This study tested what effect computer use by students had on reading and writing skills. Surprisingly student's use of a computer during the school year improved their scores in the final test. That was despite it not involving a computer.

A more entertaining finding was buried in the middle. The researchers found that the use of Powerpoint to create presentations actually lowered the student's marks in the final test. So Powerpoint is as bad for presenter as it is for the audience - something I had always suspected.

> From Science Daily

Making Habits, Breaking Habits

In his new book, Jeremy Dean--psychologist and author of PsyBlog--looks at how habits work, why they are so hard to change, and how to break bad old cycles and develop new healthy, creative, happy habits.

→ "Making Habits, Breaking Habits", is available now on Amazon.

Reviews
The Bookseller, “Editor’s Pick,” 10/12/12 “Sensible and very readable…By far the most useful of this month’s New You offerings.”

Kirkus Reviews, 1/1/13 “Making changes does take longer than we may expect—no 30-day, 30-pounds-lighter quick fix—but by following the guidelines laid out by Dean, readers have a decent chance at establishing fulfilling, new patterns.”

Publishers Weekly, 12/10/12 “An accessible and informative guide for readers to take control of their lives.”

→ You can dip into the first chapter, or check it out on Amazon.com.