TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading ideas. 

TEDTalks began as a simple attempt to share what happens at TED events with others across the globe.  At present, more than 700 TEDTalks are available, released under a Creative Commons license, so they can be freely shared and reposted online.     

The range and depth of the presenters and presentations is impressive.  When I can, I enjoy watching TEDTalks online, and the following presentation struck me as one to share as every project has its own marshmallow.

In his presentation, Tom Wujec shares some surprisingly deep research into the “marshmallow problem” – a simple, team-building exercise that involves dry spaghetti, tape and a marshmallow.  Who can build the tallest tower with these ingredients?  And why does a surprising group always beat the average?  The answer might surprise you.

Could using this exercise help you create effective teams?

Click here to view the embedded video.

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Ipsos Reid recently released its numbers calculating Canadian internet behaviours and attitudes for 2009.

Highlights include:

• Increased internet access across the county;
• Social media/networking continues to grow with 56% of Canadians having some sort of profile in an online network; and
• Over 3/4 of teenagers (12-17) are online with 93%  having more than one social media/networking profile.

As business – and, increasingly, personal life – is conducted online, this kind of information is useful to determine where service gaps exist and what trends are worth following.

That internet access is increasing is good news as there are still areas – mainly rural or remote – that must rely on dial-up connection or have no connection at all.  Social media, as well, is big.  REALLY big … and is increasingly hard to ignore.  With a sharp rise in teen use, it also shows how ahead of the curve youth are compared to the rest of the population when it comes to online use and social networking. 

Information about online security, banking, travel and other topics is also covered in the report.

Source:  Ipsos Reid, The Canadian Interactive Reid Report, 2009 Fact Guide

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For those interested in furthering Canada’s digital economy, Canada 3.0 – an open, online community and once-a-year forum dedicated to discussing digital media in Canada – has been created.  Click on above link to go directly to their website or visit here for a brief summary.

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