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Even for free online education, socioeconomic disparities remain

A new study found that even free online educational courses tend to favor students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, adolescents from lower-income neighborhoods were less likely to earn certificates in MOOCs compared to their peers from more affluent areas.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Cataract surgery lessens patients' dizziness

After routine cataract surgery, older people experience significantly less dizziness due to improved vision. However, wearing multifocal glasses after surgery may negate this benefit, particularly for those with frailty or frequent spectacle changes.

Automating big-data analysis

Researchers at MIT developed a system that can automate big-data analysis, identifying patterns and designing feature sets. The system was tested in three data science competitions, achieving accuracy rates up to 96% and completing tasks in just 2-12 hours compared to human teams.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Learning is not a spectator sport

A study by Carnegie Mellon University's Simon Initiative shows that MOOCs are ineffective and that interactive approaches improve learning outcomes. Students who completed combined courses with OLI learned 66% on a final exam, compared to 57% for those in MOOC-only courses.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Helping students stick with MOOCs

Researchers developed a dropout-prediction model that uses data from one course offering to predict stopout in the next. The model achieved fairly accurate predictions and showed promise, particularly when incorporating additional variables like weekend study habits. Ongoing work aims to refine the model for improved accuracy.

License plate decals don't seem to curb learner driver crash rates

Research published in Injury Prevention found that license plate decals did not reduce crash rates among young drivers with learner permits in New Jersey. The study analyzed data from January 2006 to June 2012 and found no association between decal provision and crash rates, citing high compliance with passenger restrictions

Is Facebook the next frontier for online learning?

A Michigan State University study found that high school and college students engaged in intelligent debate about scientific issues on a voluntary Facebook forum. The informal learning environment connected students with professionals and experts, sparking interest in careers and civic engagement.

Internet acne education with automated counseling tested in clinical trial

A new study published in JAMA Dermatology found that an internet-based acne education program with automated counseling did not improve acne severity or quality of life in adolescents. Despite lower-than-expected use, the automated-counseling website showed short-term improvements in skin care behaviors.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Video game could transform middle school students' online learning

The $3.1 million project, supported by the US Department of Education, aims to develop an educational video game that engages students in learning about water systems and practicing scientific argumentation. Teachers can monitor progress and intervene to support individual needs, using data to adjust the course of the game.

Science of learning can help parents, developers grade educational apps

A comprehensive new report integrates research from psychological science, linguistics, and neuroscience to provide an evidence-based guide for evaluating the quality of educational apps. The report presents four principles that can help distinguish between apps with true educational value and those that masquerade as such.

How to crowdsource the world for emergency medicine

Two new studies published in Annals of Emergency Medicine explore the use of social media to promote dialogue around global emergency medicine. The studies, conducted by researchers from the American College of Emergency Physicians, establish criteria for evaluating high-quality blogs and podcasts.

Reviewing online homework at scale

A new system called OverCode automatically compares students' programming assignments by clustering similar student programs together. Instructors can then use this information to provide more effective feedback to a broader range of students, improving the design of computer science courses both online and on campus.

Is head CT overused in emergency departments?

Researchers found that less than 7% of patients with dizziness or syncope benefited from head CT scans. Most cases can be managed with a careful history and physical examination, making unnecessary CT scans a common but potentially harmful practice.

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Research: Tablet computers good medium for educational materials

Research conducted by University of Illinois experts found positive results in all three areas: engagement, learning and professional development. Students used tablets mostly as a tool for communication and reading, with an average of 49 percent of class reading done on the tablet.

AGU talk: Scaling climate change communication for behavior change

A new massive open online course (MOOC) will be launched to disseminate the curricula to Girl Scout troop leaders, providing videos, discussion forums, and feedback mechanisms. The MOOC aims to simulate in-person train-the-trainers technologies and advance behavior change among 10-13 year olds.

Online students give instructors higher marks if they think instructors are men

A recent study by NC State University found that online students tend to evaluate male instructors more favorably than female instructors, regardless of the instructor's actual gender. The researchers discovered a significant bias against women, with students who believed they were taught by men receiving higher ratings on various traits.

Lumosity presents 99,022-participant study on learning rates at Neuroscience 2014

A large-scale study on learning rates found that participants who operated closer to their performance threshold had faster learning rates, especially at higher levels of difficulty. The study analyzed game play performance from Lumosity's online population and provided evidence for optimizing cognitive task designs to improve learning.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UT Arlington to lead $1.6 million research project focused on digital learning

The University of Texas at Arlington has been chosen to lead a $1.6 million initiative to connect researchers across the country studying digital learning's impact on higher education. The Digital Learning Research Network will benefit universities making the transition to digital learning and learners from underrepresented groups.

Oregon research team scores with 'The Concussion Playbook'

The Brain 101 website, developed by Oregon researchers, increased knowledge and attitudes about concussions among students and parents in a study of 12 high schools. The tool, accessible online for free, includes educational resources for coaches, educators, teens, and parents.

Laying the groundwork for data-driven science

The National Science Foundation is investing $31 million in 17 innovative projects to develop tools, cyberinfrastructure, and best practices for data science. These projects aim to create a robust national data infrastructure that supports research priorities and emerging data policies.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Some concussion education more useful than others, parents say

According to a new University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, the format of concussion education is linked to parents' confidence about managing their child's injury. Parents who watched videos or presentations rated them as very useful, while those who only signed waiver forms did not.

University of Houston researcher looks at the future of higher education

The University of Houston researchers focused on what students need to succeed in the future, identifying three key themes: a shift in power balance towards students, blurred lines between aspects of student life, and the impact of information and communication technologies. They also highlighted eight major needs for the future, inclu...

No cookie-cutter divorces, so what info should online co-parenting classes offer?

A University of Illinois researcher recommends online co-parenting classes be tailored to individual family needs, addressing emotional support and conflict resolution. The course should also cover less discussed topics like introducing a new partner to children and sex education, and provide resources for parents with limited vocabulary.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Journal supplement details progress in African medical education

The Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI) is a $130 million NIH-funded program that has increased enrollment and broadened curricula in sub-Saharan Africa. MEPI has also improved Internet access, skills labs, and research capacity development, with significant accomplishments reported from institutions across the region.

EPA funds free, online environmental enforcement training

The Environmental Crime Program Training (Project EnCriPT) offers a range of free, online courses on environmental enforcement and public health issues. These courses will help strengthen enforcement efforts across various levels and provide hands-on experience in processing hazardous materials scenes.

Ask the crowd: Robots learn faster, better with online helpers

University of Washington researchers used crowdsourcing to teach robots how to build models and perform manipulation actions. The results showed that the robot learned faster and produced simpler yet effective models with input from humans and online communities.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Vocal fry hurts women in the labor market

A study by University of Miami researcher Casey Klofstad found that vocal fry is perceived negatively, particularly in labor market contexts, affecting women's hiring prospects. Women who use vocal fry are seen as less attractive, competent, educated, trustworthy, and ultimately less hirable than those with normal speech.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Online self-injury information often inaccurate, study finds

Research reveals that only 10% of online NSSI websites are endorsed by health institutions, with the majority spreading myths and inaccuracies. The study highlights the need for credible sites to be prioritized in search results and for users to be educated on how to evaluate e-health information.

Bring a 50,000-degree plasma into your living room

Researchers at PPPL have developed an online experiment that allows users to control a real physics laboratory from any location. The Remote Glow Discharge Experiment enables users to interact with a plasma discharge, observing and controlling its effects on the apparatus.

How are Open Access and MOOCS disrupting the academic community in different ways?

A new study finds that Open Access (OA) publishing has a tempered impact on scholarship, driven by strategic commitment to maximize research productivity. In contrast, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have a more severe impact on teaching due to their standardized and homogenized content, sharpening existing political battle lines.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

MOOCs Forum -- preview issue of groundbreaking publication

The new MOOCs Forum publication delves into the credibility, standards, and value of Massive Open Online Courses. Key findings include discussions on student identification and security, institutional benefits and liabilities, and platform advancements. The publication provides a voice for key stakeholders to shape the future of MOOCs.

Does migraine affect income or income affect migraine?

A study published in Neurology found that people with lower incomes are more likely to develop migraines, but the remission rate is the same regardless of income. Migraine sufferers in low-income groups experience more severe pain and disability.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Survey shows limited use of sex offender registry

A survey of 652 individuals in Texas found that 74% were familiar with the state's sex offender registry, but only 43% had accessed it. Only 17% took protective measures after using the registry, mostly due to concerns for their safety or children's safety.

Massive Online Open Courses could revolutionize university education

Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) are democratizing education by enabling hundreds of thousands of students to sign up for free online courses. Researchers explore the transformational effect of MOOCs on education, highlighting their potential to personalize learning and promote digital culture.

MOOCs FORUM journal debuts summer 2013

The new journal MOOCs FORUM, launched in summer 2013, focuses on the development, design, and deployment of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The journal aims to provide a neutral platform for critical evaluation of MOOC components and modules.

Are living liver donors at risk from life-threatening 'near-miss' events?

A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that living liver donors experience a 0.2% mortality rate and life-threatening 'near-miss' events. Centers with more experience performing live donor procedures had lower rates of complications, suggesting the need for comprehensive information and education for donors.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Online learning: It's different

Harvard researchers found that students who took short tests between online lecture segments had reduced mind-wandering, tripled note-taking, and improved material retention. The testing act as an incentive for students to pay closer attention.

Tackling issues of sexuality among people with dementia

A new eLearning resource provides guidance on supporting individuals with dementia in addressing intimacy, sexualities, and sexual behaviors. The tool aims to increase awareness and promote proactive approaches among healthcare professionals.

Working alone won't get you good grades

A study of 80,000 interactions among college students found that high achievers formed strong connections with peers and exchanged information in complex ways. Low-performing students were often shut out of these groups, leading to lower grades and higher dropout rates.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Attitudes to speed among learner drivers predict unsafe driving once qualified

A UK study found that attitudes towards speed among learner drivers are a significant predictor of unsafe driving behavior once they become licensed. The research suggests that focusing on technical skills alone may not be enough to ensure road safety, and instead, efforts should be made to develop safer driving attitudes from the begi...

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.