Congratulations, General Motors (GM)

GM recently announced a massive workforce reduction and cancelation of a number of their car models. But, the real news is their recently announced focus on electric and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Transitioning to electric motors will likely result in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions. This is especially probable if solar energy is used to generate the electricity needed to power autos. The advent of AVs will have a major impact on transportation. The need for every home to own one or two cars may decline significantly. An AV can be summoned when needed and arrive at your home to transport you to your destination; similar to Uber's system, but minus the driver. AVs can be used for short and long trips, reducing the need for public transportation. Costs would be offset by no longer needing to purchase and maintain a car. Car accidents could be reduced as AVs would abide by all safety laws. Traffic flow will improve as AVs will be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians and take needed measures to avoid accidents. The need for parking lots and garages may also decline as AVs will be available 24/7.

Will Streaming TV Result in the End of Cable TV?

Technology has a way of increasing efficiency while lowering cost, and in many ways reducing the need for human labor.  Streaming TV (aka Internet TV) uses the internet to deliver programming to devices like laptops. Since many homes today already subscribe to internet service, the addition of a TV service provider becomes simplified. TV shows are streamed to your computer. However, a low-cost receiving device, like Chromecast can transmit the signal wirelessly to your home TV. All service activations take place by the interested subscriber over the internet; no installer comes to your home, and no antenna or other equipment is needed.

Costs range from free to about $75 per month, depending on the number of channels provided and the amount of advertising. This cost is signifacantly less than cable or satellite providers. Many providers are available including Sling TV, Hulu, YouTube TV, Philo TV, HBO Now. Pluto TV and others.

As the transition to less expensive streaming TV increases, cable and satellite TV subscriptions are sure to decline. Employees of these and related services will be faced with the loss of employment.

Personal Universal Health Registry (PUHR)

It is not uncommon when visits to a doctor or hospital require a health history provided by a patient or relative. Often, future visits require a repeat of the process. The easiest and fastest way to provide health information to your doctor should be via the internet. A PUHR would include all the known health data of every individual, including blood type, past illnesses, prescription history, allergies, surgeries, next of kin, etc.

PUHRs can be secured in the cloud and be available from any place at any time.

The information can be password protected or accessed through personal attributes,

such as the use of a fingerprint reader or retinal scan. Personal identifiers can be useful

in emergencies where the patient is unconscious. However, retrieval speed must be rapid and may not be available until improvements in processing and internet access provide an almost instantaneous response.

Can Technology Reduce the Cost of a College education?

Can Technology Reduce the Cost of a College education?

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Colleges can significantly reduce the cost of a college education by implementing technology-related modifications while improving instructional efficiency:

(1) Enlist professors to prepare an online equivalent for each of their courses. These courses can be improved and updated over time. Ideally, these lessons would incorporate a personalized approach where the individual needs of each student are recognized. The need for expensive textbooks would be eliminated.

(2) All students would need a laptop computer and at home internet access. 

(3) A blended learning approach can be implemented where students complete lessons online in their homes prior to attending class. This has the potential to reduce student in-school presence; the number of school buildings and professors would be reduced over time. For example, a 3 credit, on-campus class could be reduced to one session per week for review, discussion, assessment, and other activities.

(4) Students would complete all written assignments on their laptop, and submit each to their professor via the internet.

(5) The need for libraries would be reduced as all resources would be available from the internet. Library space can be utilized for student projects where research and creativity are emphasized.

(6) Eliminate the need for costly on-site servers to store school records and other computer functions by utilizing cloud-based resources such as Amazon Web Service (AWS).

(7) Provide virtual/augmented reality (VR, AR), an immersive, online experience accessible to students during non-school time. These resources could reduce the need for in-class lab activities.

These recommendations would entail a high initial cost, including expenditures for staff development and redeployment, but would save money over time. Currently, there are a number of online universities in operation; some well-known universities provide a few online courses. The reduced cost of operating a college should result in lower college tuition. while increasing instructional efficiency.

Article on the Future of Education

Here is an article, "Back-to-School Thoughts: Future of Education" by Peter Diamandis, that I highly recommend to present and future K-12 teachers.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxvzKbKMhmkHJcSgDwZKKRVcvnnD

Can Technology Be Used to Reduce the Cost of K-12 Education?

There are a number of technology-related possibilities that can increase instructional efficiency while lowering educational costs over time.

1.   Provide internet service to all classrooms. Assure that internet access is available in the homes of all students. Provide access where needed.

2.   Provide all students with Chromebooks, a cloud-based laptop. This computer provides the most educational value at the lowest cost.

3.   Enlist teachers to compose an online-based curriculum that would replace the need for textbooks.

4.   Eliminate the need for pencils, pens, and paper as all student work is saved/retrieved online.

5.   Summer school, for remediation and enrichment, can be provided online.

6.   Consider the implementation of blended learning where students complete lessons online in their homes prior to attending the classroom-based review, discussion, assessment and other activities. This has the potential to reduce student in-school presence and the number of school buildings needed.

7.   Students can do classroom work online at home on snow days rather than make up lost time at the end of the school year.

8.   Implement personalized learning which has the potential to allow students to learn at their own pace and possibly graduate early.

9.   Modify the role of school librarians into technology support specialists. Library space can be utilized for student projects that allow for creativity.

10. Use virtual/augmented reality (VR, AR) as a replacement for field trips. These immersive, online experiences may be accessed by students during non-school time.

11. Eliminate the need for on-site servers to store school records by utilizing cloud-based resources such as Amazon Web Service (AWS).

These recommendations would entail a high initial cost but would save money over time. Expenditures would also be needed for staff development.

A Plan for Reducing the High Cost of College Textbooks

College textbooks can reach as high as $200 and up per class; a burden for many
students. I propose a win-win solution to high textbook cost: encourage professors
to create their own online textbook tailored to each subject taught. Charge students
$50 for online access; far less expensive than the $100-$300 price. The incentive
for the professor would be increased earnings per academic year. For example,
if the class size averages 20 students and s/he teaches four classes per semester,
the potential earnings would equal $4000 or $8000 for two semesters. Of course,
there would have to be a system that prevents students from copying or circumventing
the cost.

Can Robots Deliver Utopia?

In my blog entry of January 21, 2013, I made a number of predictions on the effects of robotics on the future of society. I alluded to how technology will result in a massive loss of jobs and the need to provide an income to the unemployed. Today, this idea has come to be known as Universal Basic Income (UBI). I also mentioned the government's role in dealing with the problems of an idle society by providing various social programs that would appeal to the populace. The loss of jobs need not be a catastrophe as some would imagine if the government takes remedial action and producers of goods and services cooperate.

A key result of robots is a large increase in productivity. They can operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Their only downtime would be for repairs and maintenance. They receive no compensation or benefits. The result would be a significant decline in the cost of goods and services; in other words, deflation. Obviously, companies would want a large share of the resulting profits since they produced the robots that caused the increase in productivity. However, the unemployed should be provided with a UBI, adjusted for deflation, that at least guarantees a comfortable existence; they should not be penalized if they find work to supplement this income. The UBI will be funded from taxes imposed on the producers of goods and services. The amount of taxes imposed would be determined by the number of jobs lost due to automation. Companies will realize that without a UBI, there will be only a minimal market for purchasing their products.

The government will have to develop social programs that allow the unemployed to enjoy a meaningful existence. Otherwise, there is the risk that an idle population could result in violence or withdrawal from society. These programs should encourage creativity and pride in accomplishment. Included would be hobbies, participation in competitive sports, and furthering one's education. The latter could provide the opportunity to become employed in a rewarding technical career.

Those who are trained in robotics will become the elite and most highly compensated members of society. They must be competent in the development, maintenance and control of robots. As Artificial Intelligence (AI) progresses, and many processes become automatic and even self-improving, the danger of complacency increases.  Control must always be the responsibility of humans.

Letter to the editor of Rivereast News

Letter to the editor of Rivereast News
May 29, 2018

To the Editor:

I agree with Mr. Steven’s letter to the Editor of May 25, 2018, where he states that   “.. despite three
decades of economic growth, middle-class incomes have risen only slightly.” I would like to add
two more reasons why this has occurred: (1) outsourcing production to foreign countries, especially
China, and (2) automation, especially robotics. Both have the effect of reducing costs and increasing
profits for manufacturers. Both have placed downward pressure on middle-class employment and compensation.

Automation is increasing more rapidly due to progress in artificial intelligence (AI). This means that machines have the potential to replace workers at ALL levels of employment. Productivity will increase immensely as robots work 24/7, are not compensated, and have no fringe benefits.

This trend has the potential to eliminate most jobs. Positions involving technology and social

assistance will increase. The ultimate result will be massive unemployment. However, people will

need income to purchase goods and services. The government must tax companies according

to their rise in productivity due to automation and job loss. The result will be a Universal Basic Income

(UBI) provided to all the unemployed. Also, the government must sponsor social activities for an idle,

restless population.

A Possible Solution for Making-up Missed School Days

A Possible Solution for Making-up Missed School Days

A student’s school attendance is impacted by illness and missed class time due to storm delays and cancellations. Usually, this time is made up by adding days to the end of the school year. Many families object to this plan as it complicates vacation planning or requires attendance during warmer weather in buildings that are not air-conditioned. One solution is to give students the option of online schooling on days when schools are closed. Also, students who miss school due to illness can be provided with online classes that make up for missed days. In some cases, makeup time can be flexible, including days beyond the school year.

Educators must have lessons prepared in advance if this plan is to work efficiently. Their lesson plans must be online and students must have laptops and an internet connection in their homes. Also, teachers would have to evaluate student progress.

Another application of online, makeup instruction is teacher absence. Rather than have a substitute teacher who may or may not have the qualifications of providing quality instruction, students can continue lessons online in school and/or at home.

The advent of computers and the internet have opened up many alternative ways of delivering instruction to K-12 students. Making-up classes is one of a number of possibilities.

School Play Therapy as a Preventive Method of Reducing Emotional Problems in Youth

School Play Therapy as a Preventive Method of Reducing Emotional Problems in Youth

The recent shooting in a Parkland, FL high school has many people thinking about what can
be done to prevent such tragedies. Arming teachers, employing guards, implementing metal
detectors, gun control has been suggested. A more constructive solution would be the
prevention of the development of hostile personalities. The implementation of a play therapy
program in grades K-5 is one possibility. Schools provide counseling programs for middle
and high school, but nothing for elementary schools. These young children do not respond
well to “talk counseling,” but respond enthusiastically to play techniques. Many authorities
believe that early intervention is the preferred approach to minimizing the development of many emotional problems.

Play therapy requires a room about the size of a classroom with many choices of playthings,
including toys, paper, paints, and musical instruments. The room should be large enough to
provide for the active play of up to five children. Psychologists must be specifically trained in
play techniques. They should be tolerant of noise and skilled in the resolution of naturally occurring
conflicts that occur during play. They also should be skilled in counseling parents.

Play therapy provides opportunities for children to learn to channel their hostility into socially
acceptable modes of expression. Also encouraged is having withdrawn children express
themselves socially. All of these gains can occur in an environment where children are free
to express themselves through play by themselves or with their peers. The only limit is that
no one is allowed to hurt another physically.  Noise is never limited. I have worked for years
with children in play therapy and have personally witnessed the improvements in many.

Recent Amtrak Train Derailment Indicates Need for Backup Systems

Recent Amtrak Train Derailment Indicates Need for Backup Systems
"An Amtrak train derailed south of Seattle, Washington, on Monday, sending train cars tumbling onto a busy interstate." The train was traveling 80 mph around a curve when the accident happened.  This derailment could have been avoided if a computerized sensing system was in place. Such a system would have the capability to slow the train as it approached the curve by warning the engineer or reducing the speed automatically. Such systems could also activate warnings for other dangers, such as damaged track and obstacles on the track. The technology is currently available and is prominently featured in driverless vehicles. 

The Assent of Driverless Vehicles on Mail & Package Delivery

The Assent of Driverless Vehicles on Mail & Package Delivery

I have been following closely the development of driverless vehicles. This has the potential for significant impact on delivery services. Recently, driverless trucks successfully made long-distance trips in the United States; a driver was present in case intervention became needed. This system could be used for large deliveries to business or manufacturing establishments.

Amazon, an online retailer, has grown so significantly over the recent past that established businesses, like Sears, are threatened with bankruptcy. Package delivery services like UPS have been unusually busy recently. Delivery businesses will seek ways to make their service more efficient and reliable. The driverless UPS or FedEx truck is on the horizon. Similarly, the US Postal Service may adopt driverless vehicles.

The use of driverless trucks for mail and package delivery would require some procedural and utility modifications. Leaving deliveries at the front door would be problematic for robots to handle. Also, delivery would be slowed down when robots have to climb stairs. A more practical and less expensive system would be to have special boxes near the curb where packages and mail could be quickly inserted. Packages beyond the size of the container would have to be delivered separately. The curbside container would remain locked when closed. The delivery truck would contain a transponder that would unlock any container keylessly and automatically. A robotic device would insert the delivery and close the container. The recipient of the mail or package would be alerted wirelessly and have a key to unlock the container.

Driverless trucks would result in significant savings and more efficient delivery 24/7. Unfortunately, the loss of jobs would be significant; affecting those who probably have no more than a high school education. I believe this will become a growing problem in the future as the application of automation with robots increases. The likelihood of a Universal Basic Income (UBS) will grow. The government will have to impose a tax on businesses proportional to the degree that automation has replaced workers. Additionally, government-sponsored, free recreational and educational activities will need to be offered to counter the effects of an idle population.

Why I Disagree With the Article, "5 Risks Posed by the Increasing Use of Technology in Schools"

Why I Disagree With the Article, "5 Risks Posed by the Increasing Use of Technology in Schools"

As a retired K-12 educator, I totally disagree with this article (5 Risks Posed by the Increasing Use of Technology in Schools) that points out only the negatives in ed tech while ignoring all of the positives. For example, Risk 1 cites student privacy concerns. Yes, it is a concern when someone is illegally trying to get info about a particular student, but not a problem when attempting to discern trends about an entire student population. Risk 2, Personalized Learning, may be a worthy alternative for motivated students who want to learn beyond what is offered in the classroom, or for students that are turned off by classroom lectures. Risk 3, Tech Assessment provides a more efficient and less expensive way of taking the pulse of a school's academic progress. Do we not want feedback that is delivered in a timely manner? Risk 4 & 5, yes there will always be those looking to make a profit in education, including those using deceptive practices; but does this mean that every charter school or tech business should be suspect?
My greatest concern is the number of educators who are anti-tech that seek to impede this inevitable trend, often because they find technology threatening to their intellect or fear it can replace them.