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Why don’t computers use a different base for numbers?

The simple reason why binary beats all other number bases

30 April 2025

Why not Base-4?

At first glance, it seems logical to ask: Why don’t computers use Base-4 instead of Base-2? After all, wouldn’t using more numbers give us more power? While it might sound appealing, the reality comes down to the fundamental way electronics work—and why binary remains unbeatable.

Electronics love simplicity

Computers are built on circuits that recognise two states: “off” and “on”. These states are easy, reliable, and practical for electronics to detect. Base-4, on the other hand, would mean handling four distinct states—imagine “off,” “partly on,” and “fully on.” Cool in theory, but impractical in reality. Building hardware to detect such levels would not only be expensive but also error-prone. Think of it like trying to get a light switch to dim to exactly 37%—possible, but far from practical.

A costly rewrite of history

Binary’s dominance dates back to the early days of computing, when switches were literal levers toggling between two positions. Switching to Base-4 today would require a complete overhaul of modern technology. Every programme would need rewriting, every processor redesigning, and every programmer retraining. The cost? More than even the world’s wealthiest could cover.

Base-3 computers: A brief history

Interestingly, a ternary (Base-3) computer was once a serious contender in the 1950s. Yet, despite its potential, binary won out for its simplicity, reliability, and efficiency. The entire computing industry has been built on this foundation, and for good reason: sometimes less really is more.

The unbeatable efficiency of binary

While other number bases could theoretically work, binary remains the gold standard. Its simplicity makes it easy to implement, cost-effective, and highly reliable. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—or add unnecessary complexity.

Want to dive deeper? Watch our full Craig’n’Dave Lesson Hacker video.

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Why can’t we just stick RAM directly onto the CPU?

22 April 2025

In the world of computer science, speed is everything. So, it’s easy to see why the idea of sticking RAM directly onto the CPU seems like a genius move. Zero latency, lightning-fast speeds, and no more bottlenecks—what’s not to love? But in reality, it’s not that simple. Let’s break down why we can’t just combine these two crucial components into one.

The difference between CPU and RAM

At first glance, sticking RAM onto the CPU might sound like a great way to boost performance. After all, the closer RAM is to the CPU, the faster data can be accessed, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that straightforward. The CPU and RAM are built in fundamentally different ways.

CPUs are designed to handle calculations at breakneck speeds using logic processes. On the other hand, RAM—specifically Dynamic RAM (DRAM)—uses capacitors to temporarily store data. The catch is that these capacitors need constant refreshing to retain their information. This is similar to a student frantically rereading their notes to ensure they remember everything during revision.

Why it doesn’t work together

Trying to combine CPU and DRAM onto the same chip would cause chaos in the manufacturing process. DRAM fabrication doesn’t align well with the processes used to create a CPU. Imagine trying to install a high-end GPU into a budget laptop—it just won’t fit, and forcing it could cause damage.

Even cutting-edge technologies like Intel’s Haswell architecture use embedded DRAM (eDRAM) sparingly. The goal is to use just enough to boost performance without massively increasing production costs. However, merging CPU and RAM completely would be a manufacturing nightmare.

The speed factor: DRAM vs. SRAM

Even if we could combine the two, there’s another issue: speed. DRAM operates at a top speed of about 1 GHz, while modern CPUs can easily surpass 3 GHz. That’s like putting bicycle tyres on a Formula 1 car—you’re limiting the performance of the entire system.

To overcome this speed gap, CPUs use SRAM (Static RAM) for on-chip cache. SRAM is much faster than DRAM but comes with its own drawbacks: it’s bulkier and significantly more expensive. Sure, we could fill a CPU with SRAM, but that would come at an astronomical cost—far more than most of us are willing to pay.

Why we stick to separate RAM and CPUs

While combining RAM and the CPU might sound like a performance dream, the technical and cost limitations make it impractical. The current balance of DRAM for main memory and SRAM for cache strikes the best compromise between speed, cost, and practicality.

Want to know more? Check out The Lesson Hacker’s YouTube video –

For more Lesson Hacker Videos, check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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Getting maximum value from Smart Revise with Year 11

15 April 2025

Exams are only a few months away and what your students do now is going to make the biggest impact to their results in August. It almost doesn’t matter what their work ethic has been like up until now, there is still time for all students to achieve their potential if they engage in regular active revision using the best techniques from today.

Once you have delivered all the course content switch the topic filters to “Student controlled” in Smart Revise. Make sure you have Quiz, Terms reflective, Terms interactive and Advance modes enabled in the class settings. This will allow the students to take charge of what to revise, when and how.

Top tips for students

Use the Summary report to know the topics that are your strengths and weaknesses.

Click on a Quiz pie chart in the summary report to do multiple-choice questions only on weaker topics.

Look at the Top 10 revision references at the bottom of the summary report.
These are your specific weaknesses across the whole course. You can watch the Craig’n’Dave videos if that helps but beware of passive revision.

Click on a Terms pie chart in the summary report and filter the cards you want to focus on: sad, neutral, happy, unanswered. Reflective is a passive reflection. Interactive is more challenging but is essential. You should be able to define terms at this stage of the course. Use reflective as a reminder and interactive when you are revising.

Click on an Advance pie chart in the summary report to see exam-style questions. Use the next button to find a question you want to attempt. Start with the low mark questions first and work up. Pretend you are in a real exam. Set an alarm on your phone for the number of marks the question is worth and spend that amount of time answering the question.

Use the built-in mark schemes to mark your answer and be realistic. It doesn’t matter if you get low marks when you are practicing.

If you don’t get full marks, note the question number. Have another go at the same question a few days later to see if you can improve your answer. Use the “last answer” button to see your most recent answer.

Start with low mark questions, but don’t avoid the high mark Advance questions forever. You will get lots of 1–6-mark questions in your exam and one 8-mark question in each paper.

Just because you know something this week doesn’t mean you will remember it next week so don’t neglect the topics you have mostly green on the pie charts in the summary report. Checking you still have the understanding is important.

Start Terms – Leitner mode is good for daily reminders of terminology once you have mostly green or yellow pie charts in most of the topics on your summary report. Remember to set the topic filters to the whole course before using Leitner mode.

Beyond Smart Revise

Although Smart Revise is great, it is important to provide students with real past papers so they can practice writing on lines with a pen too! Some papers will be publicly available on exam board websites, but others will require logging in to their portals to be downloaded.

We often assume students will just “know” how to revise without being explicitly taught how to. This is a mistake. Show students the technique of mind mapping and build a mind map for a topic with them, maybe using the Terms in Smart Revise for reference. Smart Revise compliments this tried and tested approach, it does not replace it.

One technique we developed with our students is the “what why web” (see what we did there) which is a scaffolded approach to making a mind map. Write the concept in the middle and then on a second branch state what words are associated with the concept, and on a third branch state why it is necessary, any implications and examples.

For example, the concept of registers for OCR J277 might look like this:

As Dunlosky showed, the worst revision students can do is reading their notes, looking over classwork and watching videos because these are passive techniques. Knowledge organisers and revision guides are useful, but they should only be used as a reference guide to check understanding, in themselves they are not revision.

By the way, put those highlighter pens away because research has shown that highlighting notes is worthless!

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The Festival of Computing 2025: The ultimate event for computer science teachers

1 April 2025

If you’re a secondary school computing teacher looking for cutting-edge CPD, inspiring speakers, and the chance to connect with like-minded educators, the Festival of Computing 2025 is an event you can’t afford to miss. This year is sponsored by Craig’n’Dave, Bromsgrove School and OCR.

After the success of last year, this year’s event is bigger and better, packed with more sessions, a larger marketplace, and plenty of coffee to keep you fuelled throughout the day.

What is the festival of computing?

The Festival of Computing is the evolution of the hugely popular Craig’n’Dave & Friends conference. Taking place on 2nd July 2025 at Bromsgrove School, it’s a full day of collaboration, learning, and innovation for computing teachers.

Expect hands-on CPD sessions, keynote talks from top industry experts, and plenty of opportunities to share ideas with fellow educators. Whether you’re refining your teaching methods or exploring the latest tools in computing education, this event is designed to inform, inspire, and energise.

What’s new for 2025?

We’ve listened to your feedback from last year and made some exciting upgrades:

New fringe event: A fresh addition where market stall holders will pitch their ideas on teaching and learning in computing.
Bigger marketplace: We’re moving the marketplace to a large, dedicated marquee on Gordon Green, offering more space and a better experience.
More coffee stations: You asked, and we delivered. Expect plenty of coffee to keep you going throughout the day.
More CPD sessions: This year, we’re switching from two 1-hour sessions to three 45-minute sessions, giving you more variety and flexibility.
On-site accommodation: Stay on-site the night before to make the most of the event (limited availability, book HERE).
Pre-event ticketed social: If you’re local or staying overnight, join us for a curry and drinks social on 1st July—perfect for networking in a relaxed setting. *Please note there are limited tickets for the curry and drinks event available. Please book HERE.

Want a sneak peek at the full agenda? Click here.

The location: Bromsgrove School

We’re thrilled to be hosting the Festival of Computing at the prestigious Bromsgrove School.

Bromsgrove School, with its 500-year history, is one of Britain’s leading boarding and day schools. Set over 100 acres of stunning grounds, it offers world-class facilities and a first-rate academic environment, making it the perfect setting for a day of innovation and inspiration.

Secure your place today!

Don’t miss out on the must-attend computing education event of 2025.

Secure your spot at the Festival of Computing and join hundreds of passionate educators for a day of learning, networking, and fun.

👉 Get your ticket here.

🌐 Visit Craig’n’Dave.org for more

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Are loot boxes gambling?

The digital debate every gamer should know

18 March 2025

What are loot boxes?

In simplest terms, loot boxes are mystery rewards players can earn or buy. Think of them as digital versions of Kinder Eggs, but instead of chocolate and toys, they contain skins, weapons, or characters to enhance your game. Sounds fun, right? Except you don’t know what you’re getting until you’ve paid. Cue disappointment when that elusive Messi card in FIFA Ultimate Team turns out to be yet another low-tier player.

The gambling argument

Critics argue that loot boxes mimic the mechanics of gambling. You pay for a chance at a desirable outcome, complete with flashy animations and dopamine-fueled suspense. Younger players are especially vulnerable, with some spending hundreds—or even thousands—chasing rare items.

The Norwegian Consumer Council has even labelled loot boxes as “predatory mechanisms” that exploit psychological tricks to drain wallets. Sound familiar? That’s because it feels suspiciously like pulling the lever on a Vegas slot machine, except your reward is a virtual hat rather than a pile of cash.

Developers defend their treasure chests

Game developers, however, see things differently. They compare loot boxes to toys like mystery figurines, claiming they’re just “harmless fun.” Since most loot boxes don’t pay out real money, they argue they don’t qualify as gambling. But with gaming companies raking in an estimated $15 billion annually from loot boxes, it’s clear these digital party bags are more than just fun—they’re big business.

A lack of transparency

Transparency remains a sore spot. In the UK, only two of the 45 top-grossing games disclose loot boxes in their advertising, despite being required to by law. That lack of clarity leaves players unaware of the odds—or costs—involved.

Are loot boxes all bad?

Not necessarily. For some players, loot boxes add excitement to gaming. Plus, self-regulation within the industry has started to improve, with guidelines for clearer disclosure. Yet, countries like Belgium and Japan have gone further, banning or regulating loot boxes to protect consumers.

So, are loot boxes gambling?

The answer depends on who you ask. Critics say yes, developers say no, and governments remain undecided. What’s clear is that players need to approach loot boxes with caution—because while you might win a cool skin, it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending.

Watch the full video for more insights!

Check it out on the Craig’n’Dave YouTube channel, and don’t forget to visit our website for more gaming and computer science insights.

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What does the data on a student flight path mean?

4 March 2025

Students have three flight paths that show their progress with the content in Smart Revise. The blue line shows progress with Quiz (multiple choice), pink is Terms (definitions) and green is Advance (written answers).

Selecting “expand” will show the student a more detailed daily breakdown too. Each dot representing a day they logged in and used Smart Revise.

Teachers can see the flight path for each student in their analytic reports, and the more detailed view by selecting “Load full data”. A top tip is to hover over a dot to see the date and the progress on that date.

Students should aim to be in the green “target cone” at all times, and the teacher can set the parameters for that in the class and individual student settings.

Quiz progress

Every time a student answers a Quiz question correctly the count for that question increases by one. The algorithms will reprioritise the question in the queue, but each question can be answered correctly up to three times to count towards flight path data. So, think of each question being worth 0-3 points. If a question is answered incorrectly, it is given a much higher priority, so will be more likely to be shown again in the near future but will also have its count reset to zero. This is the reason that flight paths can go down too.

If a course has 600 questions and the student has answered every question correctly three times, that would be 1800 points or 100%. Imagine a student that has mastered 75 questions (that means correct three times in a row), 20 questions answered correctly twice, 10 questions answered correctly once, and 8 questions answered incorrectly. Their progress on Quiz can be calculated as:

(75 * 3) + (20 * 2) + (10 * 1) = 275. If there are 600 questions in the set, the maximum is 1800, so 275 is 15%.

Remember that Quiz questions asked in a task also contribute to flight path progress when the marks are released to the students.

Terms progress

Each term can be self-assessed by the student as red, amber or green. Only green terms count for the flight path so if there are 200 terms and the student has 30 marked green then their progress on Terms would be 15%.

When terms definitions are asked in a task, the student must score full marks for the term to be recorded as green and have a positive effect on the flight path. Anything less and the answer won’t count.

Advance progress

Advance is much more complex. Questions are tagged as easy, medium or hard and students must have answered a range of questions across the three difficulties to achieve 100%. They do not need to answer every question to achieve 100%, but they cannot answer all the easy questions for example without their progress being capped.

We aim for students to be “exam ready”. In classic revision that would mean having attempted and received high marks across a range of past papers. Smart Revise captures this by ensuring students must have achieved a given number of marks in easy, medium and hard questions to achieve 100% progress. For example, that could be 100 marks of easy questions, 100 marks of medium questions and 100 marks of hard questions. Every mark is worth a point. The harder questions are worth more marks, and therefore there are more flight path points to be gained.

The target cone

The green area on the flight path is known as “the target cone”. The cone starts at a date decided by the teacher and extends to the end of the course. Students should be aiming to be within this green target cone at all times. By default, the lower line at the bottom of the flight path, known as the minimum expectation line is set to 60% and the line at the top of the target cone, known as the aspiration line is set to 80% at the end of the course. That means to be within the target cone at the end of the course students must have completed 60-80% of the content within Smart Revise.

The flight path start date, minimum expectation and aspiration target can be set by the teacher at a whole class level or it can be different for each student. Read our helpdesk article to find out more:

How do I view flight path data or change the settings?

How much engagement do students need to be within the target cone?

This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the minimum and aspiration target. The more students use Smart Revise the greater their progress will be. Generally speaking, 35-50 Quiz questions per week for GCSE students and 40-70 questions for an A level student should enable them to achieve 100% by the end of the course if they begin within the first two months of starting the course. Essentially, if a student is below the target cone they should do more, and if they are within the top half of the target cone they are doing well. So the target is really, “be within your green target cone”. If this isn’t challenging enough, increase the minimum expectation in the class configuration settings.

All the questions students answer in Tasks also counts towards progress on their flight path once the marks are released to students. This may cause their position to go up or down!

Progress and grades

There is a clear positive correlation between the number of marks a student achieves in Smart Revise and the number of marks they are likely to achieve in a real exam. It stands to reason, the more revision and practice of questions they do the better a student will perform in an exam. However, progress in Smart Revise and grade boundaries are not related. It is not possible to say that 60% progress is the same as 60% in an exam. Therefore, we advise caution when interpreting the data in that way. See flight paths more as an indicator of how much students are using Smart Revise and how well they are answering questions. I.e. the amount of content they have seen and their confidence.

Of course, it is possible to set flight path targets to match target grades based on exam grade boundaries, and this is a good starting point, but always raise expectations with the flight path. Set the minimum and aspiration targets in Smart Revise to be higher than target grades.

Curious to learn more about Smart Revise or try it for free? You can get all the details HERE.

Be sure to visit our website for more insights into the world of technology and for the best teaching resources for computer science and business studies.

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I’ve lost control of my own DNA

18 February 2025

DNA testing kits have become a modern-day curiosity – a way to discover your ancestry, potential health risks, and even traits you didn’t know you had. But have you ever stopped to consider what happens to that genetic goldmine once you send it off? Here’s a closer look at the fascinating yet slightly alarming world of DNA testing.

Uncovering secrets with DNA kits

Companies like 23andMe have made exploring your DNA as simple as spitting into a tube. From identifying as 5% Norwegian to discovering a predisposition for male pattern baldness, the results can be both entertaining and enlightening. But the story doesn’t end with finding out why you have curly hair.

DNA testing services also promise health insights and family connections, often revealing unexpected truths. Think learning one of your parents isn’t actually your parent – a revelation that might spice up Sunday lunch discussions.

The double-edged sword of genetic data

As exciting as these insights are, they come with serious privacy implications. Your DNA isn’t just your own; it’s linked to your family too. Sending in a sample might inadvertently overshare details about your siblings, parents, and even distant cousins.

The bigger concern is what happens to this data if companies face financial trouble. For example, Atlas Biomed recently vanished from the web, leaving users wondering what became of their most sensitive information. Similarly, 23andMe’s struggles raise questions about the security of its extensive DNA database.

Can you take back control of your DNA?

If the thought of your genetic information being mishandled keeps you awake at night, you do have options. Many companies allow you to delete your data, but be aware: if it’s been anonymised and used in research, it’s out there for good.

Before diving into DNA testing, take these precautions:

read the terms and conditions: Know who has access to your data and how it’s used.
consider the long-term impact: Your results affect not just you, but your family too.
decide how much you want to know: Some truths might be best left undiscovered.

DNA testing kits can reveal fascinating insights, but they come with significant risks. If you’re considering taking the plunge, make an informed decision – and if you’ve already tested, explore ways to manage your data responsibly.

For more on this topic, watch the full Craig’n’Dave Lesson Hacker video linked below.

Be sure to visit our website for more insights into the world of technology and for the best teaching resources for computer science and business studies.

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What are the benefits of studying OCR Computer Science GCSE?

11 February 2025

Computer Science is shaping the world around us, and there’s no better place to start than with the OCR GCSE Computer Science qualification. Beyond simply learning about coding and algorithms, this course equips students with skills that have real-world applications and set them up for a future filled with exciting opportunities.

Unlocking essential skills

The OCR GCSE Computer Science course is designed to build foundational skills that are highly valued across industries. Logical thinking and problem-solving are at its core, enabling students to break down complex challenges into manageable solutions—a skill that’s just as valuable in business meetings as it is in coding projects.

Students also develop computational thinking, learning to create efficient solutions to problems. Whether writing code or managing a personal budget, these skills have practical relevance in everyday life.

Real-life applications and career pathways

Studying Computer Science doesn’t just prepare students for a single career; it opens doors to an array of opportunities. With technology touching every sector, skills gained from the OCR GCSE can lead to careers in cybersecurity, game design, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and more.

For those not directly pursuing tech-related careers, the knowledge gained—such as understanding data structures or networking principles—provides a strong foundation for roles in finance, marketing, or project management. In today’s digital economy, these skills make candidates stand out.

A stepping stone to lifelong learning

Beyond job prospects, the OCR GCSE Computer Science qualification nurtures an appreciation for how technology impacts our world. Students gain the confidence to learn new tools and programming languages, preparing them for further study or adapting to future tech advancements.

Why choose Craig’n’Dave?

At Craig’n’Dave, we’re passionate about making Computer Science engaging and accessible for students. Our resources are tailored to support learners every step of the way, ensuring they gain the most from their studies.

Ready to explore the exciting world of Computer Science?

Visit Craig’n’Dave today and discover resources that bring Computer Science to life.

Empower your students or yourself to succeed with OCR GCSE Computer Science—because the future belongs to those who understand technology.

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Is the Digital Pound the future of UK currency?

4 February 2025

In an ever-evolving digital world, it’s no surprise that money is getting a futuristic upgrade. But what does the UK’s proposed digital pound really mean for you and me? Let’s dive into the world of cryptocurrencies, privacy concerns, and financial inclusion with a touch of humour and plenty of insight.

What are Cryptocurrencies?

Imagine your traditional money, but dressed in a slick digital outfit. That’s cryptocurrency. Decentralised and powered by advanced technology, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are shaking up the financial world. Bitcoin is the rockstar, the Beatles of digital money, while Ethereum is its artsy sibling with a penchant for smart contracts. Yet, for all their cool factor, these currencies are notoriously volatile—like the stock market on a rollercoaster.

Enter the Digital Pound

Now, the UK is considering its own cryptocurrency—the digital pound. Issued and managed by the Bank of England, it promises stability and security, unlike its wilder crypto cousins. But is it all sunshine and rainbows? Not quite. The digital pound could revolutionise payments, making transactions faster and safer, but it’s also raising a few eyebrows.

Privacy Concerns

Let’s be real—do we really want the government knowing every time we buy an overpriced latte or splurge on a cheeky takeaway? With the digital pound, privacy concerns come front and centre. Every digital penny could be tracked, potentially giving authorities unprecedented access to our financial habits. It’s not just Big Brother—it’s Big Banking.

Inclusivity: Who Might Get Left Behind?

There’s also the risk of excluding those who depend on physical cash—think the elderly, the unbanked, and those in areas with unreliable internet. As we rush towards a cashless society, we need to ensure no one gets left behind. Cash is more than just paper—it’s a lifeline for many.

The Verdict

The digital pound could be a game-changer, offering a stable, state-backed alternative to volatile cryptocurrencies. However, with issues like privacy and inclusivity at stake, the UK needs to tread carefully. Will the digital pound be the future of money, or will cash still cling on for dear life? Only time will tell.

Want to learn more?

Check out the full video on our YouTube channel for a deeper dive into the digital pound.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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What’s the difference between the topic filters in Smart Revise?

28 January 2025

Smart Revise will always try to prioritise questions from newly unlocked topics so that students see new material first. As a teacher you will then have data about misconceptions and knowledge gaps quickly after a topic has been taught, however it does require you to remember to unlock those new topics for students too!

In the class settings there are three levels of control in addition to setting which particular topics are available to students.

Teacher controlled topic filtering

Teacher controlled is for your day-to-day use of Smart Revise. It will ensure that students focus on newly available questions first and after that the algorithms will choose an appropriate diet of questions from across the topics to ensure knowledge gaps are a priority, in addition to appropriate spaced learning and working towards mastery. Students cannot control which questions they are asked with this setting.

Teacher guided topic filtering

Teacher guided gives students the freedom to choose their own topic filters but only from those you have enabled. Students can do this either from their topic filters button on their dashboard, or by selecting a pie chart on their progress summary report. This option is great when students are preparing for an end of topic test but have not covered the full course yet. You don’t want them to see questions from topics that you haven’t taught.

Student controlled topic filtering

Student controlled gives students full control over all the topics in the course. It enables them to focus on a single topic or a range of topics at the same time. This is great at the end of the course once teaching is complete, and students are in that final revision stage, often on study leave.

You might be tempted to use teacher guided most of the time as it strikes a balance between teacher and student control. However, it will encourage students to engage in what is known as “blocking” where they are likely to focus on a very narrow range of questions, aiming to master a topic before moving on to the next. At face value this seems reasonable, however, there is a real risk that once questions have been mastered and their summary report shows a full green pie chart that students will not see the need to return to that topic again. This will inadvertently introduce the forgetting curve and will not help them prepare for exams.

We need to consider that students are not aware of the academic research that indicates blocking and not returning to completed topics could be detrimental to their success. Instead, they should be encouraged to engage in interleaving and spaced learning. That is mixing questions from different topics causing the brain to context switch and aid memory retention over the longer term. Spacing means returning to a question after a period of time has elapsed and not immediately. Students naturally want to correct their mistakes and work through a tick list of topics until they are all complete, but this is not ideal for learning.

More options

You can also control which modes your students have access to: Quiz, Terms reflective, Terms interactive and Advance. It is fine to enable all these from the start of the course. If you are new to Smart Revise and are following our suggested implementation plan, “The Journey”, you may want students to focus on using Quiz for homework initially. In which case enable Quiz but disable Terms and Advance. When you start to use Smart Revise for baseline assessments or monthly reviews enable Terms. Advance includes longer answer questions and some of these are quite challenging, so enable these when you feel students are ready. Perhaps in preparation for their first end of topic test. It’s really up to you how much or how little of the platform you want the students in your class to have access to.

All these topic filters!

It is worth noting that in addition to the topic filters in the class settings that control questions students will be exposed to, the analytics reports that you can use to track progress use their own filters that are independent too. This means that you can analyse the class performance in one particular topic, discovering the top ten least well answered questions in the most recently taught topic while the class are revising a range of topics.

If you join the class as a student in student mode, for example to demonstrate Smart Revise to your class, remember that you will now have a further set of topic filters as a student, depending on the control you have given to the class.

Our suggestion

To keep things straightforward, our suggestion is to:

Enable all the modes: Quiz, Terms and Advance.
Set the class topic filters to Teacher controlled.
1. When student prepare for tests set them to teacher guided and remember after the test to set them back to teacher controlled.
2. At the end of the course set the topic filters to student controlled.
Tick the topics you have taught to date (not the one you are currently teaching) and put reminders in your calendar to unlock new topics as they are taught throughout the course.

Engaging students

Students would much prefer to have complete control over their topic filters! Tell them why that is not such a good idea. They need to trust Smart Revise to choose questions and topics that the data say they need to work on in a spaced and interleaved way. This is the best method for long-term memory retention.

Curious to learn more about Smart Revise or try it for free? You can get all the details HERE.

Be sure to visit our website for more insights into the world of technology and for the best teaching resources for computer science and business studies.

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Pavel Durov’s Arrest: The Future of Privacy and Telegram

21 January 2025

Pavel Durov, CEO of the messaging app Telegram, has been at the centre of global attention after his recent arrest at Leou Airport in France. For those who aren’t familiar, Durov is the man behind VK, Russia’s equivalent of Facebook, which he founded at just 22 years old. However, it’s Telegram, the secure messaging platform he launched in 2013, that has truly made his name known to millions worldwide.

Telegram: A Platform for Privacy, or a Haven for Criminals?

Telegram quickly became one of the most popular messaging apps for users who value privacy, offering encryption so strong that even intelligence agencies have struggled to crack it. This focus on user privacy has attracted close to a billion users globally. But this same commitment to privacy is now under fire.

French authorities recently charged Durov with several serious accusations, including failure to moderate criminal content on Telegram and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. The charges suggest Telegram has become a breeding ground for illegal activities like drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud. Critics argue that Telegram’s loose moderation policies have turned it into a “dark web with a better interface.”

Durov has always defended Telegram’s approach, arguing that while the platform moderates content, it does so in a much lighter way compared to the likes of Facebook or Instagram. However, the fact that Telegram has declined to join international programs aimed at combating online child abuse has raised significant concerns.

A Debate on Privacy vs Accountability

Durov’s arrest has ignited a heated debate on privacy and accountability in the digital age. Figures like Edward Snowden and Elon Musk have come out in support of Durov, claiming his arrest is an attack on human rights. However, this situation begs the question: should tech CEOs be held personally responsible for illegal activities happening on their platforms?

Telegram allows massive groups of up to 200,000 users to communicate and share content, which makes moderation a significant challenge. But if platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have systems in place to tackle illegal content, why not Telegram?

The outcome of Durov’s legal troubles could shape the future of online privacy. Will users continue to trust Telegram if authorities gain access to its encryption keys? More importantly, will Durov’s arrest lead to tighter regulations across all messaging platforms?

What’s Next for Telegram and Online Privacy?

The arrest of Pavel Durov opens a broader conversation about the balance between privacy and security. How do we protect personal freedoms online while ensuring that platforms aren’t abused for criminal purposes? Durov’s case could set a precedent for whether tech CEOs should be held accountable for their users’ actions.

Curious to learn more? Watch our full video HERE and explore the heated debates around privacy, security, and the future of Telegram.

Be sure to visit our website for more insights into the world of technology and for the best teaching resources for computer science and business studies.

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Can You Spot the AI? The Rising Challenge of AI-Generated Faces

14 January 2025

We’re diving into the uncanny world of artificial intelligence, specifically AI-generated faces. These days, it’s getting harder and harder to tell what’s real and what’s not. So, let’s explore why AI faces are so convincing, the potential risks, and what we can do about it.

The Growing Power of AI in Creating Human Faces

Imagine scrolling through your social media feed. You see familiar faces, but wait—are they all real? Thanks to advances in AI, computers are now generating hyper-realistic human faces that can fool even the sharpest eyes. A recent study from Aberdeen University showed that most of us can’t reliably distinguish between real human faces and AI-generated ones, with a 65% misidentification rate.

That’s right, most people are flipping a coin when guessing whether a face is AI-made or naturally human.

Why Are AI Faces So Hard to Spot?

It turns out that AI’s secret weapon is hyperrealism. These generated faces have perfectly balanced features and a lifelike sparkle in their eyes. For most people, this makes AI faces incredibly hard to detect. The study found that even those confident in their answers were often wrong, revealing a classic “confidence paradox” – the more convinced we are, the more likely we’re mistaken.

Surprisingly, humans are at their peak face-recognition abilities at around 31 years old, so if you’re not there yet, or you’ve passed it, spotting AI faces might feel like a superpower slipping away.

The Dark Side: Bias, Fraud, and AI

While AI-generated faces can be fun (think video games and virtual avatars), there’s a troubling side to this tech. The data used to train AI is often biased, leading to AI-generated images that skew towards white faces. This ‘whitewashing’ problem creates racial disparities, and worse yet, the potential for misuse is huge. Think identity theft, fraud, or even law enforcement misuse through facial recognition software.

What’s Next? How Do We Stay Safe?

So, what can we do? Aberdeen University is already educating schools about the risks of AI-generated images and online fraud. But there’s more to be done. We need transparency, tools to spot fake faces, and public awareness to ensure that AI technology doesn’t outpace our ability to control it.

AI is rapidly shaping our world, and we need to stay informed. As technology advances, it’s important to remain curious, sceptical and educated. Want to know more? Watch the full video below for a deeper dive, and check out our website for more content on tech, AI, and the future.

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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Can we really scrub the Internet clean?

7 January 2025

Exploring Ofcom’s Online Safety Reset

The internet is a vast expanse of information, entertainment, and, unfortunately, potential dangers, especially for children. With growing concerns about online safety, Ofcom has announced a major reset aimed at child safety. But can we really scrub the internet clean?

Let’s delve into the details.

Ofcom’s Major Reset

Ofcom’s recent consultation proposes robust age checks, safer algorithms for personalised content, and more effective moderation of content accessible to children. This ambitious plan targets over 150,000 services, making it a colossal undertaking. The goal is to protect young users from harmful content, but the implementation is far from straightforward.

Tech Companies’ Current Efforts

Big tech companies are already taking steps to address these issues. Meta is implementing new safety measures on Facebook and Instagram to combat grooming, while Twitch is trying to shield young users from mature content. However, these measures often feel like playing whack-a-mole with a foam bat—inefficient and somewhat comical in the face of such a serious issue.

The Age Assurance Debate

A significant part of Ofcom’s plan involves age assurance, which has sparked a heated debate. Proposed methods like AI-powered facial scans to verify age raise privacy concerns. There’s also the risk of pushing children towards more dangerous online spaces if these methods prove too invasive or ineffective. Moreover, some parents and siblings inadvertently aid underage social media use, complicating enforcement.

Encryption and Privacy Challenges

End-to-end encryption, offered by services like Signal and WhatsApp, provides privacy but makes it difficult to detect abuse. This creates a tug-of-war between protecting children and guarding digital privacy. Ofcom is prepared to impose hefty fines on companies that fail to comply, underscoring the high stakes involved.

Our Conclusion

The challenge of cleaning up the internet is complex and vital. Striking the right balance between safeguarding young users and preserving digital liberties is crucial. Ofcom’s major reset aims to protect children but faces the massive task of overseeing a vast number of online services. While tech companies are implementing new safety measures, concerns about their effectiveness and the potential push towards riskier online spaces remain. Age verification methods raise privacy issues, and encryption complicates oversight.

So, can we really scrub the internet clean, or is it a pixelated pipe dream? One thing is certain: navigating the information superhighway safely will require ongoing efforts, evolving legislation, and continuous adaptation by tech companies. Stay tuned, stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe online.

Want to know more, check out Dave The Lesson Hacker’s YouTube video – https://youtu.be/SaAGNg6bZDc

For more Lesson Hacker Videos check out the CraignDave YouTube playlist HERE.

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WordPress at war: The battle over open-source code

31 December 2024

In the tech world, even the most popular platforms can find themselves in unexpected conflicts. Today, we’re diving into the drama between WordPress and WP Engine, exploring how a disagreement over open-source principles has turned into a legal standoff.

The surprising power of WordPress

WordPress powers an impressive 40% of the internet. From personal blogs to corporate websites, it’s the go-to platform for millions. Part of its appeal lies in being open source, meaning the code is free for anyone to use and modify. Think of it as a collaborative coding project where everyone is invited to contribute. However, this spirit of community sharing is now being tested.

The split personality of WordPress

WordPress isn’t just one entity; it has a dual nature. On one side, there’s WordPress.org, a non-profit that offers free access to its code. On the other, we have Automattic, a for-profit company that offers paid services based on WordPress’s open-source platform. This creates an interesting dynamic where WordPress has to balance community ideals with business interests.

WP Engine vs. Matt Mullenweg: The feud begins

WP Engine is a major hosting provider for WordPress sites, helping users get their blogs, e-commerce stores, and other websites online. However, Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress, recently criticised WP Engine, accusing them of taking advantage of the open-source code without giving back enough to the community. He went as far as to call WP Engine “a cancer” on WordPress.

WP Engine was quick to respond, insisting they contribute significantly by maintaining sites, optimising performance, and providing customer support. They claim they’re already giving back to the WordPress ecosystem in many ways.

Escalating tensions: Blocking and lawsuits

To retaliate, Mullenweg took a bold step: he blocked WP Engine from using certain WordPress features. This decision caused major disruption, leaving many businesses uncertain if their sites would continue to function properly. For companies like Tricia Fox’s in Scotland, this disruption has meant unexpected costs and hours of extra work to keep things running smoothly.

Now, the conflict has moved to the courtroom. WordPress wants WP Engine to pay for using its trademark, arguing that they profit from the WordPress brand. WP Engine, in turn, has filed a lawsuit accusing WordPress of extortion and libel.

What does this mean for the open-source community?

The heart of the issue is open source itself. WordPress aims to “democratise publishing,” but its actions against WP Engine raise concerns about whether it’s staying true to that mission. The irony of two tech giants clashing over a platform designed to be free and open is not lost on the community. It’s a reminder that as open-source projects grow, they often face challenges balancing ideals with commercial realities.

Want more tech drama?

This isn’t just a story about two companies; it’s about the evolution of one of the internet’s most influential platforms.

For a deeper dive into this unfolding drama, watch the full video on the Craig’n’Dave YouTube channel.

If you’re interested in more insights and resources, visit the Craig’n’Dave website for exclusive content tailored for computer science enthusiasts.

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Why using Quiz is better than Tasks for recall activities

24 December 2024

Tasks is the go-to mode for many teachers. It makes perfect sense as it reflects classic teaching methods. You set a task based on what you taught last lesson, the students complete it, marking happens and then you review the outcomes. Although Smart Revise is a sandbox system and teachers are free to use its features in any way they see fit, there are better ways to create recap and recall activities than setting Tasks.

The difference between Tasks and Quiz

Tasks need to be set by the teacher every time you want to use them. Quiz only requires the teacher to tick one new box in the class topic filters after a new topic has been taught.
Selecting only relevant questions based on what you taught last lesson from within a topic when creating a Task is time consuming.
The students all get the same questions in a Task. This removes the opportunity for automatic personalisation, differentiation and intervention that Quiz provides by selecting the most pertinent questions for each student focussing on their individual knowledge gaps.
Setting a Task containing only questions on a narrow body of knowledge creates what is known as “blocking”. Studies have shown that causing the brain to context switch between topics on a larger body of knowledge growing over time, known as “interleaving”, has more impact.
A Task has a defined number of questions resulting in some students finishing early and having nothing to do while they wait for their peers. Quiz prevents this from happening by presenting more questions from a priority queue. With Quiz the teacher chooses when to stop the activity.

Effective recall activities

Recapping knowledge from only a couple of the most recently taught lessons using a Task can be illustrated like this:

Instead, recapping knowledge from everything taught so far can be illustrated as:

Committing knowledge to long term memory requires addressing the forgetting curve, and not simply recapping knowledge from recently taught lessons. Of course it is impossible to recap everything during a single lesson, so the situation is more nuanced. Quiz will always choose the questions that are most relevant to each student focussing on:

Questions that have never been seen before from newly taught topics first.
Questions that have been answered incorrectly most recently and frequently.
Questions that have not been asked for some time, creating “spaced learning”.

Spotting misconceptions

Misconceptions can be spotted using the Questions Analysis report. Use the topic filters on the report to home in on particular topics. As students begin to answer these questions correctly, the top 10 questions will change dynamically. Tasks will give you a snapshot in time, which is great initially, but adds little value later. Use Quiz for recall and Tasks for key assessment points instead.

How to set this up for students

Every time you have finished teaching a topic unlock it for students using the class settings, topic filters. Do not lock the previously taught topics or select a topic you are currently teaching. The number of unlocked topics should increase from one to them all as you progress through the course.

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Smarter Lessons With Smart Revise Quiz’s: How To Crack The Code

10 December 2024

Why you should start every computer science lesson in years 10 to 13 with Smart Revise Quiz.

Imagine this scenario. You’ve just taught the topic of computer architecture including the purpose of the registers. In class students engaged in answering questions, completed activities and it was a good lesson.

At the start of their next lesson as a recap activity you ask a student in the class, “what was the purpose of the program counter?” The blank face looks back at you. “How can you not know?” you think to yourself, “we only covered this last week.”

Be honest, this happens in your classroom, doesn’t it? The reality is that since your last lesson those students have been bombarded with new information from English, Maths and Science, their short-term memory can only handle so much.

Does it really matter you might ask. After all, when you get to the end of the course you engage in revision and bring all that knowledge back to the fore; but what if there was a better way to learn? What if students could be more confident, more engaged and perform better in tests, mock exams and real exams if they retained more of what you’d taught them over a longer period of time? What if revision at the end of a course benefits the most privileged learners, but does not help the less privileged in the same way? This classic approach to teaching is actually contributing to the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged students.

The better, more successful way

This better way is, “The Revision Revolution” where revision is seen as integral to the learning process. It’s a feature of every lesson. From the very first topic to the very last.

Howell, H, Morrison McGill, R (2022) The Revision Revolution, John Catt.

At its heart revision is about repetition, and the best revision starts early, not at the end of the course. Imagine preparing to run a marathon. Do runners prepare by starting to run 26 miles a few weeks before the event? Of course not. They build up greater distances and stamina over months, if not years of preparation. Running almost every day. Why then should preparing for examinations be any different?

Why not give all students, not just the privileged a better chance of success with an opportunity to recall what they have been learning over and over again in every lesson? Better than that, why not include in that repetition the respected learning theories: spacing, interleaving and personalisation.

It’s pretty obvious. If we don’t regularly recall something we forget it. This is known as the forgetting curve. However, the more we practice, the more we repeat, the more we remember and the more confident we feel.

You might be thinking, “where do I find the time to go back over what I’ve already taught?” The solution is surprising simple. The start of lessons and homework.

Regular recall practice through multiple choice quizzing is in vogue right now and is a key feature in the classrooms of the most successful schools.

The research is clear, regular repetition aids memory retention.

Murre, J., Dros, J. (2015) Replication and Analysis of Ebbinghaus’ Forgetting Curve.

The smarter way

This is where Smart Revise adds significant value. So named because it is a smarter way to revise. Start every lesson with 7 minutes of recall practice with Quiz. It’s low-stakes so it’s easy to get student buy-in. If you have Craig’n’Dave starter activities for GCSE these are good for engagement on entry, but they are for schools who don’t have Smart Revise. Retrieval practice has more impact because it’s based on academic research.

Smart Revise will automatically space questions so that there is an appropriate gap between students seeing the same question again (repetition). It will interleave questions, that is selecting questions from different topics causing the brain to context switch which has a bigger impact on retention. With built-in personalisation questions answered incorrectly are shown again more frequently until the knowledge sticks.

Classic starter activities are one-size-fits-all. Smart Revise provides a differentiated activity for every learner

How to set this up for students

Every time you have finished teaching a topic unlock it for students using the class settings, topic filters. Do not lock the previously taught topics or select a topic you are currently teaching. The number of unlocked topics should increase from one to them all as you progress through the course.
Get students into the habit of entering the classroom, logging on and starting Smart Revise Quiz for themselves at the start of every year 10, 11, 12 and 13 lesson. There is no preparation for the teacher to do.
Spend about 7 minutes on Smart Revise. This is an optimal time. The Quiz will never end, it will just loop questions in a priority queue so that the teacher can stop the activity when they are ready for the main lesson.

Ideally students would also use Smart Revise Quiz for homework too. Aim for 35 questions a week at GCSE (including those done in lessons) and 60 for A level. The flight path on the student’s dashboard will show them if they are on track. Teachers can monitor this with the analytics usage report and see strengths and weaknesses in the question analysis and class matrix reports too.

Students will tell you what the purpose of the program counter is with confidence because Smart Revise will have asked them often enough!

If you’re looking for a smarter way to revise or teach, why not try Smart Revise for FREE?

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