Monthly Archives: April 2020

Australian universities could lose $19 billion in the next 3 years. Our economy will suffer with them

Australian universities could lose $19 billion in the next 3 years. Our economy will suffer with them

The university sector faces cumulative losses of up to A$19 billion over the next three years due to lost international student revenue. Modelling from the Mitchell Institute shows the next big hit will come mid-year when $2 billion in annual tuition fees is wiped from the sector as international students are unable to travel to Australia to […] … learn more→

What philosophical lessons to draw from the health crisis?

What philosophical lessons to draw from the health crisis?

When the world faces a reality that transcends it, when the life of human beings is at stake, philosophical questions resurface. It is ”  the astonishment which drove as today, the first thinkers to philosophical speculations”, said Aristotle . The period of fear, panic and anxiety that we are going through forces us to put thought back at the center […] … learn more→

Is student course evaluation actually useful?

Is student course evaluation actually useful?

‘I am always curious as to how students might react to what I have been trying to do’ I was somewhat sceptical when student feedback forms were first introduced, back in the Jurassic days before email. Not many students could be bothered to collect a physical form and fill it in, and some of those […] … learn more→

Students fight pandemic – and get real-world experience – by using 3D printers to make face shields

Students fight pandemic – and get real-world experience – by using 3D printers to make face shields

When high school teachers in Camdenton, Missouri, read about how personal protective equipment for health care workers was in short supply due to the COVID-19 outbreak – and how anyone with a 3D printer could help fill the void – they sprung into action. The educators asked their fellow teachers at Camdenton Middle School, which had already secured 3D […] … learn more→

The coronavirus crisis affects 1,507 million students: How to face the tsunami?

The coronavirus crisis affects 1,507 million students: How to face the tsunami?

According to UNESCO data , as of April 14, 2020, the coronavirus crisis has affected 1,507 million students in 192 countries who are enrolled in preschool, primary, secondary, high school, undergraduate and postgraduate studies. This impact represents more than 91.4% of the world student population. Especially serious is the greatest impact on girls , due to the consequences they may suffer. Students […] … learn more→

Diversifying reading lists should not be skin deep

Diversifying reading lists should not be skin deep

It may have taken a while, but universities are finally coming around to the idea that their reading lists are too white and too male. In almost every campus in the UK and US, “decolonise the curricula” pushes are being taken seriously, and nowhere more so than in libraries. The subject is one many librarians […] … learn more→