House full! - My Good School session at Sunbeam Schools

WOW, what a beautiful start for The YES workshops at My Good School on Sunday the 19th of January 2025, house overfull! 

We hosted Raghu Pandey the Founder of iMature.in, India's pioneering edtech company in Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity education. He is India's leading subject expert in Digital Citizenship education. He has authored India's first book (titled "Become an iMature Student"), designed India's first curriculum and also developed India's first online course (titled "Digital Citizenship & Internet Maturity Powers") on the subject.

Sunbeam School Varuna students attending My Good School via Zoom

Reflections - Session with Raghu Pandey of iMature.in, getting ready for an AI powered world!
Courtesy Deba Naqvi, Fellow at My Good School and HM at Sunbeam Varuna Hostel.

Sunbeam Gramin School listening the maiden session of My Good School, joined us in January 2025. 

Sunbeam Group’s philanthropic venture, Sunbeam Gramin School, Karasna has 800 students studying absolutely free of cost. The school was established in the year 2002-03 with just 20 students. Photos courtesy Shweta Morolia, Incharge Sunbeam Gramin School and she works at Sunbeam School Suncity.

Reflection Sunday 19th January 2025

Session No. 142

Mr Raghu Pandey,  the founder of iMature.in, led an insightful session focused on preparing students for the future in the context of AI readiness, internet maturity, and digital citizenship. 

Key Points from Mr. Raghu's Session:

1. AI Readiness & Future Careers:
   Mr. Raghu discussed how AI will disrupt traditional career paths and job structures. He explained the importance of students developing essential skills to thrive in an AI-powered world, including:

   • Continuous online learning is needed to stay adaptable and acquire new skills.
   • Online Reputation Management to effectively showcase their abilities and secure opportunities.
   • Mastering the "4 C's"—Critical thinking, Creativity, Communication, and Collaboration—is key to success in human-centred roles, even as AI evolves.

2. Online Safety and Internet Maturity (FAST CAR Method):
   Mr Raghu stressed the importance of students practising internet maturity and adhering to online safety practices. The FAST CAR method for online safety was highlighted:

   • Firewall, Antivirus, Strong Passwords: Basic tools for securing devices and personal information.
   • Trust with Caution, Confidence, Avoidance, and Reporting: Guidelines for online interactions while avoiding cyberbullying and antisocial behaviour.
   • Never Share Physical Location Online: Encouraging students to protect their privacy.
   • Be Cautious of AI-generated content: Always verify the credibility and source of information found online, as AI-generated content can sometimes be misleading.

3. Digital Citizenship Skills:
   Mr. Raghu emphasized the importance of developing digital citizenship skills, including responsible, ethical, and safe use of technology. He discussed how these skills are essential for navigating the digital world and balancing emotional and moral growth in an AI-driven society.

In conclusion, Mr Raghu's insights provided a clear roadmap for ensuring students are ready for the future and well-prepared to responsibly navigate digital citizenship's challenges.

Book Reading

Chapter 14, "Misal Pao," from My Name is Cinnamon by Vikas Joshi

What skills does Cinnamon demonstrate while interacting with others in the chapter, and how do these skills help him navigate his relationships?

This question encourages us to reflect on Cinnamon's communication, empathy, and adaptability as he interacts with those around him.

How do the characters in this chapter use practical skills to express themselves or contribute to their family and community?

This question explores how specific skills, such as cooking, can represent personal expression and connect individuals to their culture or traditions.

In what ways does the chapter illustrate the difference between academic skills and life skills, and why might both be important for personal growth?

This question considers the value of academic achievements and life skills (such as social interaction, resilience, and emotional intelligence) and reflects on their balance.

How does Cinnamon’s perspective on the value of skills evolve throughout this chapter, and what does this reveal about his character development?

This question invites us to reflect on Cinnamon’s growth and how he came to understand the importance of various skills—both practical and personal—on his journey toward self-discovery.

Reflection Sunday 12th January 2025

Sunday School #171

A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels, Episode 13, set in Villipunarvn. 

Reflection Questions:

1. The Essence of Guru Nanak’s Message

• What key lesson or moral does Guru Nanak convey in this episode? How does it apply to the challenges of modern life?
• How does the allegorical narrative reflect the universal teachings of equality, humility, and compassion?

2. Interfaith Understanding

• Guru Nanak often engaged with people from diverse faiths and cultures. How does this episode highlight the importance of interfaith dialogue and respect?
• Can you relate this aspect to current global or personal examples of bridging cultural or religious divides?

3. Symbolism in the Allegory

• What specific symbols or metaphors stand out in this episode? What do they represent in the broader context of Guru Nanak’s teachings?
• How does the allegory use local cultural elements to convey universal truths?

4. Lessons from Nature and Community

• Guru Nanak often used nature and community interactions to illustrate his teachings. How is this approach reflected in the Villipunarvn episode?
• How can we draw inspiration from nature and communal living in our daily lives?

5. Personal Reflection

• What aspect of Guru Nanak’s journey in Villipunarvn resonates most with you personally? Why?
• Have you experienced a moment where someone’s wisdom or actions deeply impacted your perspective, similar to the villagers’ encounter with Guru Nanak?

6. Spiritual Practices

• How does this episode emphasize the importance of inner reflection and spiritual discipline?
• In what ways can you incorporate similar practices of mindfulness, devotion, or service into your life?

7. Application in Modern Times

• How can the teachings from this episode be applied to promote harmony in a divided world?
• What steps can individuals take to embody Guru Nanak’s values of humility, love, and service in their communities?

These questions are designed to inspire deep introspection and help readers connect Guru Nanak’s teachings with their personal experiences and broader societal issues.

Chapter "Stop Thief!" from The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben. These questions are designed to help students think critically about the themes and ideas in the chapter:

    Reflection Questions:

    1. Animal Behavior and Morality·         

•  Wohlleben discusses whether animals have a sense of right and wrong. How does the chapter challenge your perspective on morality in animals?
•   Can you think of any examples from your own experiences or observations where animals displayed behavior that could be interpreted as "moral" or "immoral"?

    2. Anthropomorphism

•  Do you think attributing human traits like "stealing" to animals helps or hinders our understanding of their behavior? Why?
•  How does Wohlleben balance scientific evidence and storytelling in describing animal behavior in this chapter?

    3. Communication and Intent

•   In the chapter, some animals are described as deceptive or cunning. Do you believe these actions are intentional, or are they instinctual survival strategies?  
•  How might this chapter change the way you interpret animal interactions in nature?

    4. Human and Animal Parallels 

• Do you agree with the comparisons Wohlleben makes between animal behavior and human behavior? Why or why not?
•  How can understanding animal behavior influence the way humans treat other species?

    5. Ethics in Observing Nature

• As humans study animals, should we impose our concepts of morality and ethics on them? Why or why not?
•   How might this approach affect conservation efforts or the way we coexist with animals?

    6. Personal Connection

• Have you ever observed animals engaging in what could be perceived as "dishonest" behavior? How did you interpret it at the time?
• After reading this chapter, has your understanding of animal intelligence or emotions evolved? If so, in what way?

Summary of the Chapter "Stop Thief!"

(The Inner Life of Animals by Peter Wohlleben)

In the chapter "Stop Thief!," Peter Wohlleben explores the fascinating and sometimes humorous behaviors of animals that can be interpreted as "stealing" or "dishonesty." Wohlleben uses real-life examples and scientific studies to examine whether such actions are deliberate or instinctual and whether they indicate any sense of morality in animals.

Key Points in the Chapter:

1. Examples of Animal “Theft”

Wohlleben describes how various animals engage in behaviors that resemble stealing. For instance, ravens hide food from their peers, squirrels steal nuts from each other, and some dogs swipe unattended treats. These actions often involve cleverness and a degree of planning, suggesting advanced cognitive abilities.

2. Intentional or Instinctual?

The chapter delves into whether animals act out of conscious intent or pure survival instincts. Wohlleben discusses evidence showing that some animals, like crows and great apes, seem to plan their actions, making them appear almost human-like in their cunning.

3. Moral Ambiguity in Nature

Wohlleben explores whether animals have a sense of morality and fairness. While humans often anthropomorphize animal behaviors, attributing human-like emotions to them, the chapter raises questions about whether animals experience guilt or understand fairness in the same way humans do.

4. Survival Strategies

Many of these so-called "dishonest" behaviors are essential survival strategies. For instance, hiding or stealing food can ensure an individual animal's survival in environments where resources are scarce.

5. Animal Intelligence

The chapter highlights the impressive problem-solving skills of some species, such as birds and primates, which showcase their ability to anticipate the actions of others and strategize accordingly.

Themes of the Chapter:

• The blurred lines between instinct and intentional behaviuor in animals.
• The intelligence and adaptability of animals in navigating their environments.
• A reflection on how human morality differs from or aligns with natural behaviuors.

In summary, "Stop Thief!" offers an engaging look at how animals use resourcefulness and sometimes deception to survive, challenging our perceptions of their emotional and moral capacities. Through this, Wohlleben encourages readers to see animals not as automatons but as sentient beings with rich inner lives.

These questions aim to encourage readers to think deeply about the fascinating and sometimes surprising behaviour of animals and how we perceive and relate to them.

These are some suggestions you can choose from. I'm looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! 

You can email your reflections to mk@learningforward.org.in or post them as comments below!

Click on the link to read the article-  From Classrooms to Bookshelves

Points to ponder:

Sandeep discussed the importance of reading and learning, referencing an article from the Mentor Magazine. He encouraged the students to read the article and share their reflections. Manisha then discussed the concept of KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Ability) and asked the students to reflect on their holiday experiences. She also encouraged them to create a newsletter or PowerPoint with holiday pictures. Sandeep reminded everyone about the upcoming birthday celebration and the need to book their tickets for the Retreat.