Tag Archives: education

Spotify launches educational video courses in the UK

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There was once a time when you went to one place for music, another for education, and so on, but many companies are now attempting to turn themselves into a jack of all trades to compete for survival. The latest example is Spotify, which has announced a test for video-based learning courses. The new feature joins the platform's music, podcasts and audiobooks lineup. 

Spotify has teamed up with a range of content partners: BBC Maestro, PLAYvirtuoso, Thinkific Labs Inc. and Skillshare. They offer content in four main categories: making music, getting creative, learning business and healthy living. "With this offer, we are exploring a potential opportunity to provide educational creators with a new audience who can access their video content, reaching a bigger potential swath of engaged Spotify users while expanding our catalog," Spotify stated in the announcement. The platform claims that around half of users have "engaged" in self-help or educational podcasts. 

The test courses are available only to UK users, with free and premium subscribers receiving at least two free lessons per course. The series will range in price from £20 ($25) to £80 ($101), regardless of a person's subscription tier. Users can access them on mobile or desktop. Exact pricing and availability might change if the feature moves past the test phase. 

This forays into video-based courses follows shortly after Spotify introduced music videos in beta. They're available on select tracks and, like the classes, aren't available to US subscribers (the UK is among the 11 countries with access). 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/spotify-launches-educational-video-courses-in-the-uk-131559272.html?src=rss

10 Things To Consider Before Planning To Study Design Abroad

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We’re finally at a point where design as an occupation holds the same mental weight as medicine, engineering, or law. The past two decades have seen a rapid rise in ‘design’ and ‘design thinking’ becoming permanent parts of the professional vocabulary, and with that, there’s a steady rise in the demand for designers. The educational setup, however, is still taking time to catch up to the industry’s need for designers, which is why even today there are still just a handful of institutions that command the design education space. A lot of them are in the global west, undoubtedly, but the global east is picking up pace too, offering young designers and aspirants the ability to travel to a whole variety of countries to study and specialize in design. If you’re reading this, chances are that you’re either thinking of studying design abroad, or you’ve already studied design abroad… or you’re just design-curious.

The allure of studying design abroad is undeniable—new experiences, exposure to international design perspectives, and the promise of personal growth. However, before your dreams take flight across borders, there are critical considerations that can make or break your educational journey. From cultural nuances and the constant evolution of design requirements to financial planning and accreditation standards, venturing into foreign territories for a design education requires meticulous preparation. My objective here is not just to guide you through practical steps but also to present you with a wealth of options when it comes to planning your career trajectory.

1. Evaluate the Worth of Studying Design Abroad

The decision to study design abroad is more than a question of education; it’s an exploration into cultural diversity and global perspectives. Exposure to different design philosophies, techniques, and cultural aesthetics can significantly enrich a designer’s creative arsenal. International programs often boast cutting-edge technology and facilities, alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. However, this comes at a cost, both financially and emotionally, as you step away from the familiar comforts of home. It’s essential to balance these factors against your personal and professional goals. Does the international exposure align with your career aspirations? Can the unique experiences and skills acquired abroad offer you a distinctive edge in the competitive design industry? These are questions only you can answer, making this initial evaluation a cornerstone of your decision-making process.

2. Choose the Right College or Program

Choosing the right institution is a multifaceted decision encompassing several critical factors. Reputation is often the first consideration, but digging deeper into the curriculum offered, faculty expertise, and the strength of the alumni network can provide greater insight into the program’s value. The program’s location can also significantly influence your learning experience, offering unique cultural and design opportunities. Accreditation ensures that the education you receive meets global standards, essential for your future employability. Lastly, consider the program’s connections to the design industry, including internship and employment opportunities post-graduation. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in not just shaping your educational experience but also in laying a solid foundation for your future career in design.

3. Future-Proof Your Education: Choose Programs with Potential

The design industry is continually evolving, driven by advances in technology and shifts in societal needs. Future-proofing your education means choosing programs that not only provide a solid foundation in traditional design principles but also incorporate emerging fields such as UX/UI design, sustainable design, or digital media. Programs that emphasize adaptability, critical thinking, and innovation prepare students to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of the design industry. Look for curriculums that blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, offering opportunities to work on real-world projects and collaborate with industry professionals. This approach not only enhances learning but also ensures that students graduate with a portfolio that showcases their skills in addressing contemporary design challenges.

4. The Merits of Studying Design in Your Own Country

While international study offers unique advantages, considering the merits of studying in your own country is equally important. Cultural relevance in design can be a significant factor, especially if you intend to work within your local market post-graduation. Studying domestically can also be more cost-effective, reducing the need for international travel and living expenses. Moreover, local education systems are often well-aligned with the country’s specific design industry needs, providing relevant networking opportunities and internships. However, this doesn’t preclude international opportunities; many domestic programs offer exchange or study abroad options, allowing students to gain international exposure without committing to a full degree program overseas.

5. Job Opportunities: Local vs. Global Market Readiness

The design job market is incredibly diverse – design itself doesn’t have a standalone industry, it instead builds on the capabilities of other industries, whether it’s medical, consumer-goods, architecture, city planning, etc. Understanding the demand for specific design skills in your target market—whether local or international—is crucial. Programs that offer robust internship and placement services can significantly enhance your employability by providing practical experience and industry contacts. Networking, both in-person and online, can open doors to job opportunities not advertised publicly. However, international students should also consider a few things before planning on studying abroad. Aside from mere market readiness or a burgeoning need for your skill-sets, it’s important to evaluate the future from a social, economical, and even political lens. Looming sociopolitical unrest could lead to disruptions in your studies/work, low-skill work could be replaced by AI, a weak economy could easily affect job availability.

6. The Financial Aspect: Weigh Costs Against Benefits

The financial implications of studying design abroad are a major consideration. Tuition fees for international students can be substantial, and when combined with the cost of living, travel, and materials, the total expense can be daunting. Exploring scholarship opportunities, financial aid, and part-time work options can help mitigate these costs. It’s essential to conduct a cost-benefit analysis, considering the potential return on investment in terms of career opportunities and salary prospects. Ask yourself – “Will my salary grow proportionate to how much I’m investing in my career?” While the initial financial outlay may be significant, the long-term benefits of an international design education can outweigh the costs for many students.

7. Learning Vs. Earning – Upskilling Amidst Work

The debate between pursuing further studies and entering the workforce directly presents a compelling consideration: the possibility of learning while earning. This approach champions the idea of upskilling within the context of a job, where theoretical knowledge meets practical application. It’s a strategy that not only keeps the financial wheels turning but also enriches a designer’s skill set and experience in real-world settings. It allows aspiring designers to avoid the substantial financial and time investments typically associated with studying abroad, without sacrificing the advancement of their skills and careers. You build a skill set while building your savings – it’s a win-win.

8. Legal Considerations and Work Rights for International Students

Understanding the legal framework of your host country is essential for international students. This includes visa requirements, work rights during and after your studies, and potential pathways to permanent residency or employment. Regulations vary widely between countries, so it’s important to research thoroughly and plan accordingly. Many countries offer post-study work visas that allow graduates to remain in the country and gain valuable work experience, enhancing their career prospects.

9. Building a Global Network: Long-Term Career Advantages

One of the most significant benefits of studying design abroad is the opportunity to build a global network. Connections with fellow students, faculty, and industry professionals can provide invaluable support and opportunities throughout your career. These relationships can lead to collaborative projects, job offers, and partnerships. Actively engaging in your institution’s alumni network, attending industry events, and participating in design competitions can help you build and maintain these critical connections.

10. Reflection: Is Further Studies in Design Worthwhile?

Finally, reflecting on the value of further studies in design is crucial. While formal education can provide a strong foundation, the design industry also values experience, portfolio strength, and creativity. Consider whether your career goals are best served by further academic study or by gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects, or starting your own design venture. For many, a combination of both education and practical experience offers the best path to a successful career in design.

The post 10 Things To Consider Before Planning To Study Design Abroad first appeared on Yanko Design.

The UK moves another step closer to banning phones in schools

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Mobile phone ownership has become standard for people of most ages, and, while there's a convenience argument, experts and regulators alike have expressed concerns about children's well-being and distraction while learning. To that end, the UK government has become the latest to announce guidance for banning the use of phones during school. It follows other European countries like France and Italy, which prohibit phones in classrooms. 

Some schools in the UK already have no-phone policies in place, but these guidelines could bring widespread adoption and uniformity. "This is about achieving clarity and consistency in practice, backing headteachers and leaders and giving staff confidence to act," Gillian Keegan, the UK's secretary of state for education, said in a release. "Today's children are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives on and offline. This presents many exciting opportunities – but also challenges. By prohibiting mobile phones, schools can create safe and calm environments free from distraction so all pupils can receive the education they deserve."

While the UK government encourages schools to create their own policies, it outlines a few overarching options. The first — and most extreme — is a complete ban on mobile phones from school premises. However, the guidance acknowledges that this could create complications or risks for children when traveling to and from school. The next option takes care of that problem while still taking phones away. It suggests having students hand in their phones when arriving at school.

Then there's the locker route, where phones are kept strictly in students' lockers or whatever personal storage they get at school. While this allows students to keep possession of their device, it still wouldn't be usable at any point in the day, even when accessing the locker during breaks. The final option aligns with what many schools do — let students keep their phones in their bags, but they should be turned off and never accessed. 

The guidance also recommends teaching students about the mobile phone's potentially harmful impact on young people. Study after study has found that social media, in particular, can negatively impact young people's mental health. The UK government argues that, in addition to combating the social media issue, restricting phone use can increase students' concentration, time being active and spending time with peers face-to-face. 

Parents are encouraged to contact the school directly rather than through a private phone if they need to get in touch with their child. The guidance also encourages parents to discuss the rules at home and, once again, the risks of phones and the internet.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-uk-moves-another-step-closer-to-banning-phones-in-schools-132518091.html?src=rss

A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability

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In an interesting collaboration, design studio Mano de Santo has joined forces with French design atelier Tarkett to introduce ELVI. This innovative urban birdhouse game delves into the transformative potential of reusing materials. An eco-friendly and adaptable creation that not only highlights the versatility of linoleum but also aims to provide an interactive learning experience, fostering awareness and coexistence with urban wildlife.

Designers: Mano de Santo and Tarkett

In the world of birdhouse games, ELVI is not your everyday player. It stands out for its incredible ability to fit in just about anywhere – be it on streetlights, trees, balconies, or bars. It has a way of seamlessly blending into different spots, making it the go-to choice for those who appreciate a touch of beauty. What makes it even cooler is its modular design, making it super easy for anyone to put it together. You can be your own urban designer, customizing the birdhouse to match your style. The DIY aspect of ELVI adds a unique and personal dimension to the birdhouse-making process. By allowing individuals to assemble the birdhouse themselves, it creates a sense of connection to the project. This hands-on approach not only fosters a personal connection with the final product but also instills a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in its creation.

But this birdhouse is not just about looking good; it’s on a mission to teach us some important values. Imagine it as a wise friend, sharing knowledge about linoleum – a material often used for floors. It’s not just comfortable and durable; it’s also super versatile. You can find it in schools, hospitals, and many other places. The birdhouse takes this material and turns it into a piece of art that fits perfectly into our daily lives. The DIY nature encourages more people to actively engage in sustainable practices. As individuals take part in the creation of their birdhouses, they become more conscious of the materials used and the environmental impact of their choices.

Beyond its good looks, it takes on another important role as an educational tool. It’s like a guiding light, showing us how linoleum can be recycled and why it’s so good for the environment. It’s a product of the values of Tarkett, emphasizing how linoleum can be recovered and reused after we’re done using it. By pointing out the linoleum’s cleanliness and its ability to become new floors, the birdhouse wants us to feel responsible for taking care of our environment.

The hands-on experience serves as an educational tool, promoting a greater understanding of the importance of reusing materials like linoleum and contributing to a culture of sustainability.

By creating ELVI, a birdhouse game that goes beyond just being pretty, the project adds a special touch to urban spaces. Its design and focus on the eco-friendly qualities of linoleum make it more than just a decoration; it becomes a symbol of responsible choices and a reminder that we can live in harmony with nature even in our busy cities.

The post A Linoleum Birdhouse Game That Educates and Instils The Values Of Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

OpenAI and CommonSense Media team up to curate family-friendly GPTs

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You will soon find a kid-friendly section inside OpenAI's newly opened store for custom GPTs. The company has joined forces with Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that rates media and technology based on their suitability for children, to minimize the risks of AI use by teenagers. Together, they intend to create AI guidelines and educational materials for young people, their parents and their educators. The two organizations will also curate a collection of family-friendly GPTs in OpenAI's GPT store based on Common Sense's ratings, making it easy to see which ones are suitable for younger users. 

"Together, Common Sense and OpenAI will work to make sure that AI has a positive impact on all teens and families," James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, said in a statement. "Our guides and curation will be designed to educate families and educators about safe, responsible use of ChatGPT, so that we can collectively avoid any unintended consequences of this emerging technology."

According to Axios, the partnership was announced at Common Sense's kids and family summit in San Francisco, where OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shot down the idea that AI is bad for kids and should be kept out of schools. "Humans are tool users and we better teach people to use the tools that are going to be out in the world," he reportedly said. "To not teach people to use those would be a mistake." The CEO also said that future high school seniors would be able to operate at a higher level of abstraction and could achieve more that their predecessors with the help of artificial intelligence. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-and-commonsense-media-team-up-to-curate-family-friendly-gpts-074228457.html?src=rss

OpenAI and CommonSense Media team up to curate family-friendly GPTs

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You will soon find a kid-friendly section inside OpenAI's newly opened store for custom GPTs. The company has joined forces with Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that rates media and technology based on their suitability for children, to minimize the risks of AI use by teenagers. Together, they intend to create AI guidelines and educational materials for young people, their parents and their educators. The two organizations will also curate a collection of family-friendly GPTs in OpenAI's GPT store based on Common Sense's ratings, making it easy to see which ones are suitable for younger users. 

"Together, Common Sense and OpenAI will work to make sure that AI has a positive impact on all teens and families," James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, said in a statement. "Our guides and curation will be designed to educate families and educators about safe, responsible use of ChatGPT, so that we can collectively avoid any unintended consequences of this emerging technology."

According to Axios, the partnership was announced at Common Sense's kids and family summit in San Francisco, where OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shot down the idea that AI is bad for kids and should be kept out of schools. "Humans are tool users and we better teach people to use the tools that are going to be out in the world," he reportedly said. "To not teach people to use those would be a mistake." The CEO also said that future high school seniors would be able to operate at a higher level of abstraction and could achieve more that their predecessors with the help of artificial intelligence. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/openai-and-commonsense-media-team-up-to-curate-family-friendly-gpts-074228457.html?src=rss

Amazon will host free ‘AI Ready’ courses in an effort to boost the AI talent pool

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OpenAI may grab all the headlines, but Amazon has been quietly toiling on AI across all its divisions and even using AI-powered robots in its warehouses. Now, in a bid to expand the AI talent pool, the company is launching a free program called "AI Ready," with the aim of providing generative AI training to two million people globally by 2025. 

Consisting of eight free courses, the classes will be available through Amazon's learning website and offered to non-Amazon employees as well. They'll teach people AI skills including the generative AI technology that powers ChatGPT and other language models. 

They're designed for beginners and advanced users in both tech and tech-adjacent roles. Three courses are aimed at business and nontechnical users, while five are designed for developer and technical audiences. Along with the classes, Amazon announced that it's providing Udacity scholarships valued at more than $12 million to more than 50,000 high school and university students from underrepresented communities around the world. 

 "The goal of AI Ready is to help level the playing field of AI education, supported by the new initiatives we're launching here today," said AWS VP of data and AI, Swami Sivasubramanian. "If we are going to unlock the full potential of AI to tackle the world’s most challenging problems, we need to make AI education accessible to anyone with a desire to learn."

AI technology has been in use for some time now in field ranging from medical research to retail customer assistance — but it really exploded with the launch of OpenAI's ChatGPT virtual assistant. The field is still in its teething stages and systems are notoriously complex, however, so there's a serious shortage of qualified programmers, technicians and others. Amazon notes that 73 percent of employers say that hiring AI-skilled talent is a priority, but three of four are unable to find qualified people. 

Amazon said its aim is to "democratize" generative AI education, noting that the program will benefit not just its own employees but its enterprise customers who seek workers with prompt engineering and other skills. It could also help AWS (Amazon Web Service) customers as several courses are based on its own platforms including Amazon Bedrock AI and Amazon CodeWhisperer, a tool that automatically generates code. 

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazon-will-host-free-ai-ready-courses-in-an-effort-to-attract-new-talent-133851547.html?src=rss

This deconstructed windmill installation design highlights the power of wind

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Wind turbines are currently in popular demand due to the growing necessity of green energy, but there’s a deep sense of calm involved in watching a much less advanced windmill for the land (turn forever, hand in hand). That’s the idea behind the W.I.P.: Windmill In Play installation by Taiyi Yu, a graduate student in industrial design at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, Netherlands.

Windmill In Play is a deconstructed windmill, meaning it takes the classic windmill design and simplifies it using everyday parts that make it easy to build and deploy. You can watch the process of constructing Taiyi Yu’s handmade DIY windmill design in the video linked below, meaning anyone with the time and energy can learn to build one of their own.

Designer: Taiyi Yu

As the windmill turns, it physically powers a series of mechanisms that shuffle sand from the base of the installation into a hopper that gradually displaces the collected sand in a unique shape as the wind moves the windmill around its 360-degree radius.

Most of the materials used in the Windmill In Play design are simple to work with – like wood, fabric, and piping – and it appears that they’re mostly recycled materials sourced directly from the trash. An especially impressive part of the design is the pink sail fabric, sourced and cut from old umbrellas as seen in the construction video.

Windmill In Play is not just a cool science project that creates a potential outlet for recycled materials. According to designer Taiyi Yu, it serves an artistic purpose as well, saying, “The project questions how winds have been harvested through windmills and reflects on how we perceive and appropriate winds.”

“The windmill, as a concrete example but also as a metaphor for modern industrialisation, is implicated in the dichotomy between humans and nature. It exemplifies the rationality of seeing the natural world as a resource, a power that reconstitutes experience through its mechanical structure.”

Even though the windmill itself isn’t designed to produce electricity, it could serve as a direct example of what’s possible with everyday materials – and hopefully, it could become a starting point for even more designers and creators who want to develop their own green energy solutions.

The post This deconstructed windmill installation design highlights the power of wind first appeared on Yanko Design.

Duolingo’s gamified music lessons are launching this fall

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Duolingo is launching its new music course sometime this fall. The educational tech company first announced that it was gearing up to add music lessons to its repertoire back in September, promising "hundreds of bite-sized lessons" that can teach you music with the help of over 200 tunes. Duolingo, of course, has turned music learning into a gamified experience, dividing lessons into levels you have to complete and docking points (or hearts) whenever you enter an incorrect answer. 

You'll start by having to familiarize yourself with the sounds of the C and D notes of C major using a digital piano. Duolingo will have you matching the sounds of each note with their placement on a staff, so you'd know what they sound like and could spot them on a music sheet by the time you're done. You'll move on to the next notes in subsequent lessons, but before you can proceed, Duolingo will test you on what you've learned so far by having you play familiar ditties like Mary Had a Little Lamb. Don't worry — you only have to follow the notes scrolling on screen, but it could still be plenty challenging for the musically inept, like yours truly. If the first lessons are a bit too basic for you, though, you can skip ahead to the more advanced stages of the course. 

Staff with notes and a three key digital piano underneath.
Duolingo

In addition to creating a brand new music course, Duolingo has also updated its math curriculum to help you gain "advanced real-world math skills," such as the ability to quickly calculate tips and hourly wage. "While Duolingo is known for language, we’re expanding to math and music because these are subjects that people often find intimidating," Karen Chow, Senior Learning Scientist for Duolingo Music, told Engadget. "You'll hear people say 'Oh I'm tone deaf' or 'I'm just not a math person.' We want to show people that learning these different subjects is possible and it can actually be a lot of fun!"

You can now sign up for the music course waitlist, if you want to start learning as soon as it becomes available. Initially, Duolingo music will only be available in English and Spanish on iOS devices, but the company says it's "hoping to bring the course to more learners very soon."

Duolingo music interface.
Duolingo

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/duolingos-gamified-music-lessons-are-launching-this-fall-050009231.html?src=rss

The Arecibo Observatory’s next phase as a STEM education center starts in 2024

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An educational center could open up at the site of the famed Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico as soon as early next year, but astronomy research won’t be among its missions. At least, not for now. The National Science Foundation announced this week that it’s chosen four institutions to take charge of the site’s transition, with a $5.5 million investment over the next five years. It’ll be a hub for STEM education, with a focus on life and computer sciences.

The NSF first revealed its plans for an education center at Arecibo last year after months of uncertainty about its future, confirming then that the telescope would not be rebuilt. The observatory’s main radio telescope suffered a catastrophic collapse in December 2020, when its 900-ton hanging instrument platform fell onto the dish below, destroying the 1,000-foot-wide structure. The collapse abruptly finalized the end of the telescope’s operations after nearly six decades of observations, during which it became a critical tool in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and in advancing our understanding of the universe.

The new educational center, called the Arecibo Center for Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Science Education, Computational Skills, and Community Engagement (Arecibo C3 for short), is projected to open in early 2024. It’ll be led in collaboration by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, University of Puerto Rico-Río Piedras, Universidad del Sagrado Corazón, University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

While there are other working instruments at the site still, which researchers hoped to see funding for to continue science operations, the NSF confirmed to Nature that this is not in its current plans, though it will accept and consider proposals. The telescope's impact will be presented in an interactive exhibit at the new center. Arecibo C3’s executive director, astronomer Wanda Díaz-Merced, told Nature, “We will be building on the heritage of Arecibo, but we will be building in a wider sense.”

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-arecibo-observatorys-next-phase-as-a-stem-education-center-starts-in-2024-165915827.html?src=rss