A Short Scenario by Ruth Shillair* I have been followed to many online meetings by AI Assistants like Otter, which want to record or summarise my conversations and meetings. The Assistant – let’s called s/him IT - asks to be admitted to the meeting as if IT was one of the invited participants, but I … Continue reading Drama in the Zoom Room
teaching
Focus on Ukraine
In the aftermath of excellent speeches at the WEF by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, I see some clarity in thinking and moving forward. Policymakers can’t keep being deflected by repeated volleys of one-day crises, with their twists and turns, such as with Donald Trump feeding of the news media … Continue reading Focus on Ukraine
CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
[Colleagues are celebrating Professor Eli Noam's illustrious career as he retires from directing the Columbia Institute for Tele-Information (CITI) and his professorship at the Columbia Business School. I am delighted to post A. Michael Noll's personal reflections on Eli's career with the permission of the author.] CITI MEMORIES A. Michael Noll January 5, 2026 Introduction … Continue reading CITI MEMORIES by A. Michael Noll
Michael Noll on The AI Ballon
[The following blog is distributed with the permission of the author, A. Michael Noll, the person who designed the model of video communications used in 2001 : A Space Odyssey. Read to discover the gentleman who compared AI to natural human studipity!] THE AI BALLOON A. Michael Noll December 17, 2025 © Copyright 2025 AMN … Continue reading Michael Noll on The AI Ballon
Before you Demonize Social Media: Researchers are at Work
Not a day goes by when someone does not blame a problem on social media. A top journalist at The Financial Times wrote about the ‘social media ‘monster’’, in this case focusing on the use of mobile and social media can be addictive for some users (Thornhill 2025). Its squares with common sense, right? Our … Continue reading Before you Demonize Social Media: Researchers are at Work
Kamala’s 107 Days
Kamala’s 107 Days: The 2024 US Presidential Election I enjoyed reading 107 Days by Kamala Harris.[1] Her nearly day by day recounting of the 2024 presidential election is a solid and useful aid-memoir for anyone who might wish to reflect on the dynamics of the election and its outcome. I could imagine it being an … Continue reading Kamala’s 107 Days
A Bad Deal for American Universities
A Bad Deal for American Universities, with an added Postscript The White House has sent a ‘Compact for Excellence in Higher Education’ to nine universities across the US.[1] The Trump administration wants to make a deal with them that is likely to be extended to many, if not all, American universities. The Trump administration offers … Continue reading A Bad Deal for American Universities
Universities in Crisis, A. Michael Noll
[This opinion piece is posted with the permission of the author, A. Michael Noll, with thanks. The author raises many controversial issues facing American universities. While I do not necessarily agree with Professor Noll's analysis, his essay could help move discussion toward an identification of issues and possible solutions, which would be valuable for all … Continue reading Universities in Crisis, A. Michael Noll
A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
Journalists should consider a Hippocratic Oath before asking Donald Trump anything! I do not own a newspaper or media outlet, nor am I an editor of one. However, as a concerned reader and viewer, may I advise journalists not to ask Donald Trump questions that could have important implications? People or nations could be at … Continue reading A Hippocratic Oath for Asking D. Trump Questions
Designing a Coin and Building Relations
One of the best ways to support international relations is by connecting individuals across nations whether through visits or joint activities. In the current international context, when many relations between nations are increasingly problematic, I was reminded of the value of cross-national work through a design competition – designing a coin. I’m far from an … Continue reading Designing a Coin and Building Relations