Most young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in South Africa continue to be denied access to information and communications technology because of poor infrastructure and the digital divide. The cost of mobile data is part of the problem. For example, compared with its fellow members of the BRICS group of nations, South Africa has the highest average price for […] … learn more→

In full vacation, although this year they are certainly far from the normality to which we were accustomed, the eternal question arises: how to get children to read? As a good enduring (and challenging) dilemma, it does not have a clear answer, but there is room for reflection around fundamental questions that can serve as guidance. […] … learn more→

Should we see art and culture as the preserve of adults? On the contrary, these areas are essential to nurture the thoughts and imaginations of young children, believes psychologist Sophie Marinopoulos. The idea is at the center of his report on the cultural health of toddlers, submitted to the Ministry of Culture in August 2019. Not only does this […] … learn more→

Not long after the COVID-19 pandemic caused colleges to start teaching remotely, students balked at the idea of paying full tuition for online learning. It’s not hard to understand why. After all, they were not getting the football and basketball games, student clubs, access to labs and the library and the out-of-class conversations that are all part […] … learn more→

The Nationals are demanding major changes to the government’s controversial new higher education fee plan, declaring it would disadvantage regional communities and students as it stands. The Nationals party room on Monday discussed the JobReady Graduates Package draft legislation – which has now been released – and agreed to press for it to be altered. The party […] … learn more→

Whether you are a student or the parent of one contending with coronavirus school closures, this year “back to school” means studying under some unusual circumstances. Learning and teaching can provide great opportunities for academic and personal growth, but in the midst of stressors, it’s worth remembering that some ways of learning and retaining information are more […] … learn more→

The number of white people involved in the protests against the killing of George Floyd has been heartening. It echoes the words of sympathy that I often hear in university corridors about the discrimination that faculty of colour face, and I don’t doubt that it is genuine. But words are not nearly enough. Faculty of […] … learn more→

In response to COVID-19, almost every university has scrambled to move its teaching online. To do this, academics have been choosing between two approaches: live videoconferencing using tools such as Zoom, or pre-recording videos and posting to platforms such as YouTube. Previous reviews have shown videoconferences are an okay substitute for classes, but what about videos? […] … learn more→

According to the recently released Research Australia report, more than three-quarters of Australia’s early career researchers (ECRs) in medical science are employed on temporary contracts or as casuals. Those young postdoctoral researchers in their 20s and 30s are essentially serving apprenticeships, expected to produce publishable research while relying on short-duration contracts of usually one to […] … learn more→

It not unusual to think about the PhD as a seamless pathway from undergraduate to Grad School with maybe a Masters in between. But not all PhDers do go straight through. Many work, often for quite a long time, before they begin a doctorate. Some of these ’later-on’ doctorates are also undertaken part-time. People who do doctorates after […] … learn more→