The article highlights the importance of textbooks as curated, accurate, and expert-driven educational tools, advocating for their transformation through digital technology and knowledge engineering. This approach enhances learning by introducing intelligent textbooks that use controlled vocabularies and advanced mapping to …
Small Language Models Gaining Popularity While LLMs Still Go Strong
Small language models (SLMs) are gaining popularity alongside large language models (LLMs), offering a “best of both worlds” approach in AI applications. While LLMs, like ChatGPT, rely on vast data sets to mimic human language patterns, SLMs provide more efficient, …
A review of data mining in personalized education: Current trends and future prospects
Personalized education leverages AI and educational data mining to tailor learning experiences to individual student needs, enhancing cognitive development and engagement. Key advancements include educational recommendation systems, cognitive diagnostics, knowledge tracing, and learning analytics, which support targeted interventions and adaptive …
New AI Tools Are Promoted as Study Aids for Students. Are They Doing More Harm Than Good?
New AI tools in education, like Google’s NotebookLM, are sparking debates about how they may aid or hinder learning, providing both benefits and ethical concerns. While AI tools help neurodivergent students organize and comprehend material, educators worry that these tools …
When AI Meets Education: The Power of Diffusion Over Replication
The most impactful educational changes occur through natural diffusion rather than forced replication, a principle now crucial in integrating generative AI. Effective AI adoption should adapt to each teacher’s strengths and local context, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Copilot: Microsoft’s AI-powered chatbot explained
Microsoft rebranded Bing Chat as Copilot, an AI assistant that enhances search with GPT-powered conversational capabilities, positioning it as an alternative to Google Gemini. Copilot integrates deeply with Bing and Microsoft Edge, offering users a robust, AI-driven search experience.
Google’s Audio Overview transforms your meeting notes into engaging podcasts
Google’s AI-driven NotebookLM, first showcased at I/O 2023, is now officially launched and no longer experimental as of October 2024. This marks a significant step, given Google’s past of revealing ambitious projects that sometimes don’t reach full release.
How to make ChatGPT Search your default search engine
OpenAI’s new ChatGPT Search feature allows qualifying subscribers to use ChatGPT as a Google Search alternative on desktop and mobile. Users can even set ChatGPT Search as their default search engine using a Chrome or Edge extension provided by OpenAI.…
Google’s Custom Searches Are the Best-Kept Secret for Searching Exactly As You Want
Google’s programmable search engine is easy to set up and a great way to get the custom search results you want faster and without clutter. Google first introduced this feature in 2006, and it’s underused and underappreciated, but everyone should …
Teachers who leverage AI for guidance and lesson plans feel more effective
Research shows teachers using generative AI for both lesson planning and teaching insights feel more productive and effective. However, many new users face challenges in leveraging AI fully, highlighting the need for training and strategic support to maximize AI’s educational …
Canadian Government to Ban TikTok (the Company not the App)
The Canadian government plans to ban TikTok as a company from operating in Canada, but the app will remain available, potentially limiting accountability for security and privacy risks. This decision contrasts with calls for stronger laws to mitigate risks rather …
Textbooks come alive with new interactive AI tool
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder created Augmented Physics, a tool that brings static textbook diagrams to life on iPads, allowing students to visualize physics concepts interactively. This award-winning innovation may soon expand to other subjects, enhancing educational engagement …
My 2nd Experience With Specifications Grading
In fall 2023, I shared my initial experience with specifications grading in my Coordination of a Work Team course. For winter 2024, I’m trying a new approach—contract assessment—in my Controlling Manufacturing Processes in Bakery course to build on last semester’s …
What will education feel like in 2034? with Martin Dougiamas, Moodle creator
Let’s try peering into the future, following current trends, and seeing what lies in store for the world in ten years in Education Technology. Martin Dougiamas joins Sonya Trivedi to discuss what the new Moodle Research team has been working …
Moodle 4.5: Unlock the power of AI for your courses
Moodle 4.5 introduces over 250 new features, including an AI-powered subsystem for flexible, secure integrations, improved course organization with subsections, and enhanced assignment feedback. Additionally, it offers streamlined badge management, upgraded media tools, and automated notifications, aiming to enrich teaching …