The ‘granny cloud’: the network of volunteers helping poorer children learn

At the School in the Cloud, volunteer ‘grannies’ use Skype to help some of the world’s poorest children teach themselves. Could mainstream education learn from them?

Wearable technology in the classroom: what’s available and what does it do?

There’s little stopping teachers experimenting with ‘wearables’ such as virtual reality headsets in lessons. Journalist David Nield explores what’s out there

Get with the program: the coders offering training for free

It’s the must-have skill-set of the 21st century, yet the barriers to learning can be high. Now a movement of pioneering coders is challenging the stereotype by offering free training for all

Security flaw found in school internet monitoring software

Firm releases temporary fix to Impero Education Pro after researcher says fault could leave pupils’ information exposed to hackers

How big data has transformed research

We speak to the academics behind four inspiring projects to see how big data is being used to develop and enhance research

BBC to give away 1m Micro:bit computers to schoolchildren

Corporation to set up not-for-profit venture to sell starter device, a modern-day successor to the BBC Micro, after its rollout to pupils in October.

Zombies, creepers and kids all flock to Minecraft’s block party

The multi-platform construction and battles game has become a worldwide phenomenon – so much so that it can draw thousands to live events

Microsoft launches site for teachers taking Minecraft into the classroom

Minecraft in Education portal aims to get educators sharing tips on how Mojang’s popular game can be used to teach children

Xeno-canto: crowdsourcing the world’s bird songs

GrrlScientist: Xeno-canto, which hosts the largest collection of bird sound recordings in the world, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary

Alternative ending discovered to book behind Eyes Wide Shut

Academics find early draft of scene from Schnitzler’s Dream Story in which doctor is punished for attending masked ball orgy

Dundee: from black sheep of Scottish cities to ‘living cultural experiment’

When the V&A Museum of Design opens in 2018, it will put a flourish on Dundee’s remarkable reinvention as a creative hub ... as long as the city doesn’t overlook that it’s still one of the most deprived places in Scotland

Engineers, unless we wave our arms a bit we’ll never inspire the next generation

Today I was thrilled to be announced as the recipient of this year’s Royal Academy of Engineering Rooke Award, but I’m concerned that engineering in general is hiding in plain sight

Five things we love: from scented alarm clocks to eco-capsule homes

The best Kickstarter schemes and gadgets this month will help you take pictures like a hipster, be a sharper gamer and learn about tech through fashion and craft