A new device developed by researchers in India uses ultrasound to guide the visually impaired through the busy streets.
Known as the SmartCane, the new device sends out ultrasound waves to surrounding areas and identifies obstacles by detecting the echoes that bounce back from nearby objects. Once an obstacle is detected, it uses vibrations to inform and divert the user around it.
Regular white canes can only detect obstacles up to knee height, while the Smartcane can detect obstacles from knee to head height, CNN reports.
A new dimension of sightless awareness equipment. This is the “VIA” Visually Impaired Assistant, a pair of hand-centric devices to make the day of a visually impaired person a whole lot easier. These devices use VMD Video Motion Detection technologies, 4 mini cameras, and a voice operated GPS receiver, all to act as both a walking stick and a mapping system. All the while looking rather fabulous on the hands as sensually molded pieces of jewelry (or “super heavy-duty metal equipment” if you’re too masculine for that sensual “J” word.)
Read more at http://www.yankodesign.com/2010/09/21/visually-impaired-with-fine-hands/#6DsAlOZbIjiZ3d30.99
The belief that engineering and technology are beneficial to all and can improve human lives has inspired the tireless endeavors of many creative individuals throughout history. Engineers and technologists have generally believed that their actions and designs need to be scientifically justified and logically dependable. In addition, due to the pragmatic nature of the field there is also an emphasis on systematic approaches and defining standard practices in engineering. Such a positivist approach is seen in all aspects of engineering and technological ventures. Consequently, such an approach exists in most engineering educators’ perspectives and belief structures regarding the contents of the curricular, student training, and the overall goal of engineering and technological education.
research organisation that aims to inform practice and influence policy in the areas of: digital libraries, information systems, bibliographic management, and web technologies
This article presents a qualitative case study of a Web-based distance education course at a major U.S. university. The case data reveal a taboo topic: students' persistent frustrations in Web-based distance education.
WHEN GOOD ENUF IS GREAT
Entire markets have been transformed by products that trade power or fidelity for low price, flexibility, and convenience.
— Erin Biba
E. Karpova, A. Correia, and E. Baran. The Internet and Higher Education, 12 (1):
45-52(January 2009)This study examined how global learning teams utilized technology in a virtual collaboration to solve complex problems. The study offers an in-depth explanation of why and how the learning teams used technology to support computer-mediated communicatio....