Congress Launches the First National Research Program Focused on Technology and Learning
FACT SHEET on National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies.
Higher Education Act — Go to Section 802 for the National Center for Research in Advanced and Digital Technologies
WASHINGTON DC – Congress has authorized a major new research center, the National Center for Research in Advanced Information and Digital Technologies, that will bring the same focused, sustained research funding to technology and learning that the federal government has funded for years in technology for health care at the National Institutes of Health and technology for energy at the Department of Energy.
“This new National Center will help move schools, universities, and training facilities nationwide into the 21st century,” said Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut, one of the proposal’s original sponsors. “America’s reputation as an international leader rests in the hands of our youth, and it should be among our top priorities to provide our students with the tools they need to maintain and build upon this standing. The National Center will help future American workers compete in the global marketplace.”
Read more…
Posted on August 18th, 2008 by Monica
Filed under: FAS, education, news releases | No Comments »
FAS Launches Online Archive of Office of Technology Assessment Material
WASHINGTON DC – Today the Federation of American Scientists launched the Office of Technology Assessment Archive. The site allows the public to access over 720 reports and documents produced by OTA during its 23 year history, including many that have not been available to the public previously. OTA served as an independent branch of the U.S. Congress that provided nonpartisan science and technology advice from 1972 until it was defunded and forced to close in 1995.
The site also features a new video interview with Congressman Rush Holt (D-NJ), who has been spearheading the effort on Capitol Hill to bring OTA back to life. According to Rep. Holt, “if OTA were here, doing this kind of work, we would have better legislation for school safety, chemical exposure, grain dust explosions, the R&D tax credit, on and on.” He goes on to explain why Congress should bring back OTA and describes some current policy issues that OTA could address.
Posted on July 23rd, 2008 by Monica
Filed under: FAS, news releases | No Comments »
Heavy Metal: Renaissance Warfare at the Folger Shakespeare Library
Warfare today mirrors its state during Shakespeare’s time. Science delivered a period of transformation. As technology improved with the introduction of gun powder and the musket, the role of the armored knight and his physical strength lost its military usefulness.
Most of the custom made armor reflect the look of contemporary fashion. While these breast plates and helmets protected the wearer, they also served as vehicles for establishing social status and as a reminder of familial ties.
You can see these old suits in “Now Thrive the Amorers: Arms and Armor in Shakespeare” that runs thru September 9, 2008. The Higgins Armory Museum, the only museum dedicated to armor in the western hemisphere, lends from its collection of military treatises, fencing manuals, gilded arms and etched armor.
Three quarter armor, coats of arms, broad swords and rapiers line the walls of the Folger Great Hall. A free cell phone audio tour provides additional information on family ties, the day’s fashion trends, and Renaissance battle strategies.
Address:
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003
Cross post at DC Metblogs.
Posted on July 22nd, 2008 by Monica
Filed under: exhibit | No Comments »
