It’s a crazy time right now! The entire world has been turned upside down! Millions of Americans all over have transitioned to an online format for almost every task in their daily life. In fact, millions of students across the United States have moved completely online for all things learning. I am one of those students.

Hi, my name is Srinjay Verma, I am a Computer Engineering student at Sacramento State University and CleanStarts new associate. I love technology and have a strong passion for learning new things. Some of my interests include programming, online media growth, and dancing. I am excited to be working at CleanStart and can’t wait to be sharing more of the best content with all of you. 

Many of my classes were immediately suspended following this outbreak and this was not unlike millions of other students. Educators from elementary to College level had to reevaluate and transform their coursework to an online format. This change was not smooth for both students and educators alike, as I experienced first hand. However, it was made easier by new online tools such as Zoom, Google Hangouts, and the Google Drive Suite. Even though many of these online tools seemed foregn at first, the global pandemic has required every aspect of society to adapt. In fact, for online testing, a new tool called ProctorU provides teachers with a way to prevent students from cheating. The service gives each student a human proctor and requires the student to allow the proctor access to their computer via remote control to prevent any unauthorized access to websites. It also uses the webcam to make sure the room where the student is taking the exam is secure. Tools such as this were scarcely used prior to this outbreak, however now are essential to online learning. In addition, I have had professors of mine have students use project management tools such as Monday.com to keep them organized and on track with their assignments. 

Not only have students had to adapt on the schoolwork front, but we have also had to change the way we interact and meet one another. Yes, the majority of it is through video conferencing tools such as FaceTime, Zoom, Google Duo, and WhatsApp. Although many students have been spending time on staple social media apps such as Snapchat and Instagram, while other students have been gravitating to newer social media apps such as Tik Tok, Byte, Google Shorts, and Caffeine. Tik Tok, Byte and Google Shorts allow users to share short little clips of video with specific sounds attached. Many students have moved over to these platforms as it allows them to share information in a new way that connects them with others of similar interests. Caffeine is especially interesting as it is a live streaming service that allows users to share TV and multiple users at the same time. Users watching can also react with different “reactions”. This has allowed students to present live to the class with immediate feedback and engagement from the class. Thus mimicking a real live environment.

These new technology tools such as these have helped ease the transition to a fully online world. In fact, many of these tools can and have been used by various companies to help bolster productivity in the workplace. Hopefully I shared a new tool that you can benefit from in these weird times!

Glad I got to share this update with all of you! Look forward to sharing more soon!