Alan Epstein, Head of immersive content development at INSEAD, discusses the transformative role of online maps in humanitarian efforts. He reveals how accurate mapping can significantly aid in emergencies and unreachable areas. The conversation also highlights the innovative use of virtual reality in education, engaging students with real-world challenges. Additionally, it showcases advancements in electric boat racing, underscoring the importance of sustainability and technological innovation in addressing global issues.
Online mapping by the Humanitarian Open Street Map Team is crucial for improving disaster response and service delivery in underserved regions.
Extended reality technology enhances educational experiences by immersing students in real-world problems, promoting collaborative learning without the environmental impact of travel.
Deep dives
Humanitarian Maps and Their Impact
The podcast discusses the role of online mapping in humanitarian efforts, emphasizing the work of the Humanitarian Open Street Map Team (HOT). This organization focuses on creating accurate maps for low and middle-income countries, where many areas remain unmapped. These maps are critical for identifying populations, aiding in service delivery such as health and education, and supporting effective disaster response. By collaborating with local communities, HOT improves mapping quality and leverages technology, such as satellite imagery and drone data, to enhance accessibility and accuracy.
Transforming Education with Virtual Reality
Extended reality (XR) technology is explored as a transformative tool in education, particularly through the use of virtual reality (VR) headsets. Instructors at INSEAD use XR to immerse students in challenging scenarios, allowing them to engage with real-world problems from anywhere globally without the need for carbon-intensive travel. This innovative approach enhances learning retention by contextualizing lessons, where students navigate complex situations and make decisions based on immersive experiences. The technology not only facilitates collaborative learning across campuses but also provides data insights into student interactions and choices during these simulations.
Revolutionary Energy-Saving Transistor
The invention of the insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) in 1977 is highlighted as a significant advancement in power electronics, greatly impacting energy efficiency worldwide. Developed by Professor Jay Balaga, the IGBT enables rapid electrical switching, which has revolutionized power delivery in various applications, from household appliances to renewable energy systems. This technology has contributed to substantial reductions in carbon emissions, earning Balaga recognition for having the largest negative carbon footprint. His journey emphasizes the importance of passion and belief in one's ideas, encouraging future engineers to pursue innovative solutions for global challenges.
Online mapping - we find out how it can help humanitarian work around the world. Alasdair Keane tries on virtual reality goggles that are teaching students how to solve real-world problems. Meet the teams racing on water with battery-powered boats. And a professor wins a prize for an energy-saving invention he dreamed up in 1977.
Presenter: Alasdair Keane
Producer: Tom Quinn
(Photo: An online map is displayed on a laptop screen. Credit: AndreyPopov/Getty Images)
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