Computers for Charisma, Empowerment, Learning

I was briefly involved with an OLPC effort.  And have always been intrigued by the idea of how it is different to teach coding, than it is to teach mathematics, though they are closely connected.   I know many people who were truly expert coders, but avoided any math.   Coding has become 'charismatic' in a sense, but I still don't think it helps to have everyone learn to code.  Coding is more an extreme in paying attention to detail,  than the esoterica of math.  Giving out laptops empowers people to make things happen, but it rarely makes them coders or mathematicians.  That makes a difference.  Aiming to read these books. 

Computers for Learning: Charisma that Fails to Disrupt?

January 5, 2021  By Jeremy Roschelle

Learning technology often bursts into our awareness with powerful promises to personalize learning, to accelerate progress, to scale powerful learning to everyone. Too often, learning technology fails to deliver. Why? Recently, I read two books addressing this dilemma, both of which are grounded in strong empirical research traditions.

The first book is "The Charisma Machine" by Morgan G. Ames, who conducted an ethnography of One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) in South America in 2009-2010. Dr. Ames spent extensive time in schools and towns in Paraguay as the OLPC "XO" laptop rolled out and slowly fell into disuse. Some of the reasons for declining use were mundane: the XO laptops were underpowered, the trackpad was hard to use, and necessary software wasn’t available. The laptops were designed to survive a fall when closed, but students often carried them open in order to use the video camera. Once broken, the laptops could not be repaired locally. The mesh networking rarely worked and internet connections were poor. 

Despite these mundane problems, the choice to feature "charisma" in the book title points to the deeper lessons that can be learned by reading this book. These lessons generalize beyond the particular missteps of OLPC program. Charisma connotes unusual attractiveness that commands devotion, and also suggests the ability to distort reality such that obvious downsides become hidden from view.  Reading this book made me realize how many technologies for education are constructed as charismatic, implying "don’t anticipate difficulties based on what you already know, because this new technology will be a complete game changer!"  This  charismatic portrayal can facilitate rapid initial adoption but rarely translates into lasting change.   ...  (Much more follows)

Cheaper Chrome Devices

Was reminded once again of the $100 laptop push of a decade ago that was aimed at schools.  Chrome Laptops are a natural next step, with much of the function needed for productivity online.   And, of course,  Microsoft plans to add cheaper mixed reality through Hololens.

Windows 10 laptops for schools. And a big education push for 2018
By Tom Warren @tomwarren in TheVerge ... "

Seymour Papert Dies

We followed him closely in our AI years.  Also a developer of the Logo language and Lego Mindstorms.  Developed much in the area of technology driven learning.

Seymour Papert, theorist behind One Laptop Per Child, dies at 88
South African computer scientist had an outsized influence on tech-driven learning.    By  Cyrus Farivar   ...

See the Playful Invention Company (PICO)   Via previous notes.

See also, the Logo Foundation.

Very Cheap Computers

In FastCoexist:  We looked at sponsoring examples like the '$100 laptop' for the third world. .  What are the applications for the IOT?

The World's First $9 Computer Does Everything That Your Expensive Model Can Do ... Chip is a bona fide Kickstarter hit. But the tiny computer's implications go far beyond the novelty of a cheap computer.

Over the years, a number of ultra-cheap computers have popped up—in fact, a $169 computer for the developing world, called Endless, was announced just last month. But nothing out there can match the price of Chip, a tiny new $9 computer that has attracted over a million dollars in funding on Kickstarter. ... "

Chromebit to Turn Display into Chromebook

Have experimented with the Chromecast idea, has somewhat limited usefulness, turning TVs into somewhat smarter devices.   Now Engadget reports on the Chromebit, which can convert any HDMI connected display into a Chromebook.  Available later this year for less that $100.  Taking displays into new levels of intelligence.   I can see many applications.   How will this effect system sales?   Or replace a more expensive smart TV?    Or in-store displays?  I saw in the article that Intel there has a similar solution:  the Compute Stick.

Intel in Your Autonomous Car

Intel chips for automobiles.  A big market, so the reach is obvious.  Specifically the mention of autonomous is interesting.   What are the specific needs of such a chip.  Speed and reliability? Embedded intelligence and connectivity.

 " ... Intel threw its research might behind the idea of autonomous cars, or automobiles that are safer and more efficient because they can take over the task of driving from humans.

Intel, the world’s biggest chip maker, will provide an “application ready platform” with its own processors and operating system for self-driving cars. The initiative is part of Intel’s larger campaign to provide the intelligence and connectivity for the internet of things, or smarter everyday devices. The effort will include Intel’s own research as well as investments in other companies from a $100 million car technology fund. .... " 

Effectiveness of Analytics

A good piece on the problem.  But ultimately it is ROI that talks.   And making sure that decision makers get the word of what is happening.    Before, during and after the work is done. Surprisingly that is often not done well.  Segmentation is useful, but not the ultimate tool. Mentions a Bloomberg study on the topic.  Of course every company uses analytics in some form, a spreadsheet or accounting report,  its the depth and careful scope of application that is in question. Most are not using it in sufficient ways.

" ... According to a survey conducted by Bloomberg in 2011 (on companies exceeding $100 Mn in revenues), 97% of these companies have embraced Analytics in some form. However, only one in four organizations believes its use of business analytics has been “very effective” in helping to make decisions.

This gap in investment and desired results might be higher in developing markets like India. While, there are bunch of reasons which contribute to this gap, one of the key reason contributing to this gap is effective customer management. ... " 

Advances in Tagging

In GigaOM:  Tagging is a long time interest. Costs and power requirements have always been an issue.  This also relates to an internet of things, where simply finding a physical thing can be a first step  Note also the use of crowd sourcing.

" ... Ever since Bluetooth Low Energy chips emerged, a growing number of object tagging and tracking services have sprouted up to take advantage of the technology’s potential as a proximity-based sensor. Innova Technology is one of those companies, but starting this week it’s offering a twist to its new Protag Elite devices.

In addition to using Bluetooth LE as a kind of radar to keep track of your valuables, Protag now has new crowd collaboration features into its apps so strangers can help you find your stuff if it gets lost. On Wednesday Innova plans to kick off an Indiegogo campaign to raise $100,000 for the new credit-card-sized Elite tag, which will eventually incorporate these new features. The first 1,000 backers can get its rechargeable device for $29.... " 

On Innovation Performance

Bain & Company on the topic.  Very well done.  Taking measure is very important.    " ... Innovation is one of the most popular acts in business, but one of the hardest to pull off. Bain & Company recently surveyed nearly 450 executives around the world at enterprises with more than $100 million in revenue, and two-thirds said their companies made innovation one of their top three priorities. Yet fewer than one-quarter believed that their companies were effective innovators. Even fewer, just one in five, said they were strong at “breakthrough” innovation. ... "