Monday, March 28, 2005

Capital Firms Agree to Buy SunGard Data in Cash Deal. SunGard Data Systems, whose software handles most Nasdaq Stock Market trades, agreed to be acquired by seven buyout firms for $10.4 billion. By By BLOOMBERG NEWS. [NYT > Technology] SunGard also had acquired STC software for Higher Ed (Banner, HR etc.) --BL 11:13:05 PM      Google It!.

Researching Electronic Portfolios and Learner Engagement. David Tosh recommends this paper and in particular a diagram relating increased choice with increased motivation. I would agree that choice impacts motivation, but probably a lot more besides (for example, relevance). Barrett approaches the subject of portfolios from the point of view of assessment, but distinguishes between "Positivist Portfolios [where] the purpose of the portfolio is to assess learning outcomes" and "Constructivist Portfolios [where] the portfolio is a learning environment in which the learner constructs meaning," thus highlighting the tension between learning objectives and institutional objectives. "How do we create an Institution-Centered Assessment and Accountability System without losing the power of the portfolio as a student-centered tool for lifelong learning and professional development?" Good paper. By Helen Barrett, The REFLECT Initiative, Spring, 2005 [Refer][Research][Reflect] [OLDaily] 5:54:14 PM      Google It!.

World's Smallest Linux Box Fits in RJ-45 Jack [Slashdot:] 5:35:41 PM      Google It!.