Reading is determined biologically, like speech. It is the result of a complex learning process. The first signs of language could have appeared with Homo Erectus around 1.9 million years ago . Instead, the first writings date back to around 4,000 years before Jesus Christ . The brain has had almost two million years to develop the neural network […] … learn more→
Monthly Archives: May 2024

How our brain learns to read: from reading mechanics to comprehension

Eat a rock a day, put glue on your pizza: how Google’s AI is losing touch with reality
Google has rolled out its latest experimental search feature on Chrome, Firefox and the Google app browser to hundreds of millions of users. “AI Overviews” saves you clicking on links by using generative AI — the same technology that powers rival product ChatGPT — to provide summaries of the search results. Ask “how to keep bananas fresh […] … learn more→

Can marketing classes teach sustainability? 4 key insights
Young adults have an important role to play in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Adopted by all UN member nations, the SDGs offer a frame for an ambitious plan to transform our world for the better. Engaging young adults in meaningful discussions can lead to transformative learning — and action is key […] … learn more→

Learning a foreign language: what automatic translators can do for students
Automatic language translators can be learning tools. As long as you know how to use them and integrate them into a range of educational devices. Will you be able to maintain your attention until the end of this article? Will you be able to ignore your email notifications or the advertisements and article suggestions that may appear […] … learn more→

‘Woke’ and ‘gaslight’ don’t mean what you think they do – here’s why that’s a problem
Words and phrases change their meaning often as language evolves. In the past, something was “awful” if it was amazing (think “awesome” or “awe-inspiring”). A “naughty” person was poor rather than poorly behaved. Only museum exhibitions could be curated, certainly not wardrobes, flats or social media pages. “Bimbo” meant “reckless man”, but is now a sexist word for a young woman, complicated by […] … learn more→

The Vatican is cracking down on miracles. Here are the new rules for ‘supernatural’ occurrences
New norms for differentiating supernatural phenomena from the natural within Roman Catholicism took effect on May 19. The new norms arise from the need to evaluate as quickly as possible the supernatural origin or otherwise of an array of phenomena occurring increasingly within the Catholic world and spreading quickly via social media. Possible supernatural phenomena include apparitions […] … learn more→

What do bilingualism and video games have in common?
We speak of bilingualism when a person masters two languages at a similar level and speaks them fluently (either from the cradle or at a later age). Today in our global society, millions of people are able to communicate in more than one language . Speaking several languages is often worthy of admiration by people who do not have […] … learn more→

New research suggests girls in single-sex schools do slightly better in exams than girls in co-ed environments
Students at all-girls’ schools do slightly better in their exams than girls at co-educational schools, according to new research from the United Kingdom. This goes against previous studies that suggest it does not matter if students attend single-sex or co-ed schools. What is the study? This research was done by FFT Education Datalab. This is an independent research team specialising […] … learn more→

Physical activity, an essential ally for our brain health
In addition to being beneficial for our body, physical activity also plays a crucial, often unsuspected, role in the development and modification of our brain. Through the birth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the creation of connections between neurons (synaptogenesis) and blood vessels which improve blood circulation to the brain (angiogenesis), physical activity sculpts the […] … learn more→

Expansion of Asian American studies fueled by racial attacks and activism
For more than 50 years, Asian American studies has been a recognized field at American colleges and universities. But outside of California, students who want to study it as a major or minor are usually out of luck. However, the tide is beginning to turn. Duke University created an academic minor in Asian American studies in 2022. […] … learn more→