In this paper, we describe a novel methodology, grounded in techniques from the field of machine learning, for modeling emerging social structure as it develops in threaded discussion forums, with an eye towards application in the threaded discussions of massive open online courses (MOOCs). This modeling approach integrates two simpler, well established prior techniques, namely one related to social network structure and another related to thematic structure of text. More...

The proportion of rural students at university has declined dramatically.
CHINA’S infamous university entrance exam, known as the gaokao, has long been a target of criticism. Admissions are based solely on the points scored in one exam, and the need for rote memorisation does little to foster creative minds. Now the government has taken its first tentative steps towards reforming the system. In December it announced that the English-language part of the test can be taken several times, with the best score counting. More significantly, it said it would move towards an evaluation process where the test did not make up 100% of the score, and would include more subjective assessments of, for instance, extra-curricular activities. Details are expected this year. More...