T M JACOB MEMORIAL GOVT. COLLEGE, MANIMALAKUNNU
BEST PRACTICE 1: LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
The practice of employing an effective Learning Management System for the teaching learning process aims at providing a centralized platform for managing and delivering educational content, facilitating online learning, and tracking student progress.
OBJECTIVES
- To streamline the learning process
- To provide access to resources and materials anytime, anywhere.
- To promote an all-inclusive approach in teaching and learning.
- To enhance self-paced learning
- To promote different learning styles and preferences
- To enhance assessment and grading, allowing for efficient evaluation of
student performance.
- To create an interactive learning experience
- To enhance collaboration between students and faculty
CONTEXT
Outbreak of the Covid pandemic necessitated the implementation of online methods for knowledge transmission. The limitations asked for a revised approach for teaching learning process.
THE PRACTICE
Google Classroom and Moodle were the two LMS platforms used by the faculty. The faculty underwent various online training sessions to familiarize themselves with different learning management systems. The path had to be set for a smooth transition to and adoption of the platform. Google classroom was used in integration with other Google tools such as Google Drive and Google Docs. The LMS platforms allowed the faculty to create and organize course content, provide assignments and conduct periodic assessments. Students could access the course material, submit assignments, participate in discussions, and receive feedback from teachers. Internal exams and assessments were conducted via Google Classroom. Student progress was monitored and feedback given. WhatsApp groups were also created for each batch and course content was shared through the same too. Video conferencing tools like Google Meet and WebEx were used in conjunction with the learning management systems which facilitated the scheduling and conduct of online classes.
The college also initiated the purchase of a Learning Management System of its own. The implementation of the course on Organic Farming as part of MOOC again promoted the use of LMS. Herbal garden was set up and organic farming was done by various departments. The college decided to organise further training sessions for the faculty for the effective implementation of the LMS platform.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
Increased access to educational resources was a benefit especially where poor internet connectivity hindered the student access to the online classes held by the faculty via Google Meet or WebEx. The LMS platforms improved student engagement and academic performance and monitored student progress. It also provided faculty a space to provide individualised feedback to students based on their performance. The MOOC course on Organic Farming could be effectively implemented. The system could adapt to the changing needs of the learners.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Faculty faced difficulties associated with using a new technology, especially for users not familiar with online learning platforms. Students too had to familiarize themselves with the new platform, the adaptation being difficult with each student displaying varying levels of digital literacy. As the platform was accessed from different locations and devices, technical issues like slow loading times or compatibility issues with certain devices or browsers were also faced. The need for consistent internet connectivity became an obstacle especially when time-bound assessments like test papers were conducted. Some students struggled with online learning and required additional support and guidance from faculty.
BEST PRACTICE 2: ORGANIC FARMING
The programme aims to cultivate a deeper understanding of sustainable agricultural practices among students and develop a sense of responsibility to environment as well as community.
OBJECTIVES
- To foster environmental awareness and to inspire a sense of responsibility among the youth.
- To expose students to real-life situations and to create awareness on sustainable agricultural practices.
- To encourage students to become advocates of sustainable farming practices and food production.
- To promote the production of healthy and environment-friendly food and promote healthy and nutritious eating habits.
- To conscientize the youth about various health issues and lifestyle diseases.
- To impart social and environmental sensitivity in students through need-based activities.
- To encourage community engagement and mould the students as socially responsible citizens who care for nature.
THE PRACTICE
All the students of the college are participants in the organic farming programme, practising it in the college as well as in their houses. As part of the curriculum too, the students are attending a MOOC course on Organic Farming where they are to plant seedlings, cultivate and harvest them. In the campus, an area is set apart for organic farming and various crops like tapioca, yam and colocasia were cultivated along with vegetables like spinach, green beans and brinjal. Students actively participated in planting, cultivating and harvesting crops using organic methods.
EVIDENCE OF SUCCESS
The production of healthy and nutritious food by themselves was an encouragement to the student community. Increased awareness of sustainable agricultural practices benefitted them and motivated them to continue with the organic farming activities with increased involvement.
PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED
Some common problems encountered were lack of knowledge and experience among some students regarding sustainable agricultural practices, difficulty in pest and disease management without the use of synthetic pesticides, maintaining proper soil fertility, dealing with unpredictable.