news aggregator

The Berkman Center for Internet & Society, originally established as a research center at Harvard Law School, has been elevated to a University-wide, interfaculty initiative: the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University. This transition enhances the University’s capacity for interdisciplinary exploration of issues involving information technology. The Harvard University Gazette, 15 May 2008

DA lingo ppl use 2 txt n msg is not n fact bad 4 da lngwij skiLz of 2dayz teens. Quite the opposite, say two Canadian linguists who argue the language teenagers use to instant message one another represents 'an expansive new linguistic renaissance.' Australian IT, 16 May 2008

Up to 3000 of Australia's best and brightest researchers will now have access to specialised education directly aimed at building their capacity to work with industry. The Australian Technology Network's e-Grad School has been selected as the preferred supplier for the CRC Association to deliver the highly successful Graduate Certificate Research Management to CRC researchers. ATN Media release, 14 May 2008

The Universe is actually twice as bright than was previously thought, according to research conducted by a team of astronomers from Australia and Europe. In an article published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, the astronomers describe how dust is obscuring approximately half the starlight that the Universe currently generates. Swinburne University of Technology News, 15 May 2008

The web is having a profound impact on the role and function of libraries. This, say some commentators, goes beyond ����the demise of the book���� and touches on a wider vision for the future and on attempts to understand how libraries are to realise that vision. JISC News, 14 April 2008

Appropriate skills and confidence in using new communications and media services are increasingly important for participation in all aspects of Australian society according to research released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority. ACMA commissioned the report, titled Media Literacy - Concepts, Research and Regulatory Issues, from consultants Dr. Robyn Penman and Associate Professor Sue Turnbull to examine media literacy in consumer education and protection activities. Broadly defined, media literacy means the ability to access, understand and create communications in a variety of contexts. ACMA Media release, 14 May 2008

Publius brings together Internet observers, scholars, innovators, entrepreneurs, activists, technologists, and still other experts to write short essays, foster a public dialogue, and create a record of how the rules of cyberspace are being formed - with a view to affecting their future incarnations. Berkman Center for Internet and Society News, 13 May 2008

The Australian National University and the University of South Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding that builds on the Federal Government's collaborative approach for strengthening Australia's higher education sector. ANU Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Chubb and UniSA Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Hoj said the agreement provides expanded opportunities for students to study and move between the universities and builds a framework for working together in research and research training. The first collaborative programs are expected to commence in the 2009 academic year. ANU/UniSA Joint Media release, 15 May 2008

The 2008-09 Budget will deliver on the Rudd Government������s election commitments and invest around $1.8 billion in the higher education sector over five years. The Government will also allocate funds from the 2007-08 and 2008-09 surpluses, along with money from the Higher Education Endowment Fund, to create a new $11 billion Education Innovation Fund to support higher education and vocational education and training. DEEWR Media release, 13 May 2008

The Australian Academy of Science is inviting applications for grants for short-term scientific visits (14 - 40 days) to Europe, North America (USA, Canada and Mexico) and Asia (Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan) in 2009, to foster collaborations between Australian and overseas researchers. Closing date for applications is 27 June 2008. This project is supported by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research's International Science Linkages - Science Academies Programme. All enquiries to Charis Tyrrel Phone: 02 6201 9412 or Email charis.tyrrel@science.org.au.

Josh Kopelman may have hit the nail on the head with his prediction of the "implicit Internet." For whatever it's worth, I hope he's dead wrong--though he isn't.

When a university awards a doctorate to a controversial figure, is the institution endorsing the free exchange of ideas or endorsing the person? Can colleges avoid the whole idea?

Agreement will shift almost all associate degrees from Indiana U. to Ivy Tech, seven years after state officials first called for that change.

Revamped NCAA report on Division I finances reinforces previous findings that big-time college sports programs spend far more than they earn -- especially when institutional subsidies are included.

Investors -- and regulators -- discuss the profit motive and emerging models in private higher education, growing worldwide.

As technologies and generations change, professors must consider new ways of building bridges with their students, Julie Frechette writes.

Researchers could soon use a blood test to identify the disorder in its early stages.