Khanya - Mindset

MINDSET SERVER UPDATE

Good news for schools with Mindset!

 Multichoice and IntelSat, the satellite provider, have agreed to make certain changes to the way the IntelSat 7 (IS7) satellite is deployed. This is the satellite Mindset currently uses.  Mindset have negotiated with both parties to ensure that their datacast services remain on IS7.

However, due to changes in the way the transponder will be configured, the symbol rate of their IP transmission will need to change. This change will need to be reflected in the frequency at which the Mindset DSD server listens, and hence, will require a software update to the server.

Mindset have negotiated funds from Multichoice to enable them to make these software changes via site (schools) visits. This is in contrast to attempting to transmit these changes to the servers via datacast, which Mindset feels introduces too much risk. It is expected, however, that these changes will need to be in place by the end of September 2008 to ensure uninterrupted reception of datacast updates.

In addition to this Mindset has recently completed development of an updated version

of the DSD server. They have rectified the noted issues in the current version. In short, the communications application (satellite and GPRS) has been totally re-written. A full MySQL database has been deployed to enable full content searching. The user interface has been redesigned and the entire system has been configured to run on Ubuntu 7.1. This will make it much easier for the educator and others to use Mindset.

There is now a need for upgrading to the latest version in all schools and to replace the drives with similarly sized ones containing the new version of the server software by redeploying re-imaged drives coming back from the field.

While doing the upgrade, Mustek, the service provider will be using the opportunity to collect up-to-date information on the sites as well as to remediate any technical issues found and identified as remediable (i.e. in cases of theft no remediation will be possible).

We view this as a great opportunity to visit all sites, evaluate their status and upgrade to the new version of the solution.

We are confident that these adjustments will be a valuable improvement for Mindset and all the people directly involved in using this amazing technology.

For many teachers and also some of our Khanya facilitators Mindset is somewhat of anomaly. I would like to think that we can change this perception. TV is a great medium because it lets you and the learners step into the world out there. I will publish nine short session showing why Mindset can help our learners in three successive postings. I trust this will be of benefit. Here is the first three:
1. Bring a topic to life: Think about the learning power of a documentary on animals, showing a play instead of just reading it, watching a scientific discovery take place or visiting a historical site. Mindset will do this for you and your class.

2. Bring the world into your classroom: Seeing is believing, and we can’t always show our learners what they are learning about. With TV, they can travel to another country, see the inside of a space shuttle or watch an experiment conducted in a fully equipped laboratory.

3. Make a topic relevant to real life:
Learners often ask us: “But why is this important?” And sometimes teachers just don’t have the answer. Mindset spends time researching the application of knowledge and shows learners the relevance of the curriculum beyond the classroom.

4. Present information in a logical way.

Mindset Learn lessons are structured in a logical way. This helps learners to understand and achieve curriculum outcomes.

5. Explain a complex concept:

Concepts are explained in an interesting way using on site footage, graphic images, animations and props to support understanding.

6. Introduce a topic:

A short, fast–paced and colourful video can be a great way to get learners excited about a topic. The topic can then be explored in greater detail in the classroom.

7. Revise a topic:

Videos are a good way to revise key concepts or to consolidate ideas after they have been introduced in the classroom.

8. Provide catch up opportunities:

Learners who have missed school can use Mindset to work through material on their own at another time.

9. Motivate learners:

TV is a significant strength-use it to spark learners’ interest and revive a love for learning.

Mindset Network scoops international innovation award
Mindset Network are proud to have been named as an Industry Innovator for System Development & Application by the Society of Satellite Professionals International, receiving the award in Washington.
The innovation award was presented to Mindset’s CEO, Vis Naidoo, at a gala event in Washington, D.C. on 26 February. The Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of satellite communications by both private-sector and public-sector organizations. Winning in the non-profit sector, Mindset is being recognized for using satellite communications to transform education on national and international levels. Because of Mindset, educational and healthcare professionals are becoming more knowledgeable and in turn educating the next generation, which ultimately is creating social change.

Mindset Learn updates its DVDs
In 2008, Mindset Learn increased their offerings to learners and educators with current curriculum DVDs and CDs for schools and individual sales. Now you can order Physical Science from Grade 10, 11 and 12. English DVDs and CDs are available from Grade 10, 11 and 12 and Mathematics for Grade 10 and 11. Grade 12 Mathematics will be complete by the end of May.
Mindset DVDs and CDs are practical and interactive to stimulate the learning process. Many schools and learners are taking advantage of our DVDs and CDs. If you want to order any DVDs or CDs for your school, please contact Sindiswa (Sindiswa@mindset.co.za) for full DVDs and CDs catalogue, with details of subjects’ chapters, prices and order form.

Here is an excerp from an interesting letter received from a Khanya facilitator in the the Overberg:
Ek het al vele aangename oomblikke by Khanya ervaar, maar hierdie een moet ek met jou en Gerhard deel!
As deel van die Wiskunde en Wiskundige Geletterdheid inhoud wat ons by die Klusters aanbied, sluit ons ook inhoud van MindSet in. Toe die MindSet gleuf aan die beurt kom (ek het die vorige dag nagegaan dat alles werk) moes ‘n Opvoeder die Videokamer se sleutel gaan kry. Opvoeders in die personeelkamer het gehoor dat daar nou ‘n MindSet video besigtiging gaan plaasvind en twee van hulle (’n Opvoeder wat Engels gee en nog een) het my gevra of hulle die sessie kan bywoon.
Na die sessie is ons weer Khanya Lab toe om af te sluit vir die middag. Met die uitgaan, verby die MindSet Videokamer, wat was my verbasing groot toe hierdie twee Opvoeders besig is om nog ses ander Opvoeders op te lei om MindSet te gebruik. Hierdie twee Opvoeders het vir die eerste keer MindSet gesien gedurende my Wiskundige Geletterdheid sessie! Dit was nou so lekker!
Dit was by Albert Myburgh Sekondêr in Bredasdorp.

Mindset supports the Department of Education’s National Recovery Plan
It is important for Mindset to reach as many learners, teachers as possible to promote improved learning and performance at our schools. Mindset is increasingly looking at ways to extend their reach and encourage all to contact them in support of this endeavour.

Mindset Network supports teachers in their challenging delivery of the National Curriculum Statement as well as fast-tracking teaching plans for 2008 linked to the Department of Education’s National Recovery Plan. Mindset offers video, print and multimedia content as well as programming on DStv Channel 310from 08h30 to 20h30. Mindset’s aim is to support teachers in their promotion of improved learning and learner performance. Log on to www.mindset.co.za/learn

MINDSET SUBJECTS

Physical Sciences Resources
About Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Past exam papers Tests
Physical Sciences
Physical Sciences is all about asking questions and finding answers about the world around us. In the Physical Sciences we carry out practical scientific investigations in order to test our ideas and draw conclusions. So if you have ever wondered why things fall down and not up or wanted to know exactly what is inside a lump of matter, this is the place to start your journey of discovery. Mindset resources will help you build up your skills and also show you how the Physical Sciences have influenced technology and thus our society and environment.

Mathematics Resources
About Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Past exam papers Tests
Mathematics
We offer you maths that is clearly explained, relevant and interesting. We show you how maths can help people solve problems and make informed decisions. Join us as we investigate and understand maths in the bank, maths for a school concert, maths in your world and maths for its own sake! Find out that you can do Maths, and enjoy doing it!

English Home Language Resources
About Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 Past exam papers
English Home Language
Whether you want to master basic language skills, indulge your love of literature, or read newspapers more critically Mindset Learn English provides valuable resources. Our materials bring texts to life and teach learners skills that can be applied to other texts. We also show that English skills have value beyond the classroom and we meet professionals who use English in their careers.

Information Technology Resources
About Grade 10 Past exam papers Tests
Information Technology
You are about to embark on a journey into the world of computers and technology. The Information Technology (IT) subject will offer you interesting ways to learn important computer skills and provide an innovative, graphical approach to learning about the inner workings of a computer.