Group items tagged

OLPCFoundation - March 29, 2010 - A new video from the Kasiisi Project in Uganda.

"Browse by subject or dateFor a text-only version of the browse by subject or date feature, please follow this link. News search Web feature Share and bookmark Researchers enable a robot to fold towels More than just a household convenience, the project is a step forward in the robotic manipulation of non-rigid objects"

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.

Funny but true cartoon about the IT development process. Might be useful as a starter for introducing project management.

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Outstanding show, explains a lot about worms vs viruses as well as botnets. It's an interview with the author so it also illustrates how to ask good questions. (useful for the project) The gigantic networked system created by the Conficker worm is what's known as a "botnet." The Conficker botnet is powerful enough to take over computer networks that control banking, telephones, security systems, air traffic control and even the Internet itself, says Bowden. His new book, Worm: The First Digital World War, details how Conficker was discovered, how it works, and the ongoing programming battle to bring down the Conficker worm, which he says could have widespread consequences if used nefariously.

Good for both HL Robotics but also for Input/Output devices for Assisted Technologies - at the end Dennis shows how this project has led to a number of spin-off uses for the blind in education, safety in cars for the sighted and more.

"Dr Val Curtis, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, shows the BBC around her "smart house". She shows how the toilet, sink, soap and toothpaste in her bathroom are wired up to a central computer so that she can monitor her family's hygiene habits. The system is part of a research project to track our daily behaviour."

Short clip but shows some sensors and may provoke a discussion on privacy for family members & also data collection for research.

"Balloon-powered internet is bringing high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas, filling in connectivity gaps in rural areas."

Video created by Flat Classroom teacher Avylon Magarey as part of the Flat Classroom Certified Teacher course http://www.flatclassroomproject.net/certified-teacher-program.html

New York Times review of the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) machine (aka $100 laptop). Contains good details on the design and specifications. An older article (2007) but still a worthy look at one of the biggest and most famous projects of this type. Includes a video where David Pogue demonstrations throwing water over the machine and dropping it from 4ft (students always like that bit :D)

Skin-input devices! A rather interesting if somewhat bizarre look at one type of future input device: the human skin...

IT consulting has its share of bad consulting. The scenario addresses trying to establish a relationship with a potential client who has been burned by an unscrupulous consultant.

MIT site about an expressive anthropomorphic robot called Kismet that engages people in natural and expressive face-to-face interaction. Includes videos and good explanations.