-------- Original Message --------
Subject:        digital globes in classrooms
Date:   Mon, 07 Jan 2013 19:56:25 -0500
From:   Joel Kovarsky <[log in to unmask]>
To:     [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>



This piece just appeared in the _NY Times_:
<http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/08/science/digital-globes-a-new-way-to-view-the-world.html?hp>.



They briefly discuss some [alleged] educational advantages:

         "...finds the sphere a “more democratic” educational tool than
         textbooks or computer screens. While some children have
         difficulty with language-based concepts and mental manipulation,
         the digital globe works for nearly everyone, Mr. Mascotti says.
         “It’s simple. The mind follows the eye.”"


There are a few technical issues, but there is also the cost, which may
be coming down:

         "Beyond those, the biggest obstacle is cost: around $43,000 for
         a 24-inch diameter HyperGlobe from iGlobe of Franklin, N.H.;
         $40,000 for a 32-inch OmniGlobe from ARC Science of Loveland,
         Colo., or $21,000 for a 24-inch Magic Planet from the market
         leader, Global Imagination of Santa Clara, Calif.

         These prices, though, are falling. Mike Foody, the C.E.O. of
         Global Imagination, says that he hopes to have
         education-discounted prices down to $2,500 within a year or two.
         If he succeeds, that would be within the price point of other
         high-tech classroom equipment, like interactive whiteboards"


                            Joel Kovarsky