Professors around the world are using TikTok to engage their students remotely during the pandemic. Stuart Middleton, a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, Australia, swaps famous movie scenes with terms from the strategic management courses he teaches to make his posts fit with the playful spirit of the platform. Meanwhile, Caitlin Light, an assistant professor at Binghamton University, challenged her students to use their TikTok skills to explain science concepts and what research looks like to the public. As TikTok is the most-visited site on the internet, college classrooms may increasingly look to use the platform to connect with students. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
