- IBM has announced that its scientists have built a two-transistor component made from a
single molecule of carbon. This smallest computer logic circuit, it is believed, will give
Moore's Law a new lease on life. It offers the most promise for replacing silicone, the
principal ingredient for computer chips. This simple logic circuit brings closer the goal of
creating the first microprocessor using carbon nanotube technology, which will allow
computers to become even smaller while running faster and consuming less power. (The
WI State Journal, 27 Aug 01)

- The University of Phoenix recently implemented a plan to become a "bookless
college." Phoenix sees several advantages in providing customized, interactive digital
textbooks to its students: not having to carry heavy textbooks around and not having
to deal with selling used texts. One initiative that helps instructors develop their own digital
software is Adobe's eBook. Phoenix's Dr. Adam Honea believes that eTextbooks will
eventually take the place of print textbooks. (Wired News, 23 Aug 01)

- Sitel is working with universities and companies to help them connect with 3-D virtual
classrooms, creating a sense of really 'being there.' "We want people to feel as if they have
gone somewhere else to participate in a learning experience rather than just reading a page
on screen," explained Sitel's senior vice president of human resources, Sheena Wilson.
Sitel has recreated the visuals associated with going somewhere, to help students
communicate with each other through representative avatars and visit virtual classrooms
or more expansive environments online. Activeworlds.com offers universities free
Web connections between a certain number of students and the virtual classrooms.
Additional charges are added for more students and for more sophisticated 3-D worlds.
Sitel also offers corporate training via virtual classrooms to managers worldwide. (Online
Learning, 1 Aug 01)

- Web-connected kiosks are being used worldwide as an alternative for governments that
want to provide citizens without computers, access to their online services. These kiosks
are also being installed at Marine bases in an effort to allow soldiers to conduct business
and contact people back home. On the international front, the Indonesian government has
installed 2,500 such kiosks across the country. The kiosks, designed by WorldCom with
Compaq Computer and Info Touch Technologies, will charge users about 15 cents per
minute for Internet access. Another feature of the kiosks is that users will also be able to
take/send video of themselves with digital cameras that are installed on the kiosks.
(Washington Post, 14 Aug 01)

- Yahoo! has developed a new portal for creating a virtual classroom - Yahoo! Education.
This portal will feature such resources as online rosters, calendars, syllabi, message
boards and eMail. The portal is aimed at teachers and students at the college, high
school and middle-school levels. The project includes agreements with Bartleby.com,
Britannica.com and Houghton Mifflin Company, which will provide their content to the
portal. (Internet.com, 7 Aug 01)

- The Internet's role in the life of college students is growing, according to Greenfield
Online. From academic research to socializing, these students are relying more and more
on the net. Study findings revealed that 78% of college students have been accessing the
Web for at least three years, and 90% are online three hours daily. Web sites that are
accessed cover a wide spectrum, from the Internet Public Library and Britannica.com to
sites that focus on music, film and entertainment, sports, travel and lifestyles. (Gannett
News Service, 1 Aug 01)

- According to Circuit City's Jim Babb, between 10 to 15% of all higher education
campuses now require their students to have computers. (Investor's Business Daily, 31
Jul 01)