Latest news with #ArkansasTechUniversity
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Cabot teachers navigate AI in the classroom
CABOT, Ark. – Artificial Intelligence is just about everywhere – on apps, on phones and computers; and it's made its way into some classrooms. At Cabot High School, math teacher BJ Brooks and English teacher Twyla Kester both say that when it comes to teaching their students, they would rather stick with the basics instead of having them rely on AI. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders forms Arkansas AI working group targeting safety, efficiency However, they say that doesn't mean there's no place for AI to help students. 'AI is here, it's going to be here, it's not going away,' Brooks said. Brooks says she doesn't allow anything with a 'battery' in her classroom and tells her students not to use AI in the classroom to help with tests. 'Photomath is on their phone,' Brooks said. 'They take a picture of a math problem, and it gives them the answer.' Instead, she says she uses an old-school method when it comes to having her students solve problems. 'They will get a mini whiteboard and a marker, hold up their answer, and I will grade them like an 1800s schoolhouse. Kester also says she uses the basics when it comes to teaching. 'We handwrite all of the essays in class,' Kester said. Kester says if students use AI like ChatGPT to write any other assignments, she can tell based on some of the vocabulary words that it uses compared to what her students would normally write. AI grown plants being studied at Arkansas Tech University, with hopes of K-12 expansion However, they do believe there is a positive aspect to AI. Kester made her students compare their written essays to versions. '80 percent of the time, my students find their own versions were better,' Kester adds. 'They are smarter than they think, and we just have to show them the path.' Brooks also knows there is more than one way to solve a problem, especially when it comes to their homework that's not graded. 'If you're struggling, take out that phone and do it through AI to look how they solved it. It gives them another perspective,' Brooks said. She says that after they find that solution, they will have a discussion in class about how that way helped them learn. 'They get up in front of the classroom and will instruct the kids on this way AI taught them, and it's empowering for the student, it gives them confidence in mathematics, and teaches the other students another method,' said Brooks. Arkansas State University-Newport launches AI productivity course They say it's important to keep up with all the changes happening in and around the classroom, but maintain education for their students on ethics and integrity despite those changes. 'It's important for me for my students to find their voice and be proud of it,' Kester said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
College Is More Affordable Than Many Parents Think
This spring brought the annual wave of prospective students to colleges nationwide, with young people and their parents eager to learn about majors and campus life. Unfortunately, the most important issue of all — the cost of college — was too often omitted from those conversations. Confusion about what a college education will cost any given family is creating a disheartening landscape, especially for working- and middle-class families who may not have been made aware of how much financial aid they could be eligible for. This challenge is compounded by renewed efforts from the Trump administration to tax endowments and cut research funding, restricting revenue sources that help make college more affordable. Headlines often spotlight $100,000 sticker prices at elite private colleges. But even flagship public universities are increasingly — and understandably — seen as financially out of reach. 'Everyone I went to high school with either went to Tech or UFS,' one rural Arkansas student told a researcher, referring to Arkansas Tech University and the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith. 'Nobody really went to Fayetteville because they thought, 'I can't afford that. I'm not uppity.'' For many families, the actual price of a college education remains unclear, buried beneath complex formulas and inconsistent messaging. As doubts about affordability grow, so too does the sense that the lofty promise of President Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 Higher Education Act — to make college broadly accessible through meaningful financial aid — has fallen short. A 2025 survey by the Lumina Foundation, which is focused on accessibility in higher education, in partnership with Gallup, found that a mere 18 percent of Americans without a college degree believe four-year college tuition is 'fair.' Nearly a third of Americans think college 'isn't worth the cost,' and another 47 percent believe it is worth the cost only if a student does not need any loans, according to the Pew Research Center. This growing skepticism is reshaping where — and whether — students apply and enroll, and it underscores the urgent need for action. Thankfully, some progress is already underway. In recent decades, many universities have expanded need-based aid, determined by household income and family assets, to all admitted students. Still, these efforts are often overshadowed by the universities' high sticker prices. Most colleges offer cost calculators to help students and families estimate their aid package. But they are often confusing and ask for detailed financial information that many parents — let alone 17-year-olds — don't have on hand. And because colleges use different calculators, trying to compare schools quickly turns time-consuming. As part of our ongoing effort to clarify and improve public understanding of higher education, we created a graphic — a template any college can use — that more accurately reflects the true cost of attending the University of Pennsylvania. It illustrates that the widely cited $100,000 sticker price is not what most students will ultimately pay. At some of the nation's most selective and high-cost institutions — including the University of Pennsylvania — students from families earning $75,000 or less annually often pay nothing at all. Financial aid packages comprised entirely of grants cover not only tuition but also room, board, books, fees, essential supplies such as a computer and travel expenses. While eligibility thresholds and cost calculations vary by school, elite colleges including Harvard, M.I.T., Princeton, Dartmouth and the University of Chicago offer similar levels of support to low- and middle-income families. For middle-income families — those earning between $75,000 and $200,000 per year, typically with additional consideration for those with multiple children in college at the same time — not only is college tuition frequently fully paid for, but students often receive additional aid. As a result, these families can access some of the most selective colleges at a significant discount — at least 66 percent off full sticker price at Penn, a representative example. Large university endowments often draw criticism, but they play a crucial role in expanding access to higher education. Endowment returns are used to cover faculty salaries and other expenses. But a 2024 study by NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments, that analyzes college endowment performance and spending, showed that nearly half of the money earned from endowment returns went to financial aid. At schools with total annual costs nearing $92,000, it takes roughly $2 million in endowed funds for the return to fully support just one student. It is true that between 2006 and 2024 average in-state tuition and fees have risen from $9,040 to $11,610, but when you factor in grant aid (excluding loans) fees have dropped from $3,940 to $2,480, according to a College Board study. Even though students still face costs for housing, food and books, they are paying less for their education today than they did two decades ago. The trend holds true at community colleges as well. In 35 states, tuition at two-year institutions is now free for many low-income students, and overall tuition costs at community colleges have declined. But just as progress is being made — not only in expanding financial aid but improving transparency around who qualifies for it — the Trump administration now threatens to reverse that momentum. Deep cuts to federal research funding could force universities to scale back budgets, eliminate undergraduate programs and reduce financial aid. In addition, efforts to restrict international enrollment risk slashing tuition revenue — losses that institutions may offset by raising costs for domestic students. And now, Republican lawmakers are pushing to expand the endowment tax and increase its rate — a move that may sound like accountability, but in reality would penalize students in need of support. At Penn, the existing $10 million endowment tax already diverts an amount that could fully cover tuition and expenses for roughly 110 low-income students. Current proposals would raise that tax tenfold, potentially shutting out more than 1,100 students. Is that really the direction we want to go in — making it harder for talented students to access the opportunities they've earned? A high-quality education isn't only for the wealthiest Americans. It can be for everyone — if we commit to providing robust financial aid, clearly communicating real costs and protecting institutional resources like endowments that are meant to open doors, not be taxed shut.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arkansas Tech University trustees pass balanced budget with 2.55% tuition increase
Arkansas Tech University students will see a tuition and fees increase beginning next fall after the ATU Board of Trustees approved the university's 2025-26 operating budget Thursday at a meeting held at the Ozark campus. Undergraduate students enrolled in 15 credit hours at the Russellville campus will pay $5,113.50 a semester in tuition and mandatory fees, a 2.55% increase, or $127.35 more, compared to the current academic year. 'Our number one priority during the budgeting process for the 2025-26 academic year was to maintain affordability for our students,' said ATU President Dr. Russell Jones. 'We wish that number could be zero like it was when we submitted the 2024-25 budget, but in this time of inflation and given the other budgetary factors beyond our control… we achieved our goal of keeping an Arkansas Tech education within reach.' The $170.3 million budget includes responses to a drop in state funding, decreased revenue from sales and services, and a projected 10% increase in health insurance costs. To balance the budget, the university opted to hold maintenance, operations and scholarship spending flat while raising tuition and fees. Graduate tuition and fees also will increase by 2.55% in 2025-26. Career education and skilled trades students at the ATU-Ozark campus will see tuition rise approximately $4 a student semester credit hour, from $136.01 to $140.09. Beyond budgetary decisions, the Board also approved several policy and program changes, including: The deletion of the Master of Education in K-12 Literacy program The continuation of provisional positions at the Russellville campus Updates to the hazing prevention policy and student code of conduct to align with the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act, signed into law in December 2024 Approval of fines and fees administered by the Division of Student Affairs for 2025-26 A constitutional amendment for the ATU Staff Senate adjusting the terms of office The rescission of the university's affirmative action policy A new events policy affecting both internal and external use of ATU facilities This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Budget balancing act at ATU includes 2.55% tuition bump
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Eclipse anniversary: Arkansans look back at when everyone looked up
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – It has been a full trip around the sun since its disappearance a year ago, but the memory of the moment has not faded in the background. The total solar eclipse across North America happened on April 8, 2024, and caused everyone in its path to look up. One year later, some are still looking back on the few minutes of totality. Whether it was the 360-degree sunrise, meeting a total eclipse chaser, or a tear from what some called a 'spiritual' experience, a love of nature connected each person. Elope at the Eclipse couples preparing for big day in Russellville There was also a love of each other for over 120 couples eloping or renewing their vows under the Russellville eclipse. Trey and Sammi Jo Massingill said it was unforgettable. 'It was as special as our relationship. It couldn't have been better, and I'm glad we did it, and I'm glad he said yes, even though I wasn't even thinking he would,' Sammi Jo said. 'Ethereal and something I'll never forget,' Trey added. Expectations were a big part of planning for the event. The state estimated as many as 1.5 million out-of-state tourists. Not as many showed up as expected in every community, but they did arrive in force in some communities. Arkansas Tech University preparing for eclipse, making thousands of dollars off parking Danielle Housenick, executive director of Main Street Russellville, said the city had over 46,000 visitors from all 50 states and 45 countries. 'That's the part that blew my mind,' Housenick said. She stated the economic impact will be hard to measure, but it is undeniable. Arkansas Tech University Eclipse Chair Susan West said 10 student organizations received $2,500 each from funds raised through parking and other amenities. 'I will always be proud of everything we did together for that 4 minutes of just bliss,' West said. Brick City inviting people to 'get Mooned in Malvern' Once in a lifetime, even though the 2045 eclipse will pass over Arkansas too with over six minutes of totality. 'I guess we should start planning. I'm not going to start planning, but somebody does,' West joked. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
19-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
ROYBI Welcomes Dr. Mark Gotcher, Former ADE Deputy Commissioner, as Strategic Growth Partner
ROYBI names ex-ADE Deputy Commissioner Dr. Gotcher as Strategic Growth Partner. His expertise will boost school ties and drive innovative learning in Arkansas. BENTONVILLE, AR, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 / / -- ROYBI is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gotcher, former Arkansas Department of Education Deputy Commissioner, as a Strategic Growth Partner. Dr. Gotcher will support ROYBI by fostering school connections and facilitating the implementation of its innovative educational solutions across Arkansas. Dr. Gotcher brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to education. An alumnus of Arkansas Tech University, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, and an Educator Specialist degree. further augmented his impressive credentials by earning a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. His extensive educational leadership and policy background and his practical experience as ADE Deputy Commissioner uniquely position him to advance ROYBI's strategic initiatives in the region. 'Dr. Gotcher's deep understanding of educational systems and longstanding dedication to advancing quality education make him an ideal partner as ROYBI expands its footprint in Arkansas,' said Elnaz Sarraf, Founder & CEO of ROYBI. 'His expertise will be invaluable in connecting with schools and implementing cutting-edge learning solutions that benefit educators and students alike.' ROYBI has been at the forefront of revolutionizing the educational landscape with state-of-the-art technology and interactive learning robots. The organization aims to empower educators and inspire students through innovative physical and digital solutions. Its expansion in Arkansas marks a significant milestone in extending its reach and modernizing classroom learning environments. Dr. Gotcher's appointment underscores ROYBI's commitment to collaborating with seasoned education leaders to ensure that programs are effective and aligned with schools' and communities' evolving needs. His strategic insights and extensive network within the education sector are expected to facilitate key partnerships and drive the successful implementation of ROYBI's programs throughout Arkansas. ROYBI is a leader in educational technology, dedicated to providing interactive, research-based learning solutions that empower teachers and inspire students. With a focus on innovation, accessibility, and measurable impact, ROYBI continues to set the standard for classroom education platforms worldwide. Ruby Miller X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer:
