On Campus Study finds computers help test-takers A new study by researchers at the Lynch School of Education and at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell shows that the regular use of computers can improve standardized test performance, according to Innovations-report.com. Researchers found that the more students used computers in preparing papers, the better their results were on the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems English/Language Arts exam. The study included 986 fourth graders from 22 school districts across the state. Recreational use of computers had an adverse effect on their scores. This study is part of the "Use, Support and Effect of Instructional Technology" study by the Technology and Assessment Study Collaborative of LSOE.
Local Restaurant owner honored for service Sean Gavin, owner of 21 Nickels Grille and Tap in Watertown, is the latest recipient of the Celtic's Hero Among Us Award, according to The Allston-Brighton TAB. Gavin is awarded this honor for his long-time devotion to Brighton's Franciscan Hospital for Children and a variety of other charities in greater Boston. He has acted as a fund-raiser and morale-booster, taking the children to baseball games and hosting ice cream sundae parties. Last year, he raised over $11,000 for the Hospital, as well as 1,700 new toys and clothes. He has also raised loyalty from the local scene, at times drawing more adult volunteers than needed. Following tomorrow night's Celtics game, he will host a tsunami relief effort at 21 Nickels.
MBTA tests cards for fare collection Monday was the first test-run of CharlieCards, the MBTA's new collection fare, according to The Boston Globe. The cards were distributed to approximately 300 Silver Line bus riders, who swiped their cards instead of depositing tokens or change. The first day had some difficulties, as those without cards were delayed. The new boxes spit back dollar bills and required coins to be fed one by one. Anticipating these problems, officials placed posters at each stop and organized customer service agents to answer questions. Some of the benefits included exact change, like a 10 cent return for dollar bills on the bus. The Silver Line is the only route to support CharlieCards now, but the Blue Line will change in late April or early May.
Universities Textbook 'gimmicks' jack up prices The cost of textbooks has increased at four times the rate of inflation since 1994, according to a study by the State Public Interest Research Groups. The study surveyed textbook prices at 59 public and private schools around the country, finding that some students pay more than $900 per year, the DC Bureau reports. Some figures show students paying 62 percent more than they paid 10 years ago. "This report shows that publishers use needless new editions and gimmicks to drive up the cost of textbooks," said Luke Swarthout, a higher education associate with the research group. Such "gimmicks" include printing new editions of books and attaching CD-ROMS or workbooks, both of which can increase prices by about 45 percent.
Storm slams Pitt semester-at-sea ship Last week, a severe storm rocked the MV Explorer, a semester-at-sea ship out of the University of Pittsburgh. Approximately 700 students were aboard the ship at the time, including seven students from Pennsylvania State University, according to The Daily Collegian. Waves of more than 50 feet slammed the boat, causing destruction on board and preparing the students to board lifeboats. None of the passengers were harmed, although two crewmen sustained minor injuries. The boat is now docked in Honolulu Harbor, awaiting further assessment of damages. The delay is causing students to miss parts of their world tour. If they miss the next stop to China, then they will lose credits for the semester.
Nation Elephant's death sparks controversy Should elephants live in cold weather? The oldest elephant in America died on Jan. 17, at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago. Peaches' death sparked renewed controversy over the living conditions of these animals, according to the Associated Press. Animal-welfare activists complain that elephants do not belong in cold climates and that Peaches' death was caused by the cold. Lincoln Zoo officials argue that the weather had nothing to do with her death, pointing to old age and a non-contagious disease similar to tuberculosis. Most elephants aren't used to Chicago-style weather, and huddle together as means for warmth when temperature drops. Tests are pending on Peaches' official cause of death.
Jackson pleads innocent on Web video Michael Jackson released a video statement Sunday to defend himself before proceedings begin in his child molestation trial, according to CNN. In the statement, posted on his Web site, he called leaks from the grand jury disgusting and false. "Please keep an open mind and let me have my day in court," Jackson said. "I deserve a fair trial like every other American citizen. I will be acquitted and vindicated when the truth is told." Jackson, 46, has pleaded not guilty to a variety of charges, including child molestation and conspiracy to commit child abduction, false imprisonment, and extortion.
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