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Read these latest eLearning and Student news from EducationGuardian below:
Teach online to compete, British universities told
By Anthea Lipsett
Universities should make their course materials freely available online, according to a paper for the latest edition of ppr, the publication of influential thinktank the Institute for Public Policy Research.
The researcher and activist Leo Pollak argues that UK universities lag behind in providing course materials online but could innovate more than their US competitors.
The government should establish a central online "hub" where taxpayers could easily access British university course materials, he says.
The researcher and activist Leo Pollak argues that UK universities lag behind in providing course materials online but could innovate more than their US competitors.
The government should establish a central online "hub" where taxpayers could easily access British university course materials, he says.
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Students deterred by 'geeky' image of maths
By Anthea Lipsett
The 'geeky' image of maths and mathematicians stops people from studying the subject or using it in later life, according to research published today.
The survey, part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded study, shows that students think of mathematicians as old, white, middle-class men who are obsessed with their subject, lack social skills and have no personal life outside maths.
The survey, part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded study, shows that students think of mathematicians as old, white, middle-class men who are obsessed with their subject, lack social skills and have no personal life outside maths.
Students' views of maths itself included narrow and inaccurate images that are often limited to numbers and basic arithmetic and are largely based on a negative portrayal of the subject in popular culture, the research found.
The notion of mathematicians as geeks was common among those who identified with the subject and those who did not. Students who chose to continue studying maths for A-level or at university were more likely to regard this obsession as indicating skill, commitment or devotion than madness.
The notion of mathematicians as geeks was common among those who identified with the subject and those who did not. Students who chose to continue studying maths for A-level or at university were more likely to regard this obsession as indicating skill, commitment or devotion than madness.
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LOOKING FOR MATHEMATICS
The survey, part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded study
LOOKING FOR MATHEMATICS
The survey, part of an Economic and Social Research Council-funded study
Research team
The art of attending a seminar
By Harriet Swain
Seminars can be a stimulating way of testing knowledge, engaging in debate and provoking original thought. Or they can be an excruciating test of how much silence it is possible for a group of people to bear before coughing.
However, even if you've nothing to say, have failed to do any of the reading, and can't quite remember the name of the lecturer or topic of the seminar series, it is important to turn up. It will probably count in some way towards your degree. And, how scary can silence be? Don't be tempted to think that no one will notice if you miss a seminar. They will - especially if everyone else in your group has had the same idea.
Source: Education.guardian.co.uk/
