their first social networks. Sports tournaments and national competitions went on as usual before COVID-19 reared its ugly head.

After the pandemic began, students had to contend with many changes. Apart from limiting movement, these measures meant that one stays at home and does all learning from there. Isolation and lack of social interaction are problems that many students had to face during lockdowns.

Real-Time Feedback

One of the challenges of traditional learning models is giving timely feedback to the students. For effectiveness, teachers need to address any concerns as soon as possible. Depending on the class size, instructors faced significant difficulties regarding feedback. As a result, students also had a hard time getting the most out of their classroom experience pre-COVID-19.

Post-COVID-19 lessons shifted to the online space and brought positive changes in terms of giving feedback. Using the corresponding platforms and communication tools like Zoom and Google Docs, it is possible to comment on a student’s performance in real time. Analyzing individual work and sharing information is much easier due to these apps.

Online Examinations

Before their closure, most educational institutions had a traditional approach to examinations. Main exams took place in school, and instructors strictly monitored them to deter cheating. Generally, there was consensus about the feeling of inclusivity among students. Grading was straightforward since everything was transparent.

Post-COVID measures have posed a major challenge to the examination process. Students from various backgrounds face difficulties keeping up with online learning demands. The home and neighborhood might not be conducive to learning for all, and some individuals feel left out.

Consequently, there are mounting concerns about leveling the field for all students to ensure fairness. Online exams are problematic when it comes to cheating. Besides, parents and guardians are wary of surveillance that threatens their privacy.

Social Distancing in School

Social distancing has become synonymous with the pandemic. Previously, regular students didn’t mind sitting close to each other. The positional arrangement in class, dining, and school halls reflected normal social relations. Some schools have already been working at full capacity, and the idea of social-distancing was inconceivable.

Many governments have set up guidelines for the gradual opening of schools. Students now sit individually, separated from their classmates, following government regulations. Yet, social distancing poses a challenge for many institutions. Despite the safety concerns, enforcing such rules in learning centers is easier said than done. Some schools have fewer classrooms than necessary to facilitate social distancing.

Wearing Masks

Everybody recalls pre-COVID-19 times when masks were unnecessary for students. Some nations, especially in East Asia, were already wearing masks before the pandemic. Yet, it appeared as a new concept to many other countries. It was even ridiculous or thought-provoking seeing anyone with a mask in learning institutions.

Nowadays, many people appreciate the role of masks in preventing COVID-19. Educational institutions worldwide have made wearing face masks obligatory.

With no end in sight for the pandemic, masks remain an invaluable resource for safer learning. It brings certain discomfort and public uproar in some countries, but the uptake by learning institutions is commendable. It is a small price to pay for saving lives.

Higher Hygiene Standards

Every school had a unique hygiene routine before COVID-19. Most institutions didn’t monitor individual students’ hygiene habits. Learning went on without much thought on enforcing cleanliness. General cleaning procedures mainly focused on maintaining a conducive environment for all.

In 2020, an emphasis was placed on the high standards of hygiene for all institutions. In particular, hand washing and sanitizers placed at various convenient locations became a necessity. High hygiene requirements are an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Sure, young learners occasionally forget to wash their hands and use sanitizers. However, their teachers can remind them what to do to keep the infection at bay.

Increased Parent Participation

Pre-COVID-19 learning was devoid of high levels of parent participation. Apart from occasional calls and school visits, there was little to show commitment in their children’s lives. Given the hectic lives modern parents lead, it is clear that they lack time to show support in schoolwork. It is difficult for teachers to engage parents in their child’s studying.

With the shift to online learning, parents’ support and understanding of children’s learning needs have increased. For instance, parents of young learners assist their kids in using online learning platforms during lessons. With such dedicated involvement, children are more likely to attend all classes and register better grades.

Virtual Graduations

Graduation is a big deal for all learners, and it is filled with lots of joy. Parents and students all look forward to this day – the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. Students get to celebrate it with their family members and close an important chapter in their lives.

Post-COVID-19 graduation ceremonies have taken place online across several institutions. Students dreaming about a normal graduation day had to accept that things have changed. Despite disappointment among them, many still find great relief graduating virtually after a tough academic year. Regardless of its shortcomings, virtual graduation is as life-changing as a traditional one.

Facing Educational Inequalities

Education inequalities are not a new phenomenon. They are prevalent in most countries and constitute a sad reflection of the current world. Students come from diverse backgrounds. Some of them suffer extreme poverty, while others enjoy an abundance of opportunities. Private and public learning institutions provide different education standards despite sharing a curriculum.

Pre-COVID-19 times have made these inequalities much more obvious. More people are aware that there is a discrepancy between the well-to-do and underprivileged individuals in education. For example, disadvantaged students may lack learning resources like online interaction tools and find it difficult to access the Internet.

Despite these challenges, all students pass similar exams. As a result, many stakeholders develop different strategies to promote fairness in the learning environment.

Conclusion

Life before and after the pandemic provided the average student with varied experiences. While there have been some notable gains for the education sector, there is still a need for improvement. Students explored the possibilities created by technology for learners. Despite missing out on the social aspect of learning, they were lucky to attend classes virtually when people worldwide were fighting for their lives.

There is hope for a quicker return to the pre-COVID-19 times with the development of vaccines. The changes brought by the pandemic are hard to erase, and some, like the digital migration, are here to stay. The resumption of learning is a clear sign of human resilience – finding a way to continue thriving in the face of challenges.

Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia has seen a substantial upswing recently. Increased awareness about digital currencies, coupled with the potential for high returns, has resulted in more individuals and businesses embracing this investment avenue. Investors, both seasoned and novices, are exploring the capabilities of Bitcoin not only as an investment tool but also as a novel way to transact, reducing dependence on conventional banking systems. Explore quantum prime profit platform for gaining proper tips and tricks of bitcoin trading.

The city’s younger workforce, especially, is driving this change. They see cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin as the future of money, one that offers more freedom and control over individual finances. This demographic is inclined towards technological advancements, and their involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia.

However, it’s not just the private sector that is showing interest. Local governments are finding themselves considering Bitcoin as part of their investment portfolio. The potential for high returns and the opportunity to diversify their financial assets has spurred interest. The future of Bitcoin investment in Arkadelphia looks promising, but it also entails risks that investors need to be aware of.

 

In what ways has Bitcoin’s proof-of-work consensus mechanism influenced other blockchain projects?

The proof-of-work consensus mechanism, first applied by Bitcoin, has profoundly influenced numerous other blockchain projects. This technical innovation ensures the security and integrity of the blockchain network, by requiring miners to solve complex mathematical problems to validate transactions. As the first cryptocurrency to utilize this mechanism, Bitcoin has set the standard for many subsequent digital currencies, demonstrating the efficacy of proof-of-work in preventing fraudulent activities and maintaining network stability.

Despite its advantages, the proof-of-work system has been criticized for its high energy consumption, leading some blockchain projects to explore and adopt alternative consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake and delegated proof-of-stake. These newer mechanisms aim to maintain network security while reducing the environmental impact. Ethereum, for instance, has announced its plan to shift from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake to increase its scalability and decrease its carbon footprint.

Nonetheless, Bitcoin’s proof-of-work continues to be a cornerstone in the world of blockchain technologies. As the pioneer, it has paved the way for the continuous evolution of consensus mechanisms, each iteration aiming to enhance security, efficiency, and sustainability. It’s an ongoing process of learning and development within the blockchain community, balancing the need for security with sustainability concerns.

 

How has the rise of Bitcoin affected the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms?

Bitcoin’s rise has had a transformative impact on the development of decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. As the first successful application of blockchain technology, Bitcoin demonstrated the potential for decentralized peer-to-peer financial systems and sparked the invention of many other digital currencies. Its decentralized nature challenged traditional financial systems, propelling the concept of DeFi into the limelight.

In addition, Bitcoin’s innovative blockchain technology forms the backbone of many DeFi platforms. These platforms leverage the security, transparency, and immutability offered by blockchain to provide decentralized financial services such as lending, borrowing, and trading. The result is a more open, inclusive, and efficient financial system that disintermediates traditional financial intermediaries.

Bitcoin’s influence on DeFi is indelible. However, the future of DeFi is not without challenges. Issues such as regulatory uncertainty, systemic risk, and the need for better security measures are calling for more attention. As the DeFi space continues to evolve, it must address these concerns while continuing to push the envelope of financial innovation.

 

Final Words

Bitcoin’s impact in Arkadelphia and the broader financial landscape is undeniable. It represents a technological revolution changing the way we perceive and handle money, fostering a decentralized, peer-to-peer financial system that enables individuals to regain control over their financial affairs. Its influence extends beyond the boundaries of investment, shaping the future of transactions, remittances, and even governmental financial portfolios.

The evolution of the consensus mechanism, initially introduced by Bitcoin, demonstrates the continuous effort within the blockchain community to address emerging challenges and adapt to changing circumstances. While the proof-of-work system provided a solid foundation for network security, its high energy consumption has ignited a search for more sustainable alternatives. This is a testament to the blockchain community’s commitment to balancing security and environmental concerns.

The world of online slots continues to evolve, offering players a dynamic and captivating gaming experience that goes beyond the traditional pull of the lever. From the buy bonus feature in Fat Panda free demo slots to interactive gameplay, the realm of online slots is a playground of innovation. 

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest trends and groundbreaking innovations in online slot features. Get ready to explore the future of slot gaming! 

1. Dynamic Bonus Rounds: Elevating Excitement

Bonus rounds have always been a highlight of slot gameplay, but recent innovations have taken them to new heights. Developers are creating intricate and multi-layered bonus games that blur the lines between traditional slots and video games. Players can expect:

 

• Narrative-driven Bonus Games: Immerse yourself in storylines where your choices impact the outcome, offering a personalized gaming experience that engages you on a deeper level.
• Skill-Based Challenges: Challenge your skills in bonus rounds that require dexterity or strategic decision-making, adding a layer of interactivity and control to your gameplay.
• Mini-Game Adventures: Explore mini-games within the bonus rounds, such as puzzles, races, or battles, offering a refreshing break from the main gameplay.

2. Progressive Jackpots: Bigger Dreams, Bigger Wins

Progressive jackpots have long been a draw for players seeking life-changing wins. Today’s online slots are pushing the boundaries of progressive jackpots with exciting features:

 

• Networked Progressives: Multiple games are linked to a single progressive jackpot, creating a colossal prize pool that accumulates across various casinos and games.
• Must-Drop Jackpots: Some slots offer time-sensitive jackpots that must drop before a specific time or amount, adding a thrilling element of suspense to your gameplay.
• Daily and Hourly Jackpots: Win big rewards on a daily or hourly basis, transforming the anticipation of a jackpot into a more frequent excitement.

3. Themed Adventures: Beyond the Reels

 

Themed slot games have taken a leap beyond merely featuring symbols on the reels. Modern themed slots offer immersive adventures that transport players into fully realized worlds:

 

• Storyline Integration: Engage in quests, missions, and character development that unfold as you spin the reels, making you an active participant in the game’s narrative.
• Visual and Audio Excellence: High-quality graphics, animations, and sound effects transport you into the theme, whether it’s exploring ancient civilizations, underwater kingdoms, or fantasy realms.
• 3D and VR Slots: Virtual reality and 3D technology are making their mark, allowing players to step into the slot game’s world and interact with the environment in unprecedented ways.

4. Interactive Elements: Engaging Beyond Spins

Gone are the days when spinning the reels was the only interaction. Interactive elements now offer a level of engagement that keeps players captivated:

 

• Choice-Based Gameplay: Make decisions that affect the outcome of the game, influencing your winnings or the direction of the storyline.
• Cascading Reels and Multipliers: Watch as winning combinations explode, making way for new symbols and potentially unlimited cascades of wins, accompanied by increasing multipliers.
• Symbol Collection Mechanisms: Collect symbols to unlock special features, bonuses, or additional levels, adding an extra layer of strategy to your spins.

Final Say

The online slots industry is going through an exciting period of innovation, revolutionizing the player experience. With advancing technology, players can expect even more immersive interactive experiences that push the boundaries of online slots.

FAQs

Are online slots fair?

Yes, reputable online casinos use Random Number Generators (RNGs) to ensure that the outcomes of online slots are random and unbiased. Regulatory bodies also oversee the fairness of games offered by licensed casinos.

How do I choose a slot with the best odds?

When selecting slots, it’s recommended to opt for those with higher RTP percentages as they typically offer better odds. Also, consider the slot’s volatility. Low volatility slots yield more frequent but smaller wins, while high volatility slots provide less frequent yet larger payouts.

Can I play online slots for free?

Absolutely! Many online casinos offer players the opportunity to play free versions of their slot games. This allows players to enjoy the gameplay, try out different strategies, and get acquainted with the mechanics of the game before wagering real money.

Is there a strategy to boost the odds of winning?

While online slots are primarily games of chance, you can adopt strategies to manage your bankroll, set limits, and select games with higher RTP percentages. Keep in mind that there’s no guaranteed strategy for winning consistently due to the random nature of slot outcomes.

Poker is often painted as a game that has you hooked and puts you in difficult spots with your ordinary Mafiosi in downtown New York who are really only trying to make a dishonest living. Despite its bad rep, according to Hollywood blockbusters, poker is one of the “gambling” games that has the lowest incidence of gambling harm. What this means is that poker players are not gamblers, and although there are those who take the habit a little too far, poker players are actually less likely than any other consumers to be harmed by the activity – comparing it to slots, table games, and even sports betting.

Poker players are pragmatic, driven by a desire to self-improve, and if they have an addiction of sorts – it’s the addiction of winning. The game is competitive and everyone wants to do better – this takes, knowledge, time, effort, and not least – skill. Today we explore why poker has become so “additive” to win, and why players who play online poker for money are constantly trying to do better. 

 

1. Money Talks and Poker Players Listen 

Although the size of prize pools and the money at stake do not really impact a poker player’s performance, poker players are highly motivated to do better so they can earn more money. Playing poker is a matter of making a living and living la dolce vita where you travel around the world, compete in big tournaments, and enjoy the finer things of life. Money does talk to poker players who are very motivated by the idea to earn money playing the game. Of course, this is often a decision that many players weigh carefully. Do they focus on poker as a hobby or as a full-time activity. Would they get to the point where they earn a living from playing and then quit their day-to-day jobs or would they first wait to be raking in a good income from poker?  Either way, the idea of becoming a professional poker player is fascinating to many people who are looking to always get ahead in the game by mustering their skill.

 

2. Proving One’s Self Worth in the Game

The game of poker is about proving yourself and your ability to play. This is why many players find the competition important to their own self-esteem and self-worth. Since the game is played by equally motivated players, your ability to actually triumph is how most players get “addicted” to the game. It’s not a bad addiction per se. You do not care about spending big money at all. Poker is poker, and whether you play with thousands of dollars or join the smallest buy-ins, you will find that the competitive spirit is there and everyone really wants to progress incrementally. To poker players, the sum of money rarely matters. They are driven by an innate motivation to perform better no matter how small the table and the pool is. This is understandable since poker is a game where every prize pool can be turned into a big payday at the end of the day – progressing from penny qualifiers to the final tables at the World Series of Poker. As such, proving your own self worth in the game really matters to players. 

 

3. True Passion and Desire to Grow

As touched upon already, poker players have a true passion for growth and self-improvement. This is an almost default setting to many competitors who are determined to consistently perform well and prove that they can indeed overcome the odds and outsmart their opponents. Outsmarting others is actually a huge factor in motivating players to try harder and compete more actively across the board. Players are “addicted” to figuring out what their opponents’ next move would be and trying to play around it and against it. In order to grow in a game of poker, you cannot be simply motivated by the idea of making money – not in the slightest. You need to have a real, true passion for the activity and channel it into your game with every hand you play. Then and only then will you start winning more, and that is quite addictive.

 

4. Beefs with Other Players 

It may seem a little odd but many players actually say that their beefs with certain players they meet motivates them to try harder and compete in competitions. Players in poker love a good beef and this is a fact. As many professional and even casual players admit, knowing that you need to constantly improve to outperform one particular person can be quite addictive – and worth it. Odd a reason as that it may be, it makes the game of poker “truly addictive” and keeps people on edge as they strive to improve. Of course, when speaking about addiction in poker, we ought to acknowledge that there are cases when people do go overhead and they struggle to control their spending habits as such. It’s important that these people seek help and avoid overspending on poker or any other gambling activity.

 

 

For the rest of the players who are addicted to winning, they should also get a fair warning that poker is a game that constantly requires self-improvement and character building. It’s also immensely fun.

A long summer break brings lots of fun, vacations, and beach visits. But in this long summer, why not indulge in some activity or skill that will help you grow as a person and in the future? There are many courses with certificates available online, which is beneficial. You can also learn a skill you’ve wanted to learn for a long time. So, let’s look at different skills and get into the topic straight.

 

1.     To make candles at home

Many people have a knack for good scented candles that lighten the room, spread the aroma, and work as aromatherapy, soothing the soul and mind. But technically, these scented candles are expensive and can make a hole in your pocket. Order candle making kits online, which not only helps you to make candles at home, but you can also customize them to your liking. This way, you can make your scented candles at home.

2.     Learning a new language

There are several apps and several ways by which you can learn a new language. It’s like building a skill that does have its effect. Learning a language is great as it opens up new possibilities and connections. Talking to people from different cultures and backgrounds is something that many people love. You can try out the apps for it and practice them daily to learn the language properly. You can even opt for free courses online to learn the language with expert guidance. Start with the one you want to learn.

3.     Coding

Coding is a skill that most people are learning now, and in this technologically advanced world, coding is really helpful. You can learn to code either online or in any institute, though the course will carry on even after the summer break; including this, it is quite worthwhile and a skill that will ensure a secure future for your child. Coding Coles has many benefits, as your kid will get a good job in the future, as coding is a sector that most companies look for in an individual.

4.     Cooking classes

Cooking is not a gender-based role but a Survival skill that people should know as it will help an individual to strive through difficult times without ordering a takeaway. It brings immense pleasure and is quite fun as well. Start with the basics and then upgrade slowly. You can learn via blogs or YouTube vlogs or enroll your name in an online session where you can learn the basics of cookery and then upgrade slowly. Cooking is connected with a lot of sectors. If you are interested in baking or want to try it, opt for a baking class to learn baking. Ace your cooking or baking skills like a pro this summer break!

5.     Typing

Most of the work nowadays is done on the computer, not paper. Typing is a very important skill that you need in the future when you work in a sector. If your typing is weak, it can take much of your time, which people do not want. In that case, you can learn to type fast during this summer break and increase your typing speed like a pro. Buy a typing keyboard that helps you easily type and start typing a story or write anything you like.

6.     Content writing or writing in general

The next skill is connected with the previous skill: writing. Content writing is an aspiring sector where people are working each day. You can start by writing articles and anything you like, which will enhance your writing skills and vocabulary. You can also opt for writing skill courses where you can learn a lot about it.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Instead of surfing through social media, this is a great way to enhance your skills this summer break. Hopefully, this article was relevant, informative, and useful. Drop down your valuable thoughts below.

You open up your email and it is piled up with spam emails. Sounds terrifying? Nothing can be more depressing than literally having an inbox bloating with unnecessary emails. On top of that, these emails make it extremely hard to find out important and worth-reading emails. 

So, if you struggle to manage your inbox, you may follow the tips we have compiled for you to declutter it. But before we get into discussing the tips, you must understand what are spam messages, and why you need to get rid of them. 

So, spam emails, which are also commonly known as junk emails, are unwanted emails sent in bulk for mainly commercial and promotional purposes. You may see that most of your emails are from brands that are marketing their products and services. 

However, this does not make spam emails any bad. What makes spam emails truly harmful is that they may be coming from spammers or even scammers looking into luring you into sharing sensitive information. And it has become a common practice for them to send phishing emails with viruses and malware.

Inarguably enough, the internet has become the key instrument to communication, through emails and social media. But, ironically, it has become a popular tool among scammers and cybercriminals. So, to be on the safe side, you must ensure all key safety tips. 

For example, you must only use a safe and reliable internet connection for browsing, such as Xfinity. You may contact numero de Xfinity (For Spanish customers) to learn more about it. But the point is, you need not only to organize your inbox but also keep it void of spam emails. 

Thankfully we’re sharing some insights that you can follow. Let’s take you through them now: 

1. Unsubscribe

You might not realize but you keep subscribing to the news and events of many websites. As a result, they keep you posted about their latest going-ons, flooding your inbox. But if you see such emails getting regularly, then it does not mean that there is no going back.

 

You may click on the email and scroll down and you will see a button or link, titled “unsubscribe.” Hit this button, and you will be redirected to a webpage where they will ask you some questions about why you want to unsubscribe, and that is it, you will be freed from such spam messages. 

 

So, the moral of the story is that you should only subscribe to websites that you truly want to get updates on. The less you subscribe, the less the probability of being found out by marketers. And it is ideal to keep a low profile so that marketers can’t fetch your email address from social media platforms, online forms, scraping tools, and buy from other companies. 

 

2. Don’t Interact with Spam Emails

You need to keep in mind that if you want to fend off spammers, you have to make sure you do not engage with the emails they send you. They use tools, such as Mailtrackker and GMass to get notifications when you open the email. And thus, when you open the email, they know that it is an active email address that they can target. 

 

Now, what we are going to tell you is super important. Above, we asked you to unsubscribe the spam messages by clicking a button. But an unsubscribe button, in itself, could be spam as well. This means that you should only open spam emails from the senders you know, such as CoSchedule, Grammarly, Shien, etc., and unsubscribe them if you want. 

 

But, never open spam emails coming from fishy email addresses. One of the key indicators of harmful spam messages is that they land in your Spam or Junk folder. So, you must ensure play it safe. 

 

3. Block Email Senders and Report Spam Emails 

Also, don’t let the spam messages be in your inbox. First of all, report the spam emails, then, block the email sender, and delete it immediately. This will obviously not completely stop the spam emails but is worth a shot. 

 

4. Enable Spam Filters 

The best way to sort out your inbox is to enable your spam filters so that junk goes straight into the folder. This is why, Gmail is the best among the rest because it automatically puts harmful spam mail in the ‘Spam folder’, advertising content in ‘Promotional folders’, and keeps your inbox clean. 

 

Bottom Line

These were the tips to get rid of pesky spam, which, if you follow, can help you organize your inbox. So, do you have more tips in your mind? Share them below or use these to sort your inbox.