Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has been in the news, most recently concerning the Hollywood actors’ strike about the potential impact of AI in filmmaking. Another story involved AI being used to replicate the voice of the Canadian rapper Drake in a track that went viral. These stories raise questions about performers’ rights, and also lead people to wonder: will […] … learn more→
Why the growth of AI in making art won’t eliminate artists
Despite giving students chances to cheat, unsupervised online exams gauge student learning comparably to in-person exams
Students don’t have to be supervised during online exams. That’s because unsupervised online exams can accurately assess student learning, according to our study published in July 2023 in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Our data set comprised nearly 2,000 students from a public university in the Midwest. We analyzed exam scores from the first […] … learn more→
The fast, furious, and brutally short life of an African male lion
The death of a lion in Kenya’s picturesque savannas rarely tugs at people’s hearts, even in a country where wildlife tourism is a key pillar of the nation’s economy. But when one of the most tracked male lions in Kenya’s famous Masaai Mara was killed on 24 July 2023 the world took notice. Known as Jesse, he […] … learn more→
I have too many words – why is this a problem?
It’s time for a look at the problem of too many words. Is this really a widespread problem I hear you ask? In a word, yes. You see, despite the worries about whether we will write enough, the reality is that a lot of us write too much, rather than write too little. Often far too […] … learn more→
Worldcoin is scanning eyeballs to build a global ID and finance system. Governments are not impressed
Millions of people worldwide are lining up to stare into a silver sphere about the size of a bowling ball so their irises can be scanned in exchange for online identity verification and “free” cryptocurrency. The silver spheres, known as “Orbs”, are part of the Worldcoin platform, which officially launched in July 2023 after an 18-month […] … learn more→
The educational skills that help us in the face of artificial intelligence
I put on a podcast where they tell me how to make a recipe. Listening to the description makes my mouth water, the way of telling it impresses me. I imagine the result on the table and I can’t wait. I buy everything that is required quickly and I’m on my way. Regarding that “a pinch of salt” thing, […] … learn more→
Rhyme and reason – why a university professor uses poetry to teach math
Title of course: The Ways Math and Poetry Can Open Your Eyes to the World What prompted the idea for the course? I have always enjoyed writing poetry. As a high school mathematics teacher, I recall telling my students that everything is and can be connected to math, even creative writing. Then, as a graduate […] … learn more→
‘Why would they change maths?’ How your child’s maths education might be very different from yours
There is a scene in the film Incredibles 2 where young Dash asks his dad Bob for help with his maths homework. Bob obliges and begins to scribble on a notepad. But Dash quickly points to his textbook and says, “that’s not the way you’re supposed to do it, Dad”. Frustrated, Bob exclaims I don’t know that […] … learn more→
Science-based breakthroughs that can save lives & money
Whenever a new development in the scientific realm leads to real-life breakthroughs, individuals and businesses can achieve better results. That’s the case with recent advances like RAS (robot assisted surgery), car backup cameras, microchips for tracking elderly patients, and teleconferencing. Even older tech inventions like GPS continue to offer users multiple ways to make the […] … learn more→
What the family can do to prevent drug use in adolescence
Adolescence is a key period in development. Among other things because it is very likely that, during this stage, most adolescents have to make decisions about the consumption of alcohol, tobacco or cannabis while sharing leisure time with their friends. If we look at the most recent data on the prevalence of substance use in Spain, we find […] … learn more→