In the future, according to a group of German researchers, users of virtual reality will be able to interact with each other more easily, more naturally and in real time between real and virtual worlds. A scene from the real world could, for example, be transferred into VR, after which feedback could be reflected back into the real situation.
A new study from the University of Maryland found that people recall information better when it is presented to them in a virtual environment, as opposed to a desktop computer.
A new playbook promises to help mayors build and expand College Promise programs within their communities. The "City and County Playbook: How To Build a Promise" was the brainchild of the College Promise Campaign and Chris Cabaldon, a board member and the current mayor of West Sacramento, California. The report is intended to serve as a blueprint to help cities and counties create programs that fund the first two years of college for "hard-working students."
Information about students has become fair game for data brokers, which don't adhere to any protective measures currently in place, according to a new study by Fordham University's Center on Law and Information Policy. As "Transparency and the Marketplace for Student Data" reported, lists of student information are widely available for purchase "on the basis of ethnicity, affluence, religion, lifestyle, awkwardness and even a perceived or predicted need for family planning services." Those who trade in student information are governed under no federal privacy law.
MOOC provider edX will be moving away from its current model of offering almost everything free. The nonprofit announced last month that the decision was intended to help it and its partners "achieve sustainability." The first charge to be introduced is a "modest" support fee, according to a blog post on the change.
Among those who view the internet as a "bad" thing for society, the most common issue that stood out (cited by 25 percent) was how it isolates people or pushes them to spend too much time on devices. Sixteen percent talked about the spread of fake news; 14 percent were concerned about its impact on children; and 13 percent suggested that it "encourages illegal activity."
Google and Udacity have teamed up to offer 12 free career courses for recent graduates, mid-career professionals and those re-entering the workforce. The duo tested out the concept in March, when Udacity launched a "Networking for Career Success" course for 60,000 "Grow with Google" learners in Europe and the United States.
Upcoming events include the Educause Learning Technology Leadership Institute, T.D.W.I. Anaheim Conference, Distance Teaching and Learning Conference and SANS Network Security 2018.
This spring, graduates of Southern New Hampshire University's College for America are receiving their bachelor's and associate degrees as both paper diplomas and Blockcerts, digital credentials based on blockchain technology.
An open immersive virtual reality interface for pre-university and first-year students allows them to explore engineering disciplines, such as structural or hydraulics, as part of engaging their interest in STEM careers.