Macromedia updates Web tools.

The company releases the first major update to its MX line of Web development and design tools.

The MX 2004 product line includes a new flavor of Flash, Macromedia's set of tools for creating applications, interfaces and animated graphics using the widespread Flash format. Flash MX 2004 Professional uses a forms-based interface similar to that used by programming environments such as Microsoft's widely used Visual Basic. The regular version of Flash MX 2004 will use the timeline-based interface familiar to long-term Flash developers.

Macromedia has acknowledged that broader acceptance of Flash as a development environment is necessary to realize Macromedia's goal of transforming the animation format into a broad foundation for delivering Web content and services. The company is working on another Flash variation, code-named Royale, that will use a text-based interface intended to appeal to developers accustomed to working with Java.

[CNET News.com]

11:05:43 PM    

LESTER: Learning Science and Technology Repository (Rice University)

"LESTER (Learning Science and Technology Repository), an online community and database focused on innovations in learning science and technology (LST), profiles innovative research projects and researchers. Registered users can add, update, or modify records about their projects and organization, thereby keeping the information accurate and up-to-date.

Developed by Rice University's ETRAC with the support of Microsoft Research, LESTER supports the development and application of innovative learning methods and technologies. Users can search or browse the database of over 800 records, participate in online discussions, contribute new information, or read more about LESTER."

[LESTER]

There is, unfortunately, no RSS feed at LESTER. You must join in order to access the database, however, membership is free.

4:42:36 PM    

Two reviews of open source CMS

(Forwarded from EdTechPost)

Assessment of 5 leading open source CMS from Commonwealth of Learning.

Not sure how this one got past me, must have been the summer doldrums, but back in June this report commissioned by the Commonwealth of Learning evaluating the field of current open source course management systems was released. It provides a fairly extensive analysis of the 5 shortlisted products (Moodle, LON-CAPA, ILIAS, dotLRN and ATutor) and ends up recommending ATutor for adoption with ILIAS coming in second.

It's an interesting recommendation. One could contrast it with the recent piece from Rob Reynolds at xplana that looked at some of the same products, but with a very different evaluation framework. It's also a bit unfortunate that it wasn't able to assess Stanford's Coursework, which was only then being released. I guess the other small fault I would find with it is that it takes a naive view of product selection based on feature assessment, as it simply provides a total of the various assessments, thus considering all features as being of equal weight, though it does separate out systemic issues from functional features. And if I was the Moodle guy, I think I might cry foul over a few of their 'subjective assessments.' Still, a very worthwhile resource and reference. - SWL

[EdTechPost]

I am simply forwarding this post, for two reasons. First, because many e-Learning entrepreneurs seem to be unaware that Open Source LMS exist, and second, because it is a major chore to locate Open Source LMS and these reviews at least identify the frontrunners.

Open Source can substantially reduce the amount of time and money it takes to develop and implement an LMS. However, it does take talent on board to do the job. There is also the issue of the client's IT department -- if they are not favorably disposed to Open Source, you, as the entrepreneurial vendor, have a fight on your hands.

4:32:28 PM