Fake images created or edited on a computer can change our perceptions of events, even if we know them to be fake. (Links to TOK here too)

Information Technology in a Global Society is the first textbook written specifically for the new IB ITGS syllabus, covering IT systems, social impacts and ethical issues, and each area of application. The text provides engaging content that blends clear examples of technical concepts with consideration of social issues. Discussion points for extended independent learning and complete, modern examples are included to enhance teaching and understanding. Over 200 student exercises and 300 diagrams and photographs are included to clearly explain content and ensure students get the best possible experience from the ITGS course. Support material and additional activities are available on the book's web site.

Video interview with a teleworker. This covers many of the benefits of teleworking for various stakeholders.

An older article (2007), but still interesting. Covers the use of AI software to grade English comprehension exam answers. The article includes a bit about how the software works - being trained on good examples and then looking for common phrases associated with high marks.

The District of Columbia recently invited hacking attempts to test their new e-voting system. Less than two days later the system had been completely compromised: Candidates were altered Votes were altered Future votes could be redirected or blocked Voting records were viewed Secret voter IDs and PINs were viewed The hackers also found evidence of in-progress attacks from Iran and China.

Dean Kamen demonstrates the robot arm he invented to assist amputees returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. A must watch.

Excellent tutorials ranging from basic HTML to advanced CSS.

A teenager has been given a 16-week prison sentence in a Young Offenders Institution for refusing to give up the encryption key for his computer. Interesting articles that raises questions about police powers, protection against self-incrimination, the right to silence, and the availability of strong encryption.

Creators of the autonomous vehicles that competed in the DARPA Urban Challenge

Creators of the autonomous vehicles that competed in the DARPA Urban Challenge

Creators of the autonomous vehicles that competed in the DARPA Grand Challenges

"With oil from BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig continuing to spew into the Gulf of Mexico researchers from the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa have produced an animated computer simulation that shows the potential spread of the oil over a period of 360 days from when the spill started. To calculate the particle dispersal the researchers used ocean flow data from simulations conducted with the high-resolution Ocean General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator (OFES)."

(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.

(video) CFD of airflow over a Formula 1 car

(video) Very short (7 secs) video of a computer modelling a driver and airbag during a crash. Useful to stimulate conversation about the types of variables a computer model must consider in order to be effective.

"As the Formula One world waits to see who will win this season's title, behind the scenes the teams are already modelling and testing the cars which will appear on the tracks next year." Includes details of the hardware required to implement these models.

(video) Nice animation of a car crash model.

This is a model of energy flow in the earth, particularly heat energy. It shows the earth as rose colored, and the surface of the planet is represented by a black strip. Above the strip there is a blue atmosphere and black space at the top. Clouds and carbon dioxide (CO2) molecules can be added to the atmosphere. The CO2 molecules represent greenhouse gases that block infrared light that is emitted by the earth. Clouds block incoming or outgoing sun rays, influencing the heating up or cooling down of the planet.