Search engines are one of society’s primary gateways to information and people, but they are also conduits for misinformation. Similar to problematic social media algorithms, search engines learn to serve you what you and others have clicked on before. Because people are drawn to the sensational, this dance between algorithms and human nature can foster the […] … learn more→
It’s not just a social media problem – how search engines spread misinformation
‘He had hundreds of pictures of me’: tales of sexism from female teachers in elite boys’ schools
Recent allegations of sexual misconduct at parties involving private-school students have exposed the toxic culture in many schools. The ex-schoolgirl who launched the online petition that led to the revelations, Chanel Contos, told the ABC schools needed to address: locker room talk […] and throw-away comments because I really think they lay the foundation of the rape culture. Contos […] … learn more→
Senior maths and science are super popular with Islamic-school students, but that could limit their career options
More Islamic-school students in years 11 to 12 are enrolled in science and maths than other students in Australia. In our study of Islamic-school students’ career aspirations, about 28% of our sample were enrolled in science compared to the national enrolment rate of about 18%. Maths enrolment rates were at around 26% for the Islamic senior […] … learn more→
Academics aren’t content creators, and it’s regressive to make them so
The transition was never planned this way. First the course material went from print room to Learning Management System, and we said: “Great!” Then the lectures were recorded and available online for students who might have been sick that week, and we said: “Great!” Then the students stopped coming to the lectures because they could […] … learn more→
Cell phone ban while driving has gone into effect in Virginia
In an effort to make Virginia roads safer, legislators have enacted a bill that is meant to decrease the number of accidents caused by drivers distracted by their cell phones. As of January 1, 2021, it is illegal to drive a vehicle while using a cell phone in Virginia. While similar legislation has previously existed […] … learn more→
When should I start to think about University and careers?
Going to university is a momentous occasion and a significant milestone in your life. It’s exciting, and it’s a little bit scary all at once. There tends to be a lot of pressure placed on young people to decide if they’re going to university, what they’ll be studying, and which university they’ll choose. You might […] … learn more→
No change at the top for university leaders as men outnumber women 3 to 1
Australian university leaders are nearly three times more likely to be a man than a woman. Of 37 public university chancellors, just 10 are women (27%) and 27 (73%) are men. It’s exactly the same for vice-chancellors: 10 are women and 27 are men. Together, this means men hold 54 of the 74 top jobs […] … learn more→
Teacher-researchers : the university profession torn apart
My reflection is rooted in the words of a young colleague who once told me: “We do two jobs”, implying teaching and research. I had never imagined it this way. I have always considered that my research work was essential to nourish my teaching mission and, reciprocally, that my relationship with students could nourish my scientific reflection. However, […] … learn more→
Treating networking like a research project
I’m an introverted researcher. I’m uncomfortable with attending social events to meet new people, which can be problematic when it comes to expanding my network. I know networks are really important for a career, and I know how much of an issue networking can be for me, so I try to be considered and prepared […] … learn more→
Editing your writing – lessons from chefs?
You can pick up helpful ideas from the most unlikely places. Like cooking shows. Yes I watch cooking shows, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. I’m sure I’m not the only one, given their popularity. Sometimes they offer more than new ways with potatoes. Just last week I found myself thinking about the ways in […] … learn more→