Virtual learning has been found to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional education methods. By leveraging digital resources, students can save money on commuting costs, as they do not need to travel to physical classrooms. Additionally, virtual learning eliminates the need for accommodation expenses, such as renting an apartment near campus. Furthermore, digital textbooks and online course materials have reduced the financial burden of purchasing physical textbooks.
https://www.ndtv.com/education/webstories/9-benefits-of-a-virtual-learning-environment-30343#pfrom=home-ndtv_webstoriesThe integration of technology in education has brought about numerous benefits, including increased accessibility and personalized learning experiences. However, despite these advancements, several challenges persist that hinder equal opportunities for students. For instance, a report by the National Education Association found that nearly one-third of teachers in the US lack access to basic digital tools, such as laptops or tablets, which can exacerbate existing disparities in education. Furthermore, a study by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) revealed that students from low-income backgrounds are less likely to have access to high-speed internet at home, making it difficult for them to complete online assignments and participate in digital learning activities.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1268377-digital-education-gapDeputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Stella Christie emphasized the importance of developing talents from all layers in Indonesia's science, technology, and economic development. She stated that the plan to establish Garuda top-tier high schools is based on President Prabowo Subianto's intention to accelerate the quality of the country's top talents by providing equitable access to science and technology education. The first locations for the construction of these schools will be in Bangka Belitung, North Sulawesi, East Nusa Tenggara, and the Nusantara capital city (IKN).
https://en.antaranews.com/news/340066/top-tier-high-schools-will-not-fuel-favoritism-deputy-ministerLiberty Woodland School has developed a unique learning framework that is structured like a tree, consisting of Roots, Trunk and Crown attributes. The school prioritizes personal, social, emotional and physical health as fundamental to all other learning in the Roots category. The Trunk attributes include essential skills such as Environmentalism, Communication and Language, Critical thinking and Digital Communication, which are given equal importance to maths. The Crown attributes focus on enabling students to shape the future by developing Philosophical Reflection, Social Responsibility, Creative Arts, Music, Art, Drama, Technology, Geography, History and Science. Students at Liberty Woodland School have reported improved mental health and a positive experience with their four-day working week, including having Fridays off to spend at home.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14243335/school-tents-four-day-week-woke.htmlA study funded by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts found that participation in arts programs can have positive outcomes for students, including a lower likelihood of encountering the criminal justice system and a higher likelihood of continuing their education past high school. Specifically, 55.38% of former arts students were more likely to pursue further education compared to their peers who did not participate in arts programs.
https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-cw-henry-school-suffs-broadway-musical/The UK government is overhauling its school curriculum to make science lessons less "Western" focused. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson launched an independent review of the curriculum in July, citing that the current one is outdated. The review aims to reflect the diversity of British society and include non-Western contributions to science. Top science bodies, including the Royal Society of Biology and Institute of Physics, have submitted evidence recommending that pupils learn about the historical context of scientific discoveries and how different cultures contributed to them. They also suggest avoiding a "no more heroes" approach to teaching science, which would focus on local and diverse figures rather than just Western ones. The review is being chaired by Professor Becky Francis, who has researched educational inequalities.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14238989/School-science-lessons-Westernised-highlight-discoveries-cultures-woke-Labour-overhaul-curriculum.htmlThe Hechinger Report has developed a suite of tools to help students research colleges and universities across the country. The Tuition Tracker tool shows the difference between a college's sticker price and actual cost based on household income, while the College Welcome Guide provides interactive charts and maps to assess campus culture, including demographics and graduation rates. The Offer Letter Decoder helps applicants understand their financial aid offer letters by identifying grants, loans, and work-study programs. Additionally, the College Closure Tracker documents over 800 colleges that have closed since 2008, and A Game of College is an interactive website that simulates a student's journey through college as debt-free as possible.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/national_news/going-to-college-use-this-toolbox-to-help-choose-a-school-and-plan-the-costs/collection_be3fa105-9fc9-5d32-bdd9-d7a30972c972.htmlEducation Secretary Bridget Phillipson has ordered a review of the national curriculum in England to ensure it reflects the diversity of society and provides every child with access to a broad range of subjects. The review, led by Professor Becky Francis, aims to update the existing framework which Education Secretary Phillipson considers outdated. The review's terms of reference state that it will focus on ensuring the curriculum represents the issues and diversities of society and gives all children equal access to various subjects. This move has been met with criticism from Shadow education secretary Laura Trott, who argues that the Department for Education should instead focus on reducing absence rates in schools.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14235713/Labour-schools-curriculum-diversity-class-war-policies-education.htmlThe Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has been actively involved in various development initiatives, including the PM Innovation Award, the Pakistan Youth Leadership initiative, and the launch of a digital learning portal under the Green Youth Movement project. The HEC also organized several conferences, roundtables, and vice-chancellor meetings to discuss topics such as research funding through corporate social responsibility, applications of AI in agriculture, and academic cultural dialogue between Iran and Pakistan. Additionally, the HEC arranged awareness sessions on preventing blasphemous activities on social media and provided periodic public alerts for students. The commission also made available degree attestation tip videos and launched a dedicated podcast.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1266762-higher-education-round-up