Still facing slow internet speeds on WiFi? Keep these tips in mind for a solution

Still facing slow internet speeds on WiFi? Keep these tips in mind for a solution

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, many users now rely on their home internet for daily work. The increased load means that internet connectivity issues have increased. Here are some tips to solve the problem.

By: Tech Desk | New Delhi | Updated: April 8, 2020 1:39:33 pm

One direct impact of the coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent lockdown has been on internet speeds across the world. As more and more users rely on their home broadband for work, for educational purposes, for entertainment, internet speeds are definitely impacted. This is also why most streaming services have dialled down on video quality for default streaming.

In India, the lockdown officially began on March 25, though many cities were already under a lockdown before this as well. According to Ookla’s latest numbers, the download speed on fixed broadband in India has increased for the week of March 30 till April 5, though this is in comparison to the earlier week of March 23-29, when they had fallen sharply. Mobile download speeds remained relatively flat in India for the week of March 30.

Still for many users who are relying on the internet to do their work from home, the increased load means that internet connectivity issues have increased. Here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure your connectivity remains stable.

VPN could be the culprit

If everything else works fine such as streaming services on your smart TV or on smartphones, but loading pages or even opening email takes forever on your laptop or PC which you are using for work, then VPN could be the culprit.

Most enterprises require that employees use some form of VPN in order to access official documents, apps, services, content management systems (CMS), etc. Very often VPN will slow down the speeds on your PC. We noticed this when we ran the speed test with VPN on which showed downloads of under 3mbps, while with VPN off it jumped back to 40mbps. Plus you would have got messages from your service providers asking that VPN should be turned off to get the best speeds.

If you have work that can be done locally, and does not require that you be logged into VPN at all times, we would suggest that you do this. Login to VPN when needed for work, do the rest of the work on the PC or laptop itself. This will ensure that at least your internet browsing on the laptop doesn’t get impacted at all times.

Turn the router on and off

This good old advice stands true at all times, and more so right now, if you experience slow speeds all of a sudden. Turn off the router for 30 seconds or more, and then restart it. Usually for many this will fix any speed issues. If the issues continue, then contact your service provider. Given the lockdown, they might not be able to send a person over to fix the problem if there has been a disruption in the wiring.

Location, location, location

The location of your WiFi router matters. If possible ensure you are working in the same room where the router is placed and it is placed at a height for an optimal signal and minimal interference. Keep in mind that there can be interference from microwaves, cordless phones, smart TV, even your neighbour’s WiFi.

These days most broadband players provide Wi-Fi routers with dual band frequency: there’s the standard 2.4Ghz and the 5Ghz. The latter has higher speeds, but is also more susceptible to obstruction and works better at a closer range. The 2.4Ghz band has better range. So when connecting to your WiFi, check which band you are on. If the router is another room, the 5Ghz band might not be so efficient.

You might find that there are certain WiFi dead spots in your house. Any other time, you could have ordered a WiFi booster online, but that won’t be possible right now. The best thing to do is avoid using those spots for work.

Switch to LAN

If WiFi has become unreliable in your house, and there are just too many people using it, then it might be a good idea to switch to a wired connection. If your laptop has an Ethernet port, it might be time to find a cable and use this to connect to the internet. Wired connections typically offer more stability.

Make sure you have not run out of data

Check if you have not run out of the monthly data quota. You can go to the app provided by your subscriber and check how many GB of data you still have left. If you have run out of data, the ISP will likely reduce speeds, which could explain the problem. In case you are unable to purchase a top-up, you might have to switch to your mobile hotspot to continue working. If you are close to running out of data, you might have to impose a different kind of lockdown in your home, and cut back on streaming services, etc to ensure that some data remains for your daily work use.

Source : https://indianexpress.com

Google bans Zoom from its employees’ laptops, cities “security” concerns: Report

Google bans Zoom from its employees’ laptops, cities “security” concerns: Report

Google has sent out an email to its employees warning them about the "security vulnerabilities" of Zoom. The tech giant also stated that "the videoconferencing software on employee laptops would stop working starting this week."

By: Tech Desk | New Delhi | Updated: April 9, 2020 

Google bans Zoom from its employees’ laptops, cities “security” concerns: Report

Zoom has been there for a while but has become extremely popular since the lockdown was announced due to COVID-19 pandemic. People across the world are using the video calling platform to host office conferences and connect with colleagues at the time of social distancing. Everything was going well for Zoom until it was marred by security and privacy concerns. Taking the controversy into consideration Google has now banned Zoom from its employees’ laptops, reported BuzzFeed News.

According to the publication, Google has sent out an email to its employees warning them about the “security vulnerabilities” of Zoom. The tech giant also stated that “the videoconferencing software on employee laptops would stop working starting this week.”

Jose Castaneda, a Google spokesperson, told BuzzFeed News “We have long had a policy of not allowing employees to use unapproved apps for work that are outside of our corporate network.”

Castaneda further said, “Recently, our security team informed employees using Zoom Desktop Client that it will no longer run on corporate computers as it does not meet our security standards for apps used by our employees. Employees who have been using Zoom to stay in touch with family and friends can continue to do so through a web browser or via mobile.”

What’s the controversy?

Last month an investigation by Motherboard revealed that the Zoom app for iPhone and iPads sent some user data from their devices to Facebook. Shockingly including the data of users who don’t have a Facebook account.

That wasn’t it. Additionally, a report from The Intercept revealed that Zoom calls aren’t encrypted unlike what the company claims. Amid all the controversies last week Zoom revealed that some video calls were “mistakenly” routed through servers in China. And said that it shouldn’t have happened.

Zoom banned by others

Alongside Google, SpaceX also banned its employees from using the video conferencing application citing “significant privacy and security concerns” as reported by Reuters. Education departments such as New York City’s Department of Education have also urged schools to not use Zoom for video classes and switch to Microsoft’s Skype.

Source : https://indianexpress.com

Artificial Intelligence, design thinking part of CBSE class 11 syllabus

Now, Artificial Intelligence, design thinking part of CBSE class 11 syllabus

The board has introduced courses on Artificial Intelligence, Design-thinking, Physical Activity Trainer at class 11 from the session 2020-21 onward

By: Education Desk | New Delhi | Published: April 7, 2020

CBSE has introduced courses on Artificial Intelligence. From this academic year, schools affiliated to Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will teach Artificial Intelligence (AI), design thinking, physical activity trainer as part of skill courses. These courses will be available from class 11 onward. CBSE already offers 17 skill subjects at secondary level and 37 skill Subjects at senior Secondary level.

Claiming that a broad-based education is necessary for students to thrive in fast-changing world, CBSE said that the gap-between curricular and extra-curricular needs to be filled. “Mainstreaming all forms of learning and skills will integrate not just hands-on skilling component but also theoretical knowledge, attitudes and mindsent, and sofst ksills that are required for particialr occupation,” the board said in an official curriculum.

Recently, CBSE also introduced ‘applied mathematics’ for students in class 11and 12. This teaches about use and application of math beyond science. It is also available for students who have opted for basic math in class 10. All these courses will be available to students from coming academic year 2021 onward.

These courses have been introduced as skill subjects. As per the rule, if any student fails in any one of the three elective subjects — science, mathematics and social science — then it will be replaced by the skill subject or the sixth subject and result of class 10 will be computed based on best five subjects. For class 12, these subjects are offered as electives.

https://indianexpress.com/article/

Will CBSE’s cancelled exams impact admissions?

Will CBSE’s cancelled exams impact admissions?

What about the exams which will not be re-conducted? Will their result be declared? Will these marks be mentioned in the marksheet? How will assessments be made? Get answers of all your queries related to CBSE Board exams 2020 here

By: Education Desk | New Delhi | Updated: April 8, 2020

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last week decided to conduct only major examinations which will be necessary for college admissions. This means once the lockdown is over, exams will be held for as many as 29 out of 43-odd subjects. Of these, 28 subjects are for second language, none of which will be conducted.

There are a lot of queries raised by students and parents regarding how it will affect the admission process and how the result of class 12 will be calculated. Here we answer all those queries:

 

What is the importance of CBSE’s cancelled exams?

Students often take regional or foreign languages (also known as second language subjects) or the six subjects to enhance their score. Those seeking higher education in a particular language or those aspiring for a state government job need to have a school-level qualification in the same. Many wonder how this would impact their admissions.

For class 10 students, the situation is not as tensed as only two exams, that too, electives have been cancelled. Those two papers are — information and communication technology, computer applications. For students belonging to North-East Delhi, whose exams were postponed earlier due to violence in Delhi, including the major subjects will have to appear for exams.

Will it affect results, admission?

CBSE has maintained that even as the annual exams for certain subjects will not be conducted that does not mean that the evaluation will not be held. CBSE, through several circulars, has informed that the assessment for these exams will be done based on other parameters. A mechanism is being devised by the board for the same. Meanwhile, state boards have asked their schools to send assessments based on performance of student throughout the year in the particular subjects for the cancelled exams. .

Will the cancelled exams affect admissions

These marks so obtained will be mentioned in the marksheet and hence will be considered at time of admissions. CBSE, in an official circular said, the board is making provisions adding the marks for cancelled subjects in the marksheets.

“It may be noted that the Board will conduct examinations for only main subjects that will be required for promotion and maybe crucial for admissions in higher educational institutions. For the rest of the subjects, the Board will not hold examinations; the instructions for

marking/assessment in all such cases shall be separately issued by the Board,” said the board.

CBSE has also clarified that students will be given 10-days time after lifting of lockdown. The Prime Minister had announced a lockdown till April 14 but as the cases increase in India, several states are suggesting to extend the lockdown. At the time of writing this article, the number of infected cases has crossed 5000 in India.

In an earlier interview with The Indian Express, HRD Secretary Amit Khare had said that the new academic year should not be delayed by one month. On CBSE exams he had said, “The pending papers can be completed in May and results will be announced in June.” The Board is yet to declare a date.

Meanwhile, University Grants Commission (UGC) has constituted a seven member committee to create an academic schedule which “avoid any delay in the conduct of examinations and also start of academic session 2020-21”. The report is yet to be out.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/article

CBSE offers nine subjects for Class 9th and 10th students

TOI-Online | Apr 7, 2020, 01.19 PM IST

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has given students of Class 9th and 10th to study nine subjects. Apart from the compulsory five subjects (English, Hindi, Maths, Social Science and Science) candidates can now opt for addition four more subjects for study in Class 9th and 10th. The sixth subject will be skill subject, seventh will be third language, 8th and 9th can be chosen from - Art Education, Health and Physical Education and Work Experience. These two subjects 8th and 9th will be evaluated internally at school level.

All subjects have been clubbed in groups and a candidate needs to choose either of the group as per his/her choice. Mainly these groups are - main subjects, optional subjects and language subjects. Now, candidates can choose their subjects as per the group only.

"It was observed that students face difficulties in choosing subjects and they were forced to take the help of seniors/parents or teachers. As the subjects have been divided in groups, it would help students to choose subjects as per their choice," an official had said. 

Class IX and X is an integrated course

Students need to take only those subjects in class IX which they intend to continue in Class-X .The subjects can be selected as per scheme studies in class IX. They need to continue the same subjects in class X also. Subjects can be offered as under: 

Type	Subjects		Group
Compulsory	Subject 1	Language I (Hindi Course A or Hindi Course B or English Language & Literature)	Group-L
	Subject 2	Language II (Any one from the Group of Languages (Group-L) other than Language chosen at Subject 1	Group L
	Subject 3	Mathematics (Standard or Basic Mathematics)	Group A1
	Subject 4	Science	Group A1
	Subject 5	Social Science	Group A1
Optional	Subject 6	Skill subject* from the group of Skill subjects	Group-S
	Subject 7	Language III /Any Academic subject other than opted above	GroupL/ Group-A2
Co-Scholastic Areas	Subject 8 and Subject 9	Art Education Health & Physical Education Work Experience*

If a student fails in any one of the three compulsory academic subjects (i.e. Science, Mathematics and Social Science) and passes in the Skill subject (offered as sixth optional subject), then that academic subject will be replaced by the Skill subject and the result of Class X Board examination will be computed accordingly.

If a student fails in any language subject, out of first five subjects, the same will be replaced by the language taken as sixth subject ( in case of no skills subjects offered ) or as seventh subject (optional), provided he or she has passed this language subject and after replacement either Hindi or English remains as a passed language in the first five subjects.

Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/cbse-offers-nine-subjects-for-class-9th-and-10th-students/articleshowprint/75024114.cms

NCERT to develop ‘joyful’ academic calendar for CBSE classes 1 to 12

NCERT to develop ‘joyful’ academic calendar for CBSE classes 1 to 12

The alternative academic calendar is being developed to attain learning outcomes in a joyful manner.

By: Education Desk | New Delhi | Updated: April 6, 2020 11:12:00 am

Taking note of the suspension of classes due to lockdown, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to develop an alternative academic calendar for classes 1 to 12. The chairman in her communique to the principal stated that the calendar is being developed to attain learning outcomes in a joyful manner. “This calendar also suggests ways and means to use technology to aid and facilitate this process of learning,” the chairman mentioned.

The curriculum will be released soon, and will be shared with the principals. The chairman has emphasised new trends of e-learning, saying, “It’s also the time to embrace technology – whether it is Internet based or not. Group video calls, conference calls, simple voice calls can help in effectively communicating with each other.”

“Online classes synced with the normal/routine timetable that you followed while in school, without adequate planning and preparation from teachers, parents and students, may give more stress without any positive outcomes,” the chairman commented in her letter to principals.

The schools are being advised to follow digital learning platforms provided by the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD). “Aside from the NCERT calendar, during these difficult times, teaching and learning can also continue with the help of comprehensive digital learning platforms focused on providing curriculum linked and curated content,” the chairman has pointed out.

Meanwhile, the board has advised parents to make children aware about the misuse of online learning and content. “We would like to caution at this stage that while technology will be required to be used by the child for learning, at the same time, sensitise parents about the misuse/ misinterpretation of information in certain sites that can induce possible distress in children because of exposure to age inappropriate content,” CBSE chairman said.

The chairman has also advised parents to involve children in household work. “The running of a kitchen is an immense learning resource,” she remarked. “Various places in our homes, especially the kitchens, remain the most underrated and underused place for a child’s cognitive, affective and psychomotor development. The kitchen is perhaps the best lab one has at home,” noted Karwal.

Source : https://indianexpress.com/section/education/

CBSE releases immunity-boosting plan for students to fight Covid-19

CBSE has shared an immunity-boosting plan made by the Ministry of Ayush to fight Covid-19.

India Today Web Desk | New Delhi | April 5, 2020

CBSE advisory to students to Covid-19: Coronavirus has been panicking people across the globe. With the rising number of Covid-19 cases, people are prone to get depressed while quarantining inside their houses. Well, you can beat two birds with the stone making it productive for a lifetime. Therefore, CBSE has released a set of guidelines for students, teachers, and public in general during coronavirus outbreak. CBSE in collaboration with the Ministry of Ayush has released a detailed plan to boost your immunity system using Ayurvedic remedies.

 

 

Covid-19: Advisory for CBSE students, teacher and people in general

Ministry of Ayush recommends certain self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

 

Ayurveda's immunity-boosting measures for self-care during Covid 19 crisis

 

General measure to enhance the body's natural defense system

1. Drink warm water throughout the day.

2. Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes.

3. Use Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) in cooking.

 

Measures to promote immunity

1. Take Chyavanprash 10 gm (1tsf) in the morning.

2. Drink herbal tea/decoction (kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. (Add jaggery, natural sugar, and/or fresh lemon juice to your taste if needed)

3. Golden Milk - Half teaspoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk, once or twice a day

 

Simple ayurvedic procedures to fight Covid-19

1. Nasal application - Apply sesame oil/coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in the morning and evening.

2. Oil pulling therapy - Take 1 tablespoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, swish in the mouth for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

 

During sore throat/dry cough

1. Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once a day.

2. Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar/honey can be taken 2-3 times a day (It is best to consult a doctor if symptoms of dry cough and sore throat persist)

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/cbse-releases-immunity-boosting-plan-for-students-to-fight-covid-19-1663634-2020-04-05

Important message by CBSE: Here’s how and when CBSE Board Result 2020 for Class 10, 12 will be released

Important message by CBSE: Here’s how and when CBSE Board Result 2020 for Class 10, 12 will be released

CBSE Board Result 2020: All the students who will be appearing for CBSE Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 board exams across the country are requested to keep an eye on the official website (cbse.nic.in) for latest updates on fresh examination dates. Here’s when and how the CBSE result will be declared.

India Today Web Desk | New Delhi | April 5, 2020

CBSE Board Result 2020: As the time is running, students who are in class 10 and 12 are more scared now that when the remaining CBSE board exams will be held and by when the CBSE result will be out for Class 10, 12. There are now so much of speculations going regarding this issue.

On the other hand, the CBSE is yet to release the examination dates of Class 10 and Class 12 board evaluation. As per the sources, after conducting the remaining CBSE exams, the board will declare the result for Class 10, 12 by May end.

All students must note and keep a check on the official website of CBSEcbse.nic.in to check CBSE board results. The results will be declared online only just like every year. We advise all students to not worry about the remaining exams and start studying hard for them instead.

CBSE Board Result 2020: Check of answer sheets

This is to inform all the students that, this year, the re-evaluation of exam sheets and answer check could be done on strict basis. As the pattern follows and what we have analysed, that CBSE tries to balance out paper checking every year. If you have noticed, the cut-off was not that high in the year 2019. So, this time students can expect high cut-offs too.

CBSE Board 2020: Arogya Setu app

CBSE has advised all students and parents to download Arogya Setu app from both, app store and play store. The app has been developed by the government of India in public-private partnership to fight against the Coronavirus outbreak.

Following this, CBSE has asked the school principals to inform teachers, students and staff members about the app.

CBSE Board 2020: Academic calendar for class 1-12

Also, this is to inform all students that CBSE is developing the alternative academic calendar for Class 1-12.

In the letter addressed to school heads, CBSE Chairperson Anita Karwal has said that the calendar is specially developed around activities that will help attain Learning Outcomes in a joyful manner.

"This calendar also suggests ways and means to use technology to aid and facilitate this process of learning," she said.

CBSE Board Exam 2020 postponed in northeast Delhi:

As per the circular released by CBSE, the board was not able to conduct exams on 8 examination days due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

Source: https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/cbse-board-result-2020-class-10-12-board-exams-divd-1663476-2020-04-05

CBSE | Pending Exams And Evaluation Plan Ready, Says HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

CBSE | Pending Exams And Evaluation Plan Ready, Says HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal

"I Am Regularly Reviewing The Plan Of Action Being Followed By Schools And Colleges During The Lockdown. A Plan Is Also Ready For Conducting Pending Exams And Evaluation As Soon As The Situation Improves And The Lockdown Is Lifted," Nishank Said.

By : News Nation Bureau | Edited By : Victor Dasgupta | Updated on: 06 Apr 2020

New Delhi: The Human Resource Development Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Sunday said that the ministry is ready with a plan for the pending CBSE Board Exams 2020. The minster also added that the evaluation process will start after the lockdown. On the issue of re-opening of schools, the Union HRD Minister said that the decision for the same would be taken on April 14, after the situation is re-assessed.

When asked about government’s post 21-day lockdown plan, the HRD Minister said that it is difficult to take a decision at the moment. The ministry will review the situation on April 14 and based upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for more time

"I am regularly reviewing the plan of action being followed by schools and colleges during the lockdown. A plan is also ready for conducting pending exams and evaluation as soon as the situation improves and the lockdown is lifted," Nishank said.

"There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America's population. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government," he added.

As for the CBSE Board Exams 2020 and other Exams that have been postponed, HRD Minister said that the plan to conduct the examination after the 21 Day lockdown is lifted was already in place.

Source : https://www.newsnation.in/education/more/cbse-pending-exams-and-evaluation-plan-ready-says-hrd-minister-ramesh-pokhriyal-257837.html

Pending CBSE exams and evaluation plan ready, decision to reopen schools, colleges on April 14: HRD Minister

Pending CBSE exams and evaluation plan ready, decision to reopen schools, colleges on April 14: HRD Minister

By : Kanika Khurana | Updated Apr 05, 2020

Plan for conducting pending CBSE Exams 2020 and evaluation work after the lockdown is lifted is ready, said the HRD Minister. The decision, however, to reopen schools and colleges would be only on April 14

Addressing the concerns of millions of students and parents across the country, the HRD Minister has shared that they are ready with the plan for the pending CBSE Board Exams 2020 and resuming the evaluation work after the lockdown ends. As to the decision on when the schools would be re-opened, the Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' said that the decision for the same would be taken on April 14, after the situation is re-assessed.

Speaking to PRI, the HRD Minister said that the primary motive was to ensure the safety of the students. Also understanding the concerns of loss of academic, the HRD Minister alluded that ministry is preparing a plan to ensure that there is no loss to the students. As for the CBSE Board Exams 2020 and other Exams that have been postponed, HRD Minister said that the plan to conduct the examination after the 21 Day lockdown is lifted was already in place. The exact dates for CBSE Board Exams 2020, however, were not shared by the minister.

Speaking he said, "The classes are already being conducted online using various government platforms like Swayam. We are prepared to ensure there is no academic loss to students if need arises to keep schools, colleges closed after April 14.

"I am regularly reviewing the plan of action being followed by schools and colleges during the lockdown. A plan is also ready for conducting pending exams and evaluation as soon as the situation improves and the lockdown is lifted," Nishank said."It is difficult to take a decision at the moment. We will review the situation on April 14 and depending upon the circumstances, a decision will be taken on whether schools and colleges can be reopened now or have to be closed for more time," Pokhriyal said when asked about his Ministry's post-lockdown plan.

"There are 34 crore students in the country, more than America's population. They are our biggest treasure. Safety of students and teachers is of utmost importance to the government," he added.

A 21 Day Lockdown was announced by PM Narendra Modi in order to contain the spread of Coronavirus in the country and possibly flatten the curve. The schools and colleges, however, have been closed for a while now. For many states, the schools and colleges have been closed since March 14.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

•        Schools & Colleges were ordered shut as early as March 14 across the country due to the COVID19 outbreak.

•        CBSE Board Exams 2020 were also postponed and the new exam dates have not been announced as yet.

•        Decision to reopen the schools and colleges would be taken only on April 14 after the situation has been reassessed.

Source: https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/pending-cbse-exams-and-evaluation-plan-ready-decision-to-reopen-schools-colleges-on-april-14-hrd-minister/574136