News Update 05-06-2003
Sponsor: Mitsubishi Digital Electronics, Presentation Products
There's never been a better time to purchase an award winning Mitsubishi projector.
Whether you're considering a microportable, desktop or installation model, Mitsubishi
has a product and promotion that's right for you. For more details, visit us
at http://info.101com.com/default.asp?id=1285
Harvard to Market Med School Course Management System
Harvard Medical School will market a course management system it designed that
incorporates the special requirements of a medical school program. Harvard is
working with technology consultant Sapient Inc. to offer the platform, called
MyCourses, to the medical school market. Harvard Med CIO John Halamka, M.D.,
waxed futuristic in describing the software: "Imagine a day when medical school
students never miss a lecture, and they have access to course materials and
medical references from anywhere." Developers say the system provides the "framework
for a centralized, customizable portal platform that aggregates intellectual
property" and distributes it via the Internet or PDA. The system filters medical
course content, allowing students to locate the information they need faster.
It also provides instant online course evaluations and real-time, student-teacher
feedback.
Sponsor: Improving Education through Integrative Design
Brenda Laurel, Ph.D., and Chair of the Media Design Program at the Pasadena
Art Center College of Design, an accomplished designer, researcher, and writer
in the field of human computer interaction and the cultural aspects of technology,
is one of the featured keynotes at Syllabus2003. Dr. Laurel will present her
ideas on how connections among students, between students and faculty, across
disciplines and between the academy and the community may be enhanced through
technological infrastructures. Syllabus2003, July 27-31, offers five days of
outstanding keynotes, panels, breakout sessions, networking, and more! Don't
miss the opportunity to participate in this summer's 10th annual conference
at the new San Jose Marriott, with a special day of programming at Stanford
University. For complete conference details and to register, go to www.syllabus.com/summer2003.
Register before June 27 and save up to $200 with the Early Bird discount.
http://www.syllabus.com/summer2003
USDLA Presents 2003 Distance Learning Awards in Higher Ed
The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) presented its annual
awards acknowledging instructors, programs, and professionals who it feels have
achieved excellence in the field of distance learning. USDLA gave the Award
for Excellence in Distance Learning Teaching in the Higher Education category
to James Theroux, Ph.D. of UMassOnline and The University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Denise B. Freeman, D.P.M, College of Podiatric Medicine, Des Moines University
won an excellence award in the Telehealth category.
The Award for Excellence in Distance Learning Programming in Higher Education
went to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Master of Engineering Professional
Practice Degree Program; and to the University of Delaware-Dietetic Internship
Program in Telehealth. Awards for Most Outstanding Achievement by an Individual
included Curtis J. Bonk, Ph.D., Indiana University, School of Education in the
Higher Education category. Dr. Chere Campbell Gibson, Professor, School of Human
Ecology, University of Wisconsin, was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for
her work in distance education.
For more information, visit: www.usdla.org
B'eing Donates Lightning-Effects Technology to Villanova
B'eing Corp. donated a software program designed to predict the effects of
lightning on aircraft to Villanova University. The software, known as "Blitzen,"
can accurately model the effects of lightning strikes on the electrical wiring
and electronic components of composite aircraft. The application has been validated
through instrumented lightning testing and will be further developed by students
at Villanova Antenna Research Lab. In addition to the software, Villanova University
will receive the test data, a draft version of a user's manual, and 80 hours
of technical assistance. Their goal is to write a detailed manual, extend the
software's intended frequencies, publish papers describing theories and operations,
and develop plans for future commercialization of the project.
U. North Carolina Begins Construction of New Science Complex
Construction has begun on a new science complex at the University of North
Carolina-Chapel Hill. All the old and new science buildings will be physically
connected via bridges to promote more interdisciplinary research. The first
two new buildings will be constructed to house the Department of Marine Sciences
and the Department of Chemistry so that the old chemistry building, Venable
Hall, can be demolished. By early 2006, the university expects a new Venable
Hall will be in place, as well as an addition to Sitterson Hall, which houses
the Department of Computer Science.
To see a scale model representation of the new complex, visit:www.physics.unc.edu/about/images/future_campus.jpg
To view the project via live Web cam, visit: http://scicomwebcam.chem.unc.edu/
Carnegie Mellon Robo Soccer Laces Up for World Cup 2050
The International RoboCup Federation's first American Open was held last week
at Carnegie Mellon University, a venue where 150 researchers and their autonomous,
soccer-playing robots take part in various competitions. Making an appearance
was ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility), whose creator Motor Co. has
touted as the world's most advanced humanoid robot. ASIMO is on tour in part
to encourage students to study math, engineering, physics, and computer science.
RoboCup is an international research and sports initiative founded to push the
boundaries of science in artificial intelligence and robotics. The ultimate
challenge: to create a team of autonomous soccer-playing robots that will beat
the human world champion soccer team by the year 2050. Carnegie Mellon, a pioneer
in the development of soccer-playing robots to investigate team learning, has
participated in the International RoboCup competition since its inception in
1997 and the university's soccer-playing robots have won world titles in several
leagues.
For more information, visit: www.robocup.org
