Monthly Archives: November 2024

Best resources for Math students to boost productivity

Best resources for Math students to boost productivity

Math is not just about memorizing formulas for solving equations. It’s about developing a mindset for logical reasoning and critical thinking. Every student has unique challenges when it comes to math. Some might struggle with specific topics, while others may struggle to manage their time effectively. But by using the right tools and resources in math, they […] … learn more→

How close are we to an accurate AI fake news detector?

How close are we to an accurate AI fake news detector?

In the ambitious pursuit to tackle the harms from false content on social media and news websites, data scientists are getting creative. While still in their training wheels, the large language models (LLMs) used to create chatbots like ChatGPT are being recruited to spot fake news. With better detection, AI fake news checking systems may be able to warn of, and […] … learn more→

TikTok manipulates teens and puts them in danger: the platform sued in the United States , Europe bans its “Lite Rewards” app

TikTok manipulates teens and puts them in danger: the platform sued in the United States , Europe bans its “Lite Rewards” app

TikTok may be impacting teens’ mental health, with suicide risks. The company is being sued by the US courts over its TikTok Lite Rewards app. The lawsuits revealed that the company was aware of the negative effects on mental health, reinforced by the algorithm. European law has banned the app. TikTok Lite Rewards is a […] … learn more→

This course uses crime novels to teach critical thinking

This course uses crime novels to teach critical thinking

Title of course: Whodunit?: Detective Stories What prompted the idea for the course? I had just finished reading one of Dorothy Sayers’ novels – “Gaudy Night,” which in my opinion is one of the best of her detective novels featuring Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey. A colleague and I were discussing Harriet’s ability to […] … learn more→

English tuition fees rise – but it’s nowhere near enough income to solve universities’ financial crisis

English tuition fees rise – but it’s nowhere near enough income to solve universities’ financial crisis

UK education secretary Bridget Phillipson has announced that university tuition fees in England are set to rise next academic year, with the maximum fee increasing by £285 to £9,535. This will be the first increase in university education for domestic undergraduate students since 2017, when fees were raised to £9,250. The additional income is sorely needed. Data from […] … learn more→

Society is biased, and this biases AI... here are some possible solutions for a virtuous AI and a more inclusive society

Society is biased, and this biases AI… here are some possible solutions for a virtuous AI and a more inclusive society

The data used to train AIs reflects society’s stereotypes and biases, such as against underrepresented groups. Keeping sensitive data, such as health data, private while ensuring it is not biased requires adapting training methods. Several scandals have erupted in recent years involving decision-making systems based on artificial intelligence (AI) that produce racist or sexist results. […] … learn more→

Parents face bullying

Parents face bullying

Discovering that your child is a victim or perpetrator of bullying can place a parent in a situation of failure, reactivate childhood wounds and transform family relationships. How can trust be restored? With the law aimed at combating school bullying and the freedom of speech on these situations, the taboo that weighed on this violence between students […] … learn more→

The evolutionary benefits of being forgetful

The evolutionary benefits of being forgetful

Forgetting is part of our daily lives. You may walk into a room only to forget why you went in there – or perhaps someone says hi on the street and you can’t remember their name. But why do we forget things? Is it simply a sign of memory impairment, or are there benefits? One […] … learn more→

Silence in the classroom: silent class, studious class?

Silence in the classroom: silent class, studious class?

To learn well, should students be silent? While silence has long been linked to the exercise of authority, it now covers other issues. In the collective imagination, a “studious” class is often represented by students in rows, immersed in their work, in absolute silence or, when the work is finished, with their arms crossed. Is […] … learn more→

Talking to dead people through AI: the business of ‘digital resurrection’ might not be helpful, ethical… or even legal

Talking to dead people through AI: the business of ‘digital resurrection’ might not be helpful, ethical… or even legal

Earlier this year, a Spanish TV programme showed several people listening to digital recreations of the voices of their deceased relatives that had been generated by artificial intelligence from real audios. It sparked widespread debate in both public and professional spheres, as these recreations not only mimicked loved ones’ voices, but also asked poignant, evocative questions, provoking […] … learn more→