Tech Roundup

Technology Committee members here at Towson University’s Cook Library are always on the hunt for new technology applications to bring into the library or technology-related issues our library should be addressing.  As we scour the internet for important, interesting, or just plain cool examples of technology applications, issues, or news, we post links and  summaries with our take here to the blog.

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L.A. Schools ask for a Refund

L.A. schools purchased more than 100,000 iPads that were to be paired with English and math curriculum from Pearson. Schools complained that the software caused problems frequently and now only 2 of the 69 schools use the technology regularly. This is a sort of cautionary tale that warns about using technology as a Band-Aid. Without proper curriculum, training, and support these admirable ventures have no guarantees for success. – Matt

For Apple Fans: A New Mini Web Series about Apple Adding & Removing Useful Software & Features

Are you a fan of Apple products or know somebody who is? The Mac New Network (MacNN) has recently posted an excellent set of articles about how Apple drops useful programs and features and the problems that it can cause Mac fans. You can read the whole series by viewing the links below. – Eric

• Introduction
• Part I
• Part II
• Part III
• Part IV
• Conclusion

Google Glass & Medical Education

The University of Michigan Health System is using Google Glass during anatomy labs to provide students with hands-free access to reference materials. While the ability to study hands-free may not be crucial in a library setting it’s possible to imagine students sitting at clutter free workstations if the sources they are researching are accessed via Google Glass. – Matt

 Ancient Scrolls Come Back to Life

As reported in Smithsonian, researchers are using a technique called x-ray phase-contrast tomography, or XPCT, to read scrolls  from the library at Herculaneum that burned in the 79 A.D. Mount Vesuvius eruption. Click over to the original story to learn more about the technique and how researchers hope to use this technology to analyze materials previously thought be in accessible! – Kim

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What do you think about some of the issues or technologies presented?  Have you found anything interesting online this week? Share in the comments!