Great evaluation

July 18, 2017.
One of our graduates, Pascual Antonio Ramos Núñez, had a teaching evaluation, which was made the semester of January/May 2017, and received an average of 4.9 for the excellent work he has done in favor of teaching at the Mother and Teacher Pontifical Catholic University (PUCMM). Pascual’s average is above the departmental average (4.6) and above the faculty (4.6). Pascual has completed a Doctorate program in Psychology at Atlantic International University.

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Published work

July 25, 2017.
One of our graduates, Manuel Enrique Muñoz Mainato, wrote the book “Anthropology of the Body and the Pain”. A study of the cultural domain through the provocation of corporal pain in the absence of an integral education. Manuel completed a Doctorate program in Anthropology at Atlantic International University.

More information about this book here:

Mourning letter

August 2, 2017
Dear representative of AIU and friend, Daisy de Prado: Through the present we want to express our solidarity and affection to learn of the unfortunate demise of your dear father Carlos Enrique Henke Sáenz which happened on July 22, 2017.

On behalf of the AIU Academic Council in the United States, of all the educational family of AIU in the whole world and of my personal, we send you an affectionate hug and our most sincere condolences you, that henceforth do not know more of sorrows but of blessings and joys in the company of your dear family.

With affection,
Dr. José Mercado
Chairman of the Board of Trustees
Atlantic International University
jmercado@aiu.edu

Graduated with Honors

August, 2017.
These graduate students completed the majority of the requirements to obtain honors which included a 4.0 GPA, published works, recommendation from their respective advisors, patent a product, etc. Congratulations!

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Academic event

August 8, 2017. The Autonomous University of Chiriquí celebrated the academic event “The Scientific Congress UNACHI 2017” with the theme of, “The Education of the Future in Panama and the World”. It was an activity where the students of UNACHI and other national and foreign institutions exposed the results of their multidisciplinary research, with full knowledge of their scientific trajectory. The event took place August 14 - 18, 2017, in Chiriquí, Panama.

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Find more news from aiu family

Latest News: www.aiu.edu/news.aspx
News Archive: aiu.edu/DownloadCenter.html

Janette Silva
Doctor of Education
June 5, 2017

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“I have always been fascinated by online learning so when I first encountered AIU through Google search, I did not think twice in applying. I wanted to maximize my learning experience in an institution that genuinely believes that learning cannot be boxed. Being able to define my course goals is one of the many highlights of my AIU experience. I was able to pursue a research project that I truly am passionate about. The journey I had is both unforgettable and worthwhile. My learning extended beyond the walls of the student portal as I got the chance to immerse myself to the communities that shaped my research. AIU guided me all throughout but it never dictated what I had to do. That kind of trust is what learners need if they want to be rooted to the core values of learning. I cannot thank AIU enough for that trust.
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Christian Idoga
Bachelor of Accounting
June 13, 2017

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“Before I stated my program with AIU, the corporate affairs commission told me that I would not be able to upgrade my business until I get a Degree in an educational related course, thanks to AIU that part have been resolved. I hope to proceed as soon as I collect my certificate. Studying at AIU opened my eyes to understanding certain key factors needed to grow my business, thanks to Edward Lambert my academic advisor who gave me all the resources I needed to have an opened eye. Getting a job has and is a very difficult thing in Nigeria due to the low number of jobs and much graduates. Studying at AIU opened my eye to the key factors that determine eligibility with an employer during a job interview So much to say but the point still remains that I am honored to have had this experience with AIU.

Seth Barnabas Amarteifio
Doctor of Project Management
June 20, 2017

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“One unique thing about AIU is the fact that the learning is virtual and online so this helped me due to my busy schedule at work. The learning is self-paced, with curriculum tailored specific to each student need. The institution provides a perfect opportunity for persons all over the world to realize their dream and obtain a decent education in an excellent environment. AIU has a deep commitment to meet the needs of anyone with interest in enhancing his or her education. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the university board for the financial support and care that was accorded to me and the flexible payment arrangement throughout my program. This University has a good value prospect for career development in all areas of educational interest.
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Bernard Engoku
Bachelor of Public Administration
June 27, 2017

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“There is so much to include in my experience at AIU but I will only elaborate some few and very important experiences that I observed from AIU. a) Admission and Welcome note: AIU has a unique and professional staff in admission department who are really friendly and utilizes their professional skills while attending to students questions. In my case I was attended to by Mr. Juan Mejia who spoke to me on my first day when I contacted the University. He professionally explained to me in a short period of time the brief background of AIU and how students in a third world country like me have benefited from AIU. The impression that he gave me about the University made me took a quick decision and joined the University the following day.
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Assagbavi Kossivi
Doctor of Public Health
August 18, 2017

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“I think that my yesterday dreams become realities today. The study through AIU courses had transformed my personality, my lifestyle and the interpersonal relationship with my colleagues. The first day I started study I had a doubt to arrive at the end with success, but through letters and advices from advisors, tutors and administrative team for AIU, I was encouraged every day. So small I started, with some help and the blessing of God, I finish this program as well as needed. It’s no way to clean in my mind everything I had learnt at AIU virtual campus. I kept all the courses that I studied at AIU in my computer allow me teaching others in my country. I ‘m sure that at AIU, I obtained quality learning and skills to help and transform my community. I had studied in public health before but I found that AIU courses are the best. ...
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Find more testimonials from AIU s tudents here: www.aiu.edu/Testimonials.aspx

The point of studying

Interview with Elvis Mbowe Williams | PhD in Political Science and Public Administration

Where are you from, and what do you do there?

I am Dr Elvis Mbwoge Williams, a Cameroonian Politician, Political Scientist and a Business analyst. I am also Intelligence, Security and a Counterterrorism expert resident in London, United Kingdom. I was born in Ndoungue, Littoral region, Cameroon by Olive Senge and Mark Mbwoge, who reside in Kumba, Southwest region of Cameroon. I grew up to become a very patriotic system legitimising citizen whose only interest was in politics and fortunately with time became a very dedicated and loyal member of Cameroon’s ruling CPDM Party. After a couple of years militating, I was fortunate to be elected the CPDM Subsection President of NE London in the UK. Out of politics, I am the Company Chairman of New Vision Consulting Ltd., a solution orientated consulting company based in Birmingham UK, built on the belief of new style management employing contemporary ‘enlightenment’ and vision for the future in providing both short and long-term solutions to socio-economic, political and security issues among others. With regards to my academic credentials, I attended Presbyterian High School Kumba in Cameroon where I achieved my ordinary and advanced level certificates. I was awarded and hold a BSc (hons) in Political Science and Public Administration at University of Buea-Cameroon, a PgD in Strategic Business IT at NCC in the United Kingdom, an MA in Intelligence and International Relations at Staffordshire University in the United Kingdom and presently a PhD with honours in Political Science and Public Administration at Atlantic International University (AIU) in the USA, among many other academic and professional certifications. Although a bona fide Political Scientist, my professional and academic interests fall within the field of intelligence, security and counterterrorism. My passion is serving my party, my government and my country especially by helping fight terrorism and maintaining peace and security. Aside from the above interests, I also have keen interest and certification in conflict analysis and resolution. My Military Background and experience as a former Combat Military Administrator in the British Army has no doubt helped developed these special interests of mine in security solutions. An interest that has swayed me into specialising on national and international security issues focusing on counterterrorism. Most of my postgraduate research and academically related work focuses on terrorism and terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and ISIS. In view of my counterterrorism and peace work and initiatives, one of the undertakings I am always proud of is Post 9/11 which saw some individuals like myself becoming active campaigners amongst many around the globe and under the banner of the ‘Unite Against Terrorism’ activist group based in Bradford UK who campaigned for the creation of the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Implementation Task Force (CTITF) which was established in 2005 to promote the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy adopted by the General Assembly in 2006. As a professional analyst and consultant, I am a member of several professional and academic associations not limited to Institute of Administrative Management (IAM), Adjutant General’s Corps Regimental Association, International Institute of Business Analysis, UK Chapter (IIBA-UK), BCS-The Chartered Institute for IT (MBCS). I have also worked and volunteered in many capacities for both public and private institutions not limited to my party and country. As an academic, I am also a reviewer of the African Journal of Political Science and International Relations. I am currently enrolled as research fellow at AIU undertaking post-doctoral in International Relations researching on effective counterterrorism policies titled “Counterterrorism Measures and Strategies for Africa”. I am a vision 2035 and Afro optimist, with an ever present passion for contributing to nation and continent. Coupled to the above, I also hold several positions of leadership and responsibilities within my local community.

What is the main obstacle your country is facing at the moment?

My country, a democratic country united in its diversity under the steady leadership of our Head of State H.E. Paul Biya, is striving well in peace, stability and unity which are all our most precious assets. My country had adopted and is currently working towards a long-term development vision of the Head of State which provides that by 2035 Cameroon could achieve its economic road map by eradicating poverty, becoming a middle income country, newly industrialized and an emerging country. The whole nation is mustering all its energy to champion and summon all strengths towards ensuring our country’s economic growth where every Cameroonian will enjoy the economic and social content it deserves. Africa and the rest of the world should give Cameroon a chance on this great awakening with optimism. This vision 2035 economic road map is therefore the current situation in my country and as Head of State himself stated in Feb 2014. ‘‘It is about enabling our country to reach a level of development such that every Cameroonian can: live decently on his work, raise his children properly, and have decent housing and protection from disease’’. However, like any other country, Cameroon has its own challenges. The main obstacle Cameroon is currently facing as in 2017 is a prevailing situation in the Northwest and Southwest regions and the government is currently redressing the situation. That notwithstanding, Cameroonians have great love for their country and are dedicated citizens who work hard and continually ensure they maintain and promote Cameroon’s cardinal values of democracy, peace, security, unity and nation building. All which are the hallmarks of the Cameroonian Identity.

Tell us about this educational experience. How has the learning process based in Andragogy impacted your life professionally and personally?

My educational experience has been fantastic! The learning process based in andragogy couldn’t be more helpful as my accumulated reservoir of life experiences and professional skills came at hand in facilitating my learning giving me the opportunity to believe in myself, I am the best in what I do. I have benefited a lot from the unique opportunity to be in control of my studies as well as work closely with my academic advisor in the designing, planning and implementation of my curriculum and PhD research papers. The knowledge and skills I have acquired continue serve me rightly through the application of the problemcentred approach. I have all my scholarly life studied with the content-oriented approach which of course has taught me a lot of theory in political science and public administration. Undertaking my PhD was the first time I experienced the problem-centred approach which has now given me an extra edge in everything. I graduating with cum laude is simply because AIU brought the best out of me. On a professional note, I have seen many people with academic degrees who find it difficult to translate their acquired knowledge into practical solutions to existing problems; in that case, what is the point of studying? This problem-centred and interested in immediate application of knowledge approach is key to my personal and professional growth. The confidence I now have in putting my knowledge and skills into practical solutions is well founded. I honestly wouldn’t have been this confident if I did five PhDs elsewhere. With my increased knowledge and confidence since graduating, I have worked and volunteered for my party and country respectively in varying capacities effecting social change especially in the field of national security and public administration. I cannot thank AIU and all its staffs enough especially those who have helped in one way or the there during my PhD studies. Most especially Prof Edward Lambert (my Academic Tutor), Dr Scott Wilson (my Academic Advisor), and Liliana Penaranda (my academic tutor and counsellor), who all did everything to ensure my academic experience was worthwhile and most importantly, successful.

What made you decide to enrol at AIU?

Enrolling into AIU is the best decision I ever made in my academic and professional life. AIU is a prominent institution of learning which has distinguished itself as a learning community determined to give learning opportunities to the world to produce diverse background of graduates who will apply knowledge gained in resolving critical societal challenges. As well as confidently act as agents of positive social change in their respective local, national and global platforms. More so, work and study at the same time has never been an easier undertaken, AIU addresses this unique academic need without me losing my job and breaking the bank in order to realise my academic and professional goals. All this with its holistic, andragogy and philosophical approach towards education fitted the balance of my life as a family man, company chairman, politician and an honorary ambassador for my country. More so, AIU’s preserved principles of putting its students first are touchstones for all level of its actions. And in carrying all this actions AIU’S high demand for excellence and high standards represents its unique identity coupled with her preserved principles are the dynamism that underpin her vision and mission for the world. I am proud and blessed to have chosen AIU.

You are doing a new second program, with us...

Yes. I am currently enrolled as an AIU Post Doctoral student undertaking and learning towards the award of Post- Doctoral degree in International Relations, focusing on global security with speciality in counterterrorism.

Why is it important for you to invest in education?

It is commonly said every human being needs oxygen to survive. For me the same applies to education as no one, community, nation and the world can rightly progress without some form of education. It is very essential for me to invest in education and continue to do so because education gives me the knowledge and skills I require to confidently effect the betterment of the world around me. Therefore, this investment is not just for me but for the world that I am part of, i.e. my family, community, country and the world at large. The knowledge acquired through education requires me to courageously make well informed decisions and with confidence be able to make practical contributions to helping in nation building by helping solve socio-economic and political challenges as well as contributing to making positive differences within my community.

What achievements have you obtained after completing this program?

Since completing my PhD, I have been appointed as Company Chairman of New Vision Consulting Ltd, after working for New Vision on voluntary basis for four years as an analyst and advisor. Secondly, since completing my PhD, I was privileged to be invited by the Cameroon government to attend FODIAS 2017 (The Cameroon Diaspora forum) that took place from the 26-30 June under the distinguished patronage of the President of the Republic of Cameroon H. E. Paul Biya. This conference was the first of its kind and was organised under the general theme “Cameroon and Its Diaspora: Working Together for the Nation’s Development”. This Diaspora Forum adopted a project-oriented approach focusing on concrete actions with measurable impact on local communities and exchange of competences in the domains of health; social security; education and training; the ICTs and the green economy; the economy; finance and real estate development; arts, culture and tourism; and communication and public relations. With the passion I have for nation building, I could not wait to attend. Last but not the least, in response to the Cameroon Governments invitation for the development of our nation, I successfully created and established The Cameroon Citizens Advice Bureau. This unique personal project is the creation of the Cameroon Citizen Advice Bureau (CCAB) which is a developmental and nationbuilding tool and doubles as a soft and human centric measure in countering terrorism. This project is co-project managed by its technical Adviser and colleague Mr Sylvain Loning. We were honoured, privileged and opportune to submit and present our CCAB project to the Cameroon government through the honourable Minister of External relations. As well as presenting it at FODIAS 2017 in Yaoundé with the hope that it will throw in its weight to act as leverage against social injustice, underdevelopment, illiteracy, poverty and disinformation.

Do you think that you have been able to help your community?

Yes of course! I think by the grace of God, I have been able to help my local community in my own little way and will continue to do so. Although we still have a long way to go especially now I continue to gain knowledge and confidence the help of AIU. I strongly believe we will bring the CCAB project to maturity as well as ensuring bigger projects follow after that. The overall aim of the Cameroon Citizen Advice Bureau project presently helps the Cameroon government improve the lives of Cameroonian Citizens in all communities especially those citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds and communities within the national territory to acquire a better quality of life as a result of accessing necessary quality helpful advice and information. My motivation and research indicated that Cameroonians needed such a national advice service that will help the average Cameroonian to understand and benefit from diverse services rendered by both public and private sectors which otherwise are not widely known to or used by the public. Part of what make a great economy and democracy is when we have citizens who are well informed and engaged. This is CCAB’s mission is to reach out to all especially those living in poverty stricken and rural communities throughout the national territory. And how I am helping is ensuring that the CCAB project is successfully put to practice as pilot scheme within my local community. Members of my local community are going to benefit from CCAB’s free and independent services. This will mean CCAB’s advices can also prevent a variety of other socio-economic and political problems reoccurring. By helping hundreds of Cameroonians every day in my community we intend to provide a positive outcome for Cameroonians. The CCAB project that we have begun to operate within my community at no major financial cost also saves money for the state treasury. The CCAB project will not solve Cameroons misinformation problems alone without the help of other projects but it will no doubt help in playing a pivotal role that also contributes towards nation-building which in turn effects in achieving the Head of State H.E. Paul Biya’s vision 2035 economic road map for Cameroon. Coupled with the above, I still continue to be of service in other capacities and continue to hold several positions of leadership and responsibility within my local community.

Please, tell us about your present job. How has the knowledge that you have gained at Atlantic International University helped you?

As s Subsection President of the ruling party, the role of President gives me the opportunity and duty to lead an elected executive bureau which administers and overseas the affairs of the Cameroon ruling party’s cells and branches in NE of London as determined by the CPDM Party By-Laws. In this respect, as a politician, a political scientist, militant and community leader, I am responsible for leading the ruling party calls upon ensuring staunch discipline and active militancy from all CPDM party executives, militants and citizens of Cameroon within my jurisdiction to be conscious of their responsibilities towards their country to rally within its midst in order to build a peaceful, united, prosperous and just nation. My acquired knowledge and its problemcentred approach is key to my personal and leadership success. The same applies to my exciting but challenging duties as a Company Chairman of New Vision Ltd. As a Company Chairman, there are many times I am required to help with my expert knowledge about various issues and assignments within the company business. This is where my public administration and leadership skills and knowledge I acquired from AIU become very instrumental. I now find myself taking well informed decisions and as well providing expertise on various subjects as required, the difference is, this time with a bit of confidence and registered success. There is just no way will I be working this well without the application of knowledge and self believe I have learnt over the years while studying at AIU.

What would be your advice for a new student to obtain a richer educational experience?

My advice for new and prospective students is very simple, ‘belief and have faith in yourself and know your needs and wants’’. As they must have identified AIU as a unique solution to their educational needs like I did, they should never look back again. They should equally believe that AIU will help and lead them exactly to what they have to achieve if not beyond their dreams. Today, I am very proud of the knowledge I have acquired through my studies with AIU, I am now confident and believe in myself and now able to effect social positive change where ever I find myself. However, I must remind them that although AIU academic tutors advisors will be at hand to help them achieve their personal and academic goals, it is paramount for them to know nothing good comes easy and therefore; hard work, dedication and perseverance should be their watch words. Choosing AIU will definitely give them the opportunity of a richer educational experience they will be very proud of.

AIU is an authentic worldwide university. Can you share something good about your Country?

It’s always a privilege to represent and talk about my country and in my capacity as an honorary ambassador of Cameroon, it is really an honour. It is always exciting but also positively challenging to showcase a country that has it all. Nonetheless, I am very grateful to MyAIU Magazine, Campus Mundi, for offering me this great opportunity. Cameroon is a central African country which lies at the junction of west and central Africa bordering Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic and Nigeria. It is also the most urban and ethnically diverse nation in western Africa. Cameroon has a great reputation of peace, security and stability and as a nation with a population of 21 million and over 240 ethnics with more than 1700 different linguistic groups, and over 230 other languages spoken apart from its two official languages; French and English living in peace and harmony. Tourism wise, Cameroon has a growing cultivated tourism industry which encourages investments by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies and as a result, Cameroon has now made itself a place in the world tourist map thanks to the efforts and the vision 2035 economic road map of the Head of State. Cameroon is a melting pot of diverse ethnic and indigenous cultures of Africa as well as its natural landscape makes it a travel destination unlike any other in the world. It is the perfect place to see how African traditional and tribal culture meets with modern culture to form different cities and culturally significant experiences. Here, you can experience the “Soul of Africa” and witness the many unique traditions, art styles, cultural practices that make Cameroon a must-visit destination in Africa. It is so incredibly diverse that one may think one is visiting different African countries at once likewise one may think different destinations are in the same country. It is blessed and rich in natural landscapes composed of active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and peculiar rock formations. With an active volcano, mount Cameroon stands over 4095 m high as the tallest mountain in west Africa. Cameroon has soil rich of minerals enriched by natural resources like oil, timber, hydroelectric power, natural gas, cobalt, nickel, iron ore and uranium etc. This rich soil has also made Cameroon famous for producing and exporting coffee, cocoa, cotton, bananas and oilseeds. I really wish I could have time to talk about all that Cameroon exhibits such as its national parks, abundant species of wildlife, all major climates and vegetation of the continent such as mountains, desert, rain forest, savannah grassland, and ocean coastland, lakes, etc. In short, because of Cameroon’s geographical and cultural diversity, it is often referred to as “Africa in miniature” and as “the hinge of Africa”.

Elvis Mbwoge Williams is from Cameroon. He completed a PhD in Political Science and Public Administration at AIU. Nowadays he is CPDM Subsection President NE London (Politician), and also Business Analyst and Company Chairman. elviswilliamsm@yahoo.com

Publications by Students: aiu.edu/StudentPublication.html

By Dr. Rosa Hilda Lora M. Advisor at AIU | rosa@aiu.edu

We live in a society that doesn’t stop, we have to be here and tomorrow we have to take the next step; we can’t fall asleep in triumphs or in despair: every day is an opportunity and an opportunity to grow up. They tell us that we have to continue learning forever which means a commitment to ourselves. The question we ask ourselves is: to continue studying what. Continuing to study makes think if we’ll have good results. The good results are going to depend on a number of factors that we have to consider: all human beings have faculties with which we were born and all human beings have the skills that we develop. We look at this person and the other doing and taking courses and they continue the same, they don’t seem to advance in their jobs, they don’t seem to change their sense about life because they don’t appear to be happy. What isn’t working in their personal development? What doesn’t work in all the courses for their personal development? Have I ever thought about who I am? Do I know my skills? Do I know what I am in terms of strengths? Do I have the knowledge of what I need to learn? Do I have a clear story about my learning? Behind personal development there is a human being who was born with the faculties or organs to do this or that and according to his way of life, according to what has been his environment could learn this or that. There are circumstances where we have had negative experiences and we close the path of learning. What needs to be done to be in the right place at the right time? The first thing is to know who I am to know where I should go.

A. In terms of skills / in terms of values: Am I a persistent person? Do I have the time to do what I want? Do I recognize what I do well? Do I want harmony in personal relationships? B. In terms of knowledge: Do I try to know where the society in which I live is moving? Do I know the objectives of the company in the area in which I work? Do I research the recent area in which I have a degree? C. As for skills: Do I have knowledge of my strengths as to my work; clearly identify my strengths? Do I know the weaknesses I have in my work? With the previous questions I can already locate and know who I am and how I can look for a development program that allows me to grow up. The next is how to learn how to study. Almost always human beings have the memory of the best evaluations and those that meant bad moments, so to continue learning, to continue studying, it means to analyze those memories to understand where the good learning was and where the bad was and draw a plan to allow me to accept what was wrong in order to move on. Fortunately one thing that has changed is how to learn; today we have many supports that facilitate to learn. Reading these lines I already have the clear path to start a program of personal development. Let’s do it!

How do we learn now?

Nowadays there are different ways to offer the concepts to learn: the list of subjects to learn is called Curriculum and the Curriculum can be opened or closed. The Open Curriculum means that I can choose the knowledge that I want and the closed Curriculum is that the institution offers me a list of knowledge that I have to reach. The Curriculum also has the policies, the philosophy, the accreditation system and the administrative organization of the study centers. Now we have the benefit of moving away from those knowledge that we think won’t help us in the goal that we want.

The problem is how to study easily. We would like to take a syrup to allow us to learn easily, it when we see all the courses we have to do and we don’t understand how to work them. There are study centers as says Milan Kundera: Why do we have to give so many turns to each of our acts in the frying pan of reason, as if it were an omelet? The world changes but what has changed to study? We said that Pedagogy has grown and also the Learning Psychology. The main change in Pedagogy is that the teacher is a “companion” and in Learning Psychology students have many ways to acquire knowledge according to their abilities, biological inheritance and social environment. The centers of study ceased to be the directors of a single learning method without considering the differences that humans have to approach the new knowledge. In Learning Psychology we have the psychogenetic theory by Jean Piaget (Switzerland, 1896-1980), the sociocultural theory by Lev Semenovich Vygotsky (Belarus, 1896-1934), and the Assimilation theory by David Ausubel (USA, 1918-2008) —elements of these three theories build the Constructivism. We know that the purpose of education is to promote the processes of personal growth within the framework of the culture of the group to which we belong. Barriga Arceo and Hernández Rojas (2001). The groups to which we belong have become very broad if we consider the concept of “global village” given to present society by the Canadian Marshall McLuhan (1911-1980).

Irrespective of the psychological proposal of learning and pedagogical didactics the knowledge implies transforming a personal and social reality with what has been learned. There is reconciliation in learning between the new and old knowledge and the “companion” or teacher has the function to give this reconciliation. Reconciliation is taken by Vygotsky to build the concept of Zone of Next Development that is the development that someone has and the development that can be reached. Wertsch (1995). The concept of the Zone of Next Development is joined to the “scaffolding” by César Coll (España, 1950-), to explain the way in which human beings construct their knowledge. Hidalgo Guzmán (2000). Scaffolding in construction is the structure that allows the activities of builders. The scaffolding in knowledge refers to the scaffold and the subject because the two do the work.

Subjects build the scaffold with what they know and with what they can get. What the subject knows is called prior knowledge which comes from his work experience and his mental field. We see in many Study centers assistants or teacher assistants also called Tutors. What is their function? To help the student with the location of the learning materials, the submission techniques, the methods promoted by the Study Center. The evaluation of the product of the new social and scientific reality is carried out by Professors or Advisors. The etymological meaning of Professor belongs to the Latin, cathedra, and from the Greek, kathedra and it means seat. Professor refers to the highest level in university teaching obtained by open or closed competition. The academic or academic advisor is the expert, expressed by a university degree and is the one who determines the level achieved in terms of social and epistemic reality by the student. If today we study so easily we have to analyze where I am in terms of my knowledge of the social environment or the “global village” and scientific explanations and techniques in my work area. Now I can choose what to study. Now I can choose my Curriculum for My Personal Development because I know it can be an open curriculum or it can be a closed curriculum. Now I can build my scaffolding because I know that what I learned is valuable. Now I know that I can have someone who supports me with the name of tutor or assistant. Now I’ll know the value of the knowledge of my environment and the “global village” Now I know the value of knowing to have a job that makes me happy. Now I know what academics or academic advisors are doing. Now I’ll grow up as a human being and as a participant in the production of goods or services of the society in which I live on this beautiful Blue Planet!

BIBLIOGRAPHY. Ausubel, D. Joseph D. Novak y Helen Hanesian (1998). Psicología Educativa, Un punto de vista cognoscitivo. Trillas: México. | Díaz Barriga Arceo, F. y Geraldo Hernández Rojas (2010). Estrategias para un aprendizaje significativo, una interpretación constructivista. Mc Graw Hill: México. | Hidalgo Guzmán, J. (2000). Constructivismo y Aprendizaje Escolar. Castellanos editores: México. | Wertsch, J. (1995). Vygotsky y la formación social de la mente. Paidós: España.

Microbes may rig their DNA

...to speed up evolution.

In 1944, a Columbia University doctoral student in genetics named Evelyn Witkin made a fortuitous mistake. During her first experiment in a laboratory at Cold Spring Harbor, in New York, she accidentally irradiated millions of E. coli with a lethal dose of ultraviolet light. When she returned the following day to check on the samples, they were all dead —except for one, in which four bacterial cells had survived and continued to grow. Somehow, those cells were resistant to UV radiation. To Witkin, it seemed like a remarkably lucky coincidence that any cells in the culture had emerged with precisely the mutation they needed to survive —so much so that she questioned whether it was a coincidence at all.

For the next two decades, Witkin sought to understand how and why these mutants had emerged. Her research led her to what is now known as the SOS response, a DNA repair mechanism that bacteria employ when their genomes are damaged, during which dozens of genes become active and the rate of mutation goes up. Those extra mutations are more often detrimental than beneficial, but they enable adaptations, such as the development of resistance to UV or antibiotics. The question that has tormented some evolutionary biologists ever since is whether nature favored this arrangement.

Read full text: www.businessinsider.com/ disease-dangers-pandemic-influenza-ebola-2017-5

Soft robotics

New robots that can heal their own wounds.

Poke a hole in a human and something remarkable happens –the wound heals itself, filling in the missing tissue and protecting itself from infection. Poke a hole in a robot, however, and prepare for a long night of repairs. The machines may be stronger than us, but they’re missing out on a vital superpower. Until now. Researchers at Belgium’s Vrije Universiteit Brussel report this week in Science Robotics that they’ve developed a squishy, self-healing robot. Cut it open, apply heat, let it cool down again, and the wound heals itself. While self-healing materials are nothing new, their application in so-called soft robotics —a relatively new kind of pliable machine that uses pneumatics or hydraulics to move— could be big.

To build their squishbot, the researchers crafted an elastomer, a variety of polymer. Its network of microscopic chains are held together by something called a Diels-Alder reaction, which is temperature-sensitive. So these bonds break when you heat them and reform as they cool. “On the microscopic level, there is enough mobility to seal the gap,” says electromechanical engineer Seppe Terryn, lead author on the paper. “And then if we decrease the temperature again the entire network will be formed again.” Think of melting down a cube of Jell-O, then putting it back in the fridge—the difference being that this polymer goes back to its original shape and strength after injury.

Visit: www.oxbotica.ai Read full text: www.thedrive.com/tech/8978/ self-driving-shuttle-service-begins-testing-in-london

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Microbus comes back as an EV

For years Volkswagen has teased us with the idea of bringing back the much loved, iconic Volkswagen Microbus. The automaker unveiled the I.D. Buzz concept car earlier this year, which applies the styling of a Microbus, but with a fully electric powertrain. After several rumors and reports, Volkswagen has confirmed that the Microbus will officially return in 2022. Volkswagen made the announcement at the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance, in Monterey, California. “After the presentations at the global motor shows in Detroit and Geneva, we received a large number of letters and emails from customers who said, ‘please build this car’,” Volkswagen CEO Dr Herbert Diess said.

Read full article and find more images: www.google. com/culturalinstitute/beta/exhibit/LAJS9QemFaibJQ

Imaginary speed bumps

In London, excessive speeding isn’t defined in quite the same way as it is in USA. While drivers here may get ticketed in some areas for hitting 40 or 50 miles per hour on city streets, vehicles there are in danger of being ticketed for exceeding 20 miles per hour. To curb the problem, the city began a clever initiative 18 months ago. Rather than spend the money it would take to install real speed bumps, officials for Transport for London painted stencils on the road that give the illusion of being raised. There’s no actual bump, but drivers who anticipate going over one might wind up slowing down. We say “might” because, as a pilot program, there’s no word yet on how effective the faux-bumps have been.

Read full text: www.faena.com/aleph/articles/ chandigarh-a-city-in-india-designed-by-le-corbusier/

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Turmeric

Is it really good for you?

According to studies, it seems that turmeric has a number of potent benefits. The problem seems to be how to tap into them. Turmeric is native to Southeast Asia and a cousin to ginger, the big fuss isn’t necessarily about the exuberantly- hued turmeric itself, but a component within called curcumin —a phytochemical scientists found to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties with revolutionary healing potential. As with matcha and coconut oil, two other ingredients of the moment with the wellness set, we set out to understand why turmeric is the ingredient du jour, and whether it’s worth bolting right out to stock some of that orangey goodness in your pantry if you don’t typically have a hankering for Indian food. One comprehensive scientific report published in 2013 compiled the results of a collection of clinical trials of curcumin over the prior 50 years, claiming, to quote, “promising effects” for a long list of ailments, such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, uveitis, ulcerative proctitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel disease, tropical pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, gastric ulcer, diabetes... But how does it work in the body?

Read full text: www.spring.org. uk/2016/05/empathy-killed-popularpainkiller.

“A traveler I am, and a navigator, and everyday I discover a new region within my soul.”
—Kahlil Gibran

The fear of getting old

Let’s end ageism.

It’s not the passage of time that makes it so hard to get older. It’s ageism, a prejudice that pits us against our future selves –and each other. Ashton Applewhite urges us to dismantle the dread and mobilize against the last socially acceptable prejudice. “Aging is not a problem to be fixed or a disease to be cured,” she says. “It is a natural, powerful, lifelong process that unites us all.” Ashton Applewhite, author of This Chair Rocks: A Manifiesto Against Ageism, and activist, asks us to look at ageism –the assumption that older people are alike and that aging impoverishes us. It starts between your ears: how do you feel about your own aging? What messages have you absorbed over the years? Look at where they come from. Think about what purpose they serve. Learn about longevity. Start a consciousness-raising group. Question the mainstream narrative. Speak up when you encounter ageist behavior or attitudes. Join forces with olders and youngers to make ageism as unacceptable as any other form of prejudice –and to dismantle them all.

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