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The Impact of Gamification on Students' Engagement and Motivation

The Impact of Gamification on Students’ Engagement and Motivation

Games have always been a favourite pastime, whether during travel, leisure or even at work, capturing the attention of people worldwide. The concept of gamification has recently expanded beyond just entertainment, grabbing the interest of scholars, educators and industry experts in various fields like information technologies, public health and even governmental institutions. 

Unsurprisingly, research by Taylor & Francis shows that a significant 67% of students find courses delivered through gamification more motivating than traditional methods, highlighting the transformative potential of gamification in education.

Gamification is a fascinating blend of social and technological elements that offers many benefits for college students, including enjoyment, social interaction and increased engagement. This article explores the diverse impact of gamification on students’ engagement and motivation, going beyond academic outcomes.

Understanding Gamification

Riding the wave of digitalisation, many institutions are transforming mundane tasks into engaging, game-like experiences, a trend known as gamification. 

The gamification approach incorporates game elements into non-gaming contexts to captivate and motivate users, primarily to enhance their intrinsic motivation – or their natural desire to learn. 

Different from traditional methods that predominantly use external rewards, gamification makes learning an interactive process, departing from passive teaching methods and enriching students’ engagement and motivation. 

Gamification is designed to improve the psychological outcomes of users, which in turn influences their actions and how much they value the learning experience. Basically, even though the way the system is set up might affect their feelings and behaviours, the developers of these gamified systems – educators and psychologists – can adjust them. By making these adjustments, they can ensure the system helps learners to study better and find more value in what they’re doing.

Ways Gamification Effects Students’ Learning Engagement

What are some effective strategies and their real-world applications to better grasp the gamification impact?

Strengthens Intrinsic Motivation

Gamification makes learning both enjoyable and rewarding, which enhances your motivation from within. For example, imagine a language app that awards points and badges for completing vocabulary exercises and motivates you to engage more deeply, seeking rewards and recognition. 

Promotes Active Involvement

Unlike the passive nature of traditional lectures, gamification requires active participation. An interactive science platform, for instance, might simulate experiments, allowing you to explore concepts like circuit building or chemical reactions firsthand. This active learning approach makes the subject matter more engaging and comprehensible.

Reduces Fear of Failure

Public failure is the worst nightmare of a young student. Gamification reframes failure as a normal part of the learning journey rather than a defeat. For example, a math gaming app might allow infinite attempts at solving problems without negative consequences, encouraging you to resolve challenges and learn from errors. This approach, especially when applied to groups of college students, fosters resilience and a positive attitude toward learning.

Creates Personalised Learning Paths

Gamification tailors learning experiences to your individual performance. Let’s imagine an adaptive learning tool that might adjust the difficulty of math questions in real-time, ensuring that tasks remain appropriately challenging. Personalised platforms together with AI in higher education prevent you from feeling either overwhelmed or under-challenged, enhancing overall learning effectiveness.

Provides Immediate Feedback

Instant feedback is a hallmark of gamified learning, allowing you to quickly learn from your mistakes. A history quiz app, for example, might immediately indicate whether an answer is correct, clarifying misunderstandings and reinforcing knowledge instantaneously. Immediate feedback loop accelerates learning and deepens understanding.

Tracks Progress and Sets Goals

Gamification enables you to monitor your own progress and establish goals, giving you a clear view of your achievements and future objectives. A language learning platform could display advancements in various language skills, encouraging you to set specific goals like expanding your vocabulary. Tools like progress bars or points further motivate college students to continue improving.

Fosters Healthy Competition

Incorporating leaderboards and challenges introduces a healthy competitive element, spurring you to excel. A reading app may rank you and your groupmates by the number of books read and quizzes passed. And we all know what power competition has to boost academic success.

Encourages Regular Study Habit

Gamification can help build consistent study routines through daily challenge quests or streaks. For instance, a language learning app, like a well-known Duolingo, might reward you for hitting a 7-day learning streak with extra points. This encourages daily engagement and discipline, making regular study sessions more appealing and rewarding.

Enhances Collaborative Learning

Some gamification platforms introduce team-based challenges, where students work together to achieve common goals. For example, an online project management course could use a game where students form teams to complete a simulated project, earning points for collaboration, problem-solving and timely completion. This way learning becomes more interactive and allows you to develop communication and networking skills.

Offers Customisable Avatars

Allowing students to create and customise their avatars for use within educational games or platforms adds a personal touch to learning. A math puzzle app, for example, could let you design your character, which evolves as you progress through levels or achieve milestones, enhancing the connection between you and the learning material.

Final Thoughts

Gamification is a powerful and user-friendly method, offering various tools to make learning enjoyable for all, including students, teachers and even parents. Everyone likes to play games and gamification taps into this universal enjoyment.

The great thing about gamification is how it encourages everyone to take part. It turns competition, achievement and reward into fun activities. Even when someone fails, gamification makes it easier to try again, promoting persistence and resilience, creating a welcoming environment for learners and motivating you to keep trying and improving.

Considering these benefits, why not explore gamification further? It could transform how you learn, or engage with other college students, making every experience more rewarding and productive.

SEE ALSO: Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Successfully Navigating Your First Year: The Advantages of Hiring a Private Tutor as a Freshman

Roughly 25% of first-year college students don’t return for their second year to any school, and about 35% don’t return to the same school, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (NSCRC). While reasons for dropping out can vary from student to student, striving for academic success is the overarching goal for many. Whether you’re in need of valuable study skills or are finding it challenging to navigate online classes, a private tutor can help greatly during your first year on campus — from helping to develop healthy academic skills to bridging the gaps of online learning.

Developing Valuable Skills

The pace of college life can be a major shock for many, with a healthy dose of responsibility resulting in challenges such as improper time management, stress overload, and learning to successfully balance a social life with academics. As a result, students may find themselves quickly falling behind in class, regardless as to the subject. A 2021 Inside Higher Ed post delves into the findings of the Beginning College Survey of Student Engagement that year, which noted that 53% of first-year students reported “a substantial increase” in both mental and emotional exhaustion. Of these, it’s pointed out that nearly 70% indicated “high expectations of academic difficulty,” compared to 42% of their peers who didn’t experience greater exhaustion.

A private tutor can help greatly when looking to address specific problem areas, though additional benefits should also be noted. Generally speaking, improving academic performance, encouraging self-directed learning, and even helping a student to improve their attitude towards learning are all advantages of hiring a private tutor, according to Oxford Learning. For college students, a private tutor can also help in developing valuable academic skills that can be carried throughout their time on campus. For many first year college students, lacking basic academic skills that may not have been developed in high school (like knowing how to effectively study for an exam) can be a great reason to hire a private tutor. One Florida State University page highlights the value of study skills tutoring, a specific type of tutoring that can offer students assistance in several key areas, such as learning proper time management, effective study and motivation strategies, and addressing challenges such as anxiety, stress, and procrastination.

At Florida State University, study skills tutoring is noted to be located alongside coursed-based tutoring in the Learning Studio during open hours, with study skills tutors available by appointment or walk-in. While this type of tutoring may not be available at your institution, hiring a tutor that specializes in such skills can be a major advantage. General study skills, problem solving in regard to academics, and gaining confidence for an upcoming exam or assignment are all advantages that can come from a university tutor. It’s worth noting that when a tutor is a college student themselves, developing a peer-to-peer academic relationship can also be beneficial when aiming to pick up on valuable skills that will serve a student well throughout their time on campus.

Addressing the Pitfalls of Online Learning

In recent years, online classes have been a staple for college students — though the virtual classroom can present academic challenges on its own. “Many college students find themselves disappointed with the quality of the academic instruction they receive via online lectures,” highlights a post from Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health. “Some students report that they have very little direct instruction from professors, relying instead on reading material, pre-recorded lectures and written assignments.” Due to the nature of online learning, many may find it difficult to retain information, while the learning style itself can present a major adjustment when it comes to the style of asynchronous classes that limit real-time participation. For example, students who typically thrive from live feedback, classroom discussion, and the ability to ask questions in the moment can find it challenging to succeed in a virtual environment.

A private tutor can help immensely by bridging the gap that online learning methods bring. Meeting with a tutor once a week while taking an online class, for example, will provide the in-person element that many may crave, though it can also serve as an opportunity to ask questions, receive feedback in real time, and supplement ‘unhelpful’ methods with those that a student can utilize to their advantage (having a tutor walk you through an exercise, for example, can be more helpful to some than listening to a pre-recorded lecture). Meeting with a tutor in person can also give you the chance to dive deeper into a topic, have meaningful and thought-provoking discussions, and address any questions that may come up immediately, highlighting the many benefits for those who may struggle with online instruction.

Finding the Right Tutor

When looking to find a tutor while in university, contacting your school’s student services is a great place to start — this can be especially helpful when determining whether or not your school has qualified tutors or a tutoring program available. Asking other students or even your professor can present additional resources, while finding a tutor online is another option that can allow for flexibility when managing a busy schedule. When it comes to selecting the right individual, determining your goals ahead of time will allow you to communicate what you’re looking for, whether it’s help with one subject, general study skills, or something else entirely.

When looking to hire a private tutor that is not associated with your school, carrying out a few simple steps can help ensure that you’re hiring the right individual. The right qualifications, experience, and a positive demeanor are all necessary characteristics, though assessing additional factors — such as safety — should be a top priority. A simple online search and criminal background check, for example, will help you to determine that a tutor is who they claim to be, though an interview is equally as essential in ensuring that a candidate is fit for the job. Apart from providing the space to address any concerns or questions, an interview can help you determine whether or not a good working relationship can be established depending on whether a good rapport is present. Additionally, holding at least one interview before hiring a private tutor will help in revealing any red flags (if there are any), such as showing up late, last-minute cancellations, or refusing to answer any important questions. From there, arranging a second, more informal preliminary meeting can be used to discuss money and fees, additional costs, and logistics.

Enlisting the help of a private tutor may sound unnecessary to many first year college students, especially when aiming to successfully balance academics on your own. However, private tutoring can make a world of difference, from better navigating the academic ins and outs of college life to addressing gaps that may need to be filled when taking online courses.

SEE ALSO: How to Build Marketable Skills Alongside Your College Studies

The Future of Higher Education: Trends and Predictions for Students

The Future of Higher Education: Trends and Predictions for Students

The landscape of higher education is transforming, shaped by technological advancements and changing societal needs. As students stand at the forefront of this evolution, understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the future of learning and career preparation. These developments promise to make education more accessible, personalized, and aligned with the demands of the modern workforce, offering new opportunities and challenges for today’s learners.

Embracing these changes requires an open mind and a proactive approach to education. Students can make strategic decisions about their academic paths and career plans by staying informed about the latest trends. This shift in higher education impacts how knowledge is acquired and prepares students for a future where adaptability and lifelong learning are key to success. As we explore the significant trends shaping higher education, students are encouraged to consider how these changes can be leveraged to enhance their educational journey and future career prospects.

The Rise of Online Learning Platforms

The surge in online learning platforms has revolutionized access to education, making it possible for students around the globe to engage with high-quality learning resources at their convenience. This shift towards digital education offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing learners to tailor their educational journeys to fit their personal schedules and learning preferences. With courses ranging from introductory to advanced levels across various disciplines, these platforms cater to a wide array of academic interests and career aspirations.

Online learning has democratized education, breaking down geographical and financial barriers that once limited access to higher education. Students can now explore subjects beyond the confines of traditional classroom settings, gaining exposure to global perspectives and diverse teaching methodologies. Thanks to online learning platforms like Studocu, students get access to study notes, exam prep guides, and more all from the comfort of their homes, the coffee shop, or anywhere. This form of learning not only enhances academic knowledge but also cultivates essential digital literacy skills, preparing students for the increasingly digital workplace. As online platforms continue to evolve, they promise to offer even more innovative and interactive ways to learn, further enriching the educational landscape for students worldwide.

Artificial Intelligence in Education

AI is poised to transform the educational sector, offering personalized learning experiences that adapt to individual student needs. By analyzing data on students’ learning habits, AI can identify patterns and provide customized recommendations for study material, optimizing the learning process. This technology enables a more focused approach to education, where resources are tailored to address specific areas of weakness, thereby enhancing learning efficiency and outcomes.

Beyond personalization, AI also introduces automation in administrative tasks, freeing educators to focus more on teaching and less on paperwork. This shift not only improves efficiency but also enriches the learning experience, allowing for more interactive and engaging classroom sessions. As AI continues to integrate into the educational framework, it promises to open new avenues for innovation in teaching and learning, making education more accessible, engaging, and effective for students across the globe.

Global Classrooms are Expanding International Collaboration

The concept of global classrooms has emerged as a powerful trend in higher education, fostering international collaboration and cross-cultural understanding among students. By connecting learners from different parts of the world, these virtual classrooms offer a unique opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives, enhancing the educational experience. Through projects, discussions, and collaborative research, students develop a global outlook, preparing them for the interconnected world of the 21st century.

This international exposure not only broadens academic horizons but also cultivates essential soft skills such as cultural sensitivity, communication, and teamwork in a global context. As institutions continue to embrace and expand these global networks, students gain access to a richer, more diverse educational experience. This trend towards international collaboration in learning enhances academic knowledge and equips students with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in a globalized workforce.

The Shift Towards Competency-Based Education

This change marks a significant evolution in the assessment of academic achievement, focusing on the mastery of specific skills and knowledge rather than traditional grade-based evaluations. This approach emphasizes practical, real-world applications of learning, ensuring that students not only understand theoretical concepts but can also apply them effectively. By prioritizing competencies, education becomes more aligned with industry needs, providing a clearer pathway from education to employment.

Competency-based education offers a more personalized learning experience, allowing students to progress at their own pace. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for adult learners and professionals seeking to upskill or reskill, as it accommodates different learning styles and life commitments. As higher education institutions increasingly adopt this model, students are empowered to take control of their learning journey, focusing on acquiring the skills and knowledge that are most relevant to their career goals and personal growth.

Student Well-being and Mental Health Focus

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in how higher education institutions approach student well-being and mental health. Recognizing the immense pressures and challenges students face, universities and colleges are now prioritizing support systems that cater to the psychological and emotional needs of their student body. This holistic approach acknowledges that academic success is deeply intertwined with mental health, and by providing accessible support, educational institutions are fostering environments where students can thrive both intellectually and emotionally.

The focus on mental health goes beyond traditional counseling services. It encompasses a broad range of initiatives, including workshops on stress management, mindfulness training, and peer support networks. These resources are designed to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the complexities of student life, promoting resilience, self-care, and emotional intelligence.

By embedding mental health awareness into the fabric of campus culture, institutions are creating a supportive community that recognizes the value of well-being as a cornerstone of academic and personal achievement. This shift towards a more compassionate and comprehensive approach to student welfare is transforming the educational experience, ensuring that students are supported to succeed in every aspect of their lives.

These advancements offer unique opportunities for personalized learning, international collaboration, and skill development tailored to the demands of the modern workplace. By adapting to these trends, you can enhance your educational journey, making it more flexible, interactive, and aligned with your career aspirations. The future of higher education promises exciting possibilities, and staying informed and adaptable will prepare you to seize them.

SEE ALSO: Higher Education Trends 2024 – What You Can Expect and What Not

Five Key Takeaways from Super Tuesday

Five Key Takeaways from Super Tuesday

Super Tuesday, a significant date on the U.S. political calendar, recently unfolded, offering a plethora of insights into the political landscape. The day was filled with electoral battles across numerous states, with the spotlight fixed on two stalwarts of American politics – former President Donald Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden. This article delves into the crucial takeaways from this political joust, shedding light on the victories, upsets, and underlying currents that marked the day.

Trump Triumphs but Faces Internal Resistance

Donald Trump demonstrated his enduring appeal within the Republican ranks as he secured victories in states spread across the nation. His Super Tuesday performance was impressive, with substantial margins in Alabama, Texas, California, and beyond, effectively sweeping him towards the Republican Party’s presidential nomination.

However, despite his electoral success, Trump faced signs of discontent from a segment of Republican primary voters. In states like Virginia and North Carolina, Nikki Haley, his only major Republican rival, performed well in counties with a significant number of young, suburban, and college-educated voters. This discontent was further reflected in exit polls, with a considerable proportion of Republican primary voters expressing concerns about Trump’s potential legal troubles and his fitness for presidential office if convicted of a crime.

Haley’s Unanticipated Vermont Victory and Eventual Exit

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador, managed to pull off a surprise victory in Vermont, a typically left-leaning state. In a strategic partnership with Vermont’s popular Republican governor, Phil Scott, Haley was able to resonate with moderate voters and secure a win.

Despite her unexpected triumph in Vermont and her earlier win in Washington, D.C., Haley’s presidential ambitions were largely thwarted by Trump’s dominance in other Super Tuesday contests. The lack of sufficient anti-Trump voters in states with open primaries, like Virginia, resulted in few victories or even narrow defeats for Haley. Following Super Tuesday, Haley announced her decision to withdraw from the presidential race, leaving the field open for Trump.

Biden Battles Protest Vote Over Gaza Stance

On the Democratic front, President Joe Biden encountered resistance from within his party due to his stance on Israel’s war in Gaza. In the Michigan primary, an organized Gaza war protest led more than 100,000 voters to choose “uncommitted” instead of Biden. This protest vote phenomenon reemerged on Super Tuesday, with “uncommitted” gaining approximately 20% of the vote in Minnesota and 12% in North Carolina.

These protest votes reflect a degree of dissatisfaction within the Democratic ranks over Biden’s foreign policy. If this trend continues, it could potentially impact Biden’s chances in the general election, given his current struggle with sagging poll numbers.

The California Senate Race: A Blow to Progressives

Super Tuesday also featured crucial down-ballot primary races that could shape the political landscape beyond the presidential election. One of the most high-profile contests was the race to replace the late Senator Dianne Feinstein in California. This race saw two prominent progressives, Representatives Barbara Lee and Katie Porter, edged out by a Republican with no previous political experience, former baseball player Steve Garvey. This result could threaten the balance of power in the Senate and raises questions about the future political careers of both Lee and Porter.

Trump vs Biden Round Two: A November Showdown Awaits

Despite minor setbacks, both Trump and Biden appear to be on track for a rematch in the November general elections. Trump’s Super Tuesday performance has placed him firmly in the lead for the Republican nomination, while Biden, despite facing protest votes, remains the likely Democratic nominee.

As both candidates gear up for a potential round two of their 2020 face-off, their campaign strategies are beginning to take shape. Trump continues to portray himself as the savior who can reverse America’s decline, while Biden positions himself as a unifying candidate defending democracy.

Super Tuesday has provided a wealth of insights into the upcoming general election. With Trump and Biden poised for a rematch, the political intrigue promises to intensify in the lead-up to November. The lessons learned from Super Tuesday will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the strategies of both campaigns as they vie for the presidency in what is expected to be a closely contested election.

SEE ALSO: Amy Schumer Discloses Cushing’s Syndrome Diagnosis

Where is the Most Competition for Intern Roles?

Where is the Most Competition for Internship Roles?

Internships are an incredibly popular way for college students to bridge the gap between academia and working life. The NSCI reveals that one in five students undertook an internship in 2021, with a further proportion wanting to but not being able to because of busy academic schedules or insufficient pay (nearly one in two interns in the U.S. aren’t paid).

With so many people trying to get their foot in the door, “getting an internship you are genuinely interested in these days is like winning a raffle or the lottery,” says one college student, speaking to Forbes. But surely that’s not the case everywhere? Or for every industry? …is it?

Intrigued, Resume.io used LinkedIn Jobs to find out where in the country budding interns are up against the most competition for the same role, where availability is the lowest and the industries offering the most and least room for interns.

Methodology Behind Study

Resume.io analyzed job listings for internship positions advertised on LinkedIn Jobs for the top 100 most populous cities in the U.S. in order to explore the competition and availability of internships across America at a state, city and industry level:

  • Competition: the average number of daily applicants per internship in each location and industry.
  • Availability (States and Cities): the number of internships per 100k population in each state/city.
  • Availability (Industry): the number of internships per 1,000 jobs in each industry.

The industries are grouped according to LinkedIn’s own industry categories.

States

Cities

Industries

The data is correct as of January 2024.

SEE ALSO: Which Colleges and Universities Produce the Most Local Business Founders?

Amy Schumer Discloses Cushing's Syndrome Diagnosis

Amy Schumer Discloses Cushing’s Syndrome Diagnosis

Actress and comedian Amy Schumer has revealed her diagnosis with rare hormonal disorder, Cushing’s Syndrome. The revelation followed an influx of social media comments concerning her altered physical appearance.

She took social media to address the comments about her appearance, which had sparked speculation and body shaming. In doing so, Schumer not only shed light on her personal health journey but also brought attention to the broader issue of body positivity and women’s health.

The actress shared a post on Instagram, explaining that she had been diagnosed with Cushing’s Syndrome, a condition caused by the overproduction of cortisol, a hormone that regulates various bodily functions.

“There are a few types of Cushing. Some that can be fatal, require brain surgery or removal of adrenal glands,” the actress told the News Not Noise newsletter.

“I have the kind of Cushing that will just work itself out and I’m healthy [which] was the greatest news imaginable,” she added.

Throughout her career, Amy Schumer has been an advocate for body positivity and challenging societal norms. Her decision to disclose her diagnosis and address the body shaming comments further solidified her commitment to this cause. Schumer emphasized the importance of accepting and loving oneself, regardless of appearance or health conditions.

SEE ALSO: Oscar-winning Actor William Hurt Dies at 71

The SAG Awards 2024: Who Were the Big Winners?

The SAG Awards 2024: Who Were the Big Winners?

The 30th annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards held on February 24, 2024, brought a night of surprises, recognition, and celebration to the film and television industry. The event, aired live on Netflix, showcased the best individual and cast performances, as chosen by fellow actors in the industry. Here, we break down the night’s big winners and memorable moments.

Film Winners: Oppenheimer Steals the Show

Oppenheimer, a drama about J. Robert Oppenheimer and the development of the atomic bomb, emerged as the biggest winner of the night, bagging three significant awards.

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

The award for the best performance by a cast went to Oppenheimer. The film’s ensemble cast, including Casey Affleck, Emily Blunt, Kenneth Branagh, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, Cillian Murphy, and Florence Pugh, was lauded for their stellar performances.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Cillian Murphy for his role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer“was awarded the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role. Murphy’s riveting portrayal of the father of the atomic bomb established him as a front-runner in the awards season.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Robert Downey Jr. bagged the award for the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. Downey’s performance was highly commended, and his win added another feather in the cap for Oppenheimer.

Other Big Film Winners

Other films also had their spotlight at the SAG Awards. Killers of the Flower Moon and The Holdovers were among the films that received individual acting awards.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Lily Gladstone made history by becoming the first indigenous actress to win the SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Mollie Kyle in Killers of the Flower Moon.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for her role as Mary Lamb in The Holdovers. Randolph’s heart-touching performance earned her the prestigious award, adding to her collection this awards season.

Television Category: Succession and The Bear Triumph

On the television side, HBO’s Succession and FX’s The Bear emerged as the big winners.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

Succession was awarded the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for its final season. The cast of Succession was praised for their gripping depiction of power dynamics within a wealthy media family.

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

The Bear, a look at restaurant life, won the award for the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series. The show’s unique take on the pressures of restaurant life won over the SAG-AFTRA members.

Other Significant TV Winners

Beef, The Last of Us, and The Crown were among other TV shows that received individual acting awards.

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Pedro Pascal won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in The Last of Us. Pascal’s portrayal of a survivor in a post-apocalyptic world earned him the prestigious award.

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Elizabeth Debicki won the award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series for her role as Princess Diana in The Crown. Debicki’s transformative performance as the People’s Princess earned her this recognition.

A Night of Firsts and Recognition

The SAG Awards 2024 was a night of firsts, with Pedro Pascal and Elizabeth Debicki winning their first SAG awards. It was also a night of recognition for actors who have been consistently delivering incredible performances, like Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey Jr. The SAG Awards once again highlighted that when it comes to recognising acting talent, it’s the performances that truly matter, not the size of the role or the budget of the film or TV show.

Complete List of Winners

Movies

  • Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture: Oppenheimer
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role: Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role: Lily Gladstone, Killers of the Flower Moon
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role: Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role: Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers

Television

  • Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series: Succession
  • Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series: The Bear
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Steven Yeun, Beef
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series: Ali Wong, Beef
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series: Pedro Pascal, The Last of Us
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series: Elizabeth Debicki, The Crown
  • Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series: Jeremy Allen White, The Bear
  • Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series: Ayo Edebiri, The Bear

Stunts

  • Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One
  • Outstanding Action Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series: The Last of Us

SEE ALSO: Has Emily in Paris Inspired a New Era of Parisian Fashion?

Smart Moves: Strategies for College Students Buying Their First Home

Smart Moves: Strategies for College Students Buying Their First Home

Buying a property as a college student is a big step into the future. Real estate is the most reliable asset, as it can be used as a source of income in the future as well as housing. Young homeowners who use their income to pay off their mortgage instead of renting a room are guaranteed future financial security. Although the option of buying a home instead of renting a room in college may seem favorable, not a lot of students can afford this luxury. The housing market is a volatile industry with many ups and downs and unpredictable changes. Therefore, purchasing a home as a college student can be very difficult, but not impossible.

Real estate experts expect mortgage rates to drop in 2024, giving way to those with lower income to apply for a loan. Anyone who has the qualifications to apply for a mortgage can potentially purchase real estate. The most important aspect of buying a home for the first time is understanding the housing market and planning the budget.

Understanding The Housing Market

Understanding the housing market trends is the key to coming up with the best strategy to buy a house as a college student. Thoroughly researching current real estate industry trends allows students to know what to expect.

These days, buying a property is difficult for millennials with degrees, let alone college students. Therefore, combating the housing market takes willpower, critical thinking, and a great deal of knowledge of the field.

College students thinking of purchasing a home should consider several aspects of the housing market to create a budget; let us discuss the most influential factors:

  • Demand-supply ratio
  • Median home prices
  • Mortgage rates
  • Additional costs

Demand-Supply Ratio

The price shifts in the housing market heavily depend on the demand-to-supply ratio. A high demand-to-supply ratio means there is a higher demand than the supply. Whenever the demand for housing exceeds the housing inventory, prices result in increasing.

2024 is the perfect year for college students to consider purchasing a home, as in the current housing market inventory seems to be running low compared to the demand for housing. More and more people are choosing to rent homes instead of buying, resulting in property investors relying on property managers for business growth.

This leaves first-time homebuyers at an advantage as the demand has started to decrease dramatically in recent years. This climate in the industry is what real estate professionals consider the “buyer’s market”.

Median Home Prices

College students looking to purchase properties should look into median home prices in their desired states before setting a strategy to make a move. Considering median home prices is the most important step in setting a budget for a house. College students getting ready to buy real estate for the first time need an analysis of median home prices to determine the size of a loan they will need before applying for a mortgage.

The median home sales price was reported to be $417,700 at the end of 2023 in the United States. The most expensive state to buy a house would be Hawaii, as the median home value hit $832,688 according to Zillow. As for the least expensive state to buy a house, the median property value in West Virginia was $154,152 at the end of last year.

Although home prices are not expected to lower by much, housing market experts predict mortgage rates to drop, giving college students an excellent opportunity to apply for loans.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are expected to drop in 2024, giving first-time buyers the motivation to take the first step and achieve their goals of home ownership. “The National Association of Realtors expects mortgage rates will average 6.8% in the first quarter of 2024, dropping to 6.6% in the second quarter.”

However, mortgage rates are affected by several factors: housing market trends, location, specific lender standards, the demand-supply ratio, and the borrower’s credit score. Therefore, college students are encouraged to look into the mortgage market in their area before making a decision.

Additional Costs

While college students buying their first home may have already considered the factors above, it’s important to note that many additional aspects of home ownership will affect the budget for purchasing a property and keeping it:

  • Property taxes
  • Maintenance costs
  • Repairments
  • HOA fees
  • Insurance
  • Down payment
  • Moving
  • Furnishing

This is a list of only some of the most important additional costs that come with owning a home. Therefore, college students buying a property for the first time are advised to thoroughly consider the expenses associated with home ownership.

Strategies for College Students Buying Their First Home

After thorough research regarding the housing market and associated costs with purchasing a property, students are ready to start creating a foolproof plan to buy a home. Strategies include setting a budget and comparing it to savings, generating additional income if necessary, applying for a loan, and researching the area to find the proper location suitable for one’s budget.

Setting a Budget

When strategizing to set the correct budget for an ideal home, it’s important to make a list of priorities. Some expenses are more important than others. College students buying a house for the first time need to have a clear understanding of the type of home they are looking for and the location.

Determining downpayment, renovation, and furnishing costs is a hustle. Some students may prefer purchasing a cheaper home but going overboard when it comes to repair and furnishing, while others would rather purchase a more expensive home and avoid remodeling.

Therefore, it’s essential to get a clear idea of what you want before setting a budget. Take the list of priorities and separately calculate costs for each item. Afterward, cut the cost by making changes in the least important parts of your list to cut the costs.

Generating Additional Income

Students may often find themselves in a situation where a budget for buying a home and paying off a mortgage exceeds their savings and current income, even after carefully arranging a list of priorities. In this instance, the most obvious solution is to try generating additional income.

For college students studying and working at the same time can be overwhelming and stressful. However, buying a home at such a young age requires sacrifices. Students often start working part-time jobs waiting, tutoring, babysitting, etc. These are honorable pursuits to make a living independently as a young student, but these jobs also require physical presence, straining active college undergraduates.

Scholars who wish to buy homes may often need more than one part-time job. The best-case scenario for these students is to find remote working jobs, to avoid the stress of rushing. Moreover, remote working jobs help students save money for their goals, as there is no need to spend any of their income on transportation and eating outside.

Applying for a Loan

One of the most important factors that brokers consider before giving out a loan is the current debt-to-income ratio. This is where students are at a disadvantage, as many of the undergraduates in the United States have student loans weighing them down.

FHA loans are the most popular ones among first-time buyers as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides mortgage insurance on loans made by special FHA-approved lenders. Borrowers can apply for loans with lower mortgage rates with these lenders due to the government insurance.

Students buying their first home could consider a co-signer on their mortgage to qualify, as part-time jobs usually can’t cover the loan. Guardians, parents, and significant others are usually able to help out college students in these instances.

Researching the Area

Location, location, location – real estate professionals repeat this phrase frequently, as the location is, in fact, the most important aspect when purchasing a home. Whether you prioritize safety, visual appeal, expenses, or proximity to your work and school, location plays a key part.

The area a student chooses will play a major role in the value of property. One of the best strategies for a college student buying a home for the first time is researching different areas in their state. Finding the cheapest safest location in proximity to your college will give you a huge push forward to purchase a property as a student.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home as a college student is a risky move. Being a young homeowner is one of the most satisfying achievements for undergraduates, but it’s also incredibly difficult. College students must be willing to hustle to buy their first home. Therefore, they must be sure to consider the housing market in their area, research mortgage rates, calculate every cost, set a budget, and research locations in their state before taking this huge step. As a college student, owning a property is a huge accomplishment and it demands respect as it is also a huge responsibility.

SEE ALSO: Higher Education Trends 2024 – What You Can Expect and What Not

Kansas City Chiefs Overcome San Fransisco 49ers in Overtime to Win Super Bowl LVIII

Kansas City Chiefs Overcome San Fransisco 49ers in Overtime to Win Super Bowl LVIII

In a thrilling contest that went into overtime for only the second time in Super Bowl history, the Kansas City Chiefs emerged as victorious, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22. This triumph not only solidified the Chiefs’ position as the reigning champions but also marked the first back-to-back Super Bowl win in two decades.

The game was a perfect blend of suspense, exhilaration, strategy, and skill. The Chiefs, previously crowned as Super Bowl champions, had an 11-6 record, primarily attributed to the exceptional performances of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. On the other hand, the 49ers, with a 12-5 record, relied heavily on the prowess of quarterback Brock Purdy and the agility of star running back Christian McCaffrey.

In this nail-biting face-off, the 49ers took an early lead. However, the game saw several turnovers during regulation play with both teams displaying exceptional skill and strategy. The first half concluded with the 49ers leading by 10-3.

The Chiefs made a remarkable comeback early in the third quarter. However, the 49ers were not far behind. They responded with a touchdown by wide receiver Jauan Jennings. The score was tied at 16-16 halfway through the fourth quarter.

The final quarter of the game was filled with unpredictability and suspense. San Francisco pulled ahead once again, making the score 19-16. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Chiefs managed to level the score with just three seconds to spare. This set the stage for an adrenaline-filled overtime, the only other occurrence of which was in 2017 when the New England Patriots made an astonishing comeback to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28.

“The whole game was just a microcosm of our entire season,” Mahomes said. “The defence kept us in there, with the offence making plays when it counted. I’m just so proud of the guys.

“I know we’re going to celebrate tonight, but we’re not done. We’ve got a young team and we’re going to keep this thing going.”

Chiefs coach Andy Reid said: “Our defence played out of their mind. Our offence just kept persevering – kept pushing and pushing. I am so proud of the whole crew.”

Key Performances

Patrick Mahomes

Mahomes demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the game, completing 34 of 46 passes for 333 yards. He was instrumental in leading the Chiefs on a game-tying drive at the end of regulation and then the game-winning drive in overtime. His ability to convert two first downs with his feet in the extra session, including a run on fourth-and-1, kept the Chiefs in the game.

Mecole Hardman

Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver Mecole Hardman emerged as the hero of the day by scoring a touchdown with just three seconds left in overtime. This decisive play was made possible by a 3-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The Taylor Swift Factor

The presence of global pop sensation Taylor Swift added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Swift, who is dating the Chiefs’ star player Travis Kelce, has been the center of media attention and pop culture frenzy. The 14-time Grammy winner managed to fly back to the U.S. on a private jet after wrapping up the Japan leg of her Eras Tour to cheer on Kelce.

As the winning touchdown was scored, TV cameras panned to Swift, who was engulfed by a crowd at the viewing box she was sharing with Kelce’s family and her celebrity friends Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

A Look Back at Super Bowl History

This year’s Super Bowl marked the fourth appearance for the Chiefs in five seasons; it was the 49ers’ second in that time span. For the Chiefs, this was a sweet repeat of the 2020 contest where they had defeated the 49ers with a final score of 31-20. The Chiefs had also previously won in 2023 against the Philadelphia Eagles and lost to Tom Brady’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.

Historically, the 49ers have more Super Bowl championships than the Chiefs, with five wins to the Chiefs’ three. The 49ers won in 1982, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1995, while the Chiefs won their first Super Bowl back in 1970.

SEE ALSO: Tom Brady Announces NFL Return After Six Week Retirement

Higher Education Trends 2024 - What You Can Expect and What Not

Higher Education Trends 2024 – What You Can Expect and What Not

Education is known as a dynamic sector that evolves to satisfy student and social requirements. 2023 had its unique trends in the education sector. Now, several other education trends will impact teaching and learning as 2024 approaches. In this article, let’s examine these trends that may shape education in the coming days.

Online Learning and AI

  • With technological progress, the demand for online education is skyrocketing. The education system becomes more creative, engaging, and effective daily. Online education is expected to grow in 2024 due to its flexibility and accessibility.
  • The teaching process is now being upgraded and simpler, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI). AI can customize learning patterns according to students’ learning styles, pace, and progress. AI can handle administrative activities, which will free up teachers for more student interactions.
  • Researchers are using AI to aid their studies and make the research work easier. Administrators are also using AI to manage recruiting staff, admissions, student support, retention, and IT.
  • The nonprofit Complete College America is forming a Council on Equitable AI. They represent a diverse group of higher education stakeholders and consult with large technology companies. They aim to boost the chances of “using AI to equalize and scale access to a college degree and the accompanying individual, economic, and societal benefits.”
  • AI is also being used in the healthcare, medicine, cybersecurity, agriculture, climate change, law enforcement, mental health, material sciences, energy, finance, and banking sectors. More universities are providing advanced courses and undergraduate and graduate degrees in machine learning, big data, and AI.
  • Universities will hire more AI-savvy academics to get government AI funding. Supporting AI research is expensive, so well-funded universities will have an advantage.

Nontraditional Education Models

There are several unique, nontraditional educational models trending in 2024.

  • Microschools or small-scale educational institutions are offering personalized learning. These institutions use innovative teaching techniques. They also provide a community-oriented, personalized learning atmosphere. Microschools are getting popular in 2024 due to the old, non-effective, traditional schooling models.
  • The “College in 3 Exchange” approach, started in 2021, trying to speed up the education process. It involves modifying the undergraduate curriculum to cut credit hours to 90 or less. The exchange involves 17 colleges, designing three-year undergraduate degree programs. Some options, including Brigham Young University-Idaho and the American Public University System, are already accredited.
  • Colleges are trying to enrich traditional undergraduate majors with skills-based courses and training. The courses and training includes industry-approved certificates, internships, and capstone projects.
  • Multi-classroom arrangements are currently used to solve teacher shortage issues. Through this model, the senior/experienced teachers coordinate with multiple classrooms at a time. This method optimizes resources and improves student learning experience.

Budget Issues on Campus

  • Due to the pandemic, hundreds of colleges have had substantial budget deficits in the last 4 years. It is expected that the problem may continue in 2024 also.
  • Like 2023, enrollment losses, rising costs, and decreased revenue will affect small private colleges, regional public universities, and two-year colleges. Large, well-known institutions will also feel the pinch.
  • In 2024, more universities will encounter financial emergencies, leading to consolidations, closures, and declarations of monetary exigency. This is the worst financial crisis higher education has faced in decades.

Education Equity Campaign

  • College admissions procedures and practices will be more active in 2024. Race-conscious financial assistance and admissions practices will face More legal challenges. More schools will aim to maintain student diversity with new enrollment procedures.
  • Expect more universities to eliminate their legacy admissions procedure for the children of alumni.
  • Direct or guaranteed admission programs will have a boost this year. This is because institutions are seeking strategies to improve enrollment and attract underrepresented students. To attract more students, schools will expand college preparation and bridge programs.
  • The long-awaited FAFSA simplification might help more low-income students earn federal Pell Grants. But, it will add to the workload of overworked college admission/enrollment management personnel.
  • Support workers, including full-time nurses, counselors, and special education co-teachers, can improve learning equity. These specialists can address additional student difficulties, especially in low-income districts, encouraging education equity.

Teacher Retention

  • U.S. schools have an increasing number of teacher replacements. Title 1 schools are mostly affected, with an annual turnover rate of 8%. This issue could have major social effects. Compensation influences teachers to stay or quit their jobs. For some, the apparent pay gap forces them to leave. Others are continuing because they like their pay. This suggests that compensation issues may reduce teacher attrition, but a one-size-fits-all strategy may not work.

Community in Education

  • A supportive community can boost teacher’s job satisfaction and retention. School districts must encourage teacher collaboration and support. A community can provide emotional support, exchange resources, and solve problems, improving job satisfaction and lowering burnout.
  • Community cooperation can also benefit education. Local companies, non-profits, and community members can help schools improve learning, give resources, and address local issues. Partnerships can improve education and encourage community education responsibility.

Biden Administration Policy Litigation

  • Several of the president’s policy plans face legal challenges. For example – a program under threat is the Biden administration’s “Borrower defense to repayment” rule. This rule helps students to get debt relief from educational loans. The Education Department’s program lowers all the difficulties students face to discharge their loans automatically. But, in a lawsuit launched by Career Colleges and Schools of Texas, representing for-profit institutions in Texas, the appeals court blocked the regulation last year.
  • The American Association of Cosmetology Schools recently sued the Biden administration for its gainful employment regulation. The law requires for-profit schools to prove their graduates earn enough to pay off their student loan debts. The regulation would cut federal financing to institutions that fail the debt-to-earnings benchmark.
  • The Education Department plans to unveil two highly anticipated Title IX regulations in March, outlawing sex-based discrimination in federally financed schools.
  • One administration proposal would require institutions to investigate and prosecute sexual violence.
  • The other would forbid them from banning transgender individuals from gender-appropriate sports. For fairness or safety, institutions could ban transgender athletes from teams. Republicans particularly disliked the sports-focused one. Conservative attorneys general stated they would fight to protect women’s sports before the Education Department released a draft rule.

Conclusion

The year 2024 will be crucial for education. We’ve examined teacher retention, online learning, non-traditional education methods, equity, and other trends that will impact teaching and learning in the future. We must continue to watch these changes and adapt our education methods to meet the changing requirements of students and society.

Author Bio: Attorney Loretta Kilday has more than 36 years of litigation and transactional experience, specializing in business, collection, and family law. She frequently writes on various financial and legal matters. She is a graduate of DePaul University with a Juris Doctor degree and a spokesperson for Debt Consolidation Care (DebtCC) online debt relief forum.

SEE ALSO: Which Colleges and Universities Produce the Most Local Business Founders?