Online testing of students: Will Florida be ready?
Central Florida school administrators are fearing technology snarls and scheduling nightmares when thousands of high-school students start taking standardized math exams on computers next school year, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
New Texas law requires more class details online
Public colleges and universities in Texas face the cost of making more detailed class descriptions available online so students and parents can get a better idea of what they’re getting for their money, reports the Austin American-Statesman.
China seeks to reduce internet users’ anonymity
A leading Chinese internet regulator has vowed to reduce anonymity in China’s portion of cyberspace, calling for new rules to require people to use their real names when buying a mobile phone or going online, reports the Associated Press.
Project lets users explore the cosmos from a PC
In a project that aims to pull a new generation of students toward science and technology, Microsoft and NASA have teamed up to create what they say is the largest seamless, spherical map ever made of the night sky, as well as a true-color, high-resolution map of Mars that users can explore on their computers in 3D.
Student programmers solve real-world challenges
An interface that allows hearing-impaired people to communicate with others using an augmented-reality environment took home the grand prize of $25,000 in the eighth annual Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals in Poland, a prestigious international programming contest for high school and college students.
Students, meet your new teacher, Mr. Robot
Computer scientists are developing machines that can teach people simple skills, like household tasks and vocabulary, reports the New York Times.
Google launches do-it-yourself app creation software
Google is bringing Android software development to the masses, reports the New York Times.
Boston judge cuts penalty in song-sharing case
A federal judge on July 9 drastically trimmed a $675,000 verdict against a Boston University graduate student who was found liable for illegally downloading and sharing 30 songs online, saying the jury damage award against a person who gained no financial benefit from his copyright infringement is “unconstitutionally excessive,” reports the Associated Press.
Judge OKs iPhone class action against Apple, AT&T
A federal judge says a monopoly abuse lawsuit against Apple Inc. and AT&T Inc.’s mobile phone unit can move forward as a class action, reports the Associated Press.
Australia delays internet filter to review content
Australia’s widely criticized proposal to mandate a national web filter blocking child pornography and other objectionable internet content has been delayed at least a year so the government can review what content should be restricted, reports the Associated Press.