Article recommendation from a friend:
Sentient code: An inside look at Stephen Wolfram’s utterly new, insanely ambitious computational paradigm
http://venturebeat.com/2013/11/29/sentient-code-an-inside-look-at-stephen-wolframs-utterly-new-insanely-ambitious-computational-paradigm/
“This is an amazing development in what will be “search technology.” I remember when “semantic search” was first being developed. If this technology does even half of what it says, the changes we are going to see in the next 5 years will be remarkable. How we “search” for information not only gives us access to information, but also has an impact on how we create the information. This will up-level our creative expression and also our ability to connect with others even more deeply through technology. When used with the intent to create “human connection” technology is an extraordinary blessing.”
Stephen
“The Youngest Americans: A Statistical Portrait of Infants and Toddlers in the United States (PDF)
http://fulltextreports.com/2013/11/14/the-youngest-americans-a-statistical-portrait-of-infants-and-toddlers-in-the-united-states/
This report, commissioned by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, focuses on infants and toddlers, their parents, communities, and the resources that exist to support them. This generation is more diverse than any in recent history, yet it is characterized by multiple inequities.”
Stephen
Does your library serve rural populations?
“Rural America at a Glance, 2013 Edition
Source: USDA Economic Research Service
http://fulltextreports.com/2013/11/19/rural-america-at-a-glance-2013-edition/
Rural America at a Glance, 2013 Edition highlights the most recent indicators of social and economic conditions in rural areas. This year’s edition focuses on the U.S. rural economy, including employment trends, poverty, and population trends.”
Stephen
ECAR Study of Undergraduate Students and Information Technology, 2013
http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/ecar-study-undergraduate-students-and-information-technology-2013
“ECAR has surveyed undergraduate students annually since 2004 about technology in higher education. In 2013, ECAR collaborated with more than 250 higher education institutions to collect responses from more than 112,000 undergraduate students about their technology experiences and expectations. The findings are distilled into four broad themes to help educators and higher education institutions better understand how students experience technology on their respective campuses and the ways in which new, better, or more technology can impact students’ relationship with information technology.
REPORT AND SUPPORTING MATERIALS
Key Findings
See the 2013 report for a full list of key messages, findings, and supporting data.
- Students recognize the value of technology but still need guidance when it comes to better using it for academics.
- Students prefer blended learning environments while beginning to experiment with MOOCs.
- Students are ready to use their mobile devices more for academics, and they look to institutions and instructors for opportunities and encouragement to do so.
- Students value their privacy, and using technology to connect with them has its limits.
ECAR Recommends
See the 2013 report for a full list of actionable results.
- Students expect their instructors—not others—to train them to effectively use the technology required for coursework (e.g., use of the CMS, hardware, and software—including specialty software and common productivity software). Instructors need support, encouragement, and possibly incentives to do so.
- Educate your students about MOOCs; most students are unaware of them. Institutions have a fleeting opportunity to contextualize MOOCs for students in a way that will mesh with the institution’s own MOOC strategy.
- Create (or update) a strategy for incorporating mobile device use into the classroom. Address the IT infrastructure barriers (such as a lack of convenient charging outlets and/or charging stations and insufficient network access) that keep students from using their devices effectively while on campus.
- Approach learner analytics purposefully and thoughtfully by adhering to information privacy principles. Collect data for a stated and transparent purpose in order to build students’ confidence in learner analytics activities.
ECAR Technology Research on the Academic Community
- ECAR has published the student study each year since 2004. View All >
- In 2014, ECAR will add a faculty study to its technology research. Institutions can participate in both the student and faculty studies. Participants will receive comparison reports and data in addition to the annual research hub materials. Learn More >“
Stephen
The Most Popular Books of All Time
http://gizmodo.com/this-infographic-shows-that-a-story-can-hit-big-without-1466288746
Stephen
Oh this is so true and I fail so many times at these rules: From Salon.com
The real requirements of life (like learning basic math) don’t require genius — just lots of practice
http://www.salon.com/2013/11/18/5_rules_for_being_a_grownup/
“We have to move.
We have to feed ourselves.
We have to be able to write a coherent sentence.
We have to think about other people.
We have to do the math.”
Stephen
“1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
http://www.1000booksbeforekindergarten.org/
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a new library program that encourages all families and caregivers to read 1,000 books with young children before they enter kindergarten. It will start in January 2014.
Studies have shown that families who start reading aloud to their children at birth help to strengthen their language skills and build their vocabulary – two important tools for beginning to learn to read when they enter kindergarten.
via: http://alicebakerblog.typepad.com/alicebakerblog/2013/11/1000-books-before-kindergarten.html
Stephen
Infographic: 21 Rules for Effective Social Media Strategies
Stephen
The Field Guide to Famous Felines features 79 celebrity cats – how many can you name? See scoring below:
- 0-20: Helpless Kitten
- 21-40: Harvard Claw School Graduate
- 41-60: Not Judging But We’re Guessing You Own at Least Three Real-Life Cats
- 61-79: Purr-fessor Meowsington K. Cuddlebelly, Paw.h.D
Stephen
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