iSean

just checking in briefly before i get back to enjoying the holidays with my family, but macworld is coming up next month and the speculation is already starting. this is an interesting article that i touched upon many, many months ago and it still appears to be a reputable rumor. i guess we’ll learn more about apple and home entertainment in the next month, eh?

Wired News: Apple, Intel Clam Up on Macworld

Ever since Apple Computer’s iTunes Music Store made internet song downloads both legal and easy, pundits and users alike have been asking: Why not movies, too?

The wait might end next month as Intel rolls out Viiv, its plan to make computers the reliable centers of home entertainment. More than that, some feel Viiv, which rhymes with “five,” might signal the true calling of Apple’s Mac mini.

i hope to post next week a reflection on the e-tools i used this past semester and what i’ll continue to use and what i definitely won’t use.

i got back from boston this week where i was attending the Annual Human Research Protection Programs Conference since i am now on our institution’s IRB. next week is finals, so this blog will be slow for the next week, i’d guess. stay tuned. thanks.

i just found an interesting new blog that is all about discussing the merger of blackboard and web CT. the blog is growing rather large and it encourages a discussion about the merger and the broader effects, so i think i’ll keep up with it for a while. i don’t like blackboard very much, but there are a few features that i use and i have no doubt that our institution will be sticking with it; however, they are also discussing open source alternatives and that is interesting. not because i think there’s a chance GVSU would switch, but because i could easily implement an open source solution on my own if i found something that i liked in the future beyond doing it all myself right now. anyway, here’s the link and a snippet:
link here

In the opening discussion topic, we recorded out reactions to the news of the WebCT/Bbd event–let others debate whether it’s a merger, or a takeover. Almost immediately, we began to question whether this would encourage institutions to turn to Open Source solutions, such as Moodle.

Dan rattled a few cages by suggesting that Open Source is no cheaper than commercial packages, and went on to support his position with thought-provoking detail. Richard was inclined to agree, but Cindy argued that the investment in Open Source would benefit society. Andrew questioned why we weren’t putting teaching and learning issues and the need for innovation ahead of administrative costs.

Let’s pursue this question of whether Open Source is the best solution, in the face of what Alan calls “ behemoth like” proprietary platforms.

technorati tags: blackboard WebCT

i am off to boston until Tuesday of next week and i’ll have a lot of catching up to do so my next entry will be delayed a few days (probably late next week)