Climate Change

 

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing our planet today. This article aims to explain what climate change is, its causes, effects, and what we can do to combat it. Understanding climate change is essential for students as it affects not only our environment but also our future.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth's climate system. While the Earth's climate has always changed over geological timescales, recent changes are largely driven by human activities. These changes are primarily evident in rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Causes of Climate Change

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions

The primary cause of recent climate change is the increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere. GHGs, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), trap heat from the sun, leading to the greenhouse effect. Human activities that contribute to GHG emissions include:

• Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and natural gas for energy is a major source of CO2 emissions.
• Deforestation: Trees absorb CO2; when they are cut down, this carbon is released back into the atmosphere.
• Agriculture: Livestock produce methane during digestion, and the use of fertilizers releases nitrous oxide.

2. Land Use Changes

Changes in land use, such as urbanization and agricultural expansion, contribute to climate change by altering the natural carbon cycle. When forests are cleared or degraded, the land loses its ability to sequester carbon, resulting in increased atmospheric CO2 levels.

3. Industrial Processes

Certain industrial processes release significant amounts of GHGs. For example, cement production and chemical manufacturing emit CO2 and other pollutants. Additionally, waste management practices that involve landfills contribute to methane emissions.

Effects of Climate Change

1. Rising Temperatures

Global temperatures have risen significantly over the past century. The last decade was the warmest on record, with 2020 being one of the hottest years ever. This increase in temperature can lead to heatwaves, affecting human health and agriculture.

2. Melting Ice Caps and Rising Sea Levels

As temperatures rise, polar ice caps and glaciers are melting, contributing to rising sea levels. This poses a threat to coastal communities, increasing the risk of flooding and erosion.

3. Extreme Weather Events

Climate change is linked to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. These events can have devastating impacts on communities, economies, and ecosystems.

4. Impacts on Biodiversity

Climate change disrupts ecosystems and habitats, threatening species with extinction. As environments change, many plants and animals struggle to adapt, leading to a loss of biodiversity.

How We Can Help

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

By reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products, we can decrease the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere.

2. Use Renewable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, can significantly reduce our carbon footprint.

3. Conserve Water and Energy

Simple actions like turning off lights when not in use, taking shorter showers, and using energy-efficient appliances can contribute to conservation efforts.

4. Advocate for Change

Students can play an essential role in advocating for climate action by engaging in discussions, participating in environmental organizations, and encouraging their communities to adopt sustainable practices.

Future Implications

The future of our planet depends on how we address climate change today. If we fail to take significant action, the impacts will worsen, leading to more severe consequences for humanity and the natural world. However, through education, advocacy, and collective action, we can work towards a more sustainable future.

Conclusion

Climate change is a critical issue that affects us all. By understanding its causes and effects, students can become informed advocates for the environment. Taking action, no matter how small, can contribute to the larger effort to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations.

AI Tools - A Study.

 

AI Chatting Tools in the Market: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence by machines, particularly computer systems. These systems are designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as problem-solving, learning, decision-making, and natural language understanding. AI has transformed numerous industries, including healthcare, finance, and customer service, and one of its most popular applications is in AI chatting tools.

Types of AI

AI can be classified into three broad categories based on its capabilities:

1. Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI): Also known as Weak AI, this is designed for a specific task or a narrow range of tasks. Most AI applications today, including AI chatbots, fall under this category. Examples include voice assistants like Siri or Alexa, and recommendation engines.

2. Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Also called Strong AI, this would have the capability to understand, learn, and apply intelligence across a wide variety of tasks, much like a human. AGI is still a theoretical concept, and no current systems have reached this level.

3. Artificial Superintelligence (ASI): This represents AI that surpasses human intelligence in every aspect, from creativity to decision-making. ASI remains a concept in science fiction and has not been developed yet.

What is Chatting AI?

Chatting AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can interact with humans in natural language, primarily through chat interfaces. These systems are designed to simulate human conversation, enabling users to ask questions, seek assistance, or engage in dialogue.

AI chat tools can be categorized based on their complexity and use case. They range from simple rule-based bots to sophisticated language models like ChatGPT, capable of understanding context and generating human-like responses.

Popular Types of AI Chatting Tools

1. Rule-Based Chatbots

Rule-based chatbots operate on a pre-defined set of rules. They are designed to follow a flowchart or decision tree, guiding users through a limited range of queries. These bots are useful for simple tasks like answering frequently asked questions, providing product information, or navigating basic troubleshooting processes.

Examples:

• Customer support bots on e-commerce websites.
• Automated helpline assistants.

Pros:

• Easy to build and deploy.
• Ideal for simple, repetitive tasks.

Cons:

• Limited in scope and flexibility.
• Cannot handle complex queries or learn from interactions.

2. AI-Powered Chatbots (Natural Language Processing - NLP)

AI-powered chatbots use machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to a broader range of user inputs. Unlike rule-based bots, these can understand context, learn from previous interactions, and respond in a more conversational manner. They can handle complex queries and adapt their responses over time.

Examples:

• Google’s Dialogflow
• IBM’s Watson Assistant

Pros:

• Can handle complex, open-ended questions.
• More personalized and engaging conversations.

Cons:

• Requires more resources for development.
• Needs continuous training for improvement.

3. Voice Assistants

Voice assistants are AI chatbots that rely on voice commands instead of text inputs. They use speech recognition and NLP to understand spoken queries and generate spoken responses. These assistants are integrated into devices like smartphones, smart speakers, and home automation systems.

Examples:

• Amazon Alexa
• Apple Siri
• Google Assistant

Pros:

• Hands-free operation.
• Integration with various smart devices.

Cons:

• May struggle with accents or background noise.
• Limited to predefined functionalities and skills.

4. Conversational AI Platforms (Advanced Language Models)

Conversational AI platforms are the most advanced form of AI chatting tools, capable of understanding context, generating coherent responses, and even carrying out complex conversations. These platforms use large-scale machine learning models like GPT-4 (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), trained on vast datasets to simulate human-like interactions. They can answer a wide range of questions, generate creative content, and assist in complex tasks.

Examples:

• ChatGPT by OpenAI
• Bard by Google
• Claude by Anthropic

Pros:

• Highly versatile and can be used for various applications.
• Continuous improvement through training on vast datasets.

Cons:

• Can sometimes generate incorrect or nonsensical responses.
• Requires significant computational resources.

5. Hybrid Chatbots

Hybrid chatbots combine rule-based systems with AI-powered components. They are designed to offer the best of both worlds: efficient handling of routine queries using rules while escalating more complex queries to AI systems for more dynamic responses. These are widely used in customer service where simple queries can be resolved quickly, and more complex ones can be passed on to human agents if necessary.

Examples:

• Zendesk Chat
• Intercom

Pros:

• Efficient handling of both simple and complex queries.
• Lower likelihood of failure in communication.

Cons:

• Requires a more complex setup and development process.

Use Cases of AI Chatting Tools

• Customer Support: AI chatbots handle queries, complaints, and issues, reducing human workload.
• E-commerce: These bots assist users in product selection, ordering, and post-purchase support.
• Healthcare: AI chat tools help answer patient queries, book appointments, and offer general health advice.
• Education: AI bots serve as virtual tutors, providing explanations, answering questions, and helping with learning exercises.

Conclusion

AI chatting tools are transforming the way we interact with technology, making communication more natural, efficient, and accessible. From simple rule-based systems to advanced conversational platforms, the AI chatting landscape offers a wide range of solutions for various industries. As AI continues to evolve, we can expect even more sophisticated and versatile chatting tools to emerge in the market.

AI and a common man

 

The Benefits of AI for the Common Person

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live, work, and interact. It’s no longer a distant technology found only in science fiction. AI is now part of everyday life, making things easier, faster, and more efficient. Here’s how AI is benefiting the common person in simple, practical ways.

1. Convenient Daily Assistance

AI helps with daily tasks like setting reminders, checking the weather, and answering questions. Voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant are powered by AI. You can ask them to turn on lights, play music, or remind you of appointments, all without lifting a finger. This saves time and effort, especially in busy households.

2. Personalized Recommendations

When you watch Netflix, YouTube, or browse online stores like Amazon, AI suggests shows, videos, or products you might like. These recommendations are based on your past choices. This means less time searching for what you want and more time enjoying it. AI helps you discover new things that match your interests, making your experience more enjoyable.

3. Better Healthcare Access

AI is improving healthcare in many ways. Virtual health assistants and chatbots can answer medical questions, saving you a trip to the doctor for minor issues. AI also helps doctors diagnose diseases earlier and more accurately. For example, AI can analyze X-rays and medical images faster than humans, helping catch problems early. This can lead to quicker treatment and better health outcomes.

4. Improved Safety and Security

AI is used to increase safety, both online and in the real world. Many cars now come with AI-based safety features like automatic braking, lane assist, and parking help. These features make driving safer for everyone. Online, AI helps detect and stop fraud or identity theft by analyzing patterns and flagging suspicious activities.

5. Easier Learning and Education

AI tools are transforming education. Platforms like Duolingo or Khan Academy use AI to offer personalized learning experiences. These platforms adjust lessons based on how fast or slow you are learning. Students can learn at their own pace and get immediate feedback. AI tutors can also help with homework and explain difficult topics, making learning easier and more accessible to everyone.

6. Saving Time and Energy

Many industries use AI to automate routine tasks. For instance, customer service chatbots can handle common queries, reducing waiting times. In factories and offices, AI takes care of repetitive jobs, allowing workers to focus on more important tasks. This leads to higher productivity and less stress for people.

7. Smart Home Solutions

AI powers smart home devices that can control lighting, temperature, and security systems. For example, AI can automatically adjust your thermostat based on your habits, saving energy and lowering bills. Smart security cameras use AI to recognize faces and alert you if something unusual happens. These innovations bring more comfort, security, and savings to homes.

8. Enhanced Entertainment

AI is making entertainment more immersive. Video games now use AI to create more realistic characters and experiences. Music streaming apps, like Spotify, use AI to suggest songs that suit your mood. In films, AI-generated special effects create stunning visuals, improving the viewing experience.

9. Faster Communication and Translation

AI has made communication easier. Apps like Google Translate use AI to instantly translate languages, breaking down language barriers when traveling or communicating with people from other countries. AI-powered tools like Grammarly also help improve writing by checking grammar, spelling, and clarity in real time.

Conclusion

AI is making life more convenient, safe, and enjoyable for the common person. Whether it’s through personalized recommendations, improved healthcare, or smart home devices, AI is helping people save time, stay healthier, and make better decisions. The best part is, you don’t have to be a tech expert to benefit from AI. It’s becoming more accessible, and as it continues to improve, it will bring even more benefits to everyday life.

AI in Home.

 

Use of AI in household work

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has started to play a significant role in household work, making daily tasks more convenient, efficient, and automated. Here are several ways AI is being used in household chores:

1. Smart Home Devices:
• AI-powered smart home devices, like smart thermostats, lights, and security systems, learn from user preferences and adapt to optimize energy consumption and enhance security.
2. Voice-Activated Assistants:
• Virtual assistants such as Amazon's Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple's Siri use AI to understand and respond to voice commands. They can help with tasks like setting timers, creating shopping lists, and controlling smart home devices.
3. Robotic Vacuum Cleaners:
• AI-driven robotic vacuum cleaners, like Roomba, use sensors and algorithms to navigate through homes, avoiding obstacles, and adjusting cleaning patterns based on the environment. Some models even learn the layout of the home over time.
4. Smart Refrigerators:
• AI-equipped refrigerators can monitor the contents inside, track expiration dates, and suggest recipes based on available ingredients. They may also send alerts for items that need replenishing.
5. AI-Powered Washing Machines:
• Washing machines with AI capabilities can automatically adjust settings based on the type of clothes, the amount of laundry, and water hardness. Some models can also learn from user preferences over time.
6. Automated Cooking and Meal Planning:
• AI can assist in meal planning by suggesting recipes based on dietary preferences, allergies, or available ingredients. Smart ovens and cookers can be programmed to start cooking at a specific time or adjust temperatures for optimal results.
7. AI in Dishwashers:
• Dishwashers with AI can optimize water usage and detergent levels based on the load's size and soil level. They may also adjust cleaning cycles to achieve better results.
8. Smart Lighting Systems:
• AI-driven lighting systems can adapt to users' daily routines, adjusting brightness and color temperature throughout the day. Some systems also use occupancy sensors to turn lights on or off when rooms are occupied or vacant.
9. Energy Management:
• AI can analyze energy usage patterns in a home and suggest ways to optimize consumption. Smart thermostats, for example, can learn heating and cooling preferences to create energy-efficient schedules.
10. Security Systems with AI Recognition:
• Home security systems equipped with AI-powered cameras can recognize and differentiate between people, animals, and objects. They can send alerts for unusual activity and even learn to recognize familiar faces.
11. AI-Based Home Assistants:
• AI-powered home assistants, like Jibo or social robots, are designed to interact with family members. They can provide reminders, answer questions, and even engage in conversations, making them companions in addition to household helpers.

The integration of AI into household chores not only saves time but also enhances the overall convenience and efficiency of managing a home. As technology advances, we can expect even more innovative applications of AI in household tasks.

AI for students

 Use of AI in Education.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize education, offering numerous benefits and innovative solutions for students. Here are several ways AI can be used to enhance the learning experience for students:

1. Personalized Learning:
• AI can analyze students' learning styles, preferences, and performance data to tailor educational content. This personalized approach ensures that students receive material at a pace and in a format that suits their individual needs.
2. Adaptive Learning Platforms:
• AI-powered platforms can adapt to students' progress, providing targeted exercises and content based on their strengths and weaknesses. This adaptive learning model helps students grasp concepts more effectively.
3. Virtual Tutors and Assistants:
• AI-driven virtual tutors can offer additional support to students outside of regular classroom hours. These virtual assistants can answer questions, provide explanations, and offer guidance on various subjects.
4. Automated Grading:
• AI can automate the grading process for assessments, quizzes, and assignments. This not only saves teachers time but also provides instant feedback to students, allowing them to learn from their mistakes promptly.
5. Language Learning Apps:
• AI-powered language learning apps can analyze a student's pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage. These apps provide personalized feedback and practice exercises to enhance language proficiency.
6. Smart Content Recommendations:
• AI algorithms can suggest relevant reading materials, videos, or online resources based on students' interests and the topics they are studying. This helps in expanding their knowledge beyond the traditional curriculum.
7. Identifying Learning Disabilities:
• AI tools can assist in early identification of learning disabilities by analyzing students' behavior, performance, and engagement patterns. Early intervention can be crucial in providing appropriate support.
8. Automated Administrative Tasks:
• AI can streamline administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching. Tasks such as scheduling, attendance tracking, and record-keeping can be automated, saving time and reducing the administrative burden.
9. AI in Special Education:
• AI technologies can be customized to meet the unique needs of students with special educational requirements. These tools can provide additional support and resources to make learning more accessible.
10. Collaborative Learning Environments:
• AI facilitates collaborative learning by connecting students with similar interests or complementary skills. Virtual study groups, discussion forums, and collaborative projects can be organized more efficiently.
11. Predictive Analytics for Student Success:
• AI can analyze historical data to identify patterns related to student success. Predictive analytics help educators intervene early if a student is at risk of falling behind, enabling timely support.
12. Skill Development through Gamification:
• AI-powered educational games can make learning more engaging and fun. These games adapt to students' progress, offering challenges that align with their current skill levels.

By incorporating AI into education, students can benefit from a more personalized, adaptive, and engaging learning experience, preparing them for the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

How does the AI work? (a kid's query.)

 

What is AI ?

(A Kid's Guide to the Magic of AI)

 

Imagine you have a really smart friend who can learn from experiences, understand things, and even make decisions on their own. Artificial Intelligence, or AI for short, is like creating super smart computer programs that can do similar things!

1. Learning from Experience: AI is like a computer brain that can learn from the things it sees or experiences, just like you learn from your surroundings. If you show it pictures of cats and dogs, it can learn to tell the difference between them over time.
2. Making Decisions: Think about playing a game. AI can be programmed to play games and make decisions on what move to make, just like you decide which game to play or what move to make in a game of chess.
3. Talking and Understanding: Have you ever talked to a computer, like asking Siri or Google a question? AI helps computers understand what you're saying and respond in a way that makes sense. It's like having a computer friend you can chat with!
4. Helping in Daily Life: AI is all around us, making our lives easier. It helps your parents when they use navigation apps to find the best route or when they get suggestions for movies or songs they might like. It's like having a helpful assistant that knows a lot of things.
5. Seeing and Recognizing: AI can also 'see' things using cameras and understand what's in pictures or videos. It can recognize faces, objects, and even help in making sure the photos on your family computer are neatly organized.
6. Being Creative: Just like you draw or create things, AI can be creative too! There are programs that use AI to make music, create art, or even write stories. It's like having a computer friend who can be artistic.

But remember, just like you learn from your parents and teachers about what's right and wrong, people need to teach AI what's good and fair. Sometimes, AI might make mistakes, so it's important for people to be in charge and guide it.

So, in simple terms, AI is like having a really smart computer friend that can learn, understand, and help with all sorts of things in our daily lives!

Epidemic and Pandemic?

 

Q) What is the difference between epidemic and pandemic?

OR

Describe the terms outbreak, epidemic, endemic and pandemic.

Ans)

In this article we will try to understand the meaning of outbreak, endemic, epidemic and pandemic.

Endemic - lf an infectious disease is  regularly  present in a community or a people for long time then it is called endemic.

In some parts of Africa malaria is endemic. Dengue is endemic to many Caribbean nations.

Disease is restricted to  a region or country. And number of cases does not go beyond a threshold.

Outbreak  - If there are greater than anticipated increase in the number of endemic cases, it is called outbreak.

If a infectious disease spread to some new area then it is an outbreak even if only one case is there.

Epidemic - It affects a large number of people within a community, population or region. Here the rate of increase in cases is rapid.

 In the case of COVID-19, it was epidemic until disease was restricted to the city Wuhan in China.

Pandemic - If an epidemic spread over multiple countries or continents then it is called pandemic.

 For example COVID-19. WHO declared it a pandemic on 11^th March 2020.

(Note - One should always remember that epidemics and pandemics are defined on the basis of rate  and distance of spread and not on the severity of the disease.)

Corona and students

 

 

Effects of Covid Pandemic on the Students

 Covid pandemic has widespread effects on every sphere of life and students are not spared.

 They are affected physically, mentally and emotionally. 

For a long period, they are unable to meet with their mentors and class fellows. They can’t go outside. They can’t meet with their friends and relatives. They are lonely. This is hampering there growth.

 

Why Can’t we open the schools?

Kids are not  Mature enough to follow  covid appropriate behaviour (CAB). 

It is very difficult for them to maintain the social  distancing in the classroom. In a class of 40 to 50 students it is just not possible. 

Kids are not expected to communicate with masks on their faces. 

Moreover a student has low immunity as compared to adults.  

If there is any spread of corona in the schools, it will be very difficult to control. Schools can be hub of Corona. Schools can be main corona spreader if they are opened without preparation.

 

Problems if schools remain closed for long time.

Schools are integral part of a student life. A major part of his day is spent in the school. If schools remain closed for long then it will have very negative effect on the students.

 This will affect not just their studies but also their personalities. Students are facing very difficult time.

 

Limitations of online classes

There are no offline classes as schools and coaching centers are closed. So students are deprived of valuable suggestions and guidance of their teachers. 

Although many schools are providing online classes but they cannot compensate for the offline classes where the student has direct interaction with a teacher. He can put his doubts and ask questions directly.

In online classes there is one more problem which is faced by most of the students in India that is the poor quality of Internet. Many times classes got disconnected and sometimes picture and voice quality is compromising . 

Moreover there is no eye to eye contact between teacher and his students. So teacher is unable to judge if students are getting whatever he is delivering. It is almost impossible to create conducive teaching learning experience in an online class.

 

No examination for one year

In April 2020 first wave of corona pandemic started and in the beginning of 2021 its second wave spread all over the India. Therefore schools and other educational institutions remain closed for more than one year. 

During this time there was no pen paper examination of the students. It is almost impossible for a teacher to find out if a student is understanding everything that is taught in the online classes without examinations. 

Exams are not only the test of understanding of the students but it also provides basis for the remedial classes. A teacher after studying the result of the class decides which topics need to be revised in the class. 

He also comes to know the types of mistakes the students are committing. It gives her an insight about the level of understanding of the syllabus. 

In the absence of any examination the whole learning process is deteriorating. It will be very difficult to fill this gap in the future.

 

In remote and backward areas

In the backward areas of the country where economic status of the people is already low the position of education is even more disadvantageous . 

The students of these areas belong to the poor families and most of them study in the government run schools. It is not possible for them to manage costly smart phones or computers for taking online classes. 

Most of the students do not have good Internet connection . Even in many areas there is irregular supply of electricity. 

In such a scenario it is just not possible to acquire education by online mode. 

For these students this year is almost a zero year. Although most of the state boards and CBSE have promoted the students to the next class but we know it very well that they do not acquire proper knowledge in the previous class . This will definitely affect their study in the next class also.

 

Mental  And emotional stress on the students

During the Corona time many families suffered directly and indirectly. Some families lost their jobs and  there is decline in income of self dependent families. 

In some families members are affected by the Corona . Some of them were hospitalized. There was a scarcity of medicines, oxygen cylinders and even beds in the hospitals. This causes additional tension in the families. Children also face this stress. 

These circumstances leads to an environment where learning activities cannot go on. We cannot expect a student to carry his studies if family is passing through such a challenging time. This creates a great mental and emotional stress on the family members especially the children

Uncertain future

Students who are in the higher most class of their institutions are facing one more problem. After completing the education in their Institute they need to be transferred to the next higher Institute. In this pandemic situation it is very difficult for them to get admission. 

Moreover students who are planning for some professional courses after completing the school are also in dilemma. Their future is very uncertain. There is a great loss of their valuable time. At this time they should focus on the preparation for the competitive examinations but they are fighting with the disease and family problems.

 

3^rd wave of corona

Doctors and other experts are claiming that danger is not over yet. There will be a 3^rd wave of Corona that will affect the children the most.  This is creating a panic among the parents. 

When a hope was in sight that school will open after this short lockdown and decline in Corona cases, at this time this declaration of 3^rd way of Corona is not a good sign. 

We need a widespread preparation to tackle this coming danger. Government should improve facilities in the hospitals and other health care centers. Necessary supplies of medicines and other equipments should be maintained in advance. 

On the other hand people should understand their responsibilities. They should maintain social distancing. One should not stop wearing masks even after vaccination.

 

Ray of hope

Even in this distress one should not lose hope. We should also see the positive side. 

Our country is one of the few nations in the world which has developed vaccine for Corona. Vaccination drive is moving very fast and we should expect that majority of our population will be vaccinated in a few months only. 

There is research going on to develop vaccine for children. I am confident that it will be available very soon. We should observe Corona appropriate behavior until at least 70% of our population including children is vaccinated.

We will definitely win over this deadly virus.

 

Online / Digital Study

School anytime anywhere

Online study/classes

(advantages and disadvantages)

Online study is not new to the modern students. Along with their regular classes in schools and coaching centers, they are watching online lectures, as an additional support material. It adds to their understanding. Some students prefer online coaching as compared to the local area coaching. Online study / classes are growing day by day. It has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Mobile and Internet - impact on a student

Mobile and Internet

(Its effect on students and their studies)

(A)   Introduction

Mobile and Internet are the modern time technologies that affect the students and their studies in a big way.  No other single phenomenon has impacted the learning habits of the students to this extent. This impact is both beneficial and harmful, all depends upon the way students use it.