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Time of India
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
6 productive things students can do over school break
School breaks are often seen as a time to unwind—and rightly so. After weeks or months of assignments, exams, and long nights, taking a breather is essential. But in between the Netflix binges and late mornings, breaks also offer a rare chance to get ahead without the usual pressures of school life. Being productive doesn't mean filling every minute with work. Instead, it's about using part of your free time to invest in yourself—your goals, your future, or even your peace of mind. Here are six things you can do over break that balance rest with meaningful growth. Update your resume or portfolio Whether you're preparing your college applications or planning for internships after school ends, your resume is often the first impression you make. A school break is the perfect time to refresh it. Add any new experience you've gained, such as campus projects, volunteer work, or academic achievements. If you're in a creative or tech field, consider updating your portfolio as well—organise your best work, clean up your layout, and make it presentable for future opportunities. Even if you're not actively applying yet, having an updated resume on hand saves time and reduces stress when deadlines come around. Learn a new skill Short online courses are ideal during breaks. They're often self-paced, and you can dip in and out as your schedule allows. Whether it's learning Excel, coding, public speaking, graphic design, or even budgeting—small skills can compound over time. Platforms like Coursera, Skillshare, LinkedIn Learning, and even YouTube offer free or affordable options. Choose something that genuinely interests you or aligns with your long-term goals. Bonus: You can add these completed courses to your LinkedIn profile or resume. Shadow a professional or volunteer locally Breaks are a great time to test-drive career interests. Shadowing a professional in a field you're curious about can offer clarity you won't get from textbooks or career websites. Even a day or two can give you insight into whether a path is right for you. If shadowing isn't possible, volunteering is another valuable way to gain experience and give back. Many nonprofits and community groups welcome extra help during school holidays, and volunteering can also expand your network and build soft skills like teamwork and communication. Declutter and organise your digital life It's not glamorous, but organising your digital space can save you serious time later. Use your break to clean up your desktop, sort files into folders, delete unused apps, and back up important documents. Go through your inbox and unsubscribe from newsletters you never read. Organise your notes from last semester so they're easy to access for future reference or finals. You'll start the next term with a clearer mind and a more efficient setup. Read something out of academic syllabus Academic reading is often fast and functional—just enough to prep for an exam or finish a paper. During your break, try reading something for yourself. It doesn't have to be a classic or a self-help bestseller (unless that's your thing). Fiction, memoir, essays, long-form journalism—anything that expands your worldview or simply offers a good story can be mentally refreshing. Reading outside of assignments improves critical thinking and writing skills almost by accident. Plus, it's one of the few productive things that also feels like a true break. Reflect and plan for the next term School breaks are the ideal time to check in with yourself. What worked well last semester? What didn't? Are your current habits helping or holding you back? Take some time to journal or think through your academic and personal goals. If you're feeling ambitious, you can map out major deadlines for the next term, organise your calendar, or set a few small goals—like joining a campus club, applying for scholarships, or taking more regular study breaks. Even a loose plan can help you feel more in control when classes resume. Productivity doesn't have to mean hustle. Using your break to grow in small, intentional ways can make a big difference—without ruining the restful spirit of vacation. With a little planning, you can return to school refreshed and more prepared than ever. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Make this Father's Day special with unique gift inspirations
Father's Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it's a moment to celebrate the strength, guidance, humour, and unconditional love our fathers or father figures bring into our lives. While store-bought gifts are convenient, nothing beats a thoughtful, unique gesture that reflects appreciation in a personal you're looking to surprise your dad with something beyond the usual tie or mug, here are 11 creative and heartfelt gift ideas he'll truly PERSONALISED AUDIO MESSAGE BOOKTurn your thoughts into voice a mini-book with QR codes that link to voice recordings — from heartfelt messages to funny stories. It's a modern twist on a handwritten letter and can become a cherished keepsake.2. CUSTOM STAR MAP OF A SPECIAL DAYCommemorate the night sky from the day he became a dad, your birthday, or a meaningful beautifully printed star maps are both sentimental and stylish for his home or office.3. DIY MEMORY JARWrite down 30–50 favourite memories, moments, or reasons why you love him on colourful slips of them in a jar labelled 'Open When You Need a Smile.' It's simple, affordable, and packed with love.4. MASTERCLASS OR SKILLS PLATFORM SUBSCRIPTIONHelp him explore a new interest or deepen an old passion — whether it's writing, cooking, or subscription to platforms like MasterClass, Skillshare, or Udemy offers inspiring learning experiences from global experts.5. CUSTOM COMIC STRIP OR CARICATURETurn him into the hero of his own can commission a comic strip illustrating his best 'dad moments' — from dad jokes to DIY disasters — or get a caricature made that highlights his unique quirks.6. ENGRAVED MULTI-TOOL OR POCKET KNIFEFor the dad who loves gadgets or the outdoors, a custom-engraved tool is both practical and a short quote, name, or even a meaningful date.7. 'DAY OFF' EXPERIENCE KITPut together a basket filled with everything he needs to relax: favourite snacks, a good book, bath salts, a mini speaker, or even a comfy it Dad's Recharge Kit.8. PERSONALISED SPOTIFY PLAYLIST + COVER ARTCreate a Spotify playlist filled with songs that remind you of your dad, his favourite tracks, or music from moments you the extra mile with a custom album cover or message that he can print and frame.9. ENGRAVED RECIPE CUTTING BOARDTake a handwritten family recipe and get it engraved on a wooden cutting blends nostalgia with functionality — especially perfect for dads who love to cook or grill.10. DIGITAL DETOX ADVENTURE DAYadvertisementGive the gift of quality an outdoor experience like hiking, fishing, or a scenic drive where phones stay tucked away and connection comes first.11. CUSTOM PHOTO PUZZLETransform a meaningful photo into a puzzle. It could be a favourite holiday memory, a picture of the family, or even a childhood it together as a shared Father's Day Father's Day, ditch the clichs and lean into what makes your dad one-of-a-kind. Whether he's the quiet type, the funny one, the teacher, or the adventure lover, a personal and thoughtful gift goes a long way. It's not about price — it's about presence, memory, and meaning.
Business Insider
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Learn something new with the MasterClass Spring Forward Sale — save 40% on your first year
Taking an online course is a great way to better yourself, whether picking up a new skill for your career or a new hobby for fun. MasterClass offers some of our favorite topics and instructors, making it one of the best online learning platforms we've tested. That said, memberships can be pricey, and there's no free version of the platform. But if there's a course you've been itching to try, you're in luck. You can get a discounted subscription for a limited time with the current MasterClass Spring Forward Sale. During the sale, you can get your first year of any annual MasterClass subscription for 40% off, bringing the Standard plan down to $72, the Plus plan down to $108, and the Premium plan down to $144. MasterClass deals this good are rare, especially outside the holiday season, so now's a great time to subscribe. The subscription gives you access to a wide library of classes across 13 subject areas, including food and drink, writing, music, science and technology, and more, so there's no shortage of things you can learn about. You can even take classes with celebrity instructors like "Creative Writing" with Margaret Atwood, "Scripting Your Own Success" with Mindy Kaling, and "Intentional Eating" with Michael Pollan. Read our full MasterClass review to learn more about the platform. Keep in mind that this deal is only valid for the first year of your MasterClass subscription. After that, your membership will automatically renew at the original price, although you can cancel anytime. MasterClass Spring Forward Sale frequently asked questions When does the MasterClass Spring Forward Sale end? The MasterClass Spring Forward sale is live as of April 24 and will continue until April 27 at 11:59 PM PT, so you have a couple more days to choose your plan. What are the different MasterClass plans? There are three annual MasterClass plans to choose from. All three plans include access to all 200+ classes on the platform. The Standard plan typically costs $120 a year and includes MasterClass on one device and does not allow offline downloads. The Plus plan typically costs $180 a year and adds on a second device and the ability to make offline downloads. Finally, the Premium plan typically costs $240 a year and includes six devices and the ability to make offline downloads. All three plans are eligible for the current Spring Forward Sale, so you can choose the best option based on your budget and preferences. Which devices work with MasterClass? You can watch MasterClass videos on most devices, including smartphones and tablets, laptops and desktops, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Some classes can also be downloaded in audio-only mode, so you can listen to them in the car or during your commute. Check out our roundups of the best Skillshare promo codes and EdX coupons to save on more online courses.
Time Business News
23-04-2025
- Time Business News
What is an eLearning Platform? A Beginner's Guide to Online Education
Online learning has transformed how we gain knowledge, develop skills, and even earn degrees. Whether you're a student, teacher, or entrepreneur, understanding what an eLearning platform is — and how to choose the right one — can make all the difference in your journey to success. An eLearning platform is a digital environment that enables learners to access educational content, track progress, interact with instructors or peers, and earn certifications — all online. From schools and universities to corporate training and independent educators, these platforms cater to various learning needs. Popular examples include: Udemy Coursera Skillshare Moodle Google Classroom Understanding the types helps you pick the best fit: These are used by schools and companies for structured course delivery, quizzes, certificates, and progress tracking. Examples: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard. These let instructors upload and sell courses. Students can browse and learn at their own pace. Examples: Udemy, Skillshare. Tailored for employee training, skill development, and onboarding. Examples: SAP Litmos, TalentLMS. Benefits of Using an eLearning Platform Learn anytime, from anywhere, at your pace. No travel or expensive textbooks — just a device and internet. Videos, quizzes, assignments, and live sessions make learning fun. Educators can teach thousands, track performance, and get real-time feedback. Challenges Users Face (and How to Solve Them) Too many platforms to choose from → Solution: Compare based on your goals, budget, and learning style → Lack of motivation or consistency → Solution: Choose platforms with community, gamification, and progress tracking → Technical difficulties → Solution: Look for user-friendly interfaces with good customer support 💡 Choosing the right elearning platform solves most user problems related to accessibility, engagement, and learning outcome How to Choose the Best eLearning Platform Ask yourself: What's your goal? (Skill-building, certification, professional growth?) Do you prefer self-paced or live classes? What is your budget? Does the platform offer certification or industry recognition? Check for: Course variety Mobile accessibility Instructor support Peer reviews Community interaction Platform Best For Key Feature Coursera Academic Learning University-certified courses Udemy Skill-building Wide range of affordable courses Teachable Course creators Monetization tools Skillshare Creative learning Subscription-based access Moodle Institutions Free and open-source LMS If you're an educator or entrepreneur, here's how to build your own: Choose a platform: Teachable, Thinkific, Kajabi Create structured, valuable content Add visuals, quizzes, certificates Set pricing & payment methods Promote via SEO, social media, email An eLearning platform isn't just a website — it's a gateway to skills, growth, and opportunity. Whether you're a learner looking to grow or an educator aiming to teach, the right platform can accelerate your journey. Take your time, define your goals, and make learning work for you — anywhere, anytime. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
