Emotion software spots distracted students

Researchers in China and the UK are testing tutoring software that knows when students are losing interest in a lesson and can adjust to keep them on track, reports The Economic Times.

The system keeps track of students' attention by measuring physical signs of emotion. It then varies the speed and content of a lesson based on an assessment of their level of interest.

Ultimately, it could improve electronic tutoring, say the researchers, helping developing countries deliver education to remote areas that lack educational institutions.

To make e-learning easier and tap the growing demand for computing technology in the education sector, Intel has launched the Integrated Solution Kit for Education, giving channel partners exclusive go-to-market privileges.

Under its scheme of things, Intel designated a few select partners to capitalise on the investment the semiconductor major has made to help educational organisations meet their goals while expanding its own reach into new markets.

The British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA) has chosen Melbourne educational software company Etech Group as a preferred supplier.

This gives Etech government-approved access to thousands of British schools, colleges and universities. It is one of only 10 companies included in BECTA's approved purchasing list and the only one outside Europe.

The British government has earmarked initial funding of lb40 million for its learning services framework programme aimed at boosting educational and technology resources.