A new study discourages a sweeping transformation of conventional education to replace traditional curricula with game-based instruction. Instead, researchers recommend adding promising features to games, such as explanatory feedback and pregame activities, to enhance learning outcomes. Game features that improve student performance in...
SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateJan 12, 2016
Researchers created an audio platform that modifies voices to sound happier, sadder or more fearful, and found participants' emotional state changed accordingly. The study suggests people don't always control their own voice to match emotions, but listen to it to gauge feelings.
SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 11, 2016
Researchers at Concordia University found that students can improve their thinking and learning with Reflective Writing and interactive activities. Flipping the classroom on its head allows students to explore concepts before class and collaborate with peers, leading to better understanding and approach to learning.
SourceConcordia University·JournalPhysical Review·DateDec 15, 2015
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing computational models to teach chemistry in an interactive environment that encourages scientific discussion and argumentation. The project aims to integrate science, engineering, art, and design to transform K-12 education.
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.
The University of Huddersfield is conducting a £350,000 research project to measure 'learning gain', defined as improvement in knowledge, skills, and employability. The project will survey hundreds of undergraduates who participate in additional activities beyond their course curriculum.
A framework co-developed by Hiroki Sayama and his team can help students understand all types of networks, from social media to beehives. The framework provides seven concepts that characterize any network, allowing students to see common patterns across disciplines.
SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Complex Networks·DateNov 12, 2015
The University of Oklahoma Institute for Study of Human Flourishing aims to advance the science of virtue and improve the flourishing of OU students and all Oklahomans. The Institute is launching various programs, including a Common Read program and Camp IMPACT, to promote character development and civic engagement.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Undergraduate and graduate students in Arizona and Michigan used open-access data to discover the influence of soil composition on microbial life. The students, part of a revolutionary virtual class, used social media and online forums to collaborate and analyze large-scale datasets.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 4, 2015
Carnegie Mellon researchers find that practicing route-learning leads to structural brain changes in the hippocampus and improves functional connectivity between brain areas. This study establishes a critical link between spatial learning and brain alterations, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying cognitive maps.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNeuroImage·DateOct 27, 2015
The Penn State College of Medicine has implemented a new curriculum that focuses on patient navigation, shifting from a physician-centric to a patient-centric model. First-year medical students learn about the health care system and gain hands-on experience as patient navigators.
A group of Michigan State University scholars argue that colleges need to transform their introductory science courses, focusing on core ideas and scientific practices. They suggest adopting strategies from K-12 schools to improve learning in STEM fields during the first two years of college.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalScience·DateOct 15, 2015
The Regenstrief tEMR system offers a unique learning environment for medical students, allowing them to practice patient care in a simulated setting. The system uses anonymized patient data to train students on how to navigate electronic medical records and make clinical decisions.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
New research from the University of Chicago shows that adding math talk to story time at home can significantly improve children's math achievement. Using an iPad app called Bedtime Math, parents and children can engage in high-quality math interactions, even infrequent use was beneficial.
SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2015
The Bootstrap curriculum is a 10-week classroom module that helps students learn algebra by creating their own video games using key concepts like variables, functions, and the Pythagorean theorem. The $1.5 million grant from NSF will support research and workshops to train 600 additional teachers.
Standardized test designers should use tests as tools to promote learning, provide feedback, and encourage self-assessment to enhance student outcomes. The researchers recommend adapting tests to students' ability levels and ensuring they encourage critical thinking and application of knowledge.
SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateOct 1, 2015
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.
Students from Drexel and KAIST will collaborate on nanofabrication and energy storage projects using latest materials and instrumentation. The FIRST Nano2 Co-op Center aims to foster global partnerships in 21st-century technological challenges.
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.
The geosciences are becoming more inclusive, thanks to initiatives like the first fully accessible field trip in 2014. Researchers found that focusing on students' abilities rather than challenges can create a rewarding experience for all. The American Geosciences Institute is promoting this approach through its efforts.
The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...
SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·DateAug 24, 2015
Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 21, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A self-directed, iterative learning framework dramatically improved first-year physics students' critical thinking skills, according to new University of British Columbia research. Students were four times more likely to identify and explain limitations in scientific models using their data.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2015
Carnegie Mellon psychologists discover that more familiar chunks facilitate learning and reduce working memory consumption. This finding has implications for teaching methods and understanding children's working memory capabilities.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateAug 13, 2015
A study found that medical students who visited an art museum with people with dementia showed improved attitudes towards the disease. The experience helped students understand how patients and caregivers maintain relationships despite diagnosis.
SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 29, 2015
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.
Researchers at NYU develop a virtual IPE curriculum that improves collaboration and care delivery among nursing and medical students. The study finds that virtual learning is an effective and efficient tool for IPE, with no disadvantages over blended-learning approaches.
SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Interprofessional Care·DateJul 21, 2015
Children learn general facts about broad categories effortlessly and may struggle to recognize when they learn something new. This 'knew-it-all-along' illusion suggests that kids' minds absorb information about categories more readily than specifics.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 8, 2015
Researchers propose high-altitude balloons as a tool for science education, enabling students to conduct experiments in near-vacuum environments. This technology offers opportunities for hands-on learning, creativity, and enthusiasm, while also advancing scientific knowledge.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Learning Technology·DateJun 29, 2015
A $3.5 million grant will support 100 first-grade classrooms in Sacramento and Houston, teaching specific skills to struggling readers. The program aims to improve both basic reading skills and comprehension, with preliminary data showing a positive impact on struggling readers.
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.
Michigan State University will receive a $5 million grant from the George Lucas Educational Foundation to develop a project-based learning curriculum for elementary students. The project aims to improve science, math, reading, and writing skills through real-world problem-solving approaches.
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.
A new study by Michigan State University scholars found that exceptional teachers incorporate their personal interests into the curriculum to create interactive and effective learning experiences. The research suggests that teachers should be encouraged to take creative risks and bring diverse perspectives to the classroom.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·DateMay 5, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new approach to English language learning using multiple genres leads to improved student gains, according to a Boston College study. Genres in Writing breaks from traditional essay formats and teaches students to write across various genres, such as persuasive, expository, and historical.
A new study finds that teachers' conversational art of instruction can measurably influence literacy skills. Measured, positive feedback is shown to improve student performance, while talking around standardized test questions and failing to cultivate class-wide discussions have a negative effect.
Infants learn more about surprising objects than predictable ones by harnessing core information they're born with. They test hypotheses about the object's behavior, indicating a deeper attempt to learn about unexpected aspects of the world.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2015
The $20,000 Touch of Genius prize recognizes the innovative device that helps visually impaired students learn Braille using a slate and stylus. The automated tutor provides audio feedback to address challenges associated with learning this skill, improving literacy for millions worldwide.
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.
A majority of new general pediatricians are satisfied with their first job, with lifestyle and family considerations being the most important factor. The study found that over 80% of new pediatricians were very satisfied with their first jobs, with many wanting to spend more time in patient care and less in administrative tasks.
SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMar 23, 2015
Researchers developed a scale to quantify student engagement, which is positively correlated with academic performance and motivation. The scale can help educators identify barriers and increase student involvement in the classroom.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSchool Psychology Quarterly·DateMar 19, 2015
The College of Engineering & Computer Science educates students on complex power engineering topics through modernized courses and hands-on experiments. Students learn to work as a team and develop essential skills in open-minded lifelong learning, making them attractive candidates for the smart grid workforce.
Researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine have developed a credible tool to assess medical students' ability to deliver patient-centered care. The Patient-centered Care - Objective Structured Clinical Exam (PCC-OSCE) evaluates behaviors such as effective communication, empathy, and active listening.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMedical Teacher·DateDec 29, 2014
Carnegie Mellon University will receive a five-year, $2 million grant to train humanities PhD students in digital scholarship and TEL. The courses will be available online, open to anyone, and include fellowships for students pursuing thesis work involving digital humanities or TEL.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new study reveals that Charlotte the spider embodies more intellectual traits of humility than Wilbur the pig, showcasing the importance of love for learning in humble individuals. The study found two clusters of traits: social humility and intellectual humility.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateDec 18, 2014
Research at Griffith University found that personality is more important than intelligence for achieving academic success. Conscientiousness and Openness are key personality factors influencing academic performance.
SourceGriffith University·JournalLearning and Individual Differences·DateDec 16, 2014
Research by University of Zurich linguist Simone Pfenninger found that students with strong German language skills tend to excel in English, even if they start learning the latter at a later age. In contrast, early foreign language learning can sometimes hinder L1 development in the short term.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalInternational Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism·DateDec 10, 2014
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.
Researchers at Kent State's SOLE Center aim to measure the impact of informal science education on children's interest and knowledge. The team will develop an assessment tool to study the effectiveness of field trips to the Great Lakes Science Center and explore how these experiences influence STEM learning.
A new study from Brown University reveals that minority students in STEM fields face unique challenges, including a need for social justice components and work-life balance guidance. The research gathered input from 50 underrepresented minority students to identify key themes that could improve their STEM training and career pursuits.
Darrin York developed a learning system, ChIPS, that provides personal attention to students in lecture classes and boosts student success in general chemistry courses. He is being recognized for his outstanding impact on undergraduate students and scholarly approach to teaching.
A new analysis reveals that the design and aesthetics of classrooms can significantly impact student learning and success. Researchers recommend structural improvements and cues signaling valued learners to facilitate student growth.
SourceSAGE·JournalPolicy Insights from the Behavioral and Brain Sciences·DateNov 4, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks will launch a new undergraduate program to engage students from diverse backgrounds in biomedical research, focusing on rural Alaska and promoting interest and success in biomedical careers. The five-year program aims to attract students from underrepresented groups and provide them with training, men...
A University of Toronto study found that chronic video game players have an advantage in learning new sensorimotor skills compared to non-gamers. Gamers performed better at tracking complex patterns and following repetitive motions, indicating enhanced ability to learn dynamics of new tasks.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalHuman Movement Science·DateOct 17, 2014
A recent study published in Anatomical Sciences Education reveals that cadaver-based instruction is more effective than computer simulation in teaching anatomy. Students who learned on cadavers scored up to 16% higher on identification and 11% higher on explanation compared to those who used digital technologies.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalAnatomical Sciences Education·DateOct 16, 2014
A study by the Sahlgrenska Academy found that two hours of extra physical activity per week can improve school performance in twelve-year-olds. The results showed a larger proportion of students from schools with extra physical activity achieved national learning goals in all subjects compared to control groups.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 14, 2014
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.
The University of Missouri will receive a $2.3 million NSF grant to study the impact of elementary mathematics specialists on student learning outcomes. The research aims to improve math instruction by exploring the effectiveness of assigning specialist teachers to specific classrooms.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that by age five, children are more likely to believe accurate but hesitant speakers over confident liars. This development in critical thinking is crucial for effective learning and evaluation of information.
SourceConcordia University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 8, 2014
Cornell's new 'Engaged Cornell' initiative aims to increase student participation in high-quality, experience-based learning opportunities by 2025. The program will create hundreds of new community-university partnerships worldwide and prepare faculty members for community-engaged research and teaching.
Researchers at the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences conducted a new study on leadership development. The study found that leadership development progresses in three stages: readiness, willingness, and ability. Students who develop these skills can become effective leaders. Leadership i...
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Leadership Education·DateOct 6, 2014
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 reveals that curiosity activates brain regions involved in learning and memory, leading to improved retention of information. Curiosity also recruits the reward system and interactions between the hippocampus and reward circuit enhance learning, suggesting new approaches for treating memory disorders.
A new large-scale study aims to address knowledge gaps on sexual assault survivors' health outcomes and experiences. Nine hundred women will be enrolled and followed for one year to understand physical and mental health during recovery, as well as interactions with law enforcement, the legal system, and medical care.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·DateSep 29, 2014
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.
SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers & Education·DateSep 18, 2014
The University of Houston's CMCD program aims to reduce student disruptions and increase instruction with research-based classroom management strategies. The four-year study will focus on third and fourth-grade students in 30 elementary schools, exploring the effectiveness of CMCD interventions.
Research on North Carolina's pre-kindergarten program reveals that dual-language learners, especially those with lower English proficiency, make significant academic progress. The study found that focusing on classroom quality and incorporating home language strategies can maximize gains for these children.
SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateAug 25, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A study by University of Kansas researcher Argun Saatcioglu found that states with higher African-American populations and larger class sizes tend to teach more skills in early years, but reduce them later. This shift may be linked to a drop in state assessment scores and perpetuating inequality within disadvantaged communities.