Group items tagged

A very clear explanation of how a voice-recognition system works, with useful diagrams. Very helpful for the System Fundamentals part of the course, and provides an opportunity to discuss analog and digital data too.

(video) "This visualization shows the collapse of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, part of Washingtons State Route 99, and adjacent seawall due to a seismic event. The simulated earthquake is similar to the 2001 Nisqually earthquake but lasts longer, is closer to Seattle, or has a slightly greater magnitude." This video always seems to catch students' attention, particularly if you live in an earthquake zone. Good discussion starter.

Amazing video showing new developments in medical training. Shows 'CPR' 'dummies' that feature an array of electronics to simulate a human being - including real pulses, airways, and respiratory system (the chest actually raises and falls as the 'dummy' breathes). Looks like a great training tool and can also be used to measure the effectiveness of the first aid given. Also talks about future development such as real 'skin'. Could also be useful to discuss limitations of models, such as the lack of 'blood' and other vital systems.

This page explains with helpful diagrams how climate models work, the kind of variables that are models, and provides a good basis for a discussion on what might be missing.

Shows with simple diagrams how climate models have developed from the 1970s to the present day. Useful for a discussion of what items might be missing from a model/simulation, the reasons for this, and the way our improved knowledge hopefully brings improved simulations.

An interesting article on how the US is finally allowing technology to be exported to these countries. Even more interesting is the reason: "to help...support opposition groups". Interesting for a discussion on how technology can be used to organize and rally support, for example, anti-government protest which would otherwise not be possible openly. (Its interesting to compare this with US Cold War foreign policy too, but that's another story...)

Discussions and articles on ethics. Be careful to chose those related to Information Technology.

A mini-site on e-waste in Ghana. Includes video, interactive e-waste map, FAQ, image gallery, and discussion. The video (20 mins) can be watched online (as of Feb 2010).

The New Scientist's technology section has a lot of useful information, and a lot of it very easy to understand too. A useful source for articles for discussion, the technology section also breaks down into smaller topics like Computer Crime, Robotics, and Weapons. Some of the "Instant Expert" guides in here are well worth using in class, and some of the articles may also be suitable for Paper 2. (subscription required for some articles)

A BBC podcast which is a good source of IT news for classroom discussion.

An interesting article about how a faulty undersea cable blacked out or slowed down the Internet for millions of users in India and Egypt. Can be used to help students understand the Internet infrastructure such as routing and backbones. It can also open up discussion on what services might be affected by such a problem.

Video explaining the web in simple language. Covers IP addresses, routing, and DNS. A useful resource when introducing this topic, and can lead to discussions of potential problems in the infrastructure.

A Google maps and database combination that plots the home and workplace addresses of released criminals. Enter a ZIP code and find out about your area. Includes details of crimes and offenders, including their photographs. Very good for a discussion of what type of information should be available, and the rights of the subjects of that information.

Article about jurors in the states who have jeopardised trials by discussing them on Facebook and Twitter.

Photo essay about e-waste in Ghana. Audio is quite interesting and there are some powerful images of the e-waste "recycling" process. Also discusses the wider issue of the poverty that drives many of these adults and children to work in these conditions.

This website accompanies the book of the same title, a must read for ITGS teachers. The website includes lots of videos of robots in action, images of robots with detailed captions, videos of the author's appearances including a TED conference, a classroom discussion guide, and lots of information about the book including a lengthy excerpt. First rate material. Goes beyond robotics with excellent explanations of the technology.

Sandra, I really like this resource. Could you add the 2.6_military tag to it please?

Article about an Israeli soldier who leaked details about an upcoming mission on his Facebook page, thus endangering the safety of him and his colleagues. Interesting for discussing the difference between performing this non-malicious act online, and doing the same thing offline.

This article discusses whether print textbooks will soon be replaced by digital versions or supplanted altogether by free courseware, educational games, videos and projects on the Web.

Filmmaker Bill Guttentag discusses the increasing "democratization" of the film and television industry, thanks the introduction of cheaper IT tools and new means of distributing content.

Discussion of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) project, examining the challenges that face the project and asking whether equipping every child with a laptop really is the solution to poverty. Nicely balanced, unlike many articles on the OLPC.