December 6, 2012
Who to host with (domain names, web space, SSL, DNS)
Ben Werdmuller,
Weblog, December 6, 2012.
I don't use the other services (though I probably should), but I do use Softlayer for my own hosting as well, which is one of the reasons why my website is usually up and why server problems are handled promply (good coding is the other reason ;) ). For domain names I use CADomains (because it's Canadian, and I need a Canadian service for .ca accounts). I will explore CheapSSL for my SSL project coming up in 2013. And I will definitely investigate PostMark.
[Link] [Comment][Tags: Project Based Learning, Domain Names, Canada]
Room 208 Reunion Podcast!
Bob Sprankle,
Bit by Bit, December 6, 2012.
It has been six years since Bob Sprankle's ground-breaking 'Room 208' podcasts featiring his students producing web audio recordings for the world to hear. This link is to a reunion podcast with the original 208 members. Time to reflect on whether this innovating form of e-learning had any lasting impact (beyond, say, test scores).
Translate Informal Learning Into PD Credit with Knowit
Lisa Nielsen,
The Innovative Educator, December 6, 2012.
I have often commented that assessment of the future will not be based on tests or assignments, but rather will be derived from the totality of your online work. Obviously we're still very much in the early stages of this sort of capacity, but the startups are beginning to appear. One such is KnowIt, which as Lisa Nielsen describes it, builds a simple but information-rich profile that tells your knowledge story. Once the story of your informal learning has been pulled together, you can use it to document your professional development, learn more effectively, and even use it on your resume." I wouldn't use it for any of that just yet. But, it's a start.
Mozilla Blends Social API, WebRTC for More Social Apps
Scott Gilbertson,
WebMonkey, December 6, 2012.
This is what we wanted Diaspora to do: Mozilla's "newest Social API demo removes the need for social websites entirely, tapping emerging web standards to create a real-time video calling, data sharing app — one part Skype, one part Facebook, all parts web-native." It's more than just a social network. "pPeer-to-peer video calls and file sharing features come from WebRTC, a proposed web standard that Mozilla and others are working on in conjunction with the W3C." More from Mozilla’s Maire Reavy on the Mozilla blog. The implicaions for Facebook if this takes off are significant, but of course, we would need to see other browsers adopt the API. Most likely outcome? Facebook launching its own browser, to complement its mobile apps.
[Link] [Comment][Tags: Books, Video, Audio Chat and Conferencing, Web Logs, Networks, File Sharing]
Providers of Free MOOC's Now Charge Employers for Access to Student Data
Jeffrey R. Young,
Chronicle of Higher Education, December 6, 2012.
Another business model fpr MOOCs. This one is a bit unique - it doesn't charge the students, or even government. It charges employers. "Providers of free online courses are officially in the headhunting business, bringing in revenue by selling to employers information about high-performing students who might be a good fit for open jobs." It does make the case clear, that education expenditures, always viewed as a benefit directed toward studnets, are in fact a corporate subsidy, relieving companies of the need to train staff. Interestingly, the corporations who pay for data herepay for more than just marks. "They also highlight students who frequently help others in discussion forums. Mr. Thrun, of Udacity, said those 'softer skills' are often more useful to employers than raw academic performance."
[Link] [Comment][Tags: Traditional and Online Courses, Discussion Lists, Academia]
Nokia uses mobile e-learning to align social and business objectives
Oliver Balch,
The Guardian, December 6, 2012.
After a brief interruption to look at MOOCs, the world will go back to being enthusiastic about mobile learning. Witness this Guardian article. "Web-based MoMaths service aims to plug learning gap in pupils from low-income households and create new business opportunities in Africa." MOOCs and mobile go really well together, of course, as the promise for each is "education for all."
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