The Mobile Campus

The Mobile Campus: "

What did Abilene Christian University learn in its first year as a self-appointed guinea pig for mobile learning technology?

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I've been fortunate enough to meet Dr. Rankin a couple of times now. When you hear him talk about technology you quickly realize the experiment at Abilene Christian is educationally significant, even if the statistics are a little sketchy. Those of us in the Ed.Tech. field continue to follow their progress closely as they continue to pioneer mobile learning!

Why Not Lab Time for 'Soft' Disciplines?

Why Not Lab Time for 'Soft' Disciplines?: "Regularly scheduled lab time has long been an accepted standard in science courses. Now there may be an argument for extending the standard to include all disciplines...."

An excellent point! We know that homework is often not as productive as time spent with a teacher. Having a dedicated time every week to actually "apply" the things being taught, with a TA or instructor close by would, in my opinion, greatly increase grades and retention! What do you think?

Volkswagen's 170 mpg car

Volkswagen's 170 mpg car: "

The VW L1 concept falls short of its goal to go 100 kilometers on 1 liter of fuel.

(Credit: CNET)

In 2002, Volkswagen designed a concept car that could go 100 kilometers on 1 liter of fuel, equivalent to about 235 mpg. This year, Volkswagen shows off the second generation of the 1 liter concept, the L1, with the intention of production by 2013. Using an extremely light and aerodynamic body and a diesel-electric parallel hybrid power train, the new L1 falls short of its fuel efficiency goal, requiring 1.38 liters of diesel to cover 100 kilometers, or 170 mpg. Still, not bad.

The L1's cabin uses virtual rearview mirrors and instruments.

(Credit: CNET)

Volkswagen designers looked at glider design to evolve the L1 concept, resulting in a narrow body with two seats in tandem, the single passenger consigned to a rear seat. Access to the L1 is through a hinged canopy, which should inspire Top Gun fantasies for the driver. Furthering those fantasies are the camera-based rearview OLEDs, offering a 180 degree view behind the car. In keeping with the high-tech cabin, the speedometer and other instruments are all virtual. Although we didn't see a stereo in the cabin, there are volume controls on the steering wheel.

However much the cabin might inspire feelings of piloting a fighter jet, the performance will make the driver envy scooter riders. The L1 takes 14.3 seconds to get to 62 mph. However, the top speed is a reasonable 99 mph. To power the L1, Volkswagen developed a new .8-liter version of its TDI engine with only two cylinders. The driver can select between Eco and Sport modes: in the former, the engine produces 27 horsepower, while in Sport it peaks at 39 horsepower. Being a diesel, its torque is much higher, hitting 74 pound-feet at 1,900rpm.

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Originally posted at Frankfurt Auto Show 2009

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5 Ways We're Diminishing Learning by Assuming Face-to-Face Instruction Is Best -- THE Journal

5 Ways We're Diminishing Learning by Assuming Face-to-Face Instruction Is Best -- THE Journal: "5 Ways We're Diminishing Learning by Assuming Face-to-Face Instruction Is Best"