Clips

Habitat for Humanity Project in Madison, WI

admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:24:49 +0000

Habitat for Humanity

A group of Madison Team Members volunteered their time on August 6, 2010 to help build a duplex for Habitat for Humanity of Dane County.

The duplex will provide housing for two families, one of which is a single mom and her 4-year old daughter.

View all photos of the duplex project

It was a great team effort! Each homeowner must “invest” time in building their home, attends classes on home ownership and money management along with assuming a no interest loan.

Soon, That Nearby Worker Might Be a Robot

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:31:34 +0000

The use of robots in the workplace is on the rise as sensors and safety technology become more advanced. This article highlights applications in a hospital, distribution centers, and NASA. While robots have historically been divided into either ultra-expensive industrial uses or low-cost consumer functions, the markets are converging.

General Motors and NASA collaborated on a new robot to be used at the International Space Station, and GM is looking to integrate the technology into future car models. In addition, robot developers are on the lookout for new markets, including videoconferencing functions.

Source: Soon, That Nearby Worker Might Be a Robot, BusinessWeek, by Rachael King, June 1, 2010

A New Approach to Classroom Computers

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:29:28 +0000

An Israeli technology startup is trying to radically change how teachers and students interact through the use of its new web-based software. The software was developed by a team of educators, software developers, and graphic and creative designers who have created a suite of tools ranging from course planning and classroom management to group collaboration and student assessment. Initially developed for grades four to six, there are already plans to expand to grades three to nine.

The new software will be tested in select New York City classrooms during the 2010-2011 school year. While integrating the technology into multiple schools will likely require additional IT specialists, the user-friendly interface needs only two days of orientation training for teachers and allows students to learn at their own pace.

Source: A New Approach to Classroom Computers, BusinessWeek, by Jennifer Schenker, July 9, 2010

Next Health: Better Office Health Through Employee’s Diet

admin — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:27:36 +0000

Zoe Finch Totten’s company, The Full Yield, is on a mission to improve public health. By targeting big employers with The Full Yield’s wellness program, Finch Totten hopes to make employees healthier and cheaper to insure. The program is first being rolled out in a few Boston-area businesses, but plans to expand to the nation’s 50 largest cities within five years.

This wellness program differs from others offered by corporations; up to now, most programs have focused on smoking cessation, stress reduction and exercise. The Full Yield targets the diets of employees, requiring a three-month commitment to eating only whole foods. The program is rounded out by a health-risk assessment, biometrics measures, meetings with a coach, activity plan, and access to a community website.

Source: Next Health: Better Health Through Employee’s Diet, Fast Company, by Elaine Appleton Grant, June 1, 2010