Category Archives: Reference And Education

Can Modern Technology Help Save The Environment?

Posted by on July 11, 2011 No comments
More and more people are worrying about the state of the planet's environment. With temperatures rising, along with the sea levels, and widespread droughts and food shortages on the horizon, more and more businesses are looking to reduce their environmental impact. But could a potential solution be staring them in the face? Could modern communications technology offer a real solution to the huge carbon emissions created by commerce around the world? A growing number of people think so, and this article demonstrates a number of ways that modern technology can lead to lower emissions and a better environment. The Polluter: Aircraft A trans-Atlantic flight burns huge amounts of fuel, emits hundreds of tonnes of carbon, and can be extremely costly for both the environment and the commuters Read more [...]

The Toxic Academic Work Environment – What Damage Results to the People Who Work in Toxicity?

Posted by on December 4, 2010 No comments
Meggin McIntosh asked: Can you be damaged by working in a toxic academic environment? As you're answering this question, know that by toxic, I don't mean chemicals, asbestos, and the like. Toxic, as we will use it in this article, is defined as hostile, stress-filled, mean-spirited, cold, exclusionary places. If you have never been to a college or university, then you may think that this couldn't possibly describe an academic environment. Unfortunately, sometimes it does.The damage that can result from working and "living" in a toxic academic work environment is staggering, not just to us but to all of those around us. For most academics, since our work is a huge part of our life and it's not 8 to 4, 8 to 5, or whatever that funny little slot is that people talk about. For many professors, Read more [...]

Setting The Tone For A Positive Learning Environment

Posted by on October 17, 2010 No comments
Rebecca Schauffele asked: Every teacher has a responsibility to provide a healthy learning environment for his or her students. Over the years, volumes of research have been conducted to help teachers determine what works best for the students. There is a wealth of methods and techniques that, through research, have been proven to improve the quality of the learning environment. Many different aspects of the learning environment should be considered.A positive learning environment is one in which school staff, students, and parents build safe and peaceful environments where people feel accepted and respected and where learning is the main focus (Stratman, n.d.). Therefore, a positive school climate exists when all students feel comfortable, wanted, valued, accepted, and secure in an environment Read more [...]