“If there’s something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call?!” Or, more aptly, if you want to protect your neighbourhood from, what would you definitely need? I think that any solution must include a well-tested alarm system to call attention, a sizeable group of expert firemen, and a whole lot of water. I suppose […] … learn more→
Researching Covid-19 must not become a feeding frenzy for opportunists
Children: critical thinking, an innate quality, to sharpen from an early age
The call for more critical thinking often hides a very pessimistic view of our mental capacities. We would be irreparably the prey of our “biases”, these influences which escape all control and make us act in an irrational way. And so we would be generally ready to believe everything. Thus, the critical spirit would be an ideal often […] … learn more→
Forget old screen ‘time’ rules during coronavirus. Here’s what you should focus on instead
COVID-19 has left parents grappling with the challenges of online learning, entertainment and work. It’s natural the amount of time children spend using screens will now increase. But that’s OK. Screen time recommendations we’ve enforced for so long no longer apply to our situation. There are ways to make the best of kids’ increased use […] … learn more→
Without international students, Australia’s universities will downsize – and some might collapse altogether
The loss of international students due to COVID-19 restrictions, and predicted second semester declines, will see universities lose between A$3 and 4.5 billion, according to Universities Australia. The higher education sector was dealt another blow this week when the government said universities wouldn’t get the increased access to the A$130bn JobKeeper fund for registered charities. Universities estimate more than 21,000 […] … learn more→
Should you quit (go part time or pause your PhD during Covid-19?
Deciding how to carry on with your PhD in a pandemic is a classic ‘wicked problem’ with no right or wrong answer. No doubt there will be pros and cons both ways. While it is tempting, especially if you are on a paid scholarship, to stay in your program, delays you might face now might […] … learn more→
Coronavirus and school exams: despite plan for grading pupils, there may be trouble ahead
Two weeks after the A-level and GCSE exams were cancelled, English assessment authority OFQUAL has decided how grades will be decided for these qualifications. They will be awarded by teachers in the first instance, and these recommendations will then be moderated by exam boards. The fact that this announcement was delayed twice suggests that the prime […] … learn more→
What will happen to school grades during the coronavirus pandemic?
COVID-19 has brought a tsunami of change and impacted every facet and sector of society, including the lives of children, parents and teachers. UN Secretary-General António Guterres recently said that the coronavirus pandemic is the biggest global challenge since the Second World War. When K-12 schools will reopen in Canada remains an open question, and hope […] … learn more→
Tips on how to plan a virtual academic conference
As the Covid-19 pandemic expands across the globe, the cancellation of academic conferences may not seem a top concern. But for those involved in organising or contributing to a conference it can be devastating to see their work wasted. In 2019 the Educational Developers’ Caucus in Canada changed the traditional face-to-face format of our annual […] … learn more→
6 ways to build motivation to do your schoolwork now that you’re forced to learn online at home
Even in normal circumstances, it can be hard to get motivated to do your schoolwork. But these are not normal circumstances. The switch to remote instruction caused by COVID-19 has been unsettling. Patterns have changed. Habits have been disrupted. Remote classes are simply different from classes that involve face-to-face instruction. As a researcher who looks at what it takes to […] … learn more→
Improve your gut’s health with these top tips and tricks
Why are you neglecting your health? Why are you not taking good care of your gut? Do you know that the gut is one of the most important organs of the body? According to research, the gut plays a key role in boosting your body’s overall immunity. Plus, not taking good care of your gut […] … learn more→