How Many Social Nets Are Too Many?...great list of various social network tools (thanks Jim).
Global Elearning Rankings: "The Economist Intelligence Unit's e-learning readiness rankings purport to be the first to present a global assessment of how various regions are prepared to use, produce and expand Internet-based learning."
The New Enterprise Portal "...the enterprise portal has evolved from vague '90s notions of "empowering" employees with a document library to practical, tailored solutions for departments or jobs hobbled by a lack of integration."
Comment: Any portal should begin with a strong personalized component...and be social/communication based (the article only briefly addresses this). Static libraries of content and documents draw some users, but not enough. Additional features need to be incorporated to allow portal visitors to create a unique identities, connect with others, form communities, learn, share, etc.
The way to e-learning excellence: "The new reference document Paving the way to excellence in e-learning has been produced by the NLN Materials Team at Becta, to share the procedures that are followed to ensure the e-learning materials commissioned for the NLN are of the highest quality possible.
The guidelines cover pedagogy, accessibility (both design and technical requirements), technical standards and quality assurance. It also contains information about the implementation and dissemination activities carried out by the team to integrate the NLN materials into the post-16 sectors."
Social Nets Not Making Friends: "Perhaps it was inevitable. A backlash is under way against social networking services like Friendster, as more and more companies crowd to join the latest hot Internet trend."
Orkut has been getting much attention (so much so that it was offline for three days...not sure if it's due to technical reasons, or overwhelming response to the service). If you have an Orkut account, could you send me an invite at gsiemens@elearnspace.org? Google Gets Social: "Google is edging into the social networking space popularized by Friendster. The search engine has soft-launched a networking site created by one of its engineers."
Blogs Bubble Into Business:
Quote: "Weblogs began as a personal communications medium, but they're moving into corporations as tools for collaboration and knowledge management."
Comment: I don't know. I'm still undecided about whether everyone has it in them to be a blogger...or if it only appeals to a small percentage of people who have a desire to connect with others. When word processors first came out, I'm sure a similar limited appeal existed. However, it was a tool that immediately allowed people to improve the management of their documents. Does blogging have a similar overt beneft? Knoweldge sharing...collaboration...communication...two-way dialogue - these all seem too subjective - with the value resting less directly on the end user...and more directly on the organization. Is it a factor of personal benefit versus corporate benefits? If the corporation does not promote blogging, then the motivation to blog will be driven by internal factors...and as a result, appeal to a small audience. If the corporation promotes blogging to extend its use, can the concept be promoted to appeal to the more overt benefits (personal information management, better access to experts for answers to questions, etc.)?
Stephen Downes on memingo: "This sort of thing will be huge. Forget peer review, forget gateways. This is the future of online content evaluation."
The bloated, dysfunctional world of Enterprise Solutions: " Does the industry really have the money to invest in bloated projects, implemented with non-productive technologies that are just not right for the job at hand? I think not. Why then, does it happen? My theory it has to do with the magic slogan "Enterprise Solution". "
This article is mainly focused on enterprise solutions outside of elearning...but with the projected hype of "entreprise-wide elearning"...we'll encounter many similar situations. Connections should be separate from the thing they are connecting. This allows for modularization...and increased/decreased functionality based on the needs of the department/organization. Yet, enterprise level elearning solutions will continue to grow...at the expense of the tool needed for a particular task.
Wikipedia Shows Power of Cooperation:
Quote: "Wikipedia, an encyclopedia created and operated by volunteers, is one of the most fascinating developments of the Digital Age. In just over three years of existence, it has become a valuable resource and an example of how the grass roots in today's interconnected world can do extraordinary things."
Comment: If you haven't visited Wikipedia yet, be sure to stop in an browse. It really is an incredible example of collaborative work. Question: How "duplicatable" is the Wikipedia concept on smaller levels? I've tried it at RRC, for courses, and other projects...all with dismal results. Wikis generally only work when they are the passion of a very committed individual.
I've seen this new site linked on several blogs: elearnopedia. Lists blogs, reports, presentations, and sites related to elearning. They've set up a discussion forum...but from my experience, elearning discussion forums turn into waste lands quickly. Are we all too busy to dialogue?
My Left Big Toe is a Learning Object: "But I have read some things recently where it seems that almost any multimedia lesson created, any web page, every single flash goober, seems to bear the hot label of a"learning object." Therefore, I proclaim that everything that exists is a learning object, including my left big toe, so we can drop the silly jargon and move on to what counts..."
Trends in Collaboration - 1/2 hour presentation (in Breeze) by Jay Cross.
T & D Magazine has a new blog. No RSS feed...as I mentioned in the comments section of the blog, blogging without RSS is like swimming without water...
UPDATE: The blog has added an Atom subscription feed. It works fine in bloglines...but not in Sharpreader. I've started to see more and more blogs with Atom syndication...I'm sure it'll just be a matter of time before it's supported by more feed readers.
This could become a valuable tool for teachers: Next Generation Engine Exploits Social Networking "The social networking technology incorporated in the Eurekster search engine will give users personalized search results based on the search behaviors of their friends and colleagues. By continuously tracking this search behavior, Eurekster essentially builds a comprehensive directory of items for the user to search based on the actions of the user's community of friends." Check out the beta version of Eurekster.
A gentle introduction (except for the threat about the cattle prod): What's a Wiki? (via Michelle) "A wiki usually has a link at the bottom of the page that reads "Edit text of this page". Anyone can click that link and then instantly add, delete or change the text or structure of the page. Or they can create a new page of their own. No authoring tool, and usually no login or permission, is required."
Trying to wrap my mind around the role of this project: Scout Portal Toolkit "The Scout Portal Toolkit (SPT) allows groups or organizations that have a collection of knowledge or resources they want to share via the World Wide Web to put that collection online without making a big investment in technical resources or expertise."
Building Effective Blended Learning Programs (.pdf). The term blended learning is starting to confuse me...mainly because it is an attempt to create an unnecessary division of functions of learning. Learning is learning, whether it is in a classroom, technology enabled, synchronous/asynchronous, performance support, embedded, etc. Once we get past defining learning by the method employed - and focus on the process/results - we'll be discussing it in the right context.
The Mythical e-Learning Hour: "Why do otherwise rational professionals keep getting sucked into this? Learning is not measured in time, other than in grade school (and it's a bad idea then). Why do executives and managers who put development out for bid persist in focusing on what amounts to a measure of activity, not of results? Why do developers keep falling for it? Here are some reasons that occur to me. Do they seem as misguided to you as they do to me?"
Interesting thoughts on social software's inability to move beyond insurgency - Social Tech: Insurgency vs. Insider Power. I think the tools and potential are great...but it is still only a small segment of society that are really "into it"...and on the Internet, their voices are disproportionately loud.
Design Principles - A New Kind of Classroom: "Unlike the traditional classroom, courses are web-based and distributed from a distance, using an assortment of synchronous and asynchronous computer technologies -- and offered anywhere and anytime. In this way, online learning is different from the classic DE model by encouraging decentralized and collaborative learning environments."
Blended Learning and Business Change: "Over the past few years, training professionals have become more pragmatic in their approach to technology-based media by using it to augment traditional forms of training delivery, such as classroom instruction and text-based materials."
Experts Speak Out Against Computers for Youngsters - this short article relies on studies dating back several years to make the point that computers damage the social and intellectual development of children. I disagree. Computers used as a tool to achieve intended tasks are very effective. When they are used as an end in themselves (i.e. many administrators have brought computers into schools simply because "everyone's doing it", without a real idea of how they will be used to contribute to learning), they aren't effective.
Experts Speak Out Against Computers for Youngsters - this short article relies on studies dating back several years to make the point that computers damage the social and intellectual development of children. I disagree. Computers used as a tool to achieve intended tasks are very effective. When they are used as an end in themselves (i.e. many administrators have brought computers into schools simply because "everyone's doing it", without a real idea of how they will be used to contribute to learning), they aren't effective.
Top 10 Open Source Tools for eActivism (via Collaborative Learning): "...a terrific list of Open Source tools that can be used by activists to spread the message and promote interaction by enewsletters, forums, blogs, wikis and epetitions." Missing from the list are tools that incorporate increased management of content. Interaction is great...but if you ever want to go beyond discussion to search, explore, track trends, tag content, etc., additional functionality is needed.
A missing element in most elearning (or learning in general) is reflection and retrospection. Most of us already know much more than we do. The key is to get the knowledge into action. Reflection & retrospects: "Group reflection is a powerful way to surface insights, assumptions and issues. Knowledge practices that support & encourage reflection, evaluation, validation and critique can be very powerful."
The Power of Dissent: "Successful organizations, in government and elsewhere, need dissenting opinions. If citizens are to be secure, leaders must encourage disagreement and skepticism."
Four Antidotes to Change Resistance: "Companies must weather a remarkable array of storms today: rapidly evolving market dynamics that undermine share prices, disruptive technological innovation, and uncertain leadership (the CEO who is riding high and falls is rarely given a second chance). To thrive, companies not only must identify the right new strategy, but also must push it out quickly so it reaches all levels of the organization."
Using simple surveys to evaluate suitability for elearning can be self-defeating - the results can be used for excuses for not trying or for poor results. The survey should always provide suggestions for improving weak areas. With that as a "warning", Elearning Advisor is a survey that takes about 15 minutes to complete, and provides fairly decent feedback determining if online learning suits you.
Pretty much everything I write/blog is under Creative Commons license. Here's an overview of CC.
I like this exploration of blogs and youth. Rather than trying to describe what a blog is...the article focuses on what a blog allows people to do: My So-Called Blog.
The articles I've read on social network analysis point to great potential. I've yet to see this technology move past the "oh, cool!" stage and into something of greater use. I would still like to see network visualizations of how students interact in an online course or community learning environment...and how that relates to student performance...i.e. do successful students associate with successful students? Or does student to student contact not link directly to educational success? With that said, here's an article on Social Networks: "Social networks are responsible for many of the structures of power and influence in our world. It's not always easy to recognise their structure and behaviour. The visualisation and analysis of social networks can help considerably in knowing them."
Codie Awards: Education Industry Category Finalists. Off topic - This website receives my nomination for the most annoying, headache-inducing background I've ever encountered. Spend five minutes on it...then pop some Tylenol.
Maish links to e-discussion toolkit. Instructors new to the online environment will find this very useful.
One of the most consistent headaches elearning and knowledge management programs encounter is an inability to reach the full potential of an initiative or new tool (blogs, wikis, collaborative spaces).
The problem can almost be reduced to a formula/rule (principle of actual use):
Each tool/initiative achieves actual use in relation to potential, based on: the nature of tool, the environment of use, and the people using the tool/initiative.
Nature of tool - How complicated is it? How different is it from how work is being done now? Complexity is proportional to adoption and intended task.
People - Is the targeted user willing to adopt and explore new processes? Will it save time? Will it result in increased productivity? Will it help them better do their work? Will it improve their sense of competence (or will it reduce competence due to frustrations)?
Environment of use - Does the tool/initiative solve real problems for the end user? (or only management)? Do people have to alter their work habits to use the tool? Can they do their job without it (if they can, most won't adopt it)?
Excellent list of resources for game-based learning. Includes articles, examples, and companies (via Jeremy)
Information Design of Community-Building : "This article will speak to the issue that there are certain design considerations which are critical for successful, long-lasting community building on the web that may have no importance or may have lesser importance in a non-community-oriented web site."
Making Meaning: "How do we come to share meaning and what is the relation between meaning, understanding, ontology and knowledge?. Is there a route to shared meaning and are there degrees and depths?"
Canadian Elearning Workshop - a wiki summarizing presentations - very informative, worth a quick skim...by Raymond Yee
EdNA Online - Knowledge Management: "This is a knowledge sharing space for all knowledge workers. There is an increasing acceptance of KM in many organisations. Some organisations have successfully implemented KM strategies while others are implementing or interested in KM.
In this community we can all learn together how we could effectively manage knowledge. You can contribute to this community by suggesting links to KM and your own research papers."
Spinning Yarns:
Quote: "Storytelling and dialogue is a part of every child's life. From bedtime chronicles exploring the misadventures of fantastical creatures to the beginning mumblings of a toddler trying to explain her day, storytelling introduces children to the initial stages of communication and literacy, as well creating a bridge between the physical world and an imaginative one... This paper hypothesizes that online forums and virtual communities, including message boards, Weblogs and instant messaging software (IM), allow children important spaces to share ideas and feelings, discuss issues and projects, ask and answer each other's questions, and promote a prosocial spirit."
Comment: While this paper is an interesting read, I think it's important for promoters of wikis, blogs, social software, etc. to start making a distinction between potential and actual use. The potential of blogs/wikis are that everyone has an equal voice, that ideas flow freely, and that we dialogue more effectively. The reality is that most people are too busy to maintain a blog, wikis are too open for most people to feel comfortable, and people have a strong individualistic component that needs to be considered when tools and programs for knowledge/idea sharing are planned.
The most complete exploration of blogs in corporate environments I've seen: Blogging the Market: "How Weblogs are turning corporate machines into real conversations...But it's not simply that organisations have forgotten how to speak and listen to their customers. They are afraid of doing so. They are petrified of letting go." Works in every browser except IE (well, it works, but the formatting is messy). Don't see that often!
ASTD's Try It (via elearningleaders): "This is the place to sample training software, calculators, cool Web services, and other helpful workplace tools." Good site to explore for various tools and resources for elearning development - includes tools for SCORM authoring, simulations, blogging, application sharing, eclass rooms, and more.
12 Variables for Understanding Online Communities: "This article is an attempt to discuss some of the qualities that define virtual communities." (via e-Clippings)
Effective Online Facilitation:
Quote: "This Quick Guide looks at effective online facilitation and its importance in online teaching and learning.
Specifically it unpacks the various interpretations of 'facilitation', the impact of online mediums on teacher and student roles, facilitation strategies, and emerging models and theories. The focus of this guide is on practical application and strategies associated with the facilitation of student learning."
Comment: The links at the end of the document are also worth exploring - they cover many popular writings on online facilitation.
As complete an overview as I've seen: Analysis of Social Networking Industry
This is what elearning is all about.
Interesting, effective (disturbing?) illustration of using a simple webpage and images to communicate very vividly (from Kuro5hin): Drawing on Acid
Nanotechnology is quickly making an impact on consumer products. We're very close to a new hype bubble. I recently read that broadband is being adopted at a faster rate than any technology in history. Nanotechnology will be adopted much, much faster...and it will seep into every aspect of our lives. The industrial revolution altered manufacturing, which impacted society. Nanotechnology will alter manufacturing, society, science, medicine...basically everything. It will be huge.
Short, mainstream article on RSS: 'Push' technology gets a nudge: "Say you frequently check the latest headlines from CNN. Instead of punching in the address for the CNN site every half hour, you could simply put a bit of RSS software on your computer and have it do the work. At regular intervals, up pop the headlines, stripped of gaudy graphics and irksome ads. Each "feed" requires only a tiny bit of bandwidth -- not nearly enough to clog a corporate network or slow down a desktop PC."
Kevin Kruse pulls together various thoughts on elearning (and technology) for 2004: The Great Big Predictions Issue!
I strongly encourage people with any interest in elearning to visit Guide to elearning. Nice starter resource...broad overview.