Guest Thinkers — February 16, 2011

George Siemens – Social Learning with Emerging Technologies

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Collage of social media icons and pixelated images in a grid layout, featuring Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook logos on a red background.

Internet freedom is fading in the new era of social control

“The evolution of digital media makes stricter regulation of online behavior not only feasible but inevitable,” writes media ecologist Andrey Mir.

Abstract image of a dark central circle surrounded by radial green and yellow light streaks resembling an eye or vortex.

Hard Science

Signs of “neutrino fog” emerge, complicating searches for dark matter

The race to find dark matter could grow more complex with high-energy neutrino interference.

A robotic prosthetic arm with visible internal mechanisms, wires, and a mechanical hand. Labels such as "SFU" and "BESOM" are visible on the arm casing.

The Present

The Cybathlon: Bionic athletes compete for the gold — and push assistive technologies forward

In the international competition, people with physical disabilities put state-of-the-art devices to the test as they race to complete the tasks of everyday life.

Close-up of a colorful microchip wafer with geometric patterns and reflective surfaces.

The Future

Why futurist Amy Webb sees a “technology supercycle” headed our way

Hang on to something — or ride the wave — because three big tech trends are about to converge.

Three people in casual clothing enthusiastically jump in front of a peach-colored wall. One wears a straw hat and a green sash, and another has elephant ears and face paint.