Access to Technology

The industrial ecosystem increasingly is turning to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in pursuit of quality control, efficiency and supply-chain improvements. But as sensors get cheaper, Big Data grabs a bigger footprint, and the technology gets ever more ubiquitous, complexities emerge with the broadening scale. With all this ability to measure and monitor, businesses risk drowning in a sea of data during the digital transformation. This challenge demands a strategy for structuring information, applying analytics and extracting knowledge to harness data’s value.

Last week, during an Ignite My Future In School Computational Thinking in the Classroom webisode, educators convened virtually to share best practices for engaging students in computational thinking.

One of the most effective ways to inspire girls to pursue a STEM education and careers is to introduce them to professionals in the field. A partnership between North American automaker FCA US and the Michigan Council of Women in Technology Foundation (MCWT) is making sure that young women ‘GET-IT’, which stands for Girls Exploring Together Information Technology.

21st Century Fox’s National Geographic and Sprint have announced neurological physical therapist Asha Gummadi as the winner of the “CHASING GENIUS: Unlimited Innovation” challenge. Asha, who is based in Philadelphia, will receive $25,000 to pursue her vision of helping doctors to provide virtual physical therapy in developing countries. This is National Geographic’s second CHASING GENIUS digital initiative, which aims to bring together a community of active, aspirational, socially conscious consumers who want to make a positive difference in the world.

For better or worse, technology is pervasive in the workplace, school and home. All industries depend on computers to maintain our quality of life, and many tech companies continue to experiment and invest in new technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) at an accelerated rate. The projected growth of unfilled STEM careers is old news to employers and educators alike as we face the facts of the future - today.

Columbia University Center for Veteran Transition and Integration today announced a new collaboration with Citi to increase educational programming and support for veterans and military family members making the transition to two- and four-year colleges, graduate and professional schools, civilian life, and the workforce. With $300,000 in support from Citi Community Development, the national expansion of the Center will provide tools and resources that address the unique challenges veterans face entering the classroom and workplace with the aim to reach 10,000 service members and their families in the first two years.

In the last several months, the next generation of leaders have called for change in an unprecedented wave. They have used their voices to demand attention and change from the very highest echelons of power — and many of those voices have been female.

Like many people, Harshita rides the bus every day. Unlike others, however, when on one ride home she noticed a visually challenged person having difficulty crossing the street, she was inspired to find a way technology could help.

The My.Future digital platform lets Boys & Girls Club members and non-members of all ages use computers, smartphones, and tablets to play, learn, and socialize. Put simply, it's a digital version of what members experience every day and takes the Club beyond its own walls. Through the platform, which is made possible through a partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal, users can share the great things they’ve made and amplify their voices. Whether they’re making lyrics, videos or apps, they’ll be able to share the things they create and connect with their peers across the country.

There is an incorrect assumption that digital natives are digitally literate. Although they have grown up with technology, they do not necessarily have the skills to support our digitally-fueled economies. Beyond using apps, they struggle to create financial formulas in Excel or navigate a computer’s file management system — essential skills in today’s workplaces.