#Technology Integration Education Research

[digitaldetoxworld]

Technology Integration Education Research A New Era

Technology  Integration Education Research  era has revolutionized the manner college students examine and teachers coach. From interactive digital gear and virtual classrooms to artificial intelligence (AI) and information-driven insights, generation is reshaping schooling on a global scale. This transformation is going beyond replacing conventional chalkboards with smartboards or textbooks with capsules. It offers a extra dynamic, personalized, and efficient studying experience that prepares college students for the demands of the twenty first-century workforce. As we discover the profound effect of technology integration in education, we're going to have a look at its advantages, challenges, and the approaches it's far shaping the future of mastering.

The Evolution of Technology in Education

Historically, education has been characterized by using traditional techniques of practice, which include lectures, textbooks, and hands-on activities. While these stay treasured, the appearance of era has brought a wealth of recent tools and assets that enhance the coaching and learning manner.

Technology in education began with the introduction of computers and the internet in classrooms, but it has on account that advanced into an atmosphere that includes smart gadgets, academic software program, on-line gaining knowledge of systems, and virtual studying environments. Schools and universities now contain era in multiple ways, from mixed getting to know models to fully on-line courses. This evolution allows for extra interactive, bendy, and reachable schooling for inexperienced persons of all ages.

The Benefits of Technology Integration in Education

Personalized Learning:

One of the most huge benefits of generation in schooling is its capability to facilitate customized gaining knowledge of reviews. With the assist of AI and system gaining knowledge of algorithms, educational platforms can tailor classes, quizzes, and exercises to individual college students’ learning speeds and patterns. This guarantees that each scholar gets guidance at their own tempo, minimizing frustration and maximizing comprehension.

Tools like adaptive getting to know software program analyze a scholar's progress and offer focused content that addresses their particular wishes. For instance, a pupil suffering with math can obtain extra practice troubles, at the same time as a greater advanced scholar is probably challenged with higher-degree questions.

Enhanced Engagement:

Interactive tools including instructional games, simulations, and multimedia content material make studying greater attractive and fun for students. Visual and audio elements help explain complicated concepts in approaches that conventional strategies won't, making studying extra reachable to visual and auditory inexperienced persons.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are also more and more being utilized in lecture rooms to create immersive studying studies. Students can discover historical civilizations, visit outer area, or dissect virtual animals, all with out leaving the study room. These gear captivate students’ interest and make gaining knowledge of more memorable.

Collaboration and Communication:

Technology enables collaboration amongst students, instructors, and even worldwide friends. Tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom allow for real-time communique, document sharing, and collaborative tasks. Students can paintings collectively on assignments, talk thoughts, and supply peer feedback, regardless of their physical area.

In addition to pupil collaboration, era permits instructors to hold higher communication with students and mother and father. Online portals and apps offer instant updates on grades, assignments, and attendance, allowing for more obvious and ongoing feedback.

Accessibility and Inclusivity:

It  has the capacity to make schooling more inclusive via offering get admission to to resources for students with disabilities. For example, display readers and textual content-to-speech software help visually impaired college students, whilst speech recognition equipment help students with bodily or getting to know disabilities take part extra completely in elegance.

Online guides and digital textbooks additionally allow students from remote or underserved areas to get entry to high-quality education. With the rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), novices from around the arena can take publications from top universities without ever stepping foot on campus.

Global Learning Opportunities:

It  breaks down geographical limitations, allowing college students to connect to friends, teachers, and experts from around the sector. Through digital exchanges, college students can engage in cross-cultural projects, discussions, and studies. This international angle complements students’ expertise of various cultures and fosters empathy, crucial thinking, and worldwide citizenship.

Moreover, online structures like Coursera,  and Khan Academy offer college students get admission to to world-elegance schooling from pinnacle universities and establishments, regularly at little to no cost.

Data-Driven Insights:

Importance technology integration education   affords   educators with powerful equipment to collect and examine records on scholar performance. Learning control systems (LMS) and evaluation equipment generate unique reviews on student development, figuring out regions of electricity and people requiring in addition attention. This facts allows instructors to make knowledgeable decisions, adjust coaching techniques, and provide centered interventions to help student getting to know.

Predictive analytics also can help become aware of students who are vulnerable to falling behind, allowing instructors to interfere early and offer the vital help to preserve them on the right track.

[thisisgraeme]

Top 5 Insights on How AI in Education is Revolutionising Research and Teaching Practices

Discover how AI is revolutionizing education and academic research. Explore key insights on ethical concerns, innovation, and the future of AI in teaching practices. Dive into our latest findings and share your thoughts on the evolving role of AI

AI in Education and Implications for Research As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to permeate various sectors, its impact on education and academic research has become a focal point of discussion. The article “AI and its Implications for Research in Higher Education: A Critical Dialogue” by Butson and Spronken-Smith (2024) provides an in-depth exploration of how AI is reshaping academic…

[nanowrimo]

A Message from the NaNoWriMo Board of Directors

Dear NaNoWriMo Community Members,

Thank you for reaching out to us with your inquiries about the forums, your support, offers to volunteer, and your legitimate concerns.

Our inbox has been flooded, and we appreciate all of the thoughtful responses from participants and volunteers who genuinely care about NaNoWriMo, our fellow writers, and the community as we do. It is impossible to respond to each message individually, but we wanted to let you all know we are working with purpose and sincerity.

Please see below the breakdown of the work that has been done since we last shared an update with the community. Our intention is to keep you abreast of all we are doing to make NaNoWriMo a better, safer, place:

We’ve overseen a full-scale review of business practices led by former Board Member, Kilby Blades, who has stepped in to assist the organization on an interim basis.  

We’ve begun to implement new procedures around community safety, including:

Full revision and legal review of our employee handbook and codes of conduct.

Full revision and legal review of our Municipal Liaison(ML) agreement.

Development of a formal contract agreement for all (non-ML) Volunteers.

Development of a stricter vetting process for all volunteers (which includes identity verification and background checks, wherever necessary).

Licensing of a digital constituent management system that will enhance volunteer management capabilities.

Comprehensive background checks for all current employees.

Checks and balances to ensure that standards of conduct and ethics are adhered to (e.g., better leadership training, volunteer training, tech mechanisms, and active oversight).

We’ve made staffing changes and revised our staffing plan.

We have rescoped certain roles and initiated some staffing changes. (However, certain employees who left the organization voluntarily are in pursuit of their next opportunities.)

We believe that learning from this moment through addressing skill gaps in the organization is healthy and we will go through a hiring process to fill necessary gaps in open roles.

We’ve listened to other community feedback and are still in listening mode.

We’ve disabled the mechanism on the YWP website that allows users to self-identify as educators for the purpose of creating classrooms, and we are researching mechanisms that will allow us to verify adults as educators.

We’ve revised our technology roadmap to address usability issues and are hoping to introduce new features in 2024.

We are midway through a deep dive on forums and forum moderation; this has included benchmarking with other organizations with similar challenges.

In February, we will hold focus groups for continuing MLs. We are also thinking through the logistics of Town Hall meetings and other gatherings.

We’ve processed dozens of pages of community member feedback and are integrating it into our thinking.

With the staffing changes mentioned above, we are open to hearing from those of you who have reached out with offers to help and/or be a part of the organization’s future. Get notified about future job opportunities at NaNoWriMo.

We are excited about the future, and expect it to be brighter! We hope you feel seen and heard, and that you will stick with us as we continue supporting the writing community and our organization.

Kind regards,

NaNoWriMo Board of Directors

[bomber-grl]

mmm hiro himada x fully blind reader?? dunno if youve done this already so i apologize if you have!!

Hiro Hamada x Reader w total blindness

Pairing(s): Hiro Hamada x Gn!Reader

A/n: tried my best and let me know if there’s anything I can improve my writing on :)

Knowing Hiro, he’s probably really impressed by your status and skills at SFIT

Then backtracks because he realizes he might be offensive

Which you probably aren’t and have experienced worse, knowing how people are

Anyway

He learns a lot of stuff and becomes more educated during your friendship, now relationship

He quickly learns about your mobility aids (if you have any)

Especially if you have a guide animal then he thinks it’s really cute and although I do think he would’ve wanted to pet it we all know Hiros smarter than that.

When you’re out and about Hiros pretty conscious of these aids and is pretty interested in how you use them, especially if it’s a cane

On that topic, Hiro probably did a lot of research on your type of blindness in hopes of never offending you 💀

Which like, he couldn’t because he’s just uneducated and not intentional if he “does”

He quickly learns that most blind people have objects in their house in the same places to be familiar with it along with the interior

So he does the same- or tries to atleast

It’s difficult to with Mochi moving things around but the little sentiment doesn’t go unnoticed.

Also back on the topic of aids, Hiro will sometimes help you out with guiding you and the other way around too when you’re at your house and he wants to go to the restroom or something.

Other than that there’s not really anything out of the ordinary in your daily lives

You use your aids for public transport and unfamiliar areas and Hiro can definitely help but there’s nothing much of note

Well, except for how you use technology

Yknow how I mentioned you two meeting at SFIT?

Well Hiros nerdy self is genuinely curious on how you navigate technology and you’re more than happy to demonstrate

You explain to him how there’s many accessibility options and how there’s inventions you use that were created by other blind people that help in your studies.

Along with being in a relationship with you, he’s become overly aware of the barriers in transportation and lack of accessibility in many day to day things

Which ofc Hiro hates but he thinks that if you’re inventing/developing new tech and stuff or are part of an organization at SFIT that aims to improve accessibility for disabilities as a whole then that’s honestly amazing

Especially since previous students at SFIT have had inventions done and integrated into society

So it’d be really cool to see one day.

A/n: hopefully this hc post was well educated and I tried researching on how to write blind characters and what those who are blind like/dislike in writing when it comes to this. Feel free to educate me :)

[mariacallous]

As the 2024 U.S. presidential election approaches, debates around reproductive rights have taken center stage in American politics, driven by landmark events like the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. This decision has sparked a wave of community activism, legal battles, and electoral mobilization focused on issues such as abortion access, assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs), and maternal health disparities. However, the implications of the upcoming election on reproductive rights extend far beyond U.S. borders. Donald Trump and Kamala Harris present contrasting visions for reproductive health and rights, and their policy platforms have the potential to significantly reshape U.S. foreign assistance, multilateral engagement, and global priorities in this field.

Given these stakes, what impact will the 2024 U.S. election have on reproductive health and rights worldwide, and how will this shape forms of U.S. global engagement?

The politics of US reproductive health assistance abroad

The United States has a complicated history of engagement with global reproductive health and rights. U.S. foreign assistance for family planning first began under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, a move motivated by concerns over population growth, especially in Asia and Africa. Early programs were criticized for promoting coercive practices and focusing on population control rather than rights-based approaches to reproductive health. However, U.S. policies gradually evolved over the decades to emphasize health, education, and gender equality, aligning with shifts in global conversations around reproductive politics, population, and development.

At the same time, U.S. foreign assistance has always been deeply intertwined with domestic politics, especially around abortion. The passage of the 1973 Helms Amendment—shortly after the Roe v. Wade ruling—set a precedent by prohibiting the use of U.S. foreign assistance funds for abortion as a method of family planning. Additional restrictions came under Ronald Reagan’s 1984 Mexico City Policy (also known as the Global Gag Rule), which barred U.S. foreign aid to any NGO that provided or promoted abortion as part of its health services, even if these were funded through non-U.S. sources. Since its introduction, the Mexico City Policy has been a political battleground, with subsequent Republican administrations reinstating it and Democratic administrations rescinding it.

Despite these challenges, the U.S. remains the largest bilateral donor in global family planning and reproductive health. For fiscal year 2023, the U.S. provided approximately $608 million in foreign assistance—most of which is managed through USAID programs in over 40 countries, primarily focusing on 29 priority countries across Asia and Africa. This funding supports efforts to expand contraceptive access and address issues such as maternal mortality, child marriage, gender-based violence, and the integration of reproductive health services with HIV/AIDS prevention.

‘Protecting life’ under Trump

During his presidency, the Trump administration implemented some of the most restrictive policies on global reproductive health and rights in recent history. On January 23, 2017—just days into his administration—Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy, following the precedent set by his Republican predecessors. However, the administration went a step further by introducing a more expansive policy—Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA)—which extended the restrictions not only to family planning funds but to all U.S. global health assistance. As a result, the amount of funding subject to these restrictions jumped from around $600 million to over $7.3 billion. While research on the impacts of PLGHA is ongoing, early findings suggest the policy has negatively affected health service delivery, particularly access to emergency contraception, while also constraining the ability of health care providers and women to make autonomous decisions regarding reproductive health.

Trump’s presidency also marked a significant shift in the United States’ approach to multilateral engagement and a return to great power rivalry, especially with China and Russia. This retreat from multilateralism affected U.S. support for the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), two key U.N. agencies focusing on reproductive health and rights. Soon after taking office, the Trump administration withdrew U.S. government funding from UNFPA, alleging that it supported coercive sterilizations and abortions in China. The UNFPA quickly denied these allegations, asserting that its work “promotes the human rights of individuals and couples to make their own decisions, free of coercion or discrimination.”

While Trump’s claim against the UNFPA reflected intersections between geopolitics and global reproductive health, it was not new. In blocking UNFPA funding, Trump invoked the Kemp-Kasten Amendment, which has been used periodically since the mid-1980s by Republican administrations to restrict funding to the UNFPA, despite the U.S. being one of the organization’s founding supporters in 1969. The U.S. stoppage of funding to the UNFPA is estimated to have impacted roughly 8% of its budget. While other donors stepped in to cover some of the shortfall, the decision had a significant impact on global reproductive health, particularly in countries where USAID did not extend family planning and reproductive health coverage and in humanitarian settings, especially in the Middle East.

While Trump’s stance on domestic reproductive rights, particularly abortion, has been inconsistent, his global reproductive health policies are likely to mirror those of previous Republican administrations. If elected in 2024, he would likely reinstate both the Mexico City Policy the Kemp-Kasten Amendment under his administration’s previous “Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance” agenda. However, a new Trump presidency could mean even greater rollbacks in global reproductive health and rights. For example, the blueprint laid out by Project 2025, which Trump has distanced himself from, seeks to enshrine protecting life as one of the “core objectives” of U.S. foreign assistance and close perceived “loopholes” by extending PLGHA to all U.S. foreign assistance—including gender equality and economic empowerment programs, along with humanitarian aid, in spite of a solid body of evidence that shows that women and children in emergencies are often at increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence, unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality, frequently needing more—not less—reproductive health support in such contexts.

Beyond expanding “protecting life” in bilateral aid, a second Trump term would likely escalate the rollback of U.S. multilateral engagement, including renewed efforts to block funding for UNFPA, consistent with the policies of previous Republican administrations. Such a geopolitics of global reproductive health is already being reflected in Congress, where a recent Countering Communist China Bill has advocated for funding restrictions on U.S. aid to the UNFPA, and this could gain more traction under a potential Trump presidency. This strategy reflects a broader conservative agenda seeking to shape reproductive rights on a global scale by redefining U.S. engagement in global reproductive health—favoring more controlled bilateral assistance over multilateral partnerships.

Harris and global ‘reproductive freedom’

Kamala Harris has established reproductive freedom as one of the cornerstones of her electoral platform. Harris’ vision for reproductive freedom, while largely based on the U.S. domestic context, focuses on abortion rights—with Harris labeling laws restricting abortion access as “arcane” and “immoral.” However, it also includes conversations around reproductive health, maternal mortality, IVF access, and affordable child care, framing these issues as interconnected rights under threat. Part of this draws on her previous work as a senator, where she co-sponsored a package of 13 bills to reduce rising maternal mortality rates—particularly among Black women—through the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

While Harris’ precise stance on global reproductive health remains undefined, her approach will likely mirror key Democratic priorities. If elected, she would likely continue funding for the UNFPA and rescind the Mexico City Policy, much like the “Protecting Women’s Health at Home and Abroad” memorandum introduced at the start of the Biden-Harris administration. The memorandum argued that Trump-era restrictions negatively impacted women’s reproductive health, created barriers to bilateral development assistance, and undermined U.S. partnerships in global health efforts against malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS. In continuing such Biden-era policies, Harris would also likely strengthen multilateral engagement. As vice president, Harris’ first international call was with WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, reaffirming the administration’s decision to rejoin the WHO. This also aligns with the Democrats’ current legislative efforts in Congress to authorize annual appropriations for the UNFPA’s core functions and programs, ensuring consistent support for multilateral reproductive health initiatives.

Harris’ focus on domestic reproductive freedom—centered around bodily autonomy, lived experiences, and a rights-based approach—could then contribute to global debates on reproductive health and rights, especially at a time when these issues face increasing resistance. However, her position on global reproductive health and rights is not fully articulated, making it difficult to predict how her administration would address these concerns through foreign assistance and multilateral engagement, especially for people and communities most impacted by militarism, climate disaster, and sexual violence. Although significant shifts in U.S. foreign assistance policy are unlikely, USAID’s ongoing emphasis on “localization” could facilitate more community-driven reproductive health initiatives that align with the Harris administration’s broader goals of health equity, care, and reproductive freedom.

Looking forward: What’s at stake

The 2024 U.S. election will have far-reaching implications for global reproductive health and rights. In particular, three key areas stand out:

Global reproductive politics. The election will highlight how U.S. domestic reproductive politics shape its global engagement. Whether framed as “protecting life” or “reproductive freedom,” the outcome will have significant implications for how the U.S. approaches reproductive health and rights globally and ultimately impact health equity and justice for communities worldwide.

U.S. foreign assistance. The potential reinstatement of the Mexico City Policy could disrupt USAID’s localization efforts, which aim to build equitable partnerships with local communities. If reimposed, the policy’s restrictions may shape USAID’s ability to fully support locally led development by placing constraints on which organizations it can partner with, and potentially challenging its emphasis on community-defined agendas.

Multilateral engagement. The election will determine whether the U.S. adopts a more bilateral approach—demanding greater oversight and control over multilateral engagement—or supports global partnerships and a more traditional rules-based international order for reproductive health and rights globally.

[mirgnzls]

THE BULLDOG BULLETIN 🐾

Presents: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY – LAGUNA

Introduction:

Welcome to National University Laguna – where innovation meets fun! Nestled in the heart of Laguna, NU-L is a vibrant hub for future leaders, creatives, and game-changers. From state-of-the-art facilities to a dynamic campus life, we’re all about pushing boundaries and making education an adventure! Ready to join the pack? Let’s emBARK together at NU-L!

National University Laguna: BARKound check

Founded on Legacy - National University Laguna (NU-L), a proud extension of the National University system, builds on a legacy of academic excellence that dates back to 1900. As part of the NU family, NU-L brings over a century of educational experience to the vibrant Laguna region.

A Bold Vision - Established 2018, NU-L was born out of the vision to expand quality, innovative education beyond Metro Manila. With a focus on hands-on learning and research, the campus was set to become a dynamic hub for creative and technical disciplines.

Modern Education, Local Heart - Since its inception, NU-Laguna has been committed to fostering academic growth and professional development while nurturing the unique local culture. It has quickly become a top choice for students in Laguna and beyond, offering a variety of programs in engineering, business, IT, and the arts.

Innovation and Growth - Over the years, NU-L has expanded its programs, facilities, and community partnerships, positioning itself as a leader in higher education in the region. The university continues to evolve with the times, integrating modern technology, sustainability practices, and student-centered initiatives.

Empowering Future Leaders - Today, NU-Laguna stands tall as a beacon of educational excellence, providing opportunities for students to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape. From its humble beginnings to its current stature, NU-L remains dedicated to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

🌟 NU-L Culture at a Glance 🌟

🎓 Innovative Learning:

At NU-L, creativity meets learning! Our students are encouraged to think outside the box, embracing innovation every step of the way.

🤝 Community Vibes:

Collaboration is key here! Whether it’s group projects or campus events, we believe in building a supportive and close-knit community.

🎉 Balanced Life:

It’s not all books at NU-L! From student clubs to sports, we balance academics with fun, ensuring holistic growth for every student.

🌍 Future-Ready Leaders:

NU-L nurtures socially responsible leaders, empowering students to make a positive impact on the world, both locally and globally.

🏫 NU-L's Cool Campus Amenities 🏫

🚗 Sampaloc Lane (Driveway)

Our vibrant main drive, also known as Sampaloc Lane, is lined with cool food stalls to fuel your day with tasty treats!

🏫 State-of-the-Art Classrooms

Bright, modern, and tech-savvy classrooms where learning meets comfort.

⚽ Football Pitch

A massive green space for our budding athletes and sports enthusiasts!

🏀 Hoops Center

A basketball lover's paradise, where NU-L ballers shine on the court!

🎾 Multipurpose Court & Tennis Courts

Whether it's basketball, volleyball, or tennis, we’ve got a court for you.

[rivensdefenseattorney]

Red Fountain Polytechnic

(WIP)

Red Fountain Polytechnic is a prestigious institution renowned for its specialized education in merging technology, magic, and combat. Situated within a sprawling campus adorned with cutting-edge facilities, it houses three distinct colleges: Vanguard, Arcane, and TechForge. The curriculum encompasses a diverse range of subjects, from aerospace engineering and combat tactics to magical studies and artifact creation. Red Fountain boasts a collaborative environment where students engage in rigorous training, missions, and collaborative projects, preparing them to become skilled Specialists in their chosen paths of engineering, combat, or magical expertise.

Average Graduation Time: 5-7 Years

Average Acceptance Rate: 2%

Annual Acceptance Rate: 1250 Students

Contribution Level: Tier 1

College

Vanguard School of Combat

Departments:

Military History & Strategy

Tactical Combat

Survival Tactics & Freelance Operations

Field Operations & Simulation

Strategic Leadership & Organization

Specialties

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Structures

Focus: Training in leadership, organizational structures, and decision-making.

Emphasis on strategic planning, organizational leadership, and command responsibilities

Tactical Combat & Field Operations

Focus: Hands-on training in combat tactics, field operations, and warfare strategies.

Emphasis on tactical combat skills, field maneuvers, and real-time operations.

Freelance Operations

Focus: Preparing for independent contracting and diverse combat scenarios.

Emphasis on adaptability, versatility, and navigating varied contracts and operations.

Arcane School of Magic

Departments

Magical Theory & History

Spellcraft & Enchantment

Alchemy & Potionology

Magical Artifacts

Mystical Creatures

Specialties

Magical Studies & Theoretical Applications

Focus: Theoretical understanding of magical principles and history.

Emphasis on magical theory, historical practices, and the evolution of magical arts.

Spellcraft & Enchantment Practical Applications

Focus: Hands-on application of spellcasting techniques and enchantments.

Emphasis on practical spellcasting, enchantment methods, and application in various contexts.

Alchemy & Potion Mastery

Focus: Mastery of alchemical processes and potion-making.

Emphasis on understanding alchemical principles, potion brewing, and creating potent elixirs.

Magical Artifact Creation & Studies

Focus: Creating, studying, and understanding magical artifacts.

Emphasis on artifact creation, analysis of magical items, and their historical significance.

Mystical Creatures Conservation & Management

Focus: Preservation and responsible management of mystical creatures.

Emphasis on studying mystical creatures, their habitats, and ethical conservation efforts.

TechForge School of Engineering

Departments

Techno-Magic Integration & Programming

Aerospace Engineering & Dimensional Travel

Vehicle Engineering & Transportation Infrastructure

Techno-Magic Artifacts & Tools

Tecno-Magic Innovation & Development

Tecno-Magic Weaponry Design

Specialties

Techno-Magic Integration and Programming:

Focus: Merging technology and magic through programming.

Emphasis on coding for enchantments, spell-powered systems, and magical integration into technological frameworks.

Aerospace Engineering and Dimensional Travel:

Focus: Design and exploration of aerospace technology, including interdimensional travel.

Emphasis on designing aircraft, spacecraft, and dimensional travel technologies.

Vehicle Engineering and Advanced Transportation Systems:

Focus: Development of advanced transportation systems and vehicles. 

Emphasis on designing and improving futuristic vehicles for diverse terrains and functionalities.

Techno-Magic Artifacts and Tools Development:

Focus: Creation and enhancement of magical artifacts and tools.

Emphasis on crafting enchanted tools, devices, and magical artifacts for various applications.

Techno-Magic Innovation and Research:

Focus: Pioneering research and breakthroughs in techno-magic fusion.

Emphasis on pushing the boundaries of technological-magical integration through research and experimentation.

Techno-Magic Weaponry Design and Development:

Focus: Designing advanced weaponry using technology-magic fusion.

Emphasis on creating combat-oriented weapons infused with magical enhancements for strategic advantage.

Red Fountain Contribution System

Valor

The currency earned by students when they successfully complete missions.

Earned the most by Vanguard Students

Typically qualifies as Public Service

Wisdom

The collective intellectual wealth generated by students through research efforts, the school's contribution to public research and advancements in various fields, and the dividends reaped by society through the school's commitment to research excellence.

Earned the most by Arcane students

Typically qualifies as Public Research

Innovation

Contributions made by students practicing alchemy and magic: creating enchanted objects, elixirs, and potions for the community. Alternatively, donations derived from the ingenious techno-magic artifacts and vehicles.

Earned the most by TechForge students

Typically qualifies as Public Charity

__________________________

Winx Rewrite Master Post

[wachinyeya]

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $70 million in seven creative and visionary agricultural projects to transform the U.S. food and agricultural system and sustainably increase agricultural production in ways that also reduce its environmental footprint.

This Fiscal Year 2023 investment is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program area of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences.

The innovative program focuses on a broad range of needed research, education and Extension solutions – from addressing agricultural workforce challenges and promoting land stewardship to addressing climate change impacts in agriculture and filling critical needs in food and nutrition.

“Agriculture is facing a multitude of complex challenges,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “We need all hands on deck developing creative, sustainable and strategic ways to feed, clothe and fuel future generations.”

The $10 million awards are for coordinated agricultural projects (CAPs), which are larger-scale and longer-term investments that integrate research, education and Extension efforts. These projects promote collaboration, open communication, information exchange and reduce duplication efforts by coordinating activities among individuals, institutions, states and regions.

“These research investments support exciting projects that integrate innovative systems-based thinking, methods and technologies to establish robust, resilient, and climate-smart food and agricultural systems,” said NIFA Director Dr. Manjit Misra. “These visionary projects will improve the local and regional supply of affordable, safe, nutritious and accessible food and agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America.”

Explore the seven projects, which include the following:

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Erin Silva is leading a collaboration with the Great Lakes Intertribal Food Coalition, the Wisconsin Tribal Conservation Advisory Council, and the Menominee Nation on a transdisciplinary project that aims to scale up traditional Indigenous food production practices — practices that for generations have already been climate-smart and sustainable — by expanding production, processing, storage, and distribution systems, as well as education and Extension programs, that are needed to support integrated crop-livestock systems, cover crops, and rotationally-grazed cattle and pastured chickens.

At the University of Maine, Dr. Hemant Pendse is leading an integrated research, education and Extension effort to advance the bioeconomy by developing biorefinery technologies that will make the millions of tons of available low-grade woody biomass – which currently has a very limited market – more commercially viable in both the sustainable aviation fuel and fish feed sectors.

At Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan is leading a project that seeks to transform cotton production in the southern United States into a more sustainable, climate-smart enterprise by applying improved precision management practices to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; enhance pest control, and nutrient and water management; and address labor challenges while creating new market opportunities.

AFRI, which also makes grants in the Foundational and Applied Sciences and Education and Workforce Development program areas, is designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. Grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Report analyzes long history of NASA support for commercial space

NASA published a new report on Thursday highlighting 17 agency mechanisms that have directly and indirectly supported the development and growth of the U.S. commercial space sector for the benefit of humanity.

The report, titled "Enabling America on the Space Frontier: The Evolution of NASA's Commercial Space Development Toolkit," is available on the agency's website.

"This is the most extensive and comprehensive historical analysis produced by NASA on how it has contributed to commercial space development over the decades," said Alex MacDonald, NASA chief economist. "These efforts have given NASA regular access to space with companies, such as SpaceX and Rocket Lab, modernizing our communications infrastructure, and even led to the first private lunar lander thanks to Intuitive Machines.

"With commercial space growth accelerating, this report can help agency leaders and stakeholders assess the numerous mechanisms that the agency uses to support this growth, both now and in the future."

Throughout its history, NASA has supported the development of the commercial space sector, not only leading the way in areas such as satellite communications, launch, and remote sensing, but also developing new contract and operational models to encourage commercial participation and growth.

In the last three decades, NASA has seen the results of these efforts with commercial partners able to contribute more to missions across NASA domains, and increasingly innovative agency-led efforts to engage, nurture, and integrate these capabilities. These capabilities support the agency's mission needs, and have seen a dramatic rise in importance, according to the report.

NASA has nurtured technology, companies, people, and ideas in the commercial space sector, contributing to the U.S. and global economies, across four distinct periods in the agency's history:

1915–1960: NASA's predecessor, the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), and NASA's pre-Apollo years.

1961–1980: Apollo era.

1981–2010: Space shuttle era.

2011–present: Post-shuttle commercial era.

Each of these time periods are defined by dominant technologies, programs, or economic trends further detailed in the report.

Though some of these mechanisms are relatively recent, others have been used throughout the history of NASA and NACA, leading to some overlap. The 17 mechanisms are as follows:

Contracts and Partnership Agreements

Research and Technology Development (R&TD)

Dissemination of Research and Scientific Data

Education and Workforce Development

Workforce External Engagement and Mobility

Technology Transfer

Technical Support

Enabling Infrastructure

Launch

Direct In-Space Support

Standards and Regulatory Framework Support

Public Engagement

Industry Engagement

Venture Capital Engagement

Market Stimulation Funding

Economic Analysis and Due Diligence Capabilities

Narrative Encouragement

NASA supports commercial space development in everything from spaceflight to supply chains. Small satellite capabilities have inspired a new generation of space start-ups, while new, smaller rockets, as well as new programs are just starting. Examples include CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services), commercial low Earth orbit destinations, human landing systems, commercial development of NASA spacesuits, and lunar terrain vehicles. The report also details many indirect ways the agency has contributed to the vibrance of commercial space, from economic analyses to student engagement.

The agency's use of commercial capabilities has progressed from being the exception to the default method for many of its missions. The current post-shuttle era of NASA-supported commercial space development has seen a level of technical development comparable to the Apollo era's Space Race. Deploying the 17 commercial space development mechanisms in the future is part of NASA's mission to continue encouraging commercial space activities.

IMAGE: The SpaceX Dragon Freedom spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov approaches the International Space Station as it orbited 261 miles above Ontario, Canada, near James Bay. Credit: NASA

[the-graveyard-academe]

Introductory Post

Hello, and welcome to the Graveyard! I figured it would be best for everyone to get to know me, so this is my introductory post to me as the author, and my practice.

About Me

My name is Crow, though you can also call me Graveyard or Academe if that’s easier to remember. I am transmasc and use he/it pronouns, though I also use microlabels, xenogenders, and neopronouns. I am also aroace, and use microlabels for that as well.

Now, for some interesting information about myself:

I have several self-diagnosed mental issues, though they have all been heavily researched for at least five years. Because of that, I kindly ask for patience if I am inconsistent with my postings

I’m currently in college with a major in psychology and a minor in education. I’m looking to be a psychology teacher

I’m the equivalent of an old man with technology sometimes, social media even more so. I’ll learn how to use Tumblr as I go along

My Practice - A Brief Timeline

In terms of my religious journey, I practiced Baptist Christianity for the first ten years or so. But that’s also when my interest in Greek mythos started, though it was minor compared to other interests. In terms of practicing Hellenic polytheism, I got introduced when I was around 16 and researching witchcraft and Satanism, and was enthralled.

Research about both began almost simultaneously, though I dove with minimal foundation. After taking a break from Hellenic polytheism to focus more on witchcraft, create a base in terms of basic cleansing and protection, I feel comfortable enough to come back into it.

About the Blog

While I will do by best to write about my experiences and practices, reblogs of my friends will be fill-in posts until I’ve gained footing. As of now, I’m currently working on worshipping Lords Apollo and Ares, though I am open to researching and giving credit to more of the pantheon if the situation calls for it.

Other than just Hellenic polytheism, I may mention things on the side of witchcraft. Whether this is divination practice and journals, or improving on my intuition. If this doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, feel free to ignore the tag.

Tags

Will be updated as posts are created

After all the good and fluffy things, it’s time for the final part of guidelines and DNI for my account.

Guidelines

Respect - This blog is to help share my personal journey, and the journey of others. Occasionally, I may try and share tips or information. Everyone that is mentioned on this blog-whether it’s via reblogging or comments-will be treated with the respect they deserve. If I am told of/witness someone being bigoted, overly aggressive, or otherwise a disturbance to the environment of the blog, I will not hesitate to block you. You respect me and those around my blog, I will respect you.

Academic Integrity - As an academic, I value the power that scholarly articles and first-hand experiences have. I am also new to spirituality, so I am using sources that have been evaluated and posted by fellow Hellenic polytheists in the server I am in. If anything I say is factually incorrect or you have questions, I encourage proper correction and questioning. Attacks, vulgarity, and degradation will not be tolerated. I also will not give reactions if it spreads further into callout posts on your account.

Curiosity - Much like academic integrity, I greatly appreciate curiosity. Feel free to ask any-well-meaning-questions, and I will do my best to respond or guide you to someone who I think can answer better than I can.

Do Not Interact

Any who engage in oppressive behaviors

Those who are only looking to argue-not debate or inform

People who are disrespectful to me, my friends, or those who interact with my page will be blocked

[thisisgraeme]

Discover Key Findings from Our Ako Aotearoa AARIA Research on AI in Adult Tertiary Education: 5 Important Insights on Impact, Challenges, and Future Trends

Discover the latest findings from our Ako Aotearoa AARIA research on AI in adult tertiary education. Learn about the impact, challenges, and future trends of AI integration in education, and explore how AI is shaping the future of learning in New Zealand.

Key Insights on AI in Adult Tertiary Education Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, and education is no exception. In the realm of adult tertiary education, AI holds the potential to revolutionise teaching, administration, and student engagement. But what does this transformation look like in practice? To explore this, we conducted a comprehensive study,…

[kccinstitutes]

Two-Day National Seminar sponsored by ICSSR

KCCILHE hosted a two-day National Seminar sponsored by ICSSR on “The New Education Policy and Education Reforms: Rethinking Curriculum, Research, and Global Engagement.” The aim was to foster discussions on diverse perspectives related to the National Education Policy 2020. The National Seminar was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including Shri Rajiv Kumar, Former Deputy Director General and Chief Producers News & Current Affairs, Doordarshan, and Dr. Durgesh Tripathi, Professor, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi.

The seminar delved into key issues, encompassing Curriculum Development and Innovation, Research Strategies, Global Engagement in Education, Teacher Professional Development, Technology Integration in Education, NEP Implementation and Evaluation, Inclusivity and Equity in Education, Student-Centered Learning, Quality Assurance in Education, and Higher Education Reforms. Participants from across India presented their research papers in four technical sessions. The overall success of the seminar lay in the fruitful exchange of viewpoints and mutual learning.

[mbti-notes]

hi! im an entj and i wanted to know if you have any tips on how to be a better student whilst not thinking too much about grades or results. i feel like i place alot of emphasis on grades and results and i think it often hinders me at times. i often have trouble finding more ''meaning'' in my work and i'm not sure how to add more value into it other than achieving a good grade.

Your question is too vague because you haven't specified what level of schooling you're at and what your idea of a "better" student looks like. This "hinders you" how exactly? What is the exact nature or source of your discontent? What exactly are you aiming for? Without this context, it's hard to craft a response.

Did you know that professors in the US are witnessing a "literacy crisis" in their students that has never before been observed in the history of modern education? While there have always been unmotivated and underachieving students, nowadays, an alarming percentage of motivated students are barely able to handle more than ten pages of text at a time (the average assignment used to be 20-30 pages), nor are they able to analyze and comprehend the meaning, themes, or arguments being communicated in the text.

A literacy deficit poses a serious threat not just to the student's individual success, but also to the integrity of higher education and the functioning of society. Colleges have no choice but to "dumb down" their offerings over time. But more importantly, a successful democracy is difficult to sustain without intelligent and literate citizenry making sound judgments about complex social, political, and economic issues.

One obvious factor contributing to this problem is that many students have fallen behind due to the pandemic. Another obvious factor is the smartphone and the major role it has played in decimating people's attention spans. Extended focus and concentration are extremely important for learning, but endless internet scrolling trains the mind to expect rapid change and crave instant gratification. Yes, anyone who genuinely wants to be a good student should care deeply about the factors that hinder/inhibit their learning process. Increasingly, misuse of technology, such as smartphone addiction and excessive reliance on AI, is a major factor that prevents students from reaching their greater potential.

High school and college students are still in the early stages of ego development. Since their self-awareness hasn't had much time to develop, they don't tend to be aware of their own underlying motivations, for example, they will often just do something because it's just what everyone around them does. Additionally, heavy social media consumption at this stage of life leads them to believe that "success" is just for show or about obtaining likes/praise.

This brings us to the main factor to consider, which is that students are increasingly trained to be motivated by extrinsic rewards. For example, in the US, school funding is often tied to exam scores, so teachers have been forced to focus more and more on teaching only to exams, in order to secure funding. Higher education has also become much more competitive, which means excellent grades are essential for securing a seat in university.

While there is nothing wrong with extrinsic motivation per se, there is something wrong when a person is only motivated by extrinsic rewards, to the point where they are completely ignorant/neglectful of intrinsic rewards. The research strongly suggests: People who are more intrinsically (than extrinsically) motivated tend to be better learners because they assign their own value to learning and understand the inherent virtues of intellect, knowledge, and skill, apart from their real-world applications. The topic of intrinsic motivation comes up often, I suggest you read past posts.

Before you asked me for "tips", did you put in a reasonable effort to inquire into yourself and figure out why you overemphasize extrinsic rewards? Could you come up with the reasons/causes on your own, through self-reflection? It's difficult to find the right solution to a problem when you don't understand its origins. This is an important point because a common symptom of extreme extrinsic motivation is abnormally low self-awareness due to having little to no inner life. How's your inner life?

With regard to type development, people who are very extrinsically motivated tend to a) be too easily influenced by environmental factors, and b) lack introverted development. The answer to your question already lies within you, specifically, in the state of development of your introverted Ni and Fi functions:

1) Extrinsically motivated people tend to believe that their life lacks meaning because the world lacks meaning. What they don't realize is that meaning starts from within, so the actual problem is that they aren't able to generate enough meaning on their own.

Ni is a key function for constructing meaning, usually through patiently exploring context and connections to a bigger picture (of life as a whole and/or the world at large). As such, lack of Ni development commonly manifests as:

dislike of ambiguity (due to preferring clear categorical answers)

impatience for complexity (due to wanting easy answers)

superficiality (due to not going beyond the known/obvious)

lack of vision (due to overemphasis on rapid results)

Since you didn't provide any details about function development, I can't speak to how much you struggle with the above issues. The only thing I can say is that all of them are detrimental to learning. Clarify your aim: Do you want to be a good student in school or a good learner in life? Do you know the difference? It is the difference between lower order versus higher order learning, which I have already explained in previous posts.

A good student wants to know the final answer. A lifelong learner uses ambiguity as an opportunity to explore more nuanced truth.

A good student can handle some challenges but stops at the most difficult point. A lifelong learner takes the initiative to unravel complexity and eventually encounters profound wisdom.

A good student reads the book all the way through. A lifelong learner is intellectually curious, which leads them to discover new realms of knowledge far beyond the book.

A good student follows instructions and is reasonably competent as a result. A lifelong learner sees the greater potential of the field as a whole and gradually becomes an expert as they attempt to realize that potential.

If a certain activity or subject matter doesn't hold any meaning for you, is it because it's boring, or is it because you haven't really given it a proper look? This isn't to say that you have to be an expert on everything; it is only to say that you won't be able to truly appreciate something until you dig deeper into it and actively nurture appreciation for it. This brings us to the second point...

2) Extrinsically motivated TJs tend to believe that "utility" is the only measure of value. What they don't realize is that value is inherent to existence, so the actual problem is an inability to recognize value.

Fi is a key function for assigning value, usually through forming uniquely personal and intensely emotional attachments. As such, lack of Fi development often manifests as:

taking things for granted (due to not honoring their value)

dismissive attitude (due to lack of emotional attachments)

passionless existence (due to fear of emotional intensity)

Again, I can't speak to how much you struggle with the above issues. I can only inform you that they also tend to be quite detrimental to learning:

Human beings need to stay fed and sheltered in order to survive, but they also need activities that affirm their humanity and enrich their life. What happens to learning if your only concern is securing a comfortable material life?

Human beings learn best through feeling deeply moved and inspired by the best of what humanity has to offer. What happens to learning if you remove the human component of knowledge and only treat it as "data", just another object for your consumption and disposal?

Human beings discover themselves and express themselves through their varied interests, which is how every subject comes to have its fans, devotees, and experts. What happens to learning if you refuse to take an interest, downplay enthusiasm, and temper or repress passion?

If a certain activity or subject matter doesn't hold any value for you, is it because it is "worthless", or because you are blind to its value? This isn't to say that you must love everything; it is only to say that you won't be able to know yourself truly and feel energized about learning as long as you have a habit of dismissing every aspect of life that isn't immediately or practically "useful" to you.

Having intrinsic motivation basically means you generate your own personal reasons for learning. Nobody can force you to care or take an interest. Becoming an adult means you have to be the one to realize the virtues of going above and beyond whatever is required to ace exams. It may all sound very abstract, but this makes the difference in determining whether you will end up being just another cog in the machine of society or whether your life will always feel imbued with a greater sense of meaning.

[marveltrumpshate]

Equity & Access

We have many organizations that are fighting for equity of marginalized groups through legal advocacy and services or urgent crisis/medical relief, but we also wanted to highlight the ones that are working towards equity and access from a non-legal/relief perspective. 

For more information on donation methods and accepted currencies, please refer to our list of organizations page.

Amputee Coalition

The Amputee Coalition supports, educates, and advocates for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference as well as their families and caretakers. They developed the National Limb Loss Resource Center, have a large focus on peer support programs, advocate on the federal and state level, and offer educational programming. They also fund local chapters that serve amputees across the globe.  

Assistance Dogs International

Assistance dogs are essential to millions around the world but are cost-prohibitive for many. Supporting this organization will mean that this essential service is less of an economic burden for those who need it. In addition to training and placement, ADI advocates for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs and sets standards, guidelines, and ethics for training the dogs.

Clean Air Task Force

As we've seen for a long time now but especially this year with constant natural disasters and alarming news from all over the world, climate change is real and we need to do something about it. Over the past 25 years, CATF, a group of climate and energy experts who think outside the box to solve the climate crisis, has pushed for technology innovations, legal advocacy, research, and policy changes. Their goal is to achieve a zero-emissions, high-energy planet at an affordable cost. Everyone deserves clean air and CATF ensures access to the planet for all of us, which science tells us hangs in the balance. 

Global Fund for Women

Global Fund for Women is the largest global organization for gender justice. They support grassroots feminist movements and organizations around the world for maximum local impact and have provided over $184 million in grants to 5,000+ women’s funds in 176 countries over the past three decades. Their recent focus has been providing mobilization and networking resources for women and girls in their own communities and amplifying those voices so they’re heard in the global community.

The Pad Project

Period stigma and lack of access to affordable, safe, and effective menstrual products are a global problem. The Pad Project partners with local communities internationally to serve people of all genders who menstruate through funding the placement of pad machines and implementing washable pad programs. They also pair menstrual product access with education—workshops on menstrual hygiene management and sexual and reproductive health and their award-winning documentary, Period. End of Sentence.

Waterkeeper Alliance

In 1966, this movement was started by a band of blue-collar fishermen pushing back against industrial polluters, and their tough spirit remains intact through the 300+ local community groups that make up the global Waterkeeper Alliance today. The Alliance works to ensure, preserve, and protect clean and abundant water for all people and creatures. Their programs are diverse, spanning from patrolling waterways against polluters to advocating for environmental laws in courtrooms and town halls and educating in classrooms.

World Literacy Foundation

Reading opens doors, both to other worlds and in real life. When someone acquires literacy skills, they’re able to access better opportunities and societal integration; they can gain better healthcare access, fill out job applications, and more. The World Literacy Foundation provides disadvantaged children with books, educational resources, and literacy support, and they use innovative tech, e-books, and digital activities to advance the learning of children in remote areas. On a community level, the WLF equips parents to support their children in their learning through mentorship programs and empowers people to advocate for literacy in their communities.

[scifigeneration]

From science fiction to telemedicine: the surprising 150-year history of long-range medical treatment

by Debbie Passey, Digital Health Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne

In 1874, a surgeon in South Australia telegraphed wound care instructions for a patient 2,000 kilometres away. A few years later, in 1879, a letter in The Lancet medical journal suggested physicians use the telephone to cut down on unnecessary patient visits.

As the telephone and telegraph spread, the idea of telemedicine – literally “healing at a distance” – inspired science fiction writers to conjure up new ways of treating patients across great distances.

Real-world technology has developed in tandem with scifi speculation ever since. Today, certain kinds of telemedicine have become commonplace, while other futuristic tools are in the offing.

The radio doctor and the teledactyl

In his 1909 short story The Machine Stops, English novelist E.M. Forster described a telemedicine apparatus that, when telegraphed, descends from the ceiling to care for patients in the comfort of their home. His story is also the earliest description of instant messaging and a kind of internet – both important for real-life telemedicine.

In 1924, Radio News magazine printed a cover story showing the future “Radio Doctor”. The cover depicts a physician examining a patient through a screen. Although the magazine story itself was a bizarre fiction that had little to do with a radio doctor, the imagery is evocative.

In a 1925 cover story for Science and Invention, US writer Hugo Gernsback describes a device called “The Teledactyl” (from tele, meaning far, and dactyl, meaning finger). The device uses radio transmitters and television screens to allow a doctor to interact with a patient. The added twist – the physician touches the patient using a remotely controlled mechanical hand set up in the patient’s home.

Gernsback was a futurist and pioneer in radio and electrical engineering. Nicknamed the “Father of Science Fiction”, Gernsback used fictional stories to educate readers on science and technology, and often included extensive scientific details in his writings. He helped establish science fiction as a literary genre, and the annual Hugo Awards are named after him.

From seafarers to spacefarers

The radio was important for early telemedicine. In the 1920s, physicians across the globe started using the radio to evaluate, diagnose, treat, and provide medical advice for sick or wounded seafarers and passengers. The radio is still used to provide medical consultation to ships at sea.

In 1955, Gernsback returned to the idea of distance medicine with “The Teledoctor”. This imaginary device uses the telephone and a closed-circuit television with mechanical arms controlled by the physician to provide remote patient care. Gernsback said the doctor of the future “will be able to do almost anything through teledoctoring that he can do in person”.

In 1959, psychiatrists in Nebraska started using two-way closed-circuit televisions to conduct psychiatric consultations between two locations. This is considered one of the first examples of modern-day telemedicine. Early telemedicine networks were expensive to develop and maintain, which limited broader use.

In the 1960s, NASA began efforts to integrate telemedicine into every human spaceflight program. By 1971, a telemedicine system was ready for trial on Earth – in the Space Technology Applied to Rural Papago Advanced Healthcare (STARPAHC) program. Using a two-way television and radio connection and remote telemetry, the program connected Tohono Oʼodham people (then known as Papago) with nurses and physicians hundreds of miles away.

The internet and a pandemic

It wasn’t until 1970 that the word telemedicine was officially coined by US doctor Thomas Bird. Bird and his colleagues set up an audiovisual circuit between the Massachusetts General Hospital and Logan Airport to provide medical consultations to airport employees.

From the 1970s onward, telemedicine started gaining more traction. The internet, officially born in 1983, brought new ways to connect patients and physicians.

Satellites could connect physicians and patients across greater distances without the need for two-way closed-circuit televisions. The cost to develop and maintain a telemedicine network decreased in the 1980s, opening the door to wider adoption.

In his 1999 science fiction novel Starfish, Canadian writer Peter Watts describes a device called the “Medical Mantis”. This device allows a physician to remotely examine and perform procedures on patients deep beneath the ocean’s surface. In the early 2000s, NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations started testing teleoperated surgical robots in undersea environments.

The evolution of telemedicine has kept pace with advances in information and communication technology. Yet, throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, telemedicine remained little used.

It took the global COVID pandemic to make telemedicine an integral part of modern healthcare. Most of this is consultations via video call – not so far away from what Gernsback envisioned a century, though so far without the robotic hands.

What’s next? One likely factor pushing real-world telemedicine to match the dreams of science fiction will be developments in human spaceflight.

As humans progress in space exploration, the future of telemedicine may look more like science fiction. Earth-based monitoring of astronauts’ health will require technological breakthroughs to keep pace with them as they travel deeper into space.

[vcenvs3000f24]

Final Blog post

In preparing to write this concluding blog post for my environmental interpretation course, I reflect on a significant experience that shaped my understanding of nature interpretation: my time spent at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where I had the opportunity to assist in caring for an injured animal. This experience profoundly impacted me, vividly demonstrating the considerable influence of human actions on the natural environment. This forms the foundation of the personal ethic I have cultivated during this program, grounded in a deep respect for the environment and a commitment to conservation, closely aligned with the principles presented in Chapter 5 of our textbook.

The chapter emphasized the dual function of nature interpreters, serving as both educators and advocates. The idea resonated with me, particularly the understanding that our function goes beyond simply sharing knowledge; we must inspire and encourage our audience to take on their roles as caretakers of the environment. This viewpoint has become crucial to my work, motivating me to educate, involve, and empower individuals actively. My ethic is grounded in the conviction that understanding and valuing the natural environment is the crucial first step toward its preservation. I am dedicated to nurturing a deep connection between individuals and their surroundings, enabling a shift in how they perceive and engage with the natural world.

As a nature interpreter, I engage in a diverse array of responsibilities. I need to convey information that is both accurate and easily understandable. This entails breaking down intricate ecological ideas into compelling stories and insights that connect with various audiences. Secondly, I am responsible for advocating for sustainable practices and conservation initiatives to address our ecosystems' challenges. This entails structuring conservation efforts, prioritizing community involvement, and leading initiatives designed to promote sustainable lifestyles. Furthermore, fostering inclusivity in environmental education is of utmost importance. I aim to create inclusive programs that welcome all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status or educational background, while also integrating diverse cultural perspectives on environmental matters.

In practice, my approach to interpreting nature involves a variety of strategies. I prioritize interactive and experiential learning in my approach. People gain knowledge most effectively when they engage actively through hands-on activities, collaborative scientific projects, or immersive experiences in the natural world. These strategies improve learning effectiveness and ensure it remains memorable, fostering a lasting appreciation for the natural world. Storytelling stands as a vital tool in my collection of skills. Integrating personal narratives, such as the stories of the injured animals, into broader environmental discussions enables a connection between individual experiences and global conservation issues, making the abstract relatable and pressing.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to continuous learning and adaptability in my position. Environmental science is a dynamic area of inquiry, consistently evolving by incorporating new research and cutting-edge technologies. Staying informed about these developments guarantees that my teaching materials are pertinent and grounded in scientific rigour. This allows me to adjust my teaching methods to include new insights and innovations, ensuring my approach stays effective and engaging.

As I reflect on what lies ahead, I am enthusiastic about the chance to implement and expand upon the principles and practices I have learned in this course. The journey is far from over; it transforms as I progress as a natural interpreter. I am keen to refine my abilities and broaden my influence, motivated by a dedication to affect how people interact with and mould their surroundings meaningfully.

Working alongside my peers on this final assignment offers a significant opportunity to share ideas and perspectives, deepening our collective understanding and improving our approaches to interpreting the natural world. This dialogue is crucial as it encourages us to think critically and creatively about our responsibilities and obligations as stewards of the environment. We enhance our interpreter community by exchanging insights driven by a shared objective of cultivating a more sustainable and conscientious relationship with our natural environment.