TechBits – February 3

U.S. House Panel Approved Bill to Increase Cyber Security (National Journal)

A House Homeland Security subcommittee approved legislation on Wednesday aimed at clarifying the government’s role in combating cyberattacks. The bill (H.R. 3674) would task the Homeland Security Department with determing what “critical infrastructure” like the power grid or financial systems, need federal oversight from existing agencies. Such proposals have sparked concern over government ability to control private networks.

Google Standing by Privacy Changes (National Journal)

Google is defending its proposed changes to its privacy policies against bipartisan concern on Capitol Hill, saying that it still gives consumers control and many tools to manage their privacy. House lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the changes, including why Google is not offering users an opportunity to opt out of being tracked while using all of Google’s services.

How Higher Education Uses Social Media – Infographic (Mashable)

Ohio State ranks in the top 5 universities on social media, according to Student Advisor. Click on the link above to see the infographic.

iPads Boost Math Scores, Benefit Education (Mobiledia)

Publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt tested an interactive, digital version of an Algebra 1 textbook for Apple’s iPad at the Amelia Earhart Middle School in California’s Riverside Unified School District. Students who used the iPad version of the textbook scored 20 percent higher on standardized tests versus students who learned with traditional textbooks.

What the Green Bay Packers Can Teach Us About Broadband (GigaOm)

If Green Bay, Wis., a town of 105,000 people, can raise $70 million to rehabilitate its football field by selling $250 stock shares, I bet $250 there’s a community in America that can raise $2 or $3 million for a broadband network. Any takers?