Connect with us

Technology

University of Phoenix study in The Geography Teacher examines how awe and the “overview effect” may shape geography learning

Published

on

New peer-reviewed article explores how sense of place and perspective may support student engagement and understanding

PHOENIX, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of General Studies announces the publication of a new peer-reviewed article in The Geography Teacher, authored by Jacquelyn Kelly, Ph.D., associate dean, College of General Studies; Dianna Gielstra, Ph.D., full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program; Tomáš J. Oberding, Ph.D. full-time faculty, Environmental Science Program; and Niccole V. Cerveny, Ph.D.

The article, titled “The Overview Effect and Sense of Place: Awe-Inspired Learning and Connection Through Geography,” examines how awe and sense of place may influence how learners engage with and interpret geographic concepts, with implications for instructional design in online and classroom environments.

What is the overview effect and why does it matter for learning?

The article explores the “overview effect,” a cognitive shift described by astronauts viewing Earth from space, characterized by a heightened sense of interconnectedness, perspective and reflection. Building on this concept, the authors examine how experiences of awe, often prompted by scale, landscape and environment, may open attention, expand thinking, and support how learners process new information.

The paper situates these ideas within geography education, suggesting that place-based and visually grounded learning experiences may help students connect abstract concepts to real-world environments while strengthening their sense of place.

Our research highlights the power of a simple show-and-share discussion activity,” said Kelly. “Students explored awe-inspiring landscapes and then shared places that were meaningful to them. Those personal stories and images created opportunities for reflection, strengthened students’ connections to environmental topics, and helped bring a sense of place into the online classroom. We hope this provides a model that other educators can use to foster engagement and connection in online learning environments.”

The authors also discuss how awe-informed approaches may support curiosity and reflection, helping learners recognize gaps in understanding and integrate new knowledge with existing perspectives.

Key themes of the article include:

Examination of the overview effect as a framework for understanding perspective shift and learningExploration of awe as a factor that may influence attention, curiosity and conceptual understandingConsideration of sense of place as a meaningful element in student connection to course contentInsights into how intentional instructional design may incorporate these concepts in educational settings

Kelly is a published researcher with more than 20 years of experience in science and mathematics education. Her work focuses on translating STEM education research into practice in higher education settings. She has dedicated her work to scaling and sustaining research-based practices in science and mathematics education. Kelly earned a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in science education and a Master of Science in materials science and engineering from Arizona State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in physics and chemistry from California State University, San Marcos.

Gielstra is a biogeographer, course designer and faculty member in the College of General Studies Environmental Science program, with research interests in human and environmental connections, geography, and polar, mountain and riparian environments. Gielstra earned a doctorate in geography from Texas A&M University and holds a Master of Science in Environmental Studies from the Medical University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science in biology from Coastal Carolina University.

Oberding is a coastal ecologist, course designer and faculty member in the College of General Studies Environmental Science program. His research interests include hydrology, mariculture, coral ecology and environmental remediation. He earned a doctorate in natural resource and environmental management from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and holds a Master of Science in mariculture from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of New Mexico.

Cerveny is a Professor of Geography in the Department of Cultural Science, Philosophy, and Religious Studies at Mesa Community College in Arizona. Her research interests are in geomorphology, landscape evolution, Native American rock art conservation, and sustainable heritage management.

The full article is available here: https://doi.org/10.1080/19338341.2025.2592717

About University of Phoenix

 University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/university-of-phoenix-study-in-the-geography-teacher-examines-how-awe-and-the-overview-effect-may-shape-geography-learning-302806773.html

SOURCE University of Phoenix

Continue Reading

Technology

China Southern Power Grid: Powering Asia-Pacific Prosperity Through Energy Cooperation

Published

on

By

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The following is a news report from Xinhuanet:

The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 5 under the theme “Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action.” Qian Chaoyang, Chairman and Party Secretary of China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG), attended the forum and delivered remarks.

The Asia-Pacific region is a major engine of global economic growth, and clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient energy is essential to keeping that engine running smoothly. The region accounts for a significant share of global energy consumption. Its countries vary widely in their energy resources but have strong potential to complement one another, creating substantial opportunities for greater regional energy connectivity. CSG has consistently supported efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and has worked to become an important force in advancing energy connectivity across the region.

CSG highlighted progress in six areas across the Greater Bay Area: power supply, grid reliability, clean-energy integration, transmission technology, artificial intelligence and regional cooperation. Total electricity consumption across the Greater Bay Area exceeded 700 TWh, ranking ahead of the world’s other major bay areas; a stronger power grid, with average annual outage time per customer of less than 30 minutes and power supply reliability maintained at a world-class level; cleaner power, with approximately 180 billion kWh of clean electricity transmitted to the Greater Bay Area annually through the West-to-East Electricity Transmission project, installed renewable energy capacity exceeding 93 GW, and clean energy accounting for more than half of total installed capacity; more active innovation, with world-leading expertise in areas including complex large-scale power grid operations and flexible ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission; a smarter power system, with CSG’s proprietary power-sector foundation model, “Big Watt • Yudian,” receiving the top award at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference; and more open collaboration, with CSG launching and regularly convening the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Power Enterprise Summit and establishing the Greater Bay Area Power Development Cooperation Organization to advance open, mutually beneficial regional power cooperation.   

CSG is also contributing to the development of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future by sharing its experience in building, operating and governing the “electricity-powered Greater Bay Area,” as well as its experience in regional cooperation. The company has built 17 high-voltage power transmission links with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar and is exploring the development of a regional electricity market in the Lancang-Mekong region. More than 84 TWh of electricity has already been exchanged across national borders, with clean energy accounting for more than 90% of the total.

Pluz Energía Perú, operated by CSG, ranks first in its local market for power supply reliability, while power outages in three demonstration zones established in partnership with Laos have declined by 70%. CSG has also hosted the Global South Power Partnership Development Forum and signed more than 50 partnership agreements. The company has trained nearly 2,000 energy professionals from partner countries and implemented a number of small-scale, high-impact community projects, including the Vinh Tan Light initiative in Vietnam and the Dok Champa project in Laos.

Looking ahead, CSG said it plans to work with regional partners to capitalize on complementary energy resources and expand cross-border energy cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

The forum brought together more than 400 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, as well as United Nations agencies and international organizations.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/china-southern-power-grid-powering-asia-pacific-prosperity-through-energy-cooperation-302871476.html

SOURCE Xinhuanet

Continue Reading

Technology

Frost & Sullivan Appoints Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions

Published

on

By

Janardhanan to lead the strategic direction, commercial growth and global expansion of Frost & Sullivan’s analytics, subscription and Growth Generator platforms

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 7, 2026 /CNW/ — Frost & Sullivan, the global analytics and growth advisory firm, today announced the appointment of Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of its Subscriptions business. In this role, Janardhanan assumes P&L leadership of the company’s global subscription portfolio, encompassing its analytics business, its subscriptions platform, and its Growth Generator data platform.

The appointment reflects Frost & Sullivan’s continued investment in its recurring-revenue subscription offerings, which provide clients worldwide with continuous access to intelligence, growth opportunity analytics, and decision-support tools. Janardhanan will be responsible for driving the strategic direction, commercial performance, and global expansion of these platforms.

“I am honored to take on the leadership of Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business at such a pivotal moment,” said Janesh Janardhanan, Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions, Frost & Sullivan. “Our analytics, data, and Growth Generator platforms sit at the heart of how clients identify and act on their next opportunities for growth. My focus will be on deepening the value we deliver, scaling our platforms globally, and ensuring our subscribers stay ahead of the transformations reshaping their industries.”

Janardhanan brings extensive experience in commercial leadership, analytics, and growth strategy to the role. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School (GMP) and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore.

Under his leadership, Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business will continue to expand its coverage, enrich its content and data assets, and strengthen the technology platforms that power insight and growth for organizations across the globe.

About Frost & Sullivan

For more than six decades, Frost & Sullivan has helped clients accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides corporate leadership teams and their growth strategy partners with continuous research, insight, and analytics that drive transformational growth strategies. For more information, visit www.frost.com.

Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Media Contact:

Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frost–sullivan-appoints-janesh-janardhanan-as-global-partner-and-head-of-subscriptions-302871457.html

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

Continue Reading

Technology

Sony Electronics and Hello Kitty Team Up for Limited-Edition Headphone Collection

Published

on

By

Sony Store-exclusive bundles pair select Sony headphones with custom Hello Kitty accessories featuring thoughtful, character-inspired design details

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty, one of Sanrio’s most beloved and recognizable characters. Available only through the Sony Store, the collection pairs select Sony headphones with exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration merchandise, bringing together Sony’s premium audio experience and Hello Kitty’s iconic charm. Pre-orders begin later this holiday season1.

The limited-edition collaboration is available with the following Sony headphones:

WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH730N Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH530 Wireless Headphones

Available with select pink/sand pink and black colorways of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 headphones, each collaboration bundle includes a Sony Store exclusive Hello Kitty carrying case and tote bag2. Designed to hold headphones and added space for everyday essentials, the carrying case blends Hello Kitty’s signature charm with Sony’s premium, minimalist design aesthetic. Thoughtful details throughout the collaboration celebrate Hello Kitty’s world and her connection to music, entertainment, and everyday creativity, while each headphone model is paired with its own uniquely designed tote bag for everyday use.

Bringing together Sony’s audio expertise and Hello Kitty’s timeless appeal, the limited-edition collection celebrates self-expression, entertainment, and personal style. The exclusive accessories allow fans to enjoy Hello Kitty’s iconic world not only while listening to music, but also as part of their everyday routine at home and on the go.

To receive updates on this collaboration bundle, please visit https://cloud.email.sel.sony.com/HelloKittyxSony 

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution, and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

About Sanrio

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty, who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Badtz-maru and Keroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services, and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings, and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup that is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.

1 The collaboration will be available in limited quantities in select countries and regions. Available headphone models will vary by market and may include the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N and WH-CH530
2 Availability of collaboration bundles and headphone models varies by country/region.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-and-hello-kitty-team-up-for-limited-edition-headphone-collection-302871117.html

SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.

Continue Reading

Trending