Looking for The Next Big Thing?

Gartner offers opinions about what to pay attention to. Some are useful for marketing, some for learning, some for both, and some for neither.

Gartner Names Hot Technologies With Greatest Potential Impact (Antone Gonsalves/InformationWeek). via InformationWeek and [Techmeme]

2:43:46 PM    

Tablet computers and recording software work well in traditional environments.

Many of us are looking for low threshold technologies that integrate well in traditional learning environments, that do not require a high degree of technical expertise, and that merge seamlessly with learning management system platforms. Here is some research data to support use of two such technologies.

Using Tablet Technology and Recording Software to Enhance Pedagogy - David Radosevich and Patricia Kahn, Innovate. via [Online Learning Update]

2:38:18 PM    

Podcasting provides better support for learning than videotape.

Podcasting audio recordings of lectures provided a better technology solution for dental students’ needs than video recordings.

Podcasting Lectures - Sarah Brittain, Pietrek Glowacki, Jared Van Ittersum, and Lynn Johnson, Educause Quarterly. via [Online Learning Update]

2:31:16 PM    

Video discussion, tagging and sharing tied to particular moments in time.

This online service will be available in September, and similar services will soon follow. I think this is potentially much more than "Flickr for video" and can see applications to eLearning.

Viddler to make moments in video searchable.

... sneak peek at a video sharing site due to launch in September, called Viddler. The company has focused on making the video publishing experience compelling and enabling discussion, tagging and sharing tied to particular moments in time. It’s a good looking system with smart features and a viable business model.

2:18:30 PM    

Supporting learning in personal life: Wikia

People don't only learn in school or on the job. People with hobbies, interests in expanding their aesthetic experience, or curious about the world around them use a variety of resources for learning. (Some are calling this "informal learning" but I have some issues with that designation -- learning is learning, however it happens. But that's an argument for another post.) So now along comes Wikia, which may be an early adopter's resource of choice, beginning with travel-related information. A trend to watch ...

Are Wikis the Best Format For Travel Guides?.

Wikia, a for-profit offshoot of Wikipedia, will announce the launch of a free, editable “worldwide guide of places to go and things to do” on Monday, called World Wikia.

via [TechCrunch]

12:23:31 PM    

What is the value of face-to-face instruction?

This is the basic question behind a controversy in Arkansas, where many high school students are taking at least part of their instruction via distance learning. The state offers all of the credits a student needs for graduation, except for physical education and music, on line. Do classroom teachers actually add value? What happens to small school districts that can't compete with the online offerings? We are in a new era, and the institutions are struggling to keep up.

Distance learning takes off, hits political arena - Rob Moritz, Arkansas News Bureau. via [Online Learning Update]

12:16:03 PM    

Cross-site scripting issues.

Simply accessing some social software sites is now hazardous to your privacy and gives away your information to spammers.

Researchers warn over web worms.

2:33:14 PM    

How to be successful delivering live online instruction.

A couple of resources for you if you are doing Webinars or other synchronous delivery.

First, The eLearning Guild published its free (you don't even have to give them your email address to get it) eBook, 843 Tips for Successful Online Instruction last December. Tips from 336 actual practitioners, no vendor promotion, and no strings attached. Discussion was not restricted to any single online conferencing tool, and most comments are purely generic and vendor-neutral.

Second, there is this article, based on experience with only one online conferencing tool (Elluminate Live). Best practices in synchronous conferencing moderation - Lynn Anderson, et al, IRRODL. Practical guidelines for the use of online synchronous conferencing software provided by session administrators and moderators. Linked from [Online Learning Update]

1:29:25 PM