• futures thinking... looking ahead

"What's up doc?" Yes, a chip implanted into a human body that acts as doctor!  It would detect sickness and pump medicine directly into the bloodstream. Read more Contributed by Eric Wehn (futures student, AACC) 

• applied foresight... using the perspective

Jobs. Here are some jobs that will become extremely important in the future.  I feel that a lot of jobs that are popular now will not be in the near future.  Some jobs like nurses will always be in demand, but as technology starts to do a lot more for us, we need people less and less. Read more Contributed by Carter Ray (futures student, AACC)

Traffic! There are already systems that inform people of traffic in the immediate path.  This new intelligent traffic system processes data from current traffic flow as well as an array of data collected about traffic patterns in general through a complex algorithm to predict the future situation of the road and the effects of the route situation.
Read more Contributed by John Hobgood (futures student, AACC)

• on the horizon... learning opportunities & events - local, regional and global

Want to be an astronaut? Ever wanted to go into outer space, but aren’t an astronaut? Well Virgin Galactic is developing a ship that would allow you to go into outer space and experience the weightlessness of space, as well as an incredible view of the earth like you had only seen on TV. I'm not sure when tours will be open to the public, but the maiden vessel is already undergoing successful test flights, and a second vessel should be done by the end of this year.
Read more Contributed by John Glennon (futures student, AACC)

Spring break on Mars? Want to be the  first tourist on Mars? It seems like even if it is ever going to be possible to go to Mars for a vacation, it would take a lot of preparation and sacrifice. To reach Mars it takes about 4-6 months, and the stay would be 600 days. Also the estimated cost is $1.3 billion. It would be awesome for people to have the ability to travel where ever they want in space. I'm sure one day it will be possible and those lucky enough will go explore Mars. I personally wouldn't want to spend that much time in space or spend that much money.
Read more Contributed by Megan Finnerty

A cool Web site - Newsoffuture.com is a great Web site with articles that could possibly be written in the future.

FIG is a Learner Interest Group... Here are some futures learning opportunities.

Next FIG Opportunity... FIG leaders are planning the Spring 2010 Schedule. Join FIG for updates.