On January 8, the Institute for Education held a lunch, hosted by IFE Steward Judge William Webster, to discuss technology and innovation. This annual gathering has become an IFE tradition, thanks to Judge Webster’s hospitality. Among those in attendance were members of the diplomatic sphere, the technology and innovation sector, and the media community.
To open the discussion, Coach Kathy Kemper asked White House Presidential Innovation Fellow Nayan Jain to give a short presentation of his Google Glass. Jain is one of the lucky few who has been afforded Google Glass™ in its current, invitation-only stage. Explaining that it is like a hearing aid or phone, Jain depends on his Google Glass™ to perform functions such as translating, capturing videos and photos, and providing connectivity absent the inconvenience of pulling out a phone. While the Google Glass™ makes Jain more efficient in performing daily tasks, he explained that Google hopes this product will be geared towards professionals in the future. For instance, it could transcribe notes for a doctor, while he or she focuses on interacting with patients during visits. Jain offered those in attendance the chance to try out Google Glass™ after the meal.
The discussion of Google Glass’s bright promise then turned to the privacy questions it raises, as well as larger concerns about data collection. Coach Kemper asked Shane Green and Josh Galper of Personal, Inc. to discuss their views on this aspect of new technologies. The Ambassadors of Luxembourg and Russia shared the perspectives held in their own nations, and Judge Webster, former director of the FBI and the CIA, spoke broadly with an eye to the early years of the NSA’s data collection program and the mindset at that time.
Ambassador Sergey Kislyak of Russia closed the afternoon by giving a taste of the extraordinary facilities and sights that are being prepared for the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. He noted that by way of preparing for the event, Russia is also developing a tourism spot that will contribute to the Russian economy for years to come.
Distinguished guests included Ambassador Sergey Kislyak of Russia; Ambassador Jean-Louis Wolzfeld of Luxembourg; DCM Dr. Rosa Batoreu of Portugal; Mrs. Nobuko Sasae from the Embassy of Japan; Shane Green, IFE Steward and MTR Co-founder, and President and CEO of Personal, Inc.; George Vradenburg, USAgainstAlzheimer’s; Josh Galper, Chief Policy Officer of Personal, Inc.; John Paul Farmer, former White House Senior Advisor and EMR Co-founder; David Fenstermaker, Raymond James & Associates; R. David Edelman, White House Senior Advisor; Henry Schuster, CBS News’ 60 Minutes; Brian Forde, White House Senior Advisor; Steve Taylor, United Way Worldwide; Bo Kemper, Robertson Foundation for Government; White House Presidential Innovation Fellows: Nayan Jain, Geoff Mulligan, Sokwoo Rhee, and Adam Riggs; Lynda Webster, The Webster Group; Anna Gawal, The Washington Diplomat; Marci Robinson, Robinson Communications, and Chairman of IFE’s Board of Stewards. Nick Seaver, IFE Fellow and Senior Associate at Burness Communications; and IFE Intern Jenny Shore were also in attendance.
Contributed by Jenny Shore, IFE Intern and IFE Global Compass 2013 honoree.
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