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MU researcher combats bullying of students with disabilities

A University of Missouri researcher created an evidence-based, online professional development curriculum to help teachers recognize, respond to, and prevent bullying towards students with disabilities. The curriculum emphasizes building rapport, social skills, and communication skills to improve classroom climates and reduce bullying.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducation and Urban Society·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2023

New online course equips personal care assistants with essential knowledge for supporting individuals with spinal cord injury

The new online course, “Understanding Spinal Cord Injury: A Course for Personal Care Assistants,” enhances training for PCAs to provide quality assistance services for individuals with spinal cord injury. The four-module course covers topics such as building relationships, managing blood pressure, and transferring clients safely.

WVU researchers capture atomic view of synthetic DNA, revealing ‘molecular scissors’ that could treat disease

Researchers at WVU have developed a way to view synthetic DNA at the atomic level, enabling them to understand how to change its structure for enhanced scissor-like function. This breakthrough could lead to new technology for medical diagnoses and treatments, including potential therapies for diseases like retinal degeneration and cancer.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateJul 24, 2023

Pusan National University researcher investigates instruction-giving in video-mediated second language learning

A study by Pusan National University researcher Eunseok Ro examines the shift in instruction-giving practices for a book club conducted via video conference. As the facilitator adapts to the new virtual environment, she gradually changes her approach, adopting more recipient-designed and diversified instruction delivery.

SourcePusan National University·JournalComputer Assisted Language Learning·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

Getting active, while living with a partial spinal cord injury

A mobile app called SCI Step Together encourages people with partial spinal cord injuries to get active by setting goals, tracking activities, and connecting with others. The study found that participants who used the app had greater fulfillment of basic psychological needs, including independence, competence, and belonging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2023

Education and peer support cut binge-drinking by National Guard members in half, study shows

A randomized trial found tailored education and peer support significantly reduced binge-drinking among Army National Guard members over the course of a year. Participants who received online education sessions and supportive phone calls from veteran peers showed substantial declines in binge-drinking days and scores on risk assessments.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAddiction·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 12, 2023

Internet access must become human right or we risk ever-widening inequality

A new study calls for internet access to be declared a basic human right to address socio-economic disparities. In developing countries, internet access can determine education, healthcare, housing, and employment outcomes. The study advocates for free internet access and digital skills training to ensure equal opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPolitics Philosophy & Economics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 7, 2023

University students who attend seminars in person enjoy better exam results – new research

A new research study from the University of Bath found that attending interactive seminars in person leads to better exam results, with students scoring an 8% higher result. The researchers suggest that attending lectures and reviewing material is more effective than relying solely on recorded lectures or not attending at all.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalReview of Keynesian Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 14, 2023

How to really reach students with online teaching

A recent study at Ruhr-University Bochum found that interactive online teaching can increase students' physiological state of arousal compared to passive online or face-to-face teaching. Students in interactive online classes reported feeling more involved and attentive but also experienced increased anxiety.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAnnals of Anatomy - Anatomischer Anzeiger·DateFeb 9, 2023

U of I online social work degree programs address diversity needs

The University of Illinois' online social work degree programs aim to increase diversity and accessibility by catering to non-traditional students with family and work obligations. The iBSW program enables students to complete a BSW degree solely through online classes, increasing the possibility of earning a baccalaureate degree.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Social Work Education·TypeCase study·DateFeb 8, 2023

A culturally adapted online experience improves type 2 diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives

A culturally adapted online experience improved type 2 diabetes nutrition education for American Indians and Alaska Natives. The program prioritized traditional food practices and mindful eating activities, leading to increased engagement and positive experiences among participants.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 8, 2023

Can online civic education strengthen democratic values?

An online randomized trial found that exposure to civic education via social media increased support for democracy, political efficacy, and voter registration among young adults in Tunisia. The study suggests that online civic education can be an effective tool in strengthening democratic values and rejecting authoritarian rule.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJan 25, 2023

Pandemic-forced shift to online education can be boon for future social workers

A University of Kansas professor argues that social work educators can adapt their teaching practices to best prepare students for in-person and virtual interactions with clients. The study provides a framework for teaching practice courses across modalities, emphasizing the importance of interactivity, empathy, and experiential learning.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Teaching in Social Work·TypeObservational study·DateJan 10, 2023

Tell UK government to raise legal at-home drinking age from 5 for kids, doctors urged

Doctors in the UK are urging the government to raise the legal drinking age for kids from 5 to lower their risk of future alcohol-related problems. Preliminary research suggests that introducing children to alcohol may sensitize their brain's addiction centers, and delaying first exposure may reduce problem drinking later on.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalArchives of Disease in Childhood·TypeNews article·DateNov 21, 2022

New research can help older adults plan for changes in driving and firearm use

A new study explores how older adults plan for future changes, such as stopping driving or using firearms. The research found that reducing access to potentially dangerous situations should be prompted by declining ability, not age alone. Trusted messengers like family and clinicians can lead conversations around limiting access, and s...

Automatic text simplification: efficacy in the foreign language classroom

A study by Professor Dennis Murphy Odo found that automatic text simplification (ATS) software makes authentic materials more comprehensible for L2 learners with high reading proficiency. However, the tool's effectiveness is limited for learners with lower reading proficiencies. The researcher suggests that ATS tools need to be further...

SourcePusan National University·JournalApplied Linguistics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Changing the face of innovation

A new MUSC initiative aims to increase the number of women entrepreneurs by offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities. The program will pair trainees with successful biomedical entrepreneurs, providing valuable role models and guidance. By addressing gender inequity in STEM fields, STEM-CREW seeks to advance the careers ...

Online yoga programs may improve knee function in the short term

A randomized trial found that a 12-week online yoga program improved knee function in participants, but did not significantly reduce knee pain during walking. The study suggests that unsupervised online yoga programs can be feasible and improve physical function, but more research is needed to sustain the effectiveness.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 19, 2022

Majority of posts on extremist online forums made by “hyper” poster cliques, study shows

A new study published in the Journal of Policing, Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism found that most posts in extremist online forums are made by a clique of highly committed members. The research, led by Professor Stephane Baele and Dr Lewys Brace, analyzed over 12 million unique posts across eight far-right, seven Salafi-jihadist, and ...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Policing Intelligence and Counter Terrorism·TypeObservational study·DateAug 30, 2022