Randomly Generated Education

A handheld deceived used by a teacher can encourage better learning by randomly generating names to call on in class. The device was created to try to get teachers to call on girls as much as boys so all can learn equally, but an additional benefit is that it helps to keep kids focused.

Maybe it’s the fear of randomly being called upon to answer questions that keep kids focused, or perhaps the success lies in making everyone feel included.

“When teachers use a handheld computer that randomly selects which student to call on, even shy or reluctant pupils will be included in class discussions–and students pay more attention as a result, the researcher found.”

Kenya to Supply Free AIDS Drug

The president of Kenya has announced that anti-retroviral drugs will now be provided to people with no fees. This is a fantastic way to help fight AIDS, and it’s great that Kenya is continuing its fight against HIV/AIDS since they already have had so much success in the last decade.

“Mwihaki Kimura Muraguri, HIV/Aids programme manager with the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) Kenya welcomed the decision as “a critical step”.

“We look forward to seeing reduced costs for treatment support such as lab tests, whose costs are still prohibitive,” he said.”

Bionic Hand Controlled By Thought

The Japanese are developing a bionic hand that is controlled by the brain, the same way that a normal hand is controlled.

The researchers mapped the brainwave patterns of a person making “rock”, “paper” and “scissors” shapes with their hand, and then programmed those patterns into the robotic prosthesis.

Before the technology can be deployed on a wide basis, there must be more breakthroughs, particularily in the areo of brain/hardware interface.

The Poop-Powered Generator of the Future?

Scientist at Ghent University in Belgium and University of Queensland in Australia are working on a prototype device that generates electricity from the solid waste that we humans produce every day.

The process works by harnessing the energy that waste-eating bacteria make and turning it into electricity.

Not surprisingly, the researchers are hoping to use the technology to power water treatment plants, but they say a domestic power plant is also possible in the future

Municipal Democracy in Action

City Idol is a campaign being run in Toronto that encourages civic participation. Contestants are competing for the chance to run for city council with the backing of the volunteers (and perhaps the other contestants) from City Idol. This idea is run by concerned citizens with no funding from the city.

Everyone is encouraged to come out and vote for the contestants.

City Idol is trying to make democracy fun and engaging!

Disclaimer: I’m running for City Idol, so please come vote for me on June 1 at the Kathedral