Computing discussion topic 2016-05-25: The algorithm that is too effective

May 25, 2016

Here's an example of a computer program that prevents people buying stuff, based on their address.

Computing discussion topic 2016-05-23

May 23, 2016

A topic to discuss with your students perhaps: the hidden bias in algorithms.

Recent book reviews

Quick look: Digital Culture Shock: Who Creates Technology and Why This Matters

Chapters look at how technology is used around the world, online communities, and building a culturally just infrastucture, amongst other topics.

Artificially Gifted Notes from a Post-Genius World.jpg

Quick look: Artificially Gifted: Notes from a Post-Genius World

The author, Mechelle Gilford, explores how AI may render our usual way of interpreting the concept of “gifted” obsolete.

Quick look: Dr. Bot: Why Doctors Can Fail Us―and How AI Could Save Lives

Dr Bot discusses something I hadn’t really considered…

Review: Seven Brief Lessons on Physics: Anniversary Edition

Rovelli draws readers into his world by describing the development of theories that scientists have posited to try and explain our world and the universe beyond.

Review: Dear Data

The authors spent a year sending each other postcards on a different theme each week, with pictorial representations of the data they had collected.

Review: Blueprints: How mathematics shapes creativity

What place might Blueprints merit on a teacher’s bookshelves?

Review: Renaturing: Small Ways to Wild the World

This book could prove useful to schools keen to cultivate their own dedicated ‘back to nature’ area.

Review: Listen In: How Radio Changed the Home

A couple of generations before the first internet cafés were opened, someone attempted pretty much the same thing by opening a ‘radio café’.

Review: Level Up Your Lesson Plans: Ignite the Joy of Learning with Fun and Educational Materials

This book is awash with ideas.

Review: Conversations With Third Reich Contemporaries: : From Luke Holland’s Final Account

This may be useful for the Hiostory department in your school.