Young and old, hip and conservative, computer savvy and fresh learners, and now even Government and panchayat schools are on Facebook. R. Booma, who has brought her school's activities and achievements to public notice through social media forum, recently received the Dr. Radhakrishnan Award for Best Teacher from P. Palaniappan, Minister for Higher Education. Type ‘Gudu’ or ‘Nalla’ and you enter the pages of Guduvanchery Panchayat Union Middle School and Nallambakkam Panchayat Union Middle School.
R. Booma, headmistress, Guduvanchery Panchayat Union Middle School, says that she learnt about Facebook when she went for a 10-day computer training programme for teachers offered by the British Council in 2011-12. With a little help from her daughter she created the two accounts.
Recalling her journey from being a primary school teacher in Kumuzhi, Kancheepuram district, to becoming a headmaster, she says her innovative teaching methodology received tremendous support from everyone.
“The FB account for a Government school was a new endeavour and was well received by officials of the education department and residents. The response from the students was tremendous from both the schools,” she says.
Apart from enhancing the skills of teachers, she encourages her students to spend time on social activities and community welfare programmes. Encouraging students to get engaged in extra-curricular activities has been welcomed by parents, teachers and department officials.
R. Booma is a resident of East Tambaram and can be reached on 9444215381.
