Tuesday, August 23, 2005

House-Sitting Robot Hits Store Shelves in Japan [Slashdot:] 11:58:27 PM      Google It!.

Journal Article: Design and Analysis of Reflection-Supporting Tools in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. The March edition of the International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning has an interesting article about the importance of support for collaborative reflection in online environments: Design and Analysis of Reflection-Supporting Tools in Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. by Seung-hee Lee (Indiana University) This short article provides a concise overview, theoretical foundation and design considerations for online environments that support... [Michelle's Online Learning Freakout Party Zone] 5:22:28 PM      Google It!.

Different view for East and West. Scientists have shown that Western and Eastern people look at the world in different ways. [BBC News | Science/Nature | UK Edition] 11:13:33 AM      Google It!.

Drug Reverses Effects of Sleep Deprivation [Slashdot:] this could be seriously disruptive.  There has been previous similar work funded by the military adn some direct magnetic stimulation studies to boost localized cortical activation.  The social implications of reducing the need for sleep are vast and combined with the round the clock cultures in some places could make hyper-productive evironments.  Social productivity was enormously boosted with the invention and deployment of electric lighting to extend the visible hours.  The pending invention of drug technologies and direct stimulation technologies have the potential to increase again the visible hours of a society.  As we undestand how to control the mechanisms of sleep there will also be the potential for new forms of "sleep therapy" and limited hibernation that may be espeically useful to the elderly.  If this type of technology were to be cast into extreem forms there would be the support structure for sleepless caregivers and sleeping patients/inmates/family colonies.  BL 10:10:01 AM      Google It!.