Archive for September, 2005

This is a summary review of Robert L. Fried's book "The Game of School". I agree with the majority of his points - the game gets in the way of the education.

Thomas Friedman was in Singapore recently to deliver a talk (read 'book promotion') on his theory that "The Earth is Flat". The talk was okay, but I found Friedman somewhat condescending in tone. While I agree that technology can help to level the playing field and help poorer nations have a better competitive edge, I […]

Some interesting stats pulled from World Data Sheet: Percentage of the world living below US$2 per day: 53% Projected world population in 2050: 9.3 billion, an increase of 43% from 2005. Japan's population will drop 21% from now to 2050, China's will increase 10%, even though the one-child policy is still in place. Singapore's infant […]

Sudbury Valley school is an independent school, with some really interesting approaches. There are 210 students at the school, ranging in age from 5 to 19. Key concepts: There are no structured classes, unless students request them. Students are not grouped by age. They naturally undertake activities with others (including the adults) who have the […]

Making History (which seems to have disappeared) is an educational simulation game from Muzzy Lane Software. Users are placed in a historical context (either Europe or the Pacific) and they need to make decisions in the roles of various dictators, prime ministers or presidents. Making History has many of the right elements for an effective […]

This is like the millions in unclaimed lottery prizes around the world. Apparently, according to one of the superannuation companies in Australia (Update: company's name is Unisuper - link no longer available), 'there is about $5 billion of "lost" superannuation whose details are held by the Australian Tax Office.' Hey, if you guys don't want […]