By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. D'Arcy Norman: WordPress 1.6 + Flickr Integrated into Media Manager, D’Arcy Norman Dot Net November 7, 2005

Stuff like this is going to be big. Very big. Combine Web 2.0 style access to remote content, RSS feeds, and whatever to Ajax style authoring tools and you get... magic! This is how students will write essays in the very near future; this is how you will compose learning resources. All open source, all open access, and with Creative commons licensed content (see below). More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Kevin Carmody and Zane Berge: Elemental Analysis of the Online Learning Experience, International Journal of Education and Development using ICT November 8, 2005

Interesting paper in which the author adapts Hettler's "six dimensional model that provided an objective representation of human experience and existence" (physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and psychological) to a study of learning theories. The six elements are first compared to Maslow's hierarchy of needs and Salmon's online learning model (where I would think 'motivation' should qualify as 'psychological', not 'physical'). More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Announcement: Inukshuk, Inukshuk November 8, 2005

For Canadian readers looking for funding: "Inukshuk invites you to submit an Expression of Interest for funding of: either an innovative and creative Content Development Project to develop multimedia and feature-rich learning content, applications or learning environments, or a Connectivity Project which results in the provision of wireless broadband internet access to unserved or underserved communities." Most deadlines for expressions of interest, but some (New Brunswick, PEI) are December 7. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Associated Press: State Will Zip High School Transcripts, IndyStar November 8, 2005

I think we'll see more of this (and, indeed, am surprised it hasn't become mainstream already): schools sending records electronically to colleges and universities. "It's been the Holy Grail of admissions, to be able to transmit transcript data electronically," Nassirian said. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Chris Lott: Social Bookmarking in Higher Education, Ruminate November 8, 2005

Social bookmarking - the use of systems where groups of people share their bookmarks, and which sometimes involve 'tagging', or unstructured classification - can be used to support learning. As evidence of this, Tony Hirst offers a set of reflections on how social bookmarking can be used, some considerations about managed social bookmarking, and how to encourage students to engage in social bookmarking. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. Rob Abel: Why Higher Education Leaders Must Influence Google Print, Higher Education Insight November 8, 2005

I think this post serves as a useful caution. While we are quick to cheer programs like Google Print because it opens access to content, the author warns that Google's program is about commercialism, not content. "Google is all about capturing and monetizing the eyeballs of consumers, not getting better content to students." As an example of this, notes the author, take not at the "barrage" of advertising that accompanies any Google service. More...

By Stephen Downes - Stephen's Web. editor: The Open University Builds Student Online Environment With Moodle and More, Open University November 8, 2005

Big news in the Moodle community as reports are coming in that the (British) Open University is moving to Moodle. More (but not much more) from the Moodle discussion forum (you may need to login). Open University press release (MS Word). More...