Latest news with #Kahoot
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Apple lets developers tap into its offline AI models
Apple is launching what it calls the Foundation Models framework, which the company says will let developers tap into its AI models in an offline, on-device fashion. Onstage at WWDC 2025 on Monday, Apple VP of software engineering Craig Federighi said that the Foundation Models framework will let apps use on-device AI models created by Apple to drive experiences. These models ship as a part of Apple Intelligence, Apple's family of models that power a number of iOS features and capabilities. "For example, if you're getting ready for an exam, an app like Kahoot can create a personalized quiz from your notes to make studying more engaging," Federighi said. "And because it happens using on-device models, this happens without cloud API costs [...] We couldn't be more excited about how developers can build on Apple intelligence to bring you new experiences that are smart, available when you're offline, and that protect your privacy." In a blog post, Apple says that the Foundation Models framework has native support for Swift, Apple's programming language for building apps for its various platforms. The company claims developers can access Apple Intelligence models with as few as three lines of code. Guided generation, tool calling, and more are all built into the Foundation Models framework, according to Apple. Automattic is already using the framework in its Day One journaling app, Apple says, while AllTrails is using the framework to recommend hikes. This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Forbes
31-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Understanding How Students Use AI and What Faculty Can Do About It
Nearly every day, I see an op-ed or social media post about students' use of AI, most written by faculty. The use of AI in the classroom is controversial among faculty, with some embracing it and finding ways to incorporate it into classroom assignments, others expressing anger about students using it to write papers, and still others being uncertain about what to do. A new survey of 1000 students by Kahoot! – Study Habits Snapshot – shows some interesting patterns. Some of the most prominent include: To better understand the implications of the survey results, I talked with Liz Crawford, Director of Education at Kahoot! I was curious about her interpretation of the finding that 70% of students already use AI in their academic work, especially regarding what that means for faculty, teaching, and assessment of learning. Crawford explained, 'We're entering a new era where AI isn't just a tool—it's becoming a learning partner. Today's students use AI to work more efficiently, personalize their learning, and deepen their understanding. From summarizing notes in seconds using a phone camera to generating self-quizzes before an exam, students are proactively using AI to support—not shortcut—their academic growth.' Liz Crawford, Director, Education at Kahoot! Kahoot She advised faculty: 'It's critical to move beyond the assumption that AI use is synonymous with cheating.' Crawford believes academic integrity is vital, and that 'many students use AI responsibly to enhance their learning, spark new ideas, and strengthen their critical thinking.' She believes that faculty need to realize that 'AI is no longer a future trend—it's already embedded in how students learn.' From her perspective, this growing reliance on AI isn't something to fear, but instead, a call to action. Crawford shared, 'If we don't evolve our teaching and assessment strategies, we risk creating a disconnect between how students are learning and how we're guiding them. Thoughtful integration of AI allows educators to model digital responsibility, engage students more meaningfully, and ensure that learning environments remain relevant and future-ready.' To further explore how these changes might play out in the classroom, I asked Crawford about a particularly concerning part of the Kahoot! survey – students appreciated AI's instant feedback over that of peer study groups. I asked Crawford how this finding might influence faculty design of formative assessments and student support systems. She noted that the demand for immediate AI feedback shows a shift in student expectations and needs and presents an opportunity for faculty. More specifically, she stated, 'To begin with, integrating AI-powered tools into assessment strategies can be a game-changer for faculty.' She emphasized that tools like those provided by Kahoot! and similar organizations can provide real-time feedback, potentially empowering students to identify and correct their misunderstandings promptly. Crawford and others conducting research in the area believe 'this type of approach improves comprehension but also keeps students engaged and motivated throughout the learning process.' Another key benefit of AI integration, according to Crawford, is the potential for personalization. She stated, 'By analyzing performance data, AI systems can offer tailored feedback that addresses each student's unique challenges and needs. This attention can lead to better learning outcomes and heightened student enthusiasm for their studies.' However, Crawford cautioned, 'While AI feedback is incredibly useful, it's essential to remember that it should complement, not substitute, human connections.' The survey also revealed a troubling trend that faculty cannot ignore. Forty Percent (40%) of students surveyed reported skipping exams due to fear of failure. I asked Crawford if there was anything that AI could do to stop this fear and improve confidence among students. She shared, 'Academic anxiety often stems from uncertainty as students aren't sure how to prepare, whether they're studying the right material, or fear of failure.' Crawford noted how AI can help, stating: 'This is where responsible AI integration can make a real difference. AI offers a consistent, on-demand support system that students can rely on throughout their learning journey.' Knowing this, Kahoot!, is beginning to combine AI with gamification – adding gamelike elements to AI interactions. Crawford shared that students can use AI to scan notes and turn them into personalized quizzes using their phones, and they can do this anywhere. She noted, 'Whether they're commuting, studying between classes, or reviewing before bed, students can actively engage in low-pressure practice that builds mastery over time.' Of course, with so much innovation, it's easy to understand why many faculty feel overwhelmed, even if they want to incorporate AI-based learning in their courses. I asked Crawford how faculty can take the steps. She explained, 'Start small, stay curious, and utilize trusted tools. You don't need to become an AI expert overnight.' She added, 'I recommend that faculty members leverage AI to tackle tasks that help them be more efficient, such as preparing for their classes, designing formative assessments, and analyzing reports by exploring the capabilities of different platforms.' One of the most important pieces of advice that Crawford shared for faculty is, 'It's important to recognize that your students can be partners in this journey. Invite their input, explore AI together, and use these conversations to teach digital responsibility.' She wants to remind faculty that their role as 'a guide, mentor, and critical thinker is more essential than ever in an AI-driven world.' From my vantage point as a faculty member, I don't think we can afford to ignore how quickly AI is shaping the way students learn. Rather than shutting the door on AI out of frustration, we have an exciting opportunity to design learning environments and assignments that are creative, rigorous, and engage with AI in positive ways. As Crawford reminds us, we need to work with students to be digitally responsible and critical consumers of AI-generated information.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
MADANI Programme With The Siamese Community Reinforces Inter-Ethnic Harmony
KOTA BHARU, May 19 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia MADANI Programme with the Siamese Community in Kelantan not only engages the community but also reinforces inter-ethnic harmony, said Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia (AKM) director-general Datuk Dr Roslan Hussin. He said the programme can help foster a deeper understanding of the principles of Malaysia MADANI, which encompass values such as humanity, unity and inclusivity. 'The programme has been well received by the Kelantan Siamese Association as a Malaysia MADANI initiative introduced by the government to serve as a platform for unity and inclusive nation-building. 'The recognition of the Siamese community's role within the Malaysia MADANI framework is clearly reflected through this programme,' he said after officiating the event held at the Tumpat District Unity Office yesterday. Roslan said the programme, organised by AKM under the Kelantan Office of the Prime Minister's Department, was warmly received and well supported by the local community. Also present were AKM, Prime Minister's Department Kelantan Office director Zuryati Zakaria and Kelantan Siamese Association acting chairman Prof Aweng Eh Rak, who is also the head of the Kelantan Siamese Community Association. 'The programme was packed with activities that enhanced national and cultural values, including a MADANI-themed colouring competition, Kahoot quiz on nationhood, a 'Krathong' arrangement competition, as well as traditional Siamese dance and gedombak drum performances,' he said. Also held was a dialogue session between AKM director-general and members of the Kelantan Siamese Association to discuss the Siamese community's role in nation-building. He added that the Siamese community is recognised as a spokesperson group and MADANI Mobilisers (Sahabat Penggerak MADANI), who play a key role in strengthening the national spirit and enhancing inter-ethnic unity.
CNA
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CNA
Slideshow and tell: Why PowerPoint parties are addictively fun – and here to stay
It's the end of the year. I haven't seen my friends in ages, and we're finally planning a gathering after rescheduling for the fifteenth time, thanks to our busy and unpredictable lives as Functioning Adults in Society. We're not quite sure what to do, but someone throws out the best suggestion: a PowerPoint party. While versions of PowerPoint parties have been floating around since the mid-2010s, particularly in the United States, it was during the COVID-19 pandemic, when most of us were stuck indoors and forced to get creative in how we socialised, that the idea took off. Being the social creatures we are, we adapted. We figured out new ways to play and connect. There were a lot of online games like Skribbl, Kahoot, Pictionary, Hangman, and even a digital version of the adult party game Cards Against Humanity. And then there was the PowerPoint party – because all you really need is a computer and a bit of creativity. What's remarkable, though, is how PowerPoint parties have endured, five years since the pandemic started. In 2025, PowerPoint parties are still going strong, often as the main event or at least a key component of any friend reunion, especially if you haven't seen each other in a while. I, for one, am a big fan of the format and have attended – and presented at – a few myself. Even brands and bookstores are getting in on the fun. Take Wormhole, a local online bookstore, or the random individuals who organise PowerPoint parties for strangers. You just sign up, either as a presenter or participant, and show up at a venue to revel in the communal joy of it all. Wormhole ran their first PowerPoint party in 2023, and people loved it so much they brought it back in 2024. In the first half of 2025 alone, they've hosted two parties, each with over 70 attendees and about 10 presenters. The fact that all the tickets sold out within minutes of being released tells you everything you need to know: we're all just looking for a good time, and the PowerPoint party, as a lot of Gen Z folks would say, is delivering. HOW POWERPOINT PARTIES WORK All you need are two things: A computer and enough creativity. Bonus items: a screen large enough to hold your larger-than-life ideas, and a willing, participatory audience that'll cheer you on (even when you start second-guessing your entire existence mid-slide). View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wormhole 🐛 (@wormholesg) For friend gatherings, there's an unwritten rule: everyone in the group must present. This rule gets a little more relaxed at stranger parties or in larger groups, like the ones at Wormhole's parties. Planning my own PowerPoint party with five friends (myself included) was easy. A little coercion here and there was needed at first, but everyone got into the zone of presenting fairly quickly. We all had something we wanted to talk about, whether it was a straightforward topic like 'Three Things You Don't Know About My Childhood' or a bit more adventurous, like 'Who Among Us Would Survive The Hunger Games'. The key is to participate. And in 2025, when everyone's still trying to find meaningful (or at least mildly entertaining) ways to connect, participation – or even just the willingness to participate – is all the social capital you need to bond with someone you barely knew five minutes ago. WHAT'S TO LOVE ABOUT POWERPOINT PARTIES But why are PowerPoint parties even a thing in the first place? As an extrovert who feeds off the energy of those around me and lives for meaningful interactions, the first and most obvious reason is that they're just really socially engaging and fun. But even if you're not an extrovert, even if you're not the funniest person in your friend group (listen, I've been there), you can still thrive at a PowerPoint party. Remember how I said the most important ingredient is just the willingness and desire to participate? I meant it. You don't have to be incredibly funny, witty, ridiculously charismatic, or beautiful (though, of course, when has that ever hurt?). You just need to want to do it. And if you're with the right people – none of that toxic group energy here – everyone will give you their full attention and join in the fun. At the party I hosted, one of my close introverted friends, who usually refuses to elaborate on anything in a group setting larger than two people (yes, really), was the one who ended up giving a whole presentation on what would happen if our friend group were thrown into The Hunger Games. She inadvertently roasted and lifted each of us in the same breath. It was glorious. These parties are also wildly versatile. There's no end to the types of topics you can present. Most friend groups use them as a way to catch up after not seeing each other in ages, which is why you'll often find presentations about love lives (or lack thereof), career updates, and other life milestones. But if that's not your vibe, no worries. Your topic can be anything. Like which Singapore neighbourhoods are the most overrated and why is it always somewhere in the East, which Mediacorp show deserves a rerun, or how to survive Singapore's erratic weather without aircon. It's all about presenting on whatever you think is fun, weird, or important, even if it's only important to you. So if, say, you've got a 'Roman Empire' that's been living rent-free in your head, or you've fallen down a hyper-specific internet rabbit hole and want to scream about it to anyone who'd listen, this is your moment. One of my friends once spent five uninterrupted minutes passionately ranking Wingstop flavours – a hill she's still very willing to die on. These parties are also a great way to break the ice, especially among strangers. In the Wormhole PowerPoint party, a few people who had lived in Australia for a while ended up becoming friends after sitting through a presentation on the differences between Singaporean and Australian small talk. Sometimes, all it takes is the person next to you yelling or laughing too hard at a hilarious slide for you to strike up a conversation, and suddenly, you're friends. That's the beauty of these parties and other in-person gatherings fuelled by hobbies, like game nights, running clubs and book clubs. The charm of these programmes is found in the unexpected way you make friends, bonded by an activity all of you genuinely enjoy and possibly find new ones together. The best part? It's comically easy to pull off. You don't even have to prepare much. Take it from me and my friends, who spent about 15 minutes of our gathering in our respective corners rushing to create five-minute presentations on topics ranging from 'How I Got Into Running as Therapy' to 'Cars That Look Objectively Cool and Why.' It's meant to be low-stress and high-fun. You know how your taking the time to create PowerPoint decks for work slowly drains the soul out of your body and how every slide can feel like a mini existential crisis because it's just so stressful (even if you must do it, and you still do)? PowerPoint parties flip that script. They subvert the dreaded format we usually associate with corporate life and turn it into something joyful and silly. They're light-hearted, a little chaotic, and a brilliant means to lovingly laugh at ourselves, at our lives, and at each other. To the uninitiated or an onlooker, it may seem extremely strange that people who want to gather and relax together would spend anywhere between 15 minutes to even an hour preparing for a PowerPoint party, choosing deck designs, crafting content, maybe even rehearsing. After all, it's still a presentation, and presentations usually mean effort. And yes, though I'm a huge fan, I can see PowerPoint parties may not be for everyone. If you're feeling socially burnt out or just want a night of passive, camera-off Zoom lurking, the pressure to be 'on' for a PowerPoint party might feel like a bit too much. Not everyone loves public speaking, even in a low-stakes setting, and if the group dynamic isn't warm or supportive, it can veer into awkward territory. It's also easy for louder personalities to dominate, which is why the best parties are the ones where everyone gets a chance to shine, even the quiet ones. When done right, they're a joy and can even be weirdly therapeutic. They lie in that sweet spot between nostalgia (who else remembers school presentations like Show and Tell?) and novelty (you're finally presenting on something you actually like). So if you're having a gathering soon, whether it's for an upcoming festivity (it's okay that Hari Raya's almost over), a discussion on (ahem) politics, or a long overdue get-together between friends, this is your sign to try out a PowerPoint party. Instead of presenting on KPIs or your company's quarterly growth, you can talk about something that actually lights you up – whether it's favourite ghost stories that haunt our local beaches, niche Singapore reddit drama, or your very specific beef with the MRT's Circle Line. Of course, if quarterly growth is your Roman Empire, by all means, present on that too. Trust me, there will likely be someone in the room who'll find it fascinating.
Forbes
09-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
How Game-Based Learning Can Improve Test Scores And Mental Health
Top view Multiple choice test with stopwatch Time concept in exam As a former admissions officer and college consultant, I've witnessed firsthand how standardized testing creates immense pressure for college applicants. The recent Kahoot study finding that two-thirds of college students report mental health challenges affecting their academic performance confirms that our traditional approaches to test preparation often undermine both performance and wellbeing. The stakes feel impossibly high for today's students. With each correct answer potentially determining college options and future opportunities, it's no wonder that test anxiety has become epidemic. But what if our approach to test preparation itself is part of the problem? This research suggests that integrating game-based learning and micro-learning techniques into standardized test preparation can simultaneously improve performance and reduce anxiety. Here's how students can leverage these findings to master the SAT, ACT, and other standardized tests while protecting their mental health. The traditional approach of multi-hour study sessions runs counter to how our brains optimally process and retain information. Sean D'Arcy, Chief Solutions Officer at Kahoot, notes that their research shows students retain more when working in five to ten minute sessions with breaks in between. "For Gen Z and students who are used to spending time on their devices, smaller bite-sized micro-learning is actually more in line with consumption patterns," D'Arcy explains. Rather than forcing students through exhausting three-hour practice tests, consider breaking content into focused 10-minute modules that target specific concepts or question types. This approach allows for natural breaks where information can consolidate in memory. Implementing spaced repetition techniques—revisiting challenging concepts at strategic intervals—further enhances retention without overwhelming your cognitive resources. In addition, setting clear, achievable daily goals helps maintain momentum while providing frequent opportunities to experience success. This constant positive reinforcement creates a virtuous cycle where small wins build confidence for the next challenge. The study also revealed a surprising insight: students who create study materials rather than merely consuming them demonstrate significantly better retention and understanding. "The pedagogy around creation is quite important," notes D'Arcy. "If you're actually creating a study set which you or your peers will use, that's as good as it gets in terms of retention." This aligns with what cognitive scientists call the generation effect—the phenomenon where actively producing information leads to stronger memory formation than passive review. For standardized test preparation, this means transforming yourself from a consumer of prep materials into a producer. Creating your own flashcards forces you to distill concepts to their essence, reinforcing understanding in ways that simply reviewing pre-made cards cannot match. When you develop your own practice questions for challenging concepts, you're essentially thinking like the test makers, giving you insight into how questions are constructed. Teaching difficult material to peers or family members is particularly powerful, as it requires students to organize information coherently and anticipate questions—precisely the skills tested in standardized exams. Building visual models or mind maps to organize complex information engages different neural pathways, creating multiple routes to recall information during high-pressure testing situations. Perhaps most compelling is the finding that collaborative studying serves dual purposes: enhancing learning outcomes while simultaneously supporting mental health. "The combination of studying together has a double benefit," D'Arcy explains. "You can actually learn together, but it's also great for mental health in general because you're socializing and feeling like you're part of something bigger." This insight is particularly valuable given the isolation many students feel during intensive test preparation. Forming small study groups focused on specific test sections creates accountability while distributing the cognitive load of mastering difficult material. Using collaborative platforms to share resources and insights leverages collective intelligence—often someone else's explanation clicks in ways that textbooks or videos haven't. Scheduling regular check-ins with peers provides not just accountability but also normalized conversation about the challenges of test preparation. Creating friendly competitions transforms rote practice into engaging social experiences while maintaining the motivational benefits of gentle competition. One of the core principles I teach in my X-Factor methodology is that successful applicants don't try to master everything—they strategically focus their efforts where improvement will yield the greatest results. Modern learning platforms now offer sophisticated analytics that can identify precisely where students should concentrate their efforts. Rather than reviewing all material equally, these tools can identify specific question types causing difficulty, allowing for targeted intervention precisely where it's needed most. They track improvement over time, providing concrete evidence of progress that builds confidence during the inevitable plateaus in test preparation. The most sophisticated platforms suggest customized practice based on individual performance patterns, creating a personalized curriculum that maximizes efficiency. This approach reduces cognitive overload by eliminating unnecessary review of already-mastered content, freeing mental resources for the concepts that truly need attention. Perhaps most importantly, game-based approaches to test preparation can reintroduce an element that's often lost in the stress of college admissions: the joy of learning itself. "When it's in the game, you just naturally relax and you're, of course, ready to learn," D'Arcy notes. This state of relaxed alertness is precisely what cognitive scientists identify as optimal for information processing and retention. By gamifying elements of test preparation, students can transform what feels like drudgery into engaging challenges. Competitive elements with friends tap into natural social motivation while keeping stakes lower than the actual exam. Achievement systems that reward progress provide constant positive reinforcement rather than the delayed gratification of test day. Immediate feedback during practice creates tight learning loops that accelerate mastery, while varied approaches prevent the monotony that leads to disengagement. When learning feels enjoyable rather than obligatory, students naturally spend more time engaged with material, leading to deeper understanding and better retention. The college admissions process will likely remain competitive, and standardized tests will continue to play a role for many institutions. However, how students prepare for these assessments doesn't need to come at the expense of their mental health. By embracing these evidence-based approaches to test preparation, students can potentially improve their scores while simultaneously protecting their wellbeing—a combination that represents true alignment in today's challenging admissions landscape. As we navigate this post-pandemic educational environment, it's time to recognize that the most effective preparation isn't about working harder but working smarter—with approaches that honor how our brains actually learn and the very real emotional needs of today's students.
