Technologies such as typewriters, analog cameras and cassette tape players are fading from human awareness. A new report from YouGov, a consumer data firm, examined generational differences regarding technology and found that most Gen Zers — those born in this millennium — wouldn't know how to use a fax machine, rotary phone, floppy disk or beeper. For example, just 17 percent of young people said they were comfortable using a rotary phone; 15 percent said the same about fax machines; and just 7 percent said so about pagers.
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have created a virtual reality environment to train drones to fly fast around obstacles. Dubbed "Flight Goggles," the software causes drones to "see" virtual obstacles in space that is actually clear of physical objects — giving drones a way to fail during flight training without being involved in repeated, time-consuming accidents.
While the Federal Communications Commission has set a date for rescinding net neutrality — the rules by which internet service providers are expected to abide — a new resolution by U.S. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) aims to preserve the protections classifying the internet as a public utility.
Agile development has been established as a useful and productive methodology in professional IT circles. Is it important for agile development concepts to be included in college-level computer information systems curricula? CT taps Bentley University for insight.
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is upgrading its network in an effort to better serve students and employees, streamline the network infrastructure and support emerging technologies like the Internet of Things. The university decided to deploy approximately 3,200 Aruba gigabit WiFi access points and Aruba 303H access points, which are designed specifically for housing and hospitality environments; Aruba access and core switches; network management solutions AirWave and I.M.C.; and ClearPass for additional security.
U.S.-based advisory, tax and audit firm Grant Thornton has issued its seventh annual report on "the state of higher education." Among its many topics of interest: preparing for social media risks, building quality into IT systems, outsourcing via a shared services consortium and preparing for disruption. The report's articles, which include general guidance, are developed by its practitioners working in the field at 200 colleges and universities on new projects and programs.
Should higher education institutions invest money in their innovation efforts? Most colleges don't seem to think so. A survey among U.S. academic administrators found that while 91 percent of institutions reference innovation in their strategic or academic plans, just 40 percent have a dedicated budget for innovation. According to "The State of Innovation in Higher Education," a report from the Online Learning Consortium and Learning House, without earmarked funds to support innovation efforts, formal planning goals backing innovation may not succeed.
Clemson University is streamlining its mail and print services on campus with a big upgrade. The institution worked with Ricoh to roll out the company's Student, Departmental and Bulk Mail Services, Production Print Services and Managed Document Services in an effort to reduce its reliance on paper, increase electronic communication and modernize its student mail facility.
This frequency could provide a cost-effective link between cellular and WiFi.
Higher ed IT leaders share their advice for aspiring chief information officers, from finding a mentor to developing communication skills and more.