Author: Emily Gautreaux

Electronics In The Classroom: Helpful or hurtful?

While the last decade brought pushes to improve the choice and frequency of technology and electronics use in America’s classrooms, recent research makes the argument against this push. A study published in the journal Educational Psychology found that students who had technology for use in conjunction with the lesson, such as cell phones or laptops, scored five percent, or half a letter grade, lower on exams than students who didn’t use electronics.  According to a press release from Rutgers University, the study is the first-ever to show a causal relationship between distractions from electronics and exam performance.

 

Researchers separated 118 college students enrolled in the same course into two groups. Each group was taught the same material by the same professor, but one group was allowed to have cellphones and laptops open for non-academic purposes, while the other group was not. While the students allowed electronics didn’t score lower on comprehension tests during lectures, they scored lower on exams at the end of the term.

 

“The intrusion of internet-enabled electronic devices (laptop, tablet and cell phone) has transformed the modern college lecture into a divided attention task,” the study stated.  “Many dedicated students think they can divide their attention in the classroom without harming their academic success – but we found an insidious effect on exam performance and final grades. To help manage the use of devices in the classroom, teachers should explain to students the damaging effect of distractions on retention – not only on themselves, but for the whole class.”

Focus Word: electronics

 

While the last decade brought pushes to improve the choice and frequency of technology use in America’s classrooms, recent research makes the argument against this push. A study published in the journal Educational Psychology found that students who had technology for use in conjunction with the lesson, such as cell phones or laptops, scored five percent, or half a letter grade, lower on exams than students who didn’t use electronics.  According to a press release from Rutgers University, the study is the first-ever to show a causal relationship between distractions from electronics and exam performance.

Researchers separated 118 college students enrolled in the same course into two groups. Each group was taught the same material by the same professor, but one group was allowed to have cellphones and laptops open for non-academic purposes, while the other group was not. While the students allowed electronics didn’t score lower on comprehension tests during lectures, they scored lower on exams at the end of the term.

“The intrusion of internet-enabled electronic devices (laptop, tablet and cell phone) has transformed the modern college lecture into a divided attention task,” the study stated.  “Many dedicated students think they can divide their attention in the classroom without harming their academic success – but we found an insidious effect on exam performance and final grades. To help manage the use of devices in the classroom, teachers should explain to students the damaging effect of distractions on retention – not only on themselves, but for the whole class.”

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The Best No-Churn Ice Cream Recipe

Is there anything more nostalgic than the taste of home-made ice cream?  These days summer BBQ’s are having less and less of the old-style churning machines because the process is a bit laborious.  No-churn is the way to go and we came across the easiest and most delicious way to whip a batch up.

Ingredients for No-Churn Cinnamon Brown Sugar Ice Cream

(12 servings; makes about 6 cups)

4 large eggs (about 7 ounces, shelled)

3 1/2 ounces granulated sugar (about 1/2 cup)

1 1/2 ounces light brown sugar (shy 1/4 cup, loosely packed)

1/2 ounce vanilla extract (about 1 tablespoon)

1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for other brands, use less

Pinch ground cinnamon

6 ounces chilled heavy cream (about 3/4 cup)

Preparation

Combine the eggs, granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Stir with a flexible spatula until well combined, then place the bowl over a large pan of gently bubbling water. Stir and scrape continuously until the mixture registers 160 degrees on a digital/instant-read thermometer. This should take no more than 10 minutes, so adjust the heat as needed to keep things moving along. Transfer the bowl to a cool work surface.

Use a handheld electric mixer to beat the warmed egg-sugar mixture until pale and thick enough to hold soft peaks, about 15 minutes (the timing will vary with the power of the mixer). When properly mixed, the mixture will be thick enough to mound up on itself in the bowl when dropped from a spoon.

Whip the cream to stiff peaks in a separate large bowl, then add about one-third of the foamed egg mixture, whisking by hand to incorporate. Add the remaining egg mixture, and fold until well combined.

Scrape into a 2-quart glass or ceramic baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the freezer for about 1 hour, until thick and firm. Serve as you would traditional ice cream, in ice cream cones or chilled bowls.  For optional mix-ins, click here.

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Why does Louisiana have Parishes?

Louisiana is the only state that is separated by Parishes and not counties. But why is that? The answer is actually quite simple. Louisiana was officially Roman Catholic under both France and Spain’s rule. The boundaries dividing the territories generally coincided with church parishes. In 1807, the territorial legislature officially adopted the ecclesiastical term. Through each change in history, Louisiana never deviated and the primary civil divisions have been officially known as parishes ever since. In this article, written by worldatlas.com, you can read more about the history of Louisiana including Colonal Louisiana, The Louisiana Purchase, and more detailed information about the 64 Louisiana Parishes.

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Fletcher Tech Students Land Jobs

All 13 of Fletcher Tech Community College’s graduates in the cardiopulmonary program have landed jobs before they even officially finished the program.  They have finished their courses at this point but still have a pinning ceremony this week to commemorate the completion of the program and transition to the workforce.  The 2 year program has been located at Fletcher since 2010 and is very fast paced.  It prepares students to treat patients of every age that have been diagnosed with severe and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions.  These patients may have underdeveloped lungs and/or lung disease. Students learn to help patients on mechanical ventilation with oxygenation, ventilation and airway management to maintain life support.

Chancellor Kristine Strickland said, “A true testament to the achievements of these students and the quality of the program at Fletcher is indicated by the 100 percent placement rate of our students.  Fletcher recognizes that our work is aligned with the needs of our business and industry partners and we are pleased that so many organizations have recognized the quality of our graduates and offered them positions.  We wish our students the best of luck as they begin their new careers in healthcare.”  For more on this story, click here.

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The Top 10 Ultimate Bucket List

What’s on your travel bucket list? Antarctic Expeditions? Sailing Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands?  What made the cut?? We have compiled the ultimate Top 10 travel bucket list for any willing globetrotter. One could consider themselves lucky to do even one of the trips on this list.  Have you done any?

  1. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Nestled far away from bustling Guatemala City, Lake Atitlan in the Guatemala Highlands of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range is a majestic place where you can relax and be immersed in your natural surroundings. Consider staying at Casa Palopo, where you’ll have sweeping views of the lake and the volcanoes. Don’t forget to bring home plenty of the beautiful textiles from the local markets.

  1. Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Take the flight into St. Thomas and then hop on the ferry over to the idyllic island of Tortola. Book a stay through Airbnb with a group of friends, rent a car so you can get around the island with ease, and enjoy sunshine, sparkling blue waters, and forget about the struggles of life until it’s time to check in for your return flight.  Truly paradise!

  1. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Head to Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming for some of the most spectacular natural settings in America.  Camping will be your best, most affordable bet, but you had better start booking a campsite now.

  1. Santiago, Chile

Travelers have often overlooked Chile’s capital city in favor of more popular South American cities like Lima or Cartagena but the city is attracting more world-class chefs than ever, and has more and more design-centric boutiques and breathtaking views of the surrounding Andes.

  1. Lofoten Islands, Norway

Thanks to budget airlines like Norwegian Air, getting to Norway is more affordable than ever. Make the journey to the Lofoten Islands, north of the Arctic Circle, and stay in a fisherman’s cottage for a few days of majestic landscapes, tasty fresh fish, and more.

  1. Isla Holbox, Mexico

This under-the-radar island off the Yucatan Peninsula is a must this year. Stay at Casa Las Tortugas (super affordable), and unwind on the beach for a few days of good food, yoga, and sunshine.

  1. Chefchaouen, Morocco

Make the trek to the majestic Blue City of Morocco, Chefchaouen. Situated in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen was painted blue by Jewish refugees in the 1930s and has stayed that way ever since. It’s no wonder Instagrammers are flocking to this blue gem.

  1. Kyoto, Japan

As one of the best-preserved cities in Japan, Kyoto is home to hundreds of Shinto shrines and thousands of Buddhist temples. Spend a few days in Tokyo and then head to Japan’s imperial capital.

  1. Bocas Del Toro, Panamá

An archipelago made up of nine islands, Bocas Del Toro is a true sanctuary. Full of tropical rain forest, empty beaches, and beautiful coral reefs, this rugged retreat is a great place to escape from it all. Stay at the stylish Sarani Resort, and spend your days eating the fresh local catch and enjoying the area’s natural wonders.

  1. Jaipur, India

You’ll want to head to the Pink City — widely thought of as one of the most beautiful places in the world — with an empty suitcase and a full wallet. The goods and textiles are all still made by hand. How much is it to check 10 suitcases full of handmade Indian goodies?

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Seafood Salsa Dip

This seafood salsa dip is one for the books. These days more people are interested in eating healthier and lighter so rich, creamy, cheesy dips are becoming a thing of the past, even more so at parties and get-togethers.  Today.com has a great spin on the regular, boring salsa that is light, healthy, and best of all- EASY!  This would be the perfect option to bring to a potluck, picnic or barbecue.  This recipe serves 4 and only takes 15 minutes to prepare!!

Ingredients

    • 3 cups Dungeness crab meat
    • 1 cup chopped cilantro
    • 3/4 cup chopped tomato
    • 3/4 cup chopped mango
    • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon agave syrup
    • 1/2 teaspoon finely minced jalapeño (optional)
    • Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
    • 1 large avocado, diced
    • 1 bag tortilla chips, for serving

Preparation

In a large, non-reactive mixing bowl, gently toss the crab meat, cilantro, tomato, mango, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, lime juice, agave syrup and jalapeño together to evenly combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Gently fold the avocado into the salsa mixture. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve with chips on the side.  For more on tropical recipes, click here.

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