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Multi-tasking adversely affects brain's learning, UCLA psychologists report

A study by UCLA psychologists found that multi-tasking impairs the ability to learn new information, especially in tasks requiring attention and declarative memory. The researchers used fMRI to examine brain activity and found that multi-tasking disrupts the hippocampus, a critical region for learning and memory.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2006

Wiley launches IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering

The journal covers core areas of electrical and electronic engineering and related disciplines, with five technical societies responsible for editing one issue per year. Complementary online access is available to institutions for IEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

SourceWiley·JournalIEEJ Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Engineering·DateJun 19, 2006

Studies show case-based online CME effective

A study found that a case-based online continuing medical education (CME) program effective in improving physicians' domestic violence management skills. The program showed clear improvement in eight of the 10 measures of physician partner violence preparedness twelve months after completion.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 7, 2006

Posting and lurking

A study by Ann Schlosser found that reading negative reviews triggers concerns among posters about social outcomes, causing them to lower their ratings. In contrast, lurkers' private attitudes did not differ from those of posters.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 25, 2005

E-learning attracts the 'usual suspects'

A Cardiff University study finds that e-learning attracts those who were already inclined to learn, with ICTs reinforcing existing patterns of education. Most adults use technology for informal purposes, such as hobbies and communication, rather than seeking formal learning.

Internet, education make promising partners

The internet has the potential to transform education through improved metadata and online resources, making it more accessible and effective for learners worldwide. Robby Robson, an expert in education reform, suggests that trusted repositories using metadata could steer students towards relevant information and courses.

Award-winning web site challenges children to beat local TV forecaster in predicting weather

The American Association for the Advancement of Science has awarded a $10,000 prize to a web site that teaches students the science behind the weather. The 'Web Weather for Kids' site allows children in grades five through eight to predict precipitation and temperatures, with scores compared to those of local meteorologist Mike Nelson.

Students Teaching Computers Teaching Students . . .

Professor Brian P. Butz's innovative expert system gathers information about students' learning patterns and adjusts questions to focus on areas of difficulty, presenting material in the most effective way for each student. The system has the potential to significantly improve academic outcomes for introductory and remedial classes.