Disney researchers have been coming up with some striking new technology lately, including a method for real-time speech animation, shared augmented reality and some creepy face-projection tech for live performances. Now, researchers at Disney and the University of Massachusetts Boston have been working on neural networks that can evaluate short stories.
Source: Disney Research taught AI how to judge short stories | engadget
Google, AT&T and a host of online education organizations are forming an alliance to develop standards for career readiness. Spearheaded by Massively Open Online Course (MOOC) provider, Udacity, the Open Education Alliance will explore standards for how to prepare and evaluate graduates. The still-forming group of technology companies will help online education providers develop courses, tests, and certifications meant to supplement the use of a college degree in the hiring process.
See the full story: Tech Titans And Online Education Orgs Team Up With The Open Education Alliance | TechCrunch.
See the full discussion: 13 Best Free Audio Editing Apps | Mashable.
For an LIS class group assignment in 2012, we evaluated and compared a few different audio editing applications (Audacity, LMMS, Traverso and WaveSurfer) and Audacity came out the winner on the majority of criteria, usability and range of features available.
There is an ongoing debate on whether QR codes are dying, or are still of value to marketers. Recent statistics from eMarketer.com show that 39% of US citizens between 18-24 have used QR scans in magazines, 38% in mail, 35% on posters, and 21% on websites. But these statistics are based on people scanning a QR code at least once. These statistics may be based heavily on curiosity rather than continual usage.
[The author] lists reasons why QR codes could be on a steady decline, what they’re competing with, and some examples of creative ways to use them.
via QR Codes: A Technology Without a User Base? | Information Space
Trends & Tech Presentation at PLA for SJSU SLIS
via Trends & Tech Presentation at PLA for SJSU SLIS « Tame The Web.
Sound bytes: Don’t let technology “freak you out” and “become more comfortable with chaos.” Technology = connecting to users. Extend the mission of the library.
Discusses emerging technology trends such as mobile, augmented reality, geo-social (location-based), creation and fabrication spaces (making stories and printing things) and learning 2.0.
Really good, timely presentation applicable to public libraries from one of my favourite blogging librarians.
infophile 