Could you imagine taking your educational courses in a completely virtual world? Schools are finding it quite difficult to make the transition to a digital learning environment due to data privacy concerns, adaptability, and operational cost. The metaverse will incur significant costs in licenses, digital library access, and faculty training on top of equipment upgrades and maintenance. For now, metaverse applications will also need high-speed network systems as most equipment and information sharing are bandwidth-extensive, making it impossible in rural areas without sufficient infrastructure. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
