NewsFeed

May 9, 2025

Bangladesh Boosts Women's Tech Skills Amid Budget Cuts

The Bangladeshi government is committed to continuing projects that support women's tech skills and economic participation, despite budget constraints. At a seminar on "Women in Technology" organized by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI) in Dhaka, Shish Haider announced 21 ongoing projects under the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology aimed at enhancing women's ICT knowledge and skills.

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/womens-tech-empowerment-remains-priority-amid-budget-constraints-ict-division-secretary

May 9, 2025

British Council Cancels Lahore Exam Due to Security Concerns

The British Council has cancelled all exams scheduled for Thursday, May 8, afternoon session in Lahore due to emerging security and safety concerns. The decision prioritizes the safety and security of candidates. Exams on Friday, May 9, are still expected to proceed if the security situation remains unchanged. Students have been advised to follow official updates from Cambridge and British Council Pakistan for the latest information.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/603688-cambridge-international-education

May 9, 2025

Canada Funds Higher Ed Digital Infrastructure Upgrades

The Canadian government has launched a new initiative to support higher education institutions in modernizing their digital infrastructure, providing funding for ERP system upgrades and other initiatives. Info-Tech Research Group has published a blueprint to help CIOs and IT leaders navigate the process, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, collaboration with stakeholders, and careful cost-benefit analysis. The firm advises institutions to assess their IT capabilities and organizational readiness before embarking on an ERP modernization journey, which can drive operational efficiency, enhance the student experience, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/higher-ed-it-leaders-get-framework-to-modernize-erp-systems-with-new-guidance-from-info-tech-research-group-302450666.html

May 9, 2025

Chatbot Addiction Threatens Students' Mental Health

Marcus Pierre, a grad student at Quinnipiac University, warns that excessive computer use can harm students' social skills, citing his work with Digital Defenders nonprofit where he teaches kids about online dangers and navigation skills. He notes that students are increasingly relying on chatbots for everything, raising concerns over mental health and data breaches when personal information is shared without proper understanding of the risks.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/school-districts-seeing-students-turn-to-ai-relationships/3561712/

May 9, 2025

DICT Donates Laptops to Camarines Sur Colleges

The Philippine government's Digital Infrastructure and Telecommunications (DICT) program, Project CLICK, aims to enhance digital literacy in disadvantaged areas through laptop donations to community colleges. Undersecretary Claire Castro praised the initiative, saying it aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to bridge the digital divide. The DICT has donated 75 laptops to two community colleges in Camarines Sur: 50 to Governor Mariano E. Villafuerte Community College and 25 to Baao Community College. The program's goal is to equip individuals with essential computer and internet skills, promoting safe online behavior and supporting educational and professional development.

https://opengovasia.com/2025/05/09/the-philippines-click-programme-bridges-the-digital-divide/

May 9, 2025

Echo360 Powers Learning Transformation Globally with Partners

Echo360 is a global edtech leader providing a comprehensive Learning Transformation Platform to over 2000 customers across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. It has partnered with prominent institutions like Columbia University, King's College London, and the University of Sydney, as well as corporate clients such as McDonald's, H&R Block, and McGraw Hill. The platform offers innovative solutions including EchoInk, EchoVideo, EchoEngage, and EchoExam, which deliver measurable learning outcomes, personalized experiences, and enriched interactions for learners and instructors.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/echo360-acquires-goreact-adding-next-generation-ai-video-assessment-to-its-learning-transformation-platform-302450629.html

May 9, 2025

Google and Microsoft Ditch Office Clutter for Productivity

The article "Do you really need that Post-it?" by Cathy Bussewitz discusses the impact of workplace clutter, citing examples from companies like Google and Microsoft, which have implemented minimalism initiatives to reduce distractions and increase productivity. The author suggests that small changes, such as using a single note-taking system or implementing a "one touch" rule for handling paperwork, can make a significant difference in reducing clutter and improving focus.

https://www.smh.com.au/business/workplace/do-you-really-need-that-post-it-how-to-reduce-and-tame-workplace-clutter-20250508-p5lxn9.html

May 9, 2025

Google Settles Ad Bidding Privacy Lawsuit Claims

Google has reached a settlement with individuals who claim the company sells US account holders' information to facilitate real-time ad bidding, a process that allows digital advertising inventory to be bought and sold. The plaintiffs alleged this practice infringes on their privacy.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/class-action/google-to-settle-privacy-dispute-over-real-time-ad-bidding

May 9, 2025

Instagram Shifts Focus to Video Amid Monopoly Claims

Instagram's chief, Adam Mosseri, has stated that a small portion of the app's content comes from users interacting with family and friends, as it shifts its focus towards video offerings to compete with TikTok, amid government claims that Meta Platforms Inc. monopolizes social media.

https://news.bloomberglaw.com/antitrust/instagram-chief-says-app-has-feared-tiktok-threat-for-years