One of my favorite activities is to experiment, analyze and explore new technologies that could advance work, learning and lifestyles. As an analyst, I do not endorse or promote any products - just share the pros and cons of new tech. Here are my latest explorations:

1. Artificial Intelligence Writing Assistant- Jasper

2. Satellite Internet Access - Starlink

Jasper is a new tool, leveraging AI and machine learning to draft, edit or spice up your writing. Choose the format of the output desired. For this article, I selected “Paragraph Generator”. I entered a few inputs:tion

• Paragraph Topic: The importance of Collaboration in the learning process.

• Keywords to Include: Collaboration, Learning, Peers, Rehearsal, Stress and Confidence

Here is the input screen.

. The system generated two options for my potential use:

At first glance, it is mind boggling and disruptive. The output is claimed to be 100% free of plagiarism. Most of the content seemed accurate and understandable. Jasper uses GPT-3, a class of machine learning models created with open AI and neural networks.

I have been experimenting with Jasper for a few days and have been impressed with the speed and usability of the output. I would encourage you a variety of tools like Jasper. Sometimes, the content generated may not be accurate or up to date, but it is fascinating. And, the emotional tone of the output may note reflect your style or audience. But, I am fascinated and will continue to explore this and other GPT-3 based tools. Website: https://www.jasper.ai

Starlink - Satellite Access for Internet: While higher-speed bandwidth is becoming more universally available in many cities and communities in the United States, our cabin in the Adirondack Mountains has been internet challenged. No cell service or fiber access. Just a very slow (2-4 mps upload and less than 1 mps download).

Elon Musk started a company called Starlink, that uses a small dish that can connect to thousands of satellites already launched: I ordered a Starlink and found a location outside of my cabin:

I used a Mesh Modem connection from Starlink to transmit the signal wirelessly from the dish to the cabin about 110 feet away. Now we have almost 100 mps down and 30 mps up in the remote location:

The dish even has a temperature sensing heater that will melt the snow that descends in Adirondacks. The only snag was finding a location that did not have trees, branches or buildings blocking access to the sky. Once you turn on the dish, it automatically scans the sky and spins the dish for optimal access.

I have used it with very high speed downloads, video conferencing and it can be meshed to other parts of a house or nearby residence to share the unlimited bandwidth.

There will be upcoming releases from other providers of alternate satellite systems and plans to allow your cell phone to directly access satellite access without cell signals. Stay tuned! Starlink’s website is: http://www.starlink.com

Would love your thoughts, comments or questions about these two tech innovations or ideas or future articles.

Leave a comment

Yours in Learning,

Elliott Masie
MASIE Learning Foundation
www.masie.com
emasie@masie.com