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Southern tracks: Slow journeys through Sri Lanka’s hill country and Colombo 2/2
Rattly train to Nuwara Eliya Leaving the faded colonial robes of the Queen’s Hotel behind, we made our way on foot through Kandy’s early-morning bustle to the train station. Distances in Sri Lanka can be deceiving; on the map, towns appear close, but the reality is otherwise. Of all transport options, trains set the gold…
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Travels in Sri Lanka, Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, and Kandy 1/2
Sri Lanka sits off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, an island marked by natural beauty and cavernous complexity. Its story is tangled with colonial exploits—first by the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch, and then the British, whose influence still permeates the island’s railways, legal systems, and architecture. After independence in 1948, Sri Lanka’s…
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Designing custom AI Agents for learning: The landscape thus far..
The integration of artificial intelligence into educational settings has evolved beyond general-purpose tools to encompass sophisticated, educator-controlled AI agents designed specifically for learning enhancement. This development represents a significant shift towards pedagogically-focused AI implementation, where educators maintain control over AI interactions while leveraging the technology’s power to support student learning outcomes. The emergence of platforms…
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Dark Mofo: Finding Light in Hobart’s Winter
Every year, in the depth of winter, Hobart shrugs off its sleepy charm and embraces a darker, more primal energy. This is Dark Mofo, the Museum of Old and New Art’s (MONA) annual winter festival, a phenomenon that has become a pilgrimage for those seeking art, music, and ritual in the longest nights of the…
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The landscape of AI literacy programs: cultivating creativity and innovation
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into higher education necessitates a proactive approach to developing staff competencies. For university educators, the imperative extends beyond the ad hoc utilisation of AI tools; it also encompasses a critical, ethical, and creative application in classrooms and other learning environments. The objective of lteracy programs is to unlock the…
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Reconsidering assessment in higher education: the lane approach
The deployment of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has fundamentally challenged traditional assessment practices in higher education. As these technologies become increasingly sophisticated and accessible, educators must reconsider how we design, implement, and evaluate assessments to maintain academic integrity while preparing students for a world where AI is ubiquitous. The “lane approach” to assessment —…
