OLDaily

Become a sponsor to Creative Commons
Creative Commons, GitHub, 2020/10/28

OK, I didn't know GitHub did sponsorships (maybe it's new?) but it's a useful idea and a more concrete way to show support than 'likes' or 'follows'. And I really like this: "GitHub does not charge fees for GitHub Sponsors. We cover payment processing costs, so one-hundred percent of your sponsorship goes to the developers and organizations you fund." And while I am often critical of Creative Commons, I think it's well worth a few dollars a months, especially in light of the work done to support the software projects listed on the page. Plus, I'm the second person to sponsor, so there's that! Even if you don't intend to sponsor, you may want to have a look at the list, especially the CC Search set of tools and the CC vocabulary definitions on Netify (they're for the CC website, but as a developer I appreciate seeing them).

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Technology Facilitation Mechanism
United Nations, 2020/10/28

This resource is part of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDG) knowledge platform. Online learning is typically involved in the 4th SDG (typically abbreviated SDG4). This page describes the process that "will facilitate multi-stakeholder collaboration and partnerships through the sharing of information, experiences, best practices and policy advice." To see how it works, have a look at the 'STI Roadmaps' tab (there's no direct link), and especially Part IV, the Reference List for the STI Roadmaps.

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EDEN Research Workshop
European Distance and E-Learning Network, 2020/10/28

I haven't listened to all of the recordings, but there are definitely bits you'll wnat to watch, including a talk from Tony Bates on lessons learned from the pandemic (12:00 minute mark of the opening plenary) and the debate proposing that 'the Covid pandemic will have no lasting impact on learning and teaching in universities and colleges'. Also see the round-table discussion on open scholarship.

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Digital with Purpose: Delivering a SMARTer 2030
GeSI, 2020/10/28

The Global Enabling Sustainable Initiative (GeSI) is a partnership of ICT companies and industry associations "committed to creating and promoting technologies and practices that foster economic, environmental and social sustainability and drive economic growth and productivity." This report "explores how the development and deployment of digital technologies can catalyse progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." It basically maps out how the industry groups plan to work with international agencies toward these goals. Only the summary (48 page PDF) is available, with the full report reserved for members (not exactly an auspicious start). See especially the 'roles' for the stakeholder groups (p.9) including governments, NGOs, and investors.

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Washington Post public editor: the powerful have realized they don’t need the Post
Hamilton Nolan, Columbia Journalism Review, 2020/10/28

I have long said that the future of media portends the future of education, and nothing I've seen over thirty years dissuades me of this. So reflect on this: "Tesla... has done away with its media relations department—effectively formalizing an informal policy of ignoring reporters... we should also recognize this for what it is: one more glaring data point showing that powerful people no longer think they need the mainstream press, especially critical and ethical outlets like the Washington Post." A free press is essential to a democracy, just as is a free educational system. Neither estate has served the public well, however, eschewing social responsibility in favour of the needs of the wealthy and well-connected (who are often also their owners and alumni). So I can see why journalists would consider abandonment by the powerful a "horrifying assault". But perhaps like educational institutions they need a concordat with the public, not one tailored to serve business and industry (as discussed yesterday), but one addressing the needs of the people, one taking seriously the idea that all people deserve and ought to enjoy security, identity, voice and opportunity.

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