interview
Interviews with educators, innovative graduate students and individuals who've devoted their lives to the development of the world's youth.
Does Handwriting Improve Memory and Learning?
The development, affordability, and easy availability of electronic and digital devices have changed many things. They have brought convenience, comfort, and ease into life. However, experts say that they are also creating certain problems that are negatively affecting our mental abilities. One example is the growing trend of typing instead of writing by hand. Today, most people around the world have a smartphone in their hands. Many of them can be seen rapidly typing on a small screen using their two thumbs. Those who need to write more use a tablet, laptop, or computer keyboard, typing either with two fingers or, if skilled, with eight fingers of both hands. In developed countries, it is now rare to see someone writing on paper with a pen. In modern schools of both developed and developing countries, children are introduced to computers in the early grades. In higher classes, pens, paper, notebooks, and even books are no longer commonly seen; instead, students work on tablets or laptops. Although the heavy burden of schoolbags has been lifted from children’s shoulders, experts say this has also led to a decline in certain abilities related to memory and learning. Professor of Psychology, Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. Shoaib Ahmed (Sitara-e-Imtiaz) at Dow University of Medical Sciences in Karachi, said that our brain has two parts that perform different functions. The left hemisphere controls bodily functions largely related to movement, while the right hemisphere is associated with creative abilities. He explained that when we type, it is more of a mechanical process. The brain does not pay attention to the structure or formation of letters and words because it knows that pressing a key will produce them; there is no need to shape them manually. However, when we write with a pen, the right side of the brain also becomes active, and the act of handwriting engages both hemispheres together. He added that the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body, and the right side of the body is governed by the left hemisphere of the brain. This is why most people perform tasks with their right hand. Dr. Shoaib further explained that when we write on paper by hand, the writing is not only being inscribed on paper but also being imprinted in our memory. This is why students who prepare notes by hand tend to remember them better than those who type them. How do handwriting and typing affect the brain? At the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, researchers included three dozen students in an experiment where they were asked to write by hand and to type. During this process, electronic scans of their brains were taken. The researchers found that brain waves were more active and pronounced during handwriting, while more limited activity was observed during typing. Professor Audrey van der Meer, from the Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, said that during typing, they did not observe the same organized oscillations in brain waves that were seen during handwriting. She stated that the act of handwriting is rich in neural activity. Many students also report similar experiences. Maryam Idris, who recently completed her MPhil, said that she remembers things better when she writes them by hand. To prepare for exams, she writes things down to memorize them. She mainly uses typing for assignments because it saves time. Kathleen Arnold, a psychologist at Radford University in the U.S. state of Virginia, said that although there is an increase in brain wave oscillations during handwriting compared to typing, it is not yet clear whether this is directly related to memory. Further research is needed. Dr. Shoaib Ahmed views it from another perspective. He says that when you write by hand, the part of the brain associated with creativity is also involved. That part pays attention to the structure of words. When you focus on something, it is transferred into our memory.
By Real content12 days ago in Education
Archana Shivcharan:Building Presence in a Noisy Digital Age. AI-Generated.
The rise of social media has quietly reshaped how individuals and organizations present themselves to the world. Over the past decade, digital platforms have evolved from informal networking spaces into structured environments where communication, branding, and reputation intersect. Within this landscape, professionals like Archana Shivcharan represent a growing workforce that operates behind the scenes, shaping how voices are seen and heard online.
By Archana Shivcharan13 days ago in Education
The Power of Perspective: Rich Thinking vsTraditional Thinking
The Power of Perspective: Rich Thinking vs. Traditional Thinking Success in life is often less about external circumstances and more about the mindset we adopt. Two dominant approaches to thinking—rich thinking and traditional thinking—illustrate how perspective shapes opportunities, decisions, and ultimately, outcomes. While traditional thinking emphasizes stability, caution, and conformity, rich thinking thrives on vision, risk-taking, and innovation. Understanding the differences between these two mental frameworks provides valuable insight into why some individuals achieve extraordinary success while others remain confined to predictable paths.
By Alhouci boumizzi15 days ago in Education
LAUSD Candidate Joseph Quintana: Answers in Full
“I want to ensure that voices from every part of our community are heard and respected." — Joseph Quintana In the recently concluded filing period for the LAUSD School Board primary in June, Joseph Quintana was one of the entrants whose candidacy had not been previously announced. Quintana, who describes himself as “a Native American community advocate, nonprofit leader, and education and workforce development collaborator,” is running in Board District 2 against incumbent Rocío Rivas and Raquel Zamora.
By Carl J. Petersen17 days ago in Education
How Portland is Changing Mobile Development for 2027?
Not long ago, success in mobile development meant building the fastest app, optimizing screen layouts, and pushing updates to millions of smartphones. That formula worked for years. But somewhere along the way, developers began noticing something strange: the rules were quietly changing.
By Mike Pichai17 days ago in Education
Humans No Longer Make Decisions without AI
Artificial intelligence has quietly moved from a helpful tool to something far more influential. What started as software that corrected spelling, recommended movies, or answered trivia questions has evolved into systems people now consult for real-life decisions — from career choices and medical questions to relationships, finances, and even moral dilemmas.
By AnthonyBTV18 days ago in Education
Collectible Playing Cards Making People Millions
Once relegated to dusty closets and nostalgic childhood memories, collectible cards — from vintage sports legends to rare Pokémon and Magic: The Gathering treasures — are now making headlines and creating real wealth for collectors and investors alike. No longer just tokens of fandom, these tiny pieces of cardboard have become *serious financial assets*, capable of returning life-changing sums to the people who own them.
By AnthonyBTV18 days ago in Education
Easy-to-understand explanations of current technology news
Easy-to-understand explanations of current technology news It can be difficult to keep up with the latest news because technology changes so quickly. New gadgets, apps, updates, and inventions appear on a daily basis. Virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and blockchain are all common terms, but not everyone knows what they really mean. In order for anyone to keep up with what's going on in the tech world, this article provides an explanation of the most significant technology trends of the present in language that is straightforward and simple to comprehend.
By Farida Kabir19 days ago in Education
Beyond Algorithms: The Human-AI Connection
It began as a routine assignment. Sofia, a cognitive scientist, had been asked to test a new AI interface called Elios, designed to assist in emotional intelligence training. At first, she thought it would be like any other experiment—data points, behavior patterns, predictive modeling—but what she discovered went far beyond numbers and code.
By hazrat ali23 days ago in Education
Professors Are Being Watched: ‘We’ve Never Seen This Much Surveillance’. AI-Generated.
University professors across several countries are reporting an unprecedented rise in monitoring of their teaching, research, and public speech, raising concerns about academic freedom and the future of open inquiry. From recorded lectures and classroom informants to digital tracking and social media scrutiny, faculty members say the level of surveillance they now face is unlike anything seen in modern higher education. Civil liberties groups warn that the trend reflects a broader climate of political polarization, national security anxiety, and ideological conflict that is reshaping universities into contested spaces where professors are increasingly treated as potential risks rather than independent scholars. “We’ve never seen this much surveillance of faculty,” said a senior researcher at an academic freedom watchdog organization. “What used to be isolated incidents are now becoming systematic.” Monitoring Inside the Classroom In several recent cases, students have recorded lectures without professors’ knowledge and submitted clips to outside advocacy groups or government agencies, accusing instructors of political bias or inappropriate speech. Some professors say administrators have quietly installed additional classroom recording systems or requested access to lecture content in advance. At a large public university in the United States, a history professor described receiving an email from administrators informing him that his lectures would be reviewed after complaints from anonymous sources. “It felt like I was being interrogated rather than evaluated,” he said. “My course is about political movements. That alone seems to make it suspicious now.” Universities defend some monitoring as part of quality control or compliance with harassment and discrimination policies. But faculty unions argue that the line between oversight and surveillance is being crossed. Digital Surveillance and Social Media Scrutiny Beyond the classroom, professors say their online lives are increasingly under watch. Academic tweets, blog posts, and even private comments in virtual classrooms have been flagged and forwarded to employers or politicians. In one case, a professor specializing in Middle Eastern politics faced an internal investigation after screenshots of a social media post criticizing a foreign government were circulated by a political group. Although no formal wrongdoing was found, the professor said the experience was chilling. “You start thinking twice before speaking,” she said. “That’s the point of surveillance—it creates fear.” Cybersecurity experts note that universities now use software that can track email communications, monitor internal messaging platforms, and analyze lecture recordings for “compliance risks.” While such tools were initially designed for data protection and campus safety, they are increasingly applied to content and behavior. Political Pressure and National Security Concerns Governments in several countries have expanded scrutiny of academic institutions in the name of national security. Laws requiring disclosure of foreign research funding, collaborations, and travel have grown stricter, particularly for scientists and political scholars working on China, Russia, the Middle East, and emerging technologies. In some regions, faculty members must report contacts with overseas colleagues or face penalties. Critics argue these measures blur the line between legitimate security concerns and ideological policing. “Universities are becoming extensions of the security state,” said a legal scholar who studies higher education policy. “That fundamentally changes what universities are supposed to be.” The pressure is not limited to authoritarian countries. Democratic nations have also seen increased political involvement in curriculum decisions and research agendas, especially on topics such as race, gender, war, and foreign policy. Impact on Teaching and Research Many professors report self-censorship as a result of constant scrutiny. Sensitive topics are avoided, controversial authors removed from syllabi, and classroom debates tightly controlled to prevent misunderstandings. A sociology professor said she now records every lecture herself for legal protection. “I need proof of what I actually said,” she explained. “It’s defensive teaching.” Graduate students and junior faculty are especially vulnerable. Without tenure protections, they risk losing jobs or funding if accused of violating vague conduct rules. Some universities have also introduced anonymous reporting systems that allow students or staff to flag instructors for “concerning behavior.” While intended to promote inclusion, faculty groups warn these systems can be weaponized for political or personal grievances. Universities Defend Policies University administrators insist that surveillance measures are not meant to suppress ideas but to ensure safety and accountability. Many point to rising threats, online harassment, and campus tensions as reasons for stronger monitoring systems. “We are responsible for protecting students and staff,” said a university spokesperson. “That includes responding to complaints and maintaining respectful learning environments.” However, transparency remains a key concern. Faculty members often do not know when they are being monitored, how data is used, or who has access to recordings and reports. A Global Trend International academic organizations say the problem is growing worldwide. In Europe, new laws regulating “political neutrality” in classrooms have raised alarms. In parts of Asia and the Middle East, surveillance of professors has long been common, but digital tools have made it far more pervasive. “What’s new is the scale and technology,” said an official from a global education group. “Surveillance used to be physical. Now it’s constant and invisible.” The Future of Academic Freedom Legal challenges are beginning to emerge. Faculty unions and civil rights groups are pushing for clearer boundaries between legitimate oversight and intrusive monitoring. Some courts have ruled that academic speech deserves strong protection, but enforcement remains uneven. For many professors, the fear is not just disciplinary action but the erosion of trust between teachers and students. “The classroom should be a place of curiosity and disagreement,” one professor said. “If everyone is watching everyone else, that disappears.” As universities balance safety, politics, and technology, the question remains whether higher education can preserve its core mission: fostering independent thought in an age of constant observation. The answer may determine not only the future of academia, but the health of democratic debate itself.
By Fiaz Ahmed 23 days ago in Education
SEO Handbook. AI-Generated.
Most people run into SEO the same way: you build a site, you publish something you’re genuinely proud of, and you expect reasonably that the internet will do its thing. You wait a day or two. Maybe a week. You refresh your stats like you’re checking a pulse.
By Sayed Zewayed24 days ago in Education
