Monthly Archives: February 2023

ChatGPT and cheating: 5 ways to change how students are graded

ChatGPT and cheating: 5 ways to change how students are graded

Universities and schools have entered a new phase in how they need to address academic integrity as our society navigates a second era of digital technologies, which include publicly available generative artificial intelligence (AI) like ChatGPT. Such platforms allow students to generate novel text for written assignments. While many worry these advanced AI technologies are ushering in […] … learn more→

The next phase of the internet is coming: Here’s what you need to know about Web3

The next phase of the internet is coming: Here’s what you need to know about Web3

The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies and virtual non-fungible tokens have dominated news headlines in recent years. But not many may see how these modish applications connect together in a wider idea being touted by some as the next iteration of the internet — Web3. There are many misconceptions surrounding this buzzy (and, frankly, fuzzy) term, including the conflation of […] … learn more→

Online learning platforms aren’t enough – lecturers need the right technical skills

Online learning platforms aren’t enough – lecturers need the right technical skills

Technology has become the centre of our lives. It has also changed how university students learn and how lecturers teach. Some institutions had already shifted to some form of online teaching and learning before 2020. Then the onset of the COVID pandemic made digitised education commonplace in many parts of the world. But it’s not enough for universities […] … learn more→

Billions have been sunk into virtual reality. To make it worth it, the industry needs to grow beyond its walled gardens

Billions have been sunk into virtual reality. To make it worth it, the industry needs to grow beyond its walled gardens

Despite recent waves of Big Tech layoffs, billions of dollars have been sunk into virtual reality (VR) hardware and software over the past few years. For this investment to be worthwhile, the VR industry needs to achieve sustainability and growth. To do this, it will have to explore many different applications of VR technology, including manufacturing and social VR. Social VR is a […] … learn more→

The female students manage and the male students shine: gender in group work

The female students manage and the male students shine: gender in group work

European, state and regional institutions make it a priority to guarantee teaching free of gender stereotypes. Despite the difficulties, progress is slowly being made , thanks to the commitment of thousands of teachers who try to incorporate the gender perspective in teaching and in the design and research process . In some disciplines, such as Political Science and Sociology, the incorporation of the […] … learn more→

School attendance rates are dropping. We need to ask students why

School attendance rates are dropping. We need to ask students why

Today federal and state education ministers are meeting to talk about school attendance. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has repeatedly flagged this as a key concern. As he told Channel 7’s Sunrise last week: We’ve seen attendance at schools drop over the last ten years amongst boys and girls from five-year-olds to 15-year-olds. Whenever I […] … learn more→

Five emerging trends that could change our lives online

Five emerging trends that could change our lives online

The way we live our lives online is rapidly changing. Artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality and innovations such as blockchain – a kind of digital record for transactions — are set to transform the online world, affecting everything from social media to how people and businesses make money from their creativity. If you’re feeling confused […] … learn more→

ChatGPT could be an effective and affordable tutor

ChatGPT could be an effective and affordable tutor

Imagine a private tutor that never gets tired, has access to massive amounts of data and is free for everyone. In 1966, Stanford philosophy professor Patrick Suppes did just that when he made this prediction: One day, computer technology would evolve so that “millions of schoolchildren” would have access to a personal tutor. He said the […] … learn more→

‘Why would you go to uni?’ A new study looks at what young Australians do after school

‘Why would you go to uni?’ A new study looks at what young Australians do after school

This week, the federal government released a discussion paper for a Universities Accord, which it hopes will make a 30-year plan for the sector. One of the key priorities of the upcoming accord is equal access to university. The discussion paper specifically asks: what is needed to increase the number of people from under-represented groups applying to […] … learn more→

Learning from mistakes, the key to education

Learning from mistakes, the key to education

Change is something always present in our lives; perhaps, now more than ever before in history. In previous generations, a job or a relationship could last a lifetime. Today it is much less common. In the professional field , moreover, it is estimated that two out of three adolescents go to work in professions that do not yet exist. Given this context in […] … learn more→