Recycle that ol' computer

There are tons of old computers sitting in cupboards and basements around the world... and tons of non-profits desparately needing technology. More often than not, those old computers are perfectly good, they just aren't the latest and greatest.

Today TechSoup has posted some great resources in response to the new-age-old question of, "What do I do with my old computer?". Good stuff.

Webinar on doing online surveys on Feb. 4

Interesting webinar in a couple weeks, on Feb. 4th. The host organization is Training Magazine. The session is part of its Excellence in Practice series, and the title is Conducting Effective Employee Surveys. Here's the info sign up details.

I do quite a bit of work on online surveys, so I am always interested in learning more. I've also written a bit on this, here's an article I did, it's got a few interesting resources in it.

Maybe I'll see you there.

Great online conference on e-learning starts tomorrow

The Collaborative Learning 2004 online conference - Putting the Energy into E-learning! - starts tomorrow and goes for the balance of the week. I'll be participating (wouldn't miss it!). This will be a great event, I can't recommend it enough. IYou can read my review of a past iCohere conference here. This time, I'll actually be hosting a live chat on Wednesday evening, January 14th, at 7pm Pacific.

Back to my blog

More than a month since my last entry? Didn't think I'd be "that kind" of blogger! But, here I am... I have read about the style of blogging that many people have of ...blog lots for awhile, then get quiet... guess I understand that now. Doesn't change my interest in, and commitment to blogging. What I do find interesting is that I am beginning to see a co-relation between my blogging and where my head is at work-wise, and online-wise. I do cycle through things a lot, so it makes sense that I may cyclical in my blogging.

Blogtalk

Hmmm.... this is interesting, just discovered: Blogtalk: ETUG Discussion on the Uses of Blogs in Education - October 6-14, 2003. The About page describes this as:

Welcome to the site - this will be the base for the discussions on the uses of blogs in education over the next two weeks. Your guides for the discussion are 4 educators from around the province who each in their own way have been exploring blogs both in and out of the online classroom.

This comes from c2t2, which means it's right in my backyard here in BC, Canada.

This is also an interesting twist on the concept of online conferences that I have been participating in and writing about of late.

2003 orientation survey results available

In early fall, I conducted a survey of new employee orientation practices in North America - the results are now available.

My e-line on blogs

My continuing research on blogs is taking one form of output, a 2-part series in my e-Line column for PeopleTalk magazine. The first part, Blogged for Business: Do you blog in public?, has already been published. I am continuing to seek examples for blogs in corporate learning and development, which I'll focus the 2nd part of the series on. It's slim pickin's so far.

Creating employee guidelines on blogs

I stumbled across this page of employee guidelines on blogs on the Groove Networks site. Groove is interesting in that a number of its executives and other key players publish publicly available blogs - check out the Groove blog listing page.

Recording of September 22nd Learning Objects Event

In my blog on September 22nd I talked about a particularly good webinar I attended on Learning Objects. I just tried to update that entry to add the link, but it's not showing up when I refresh, I don't know whay....

Anyways, here is a link to a recording of the September 22nd learning objects webinar

To read my original post after I participated, in which I posted a whole bunch of learning object resources, click here

We are the Problem: We are selling Snake Oil

There is a great dialogue unfolding in the Comments of the Learning Circuits Blog. It's under the post called We are the Problem: We are selling Snake Oil.

PS - This is really worth visiting, as the dialogue really grew, and quite a few people have commented on it. Much of that on the phenomenum of the blog dialogue itself. I think it's an interesting example of how interactive blogs can build community. (note added Feb. 21/04)

Info on eHelp / Macromedia merger -- and the average developer uses 4 tools

I'm finding some answers to what I have been wondering, as to what the impact may be of Macromedia acquiring eHelp. Veerry interesting....

From a Bersin & Associates e-newsletter:

Macromedia - eHelp Acquisition: What Does it Mean?
On October 22, Macromedia announced the intent to acquire eHelp Corporation, makers of RoboDemo and RoboHelp. RoboHelp is one of the leading help authoring tools and RoboDemo, originally designed as a tool to develop application demonstrations, is now a leading product for developing e-learning application simulations.

This acquisition, which is expected to close by the end of this year, is a major move in the e-learning market. Until recently, Macromedia's primary focus was on the creative web developer. This strategy is shifting. With nearly 30% of its revenue now coming from e-learning, Macromedia sees the e-learning market as a fast- growing and highly strategic secondary market.

What does this mean to the e-learning professional? For one, it should be easier and less costly to equip yourself with the tools you need to build e-learning programs by having Macromedia and eHelp tools available from one supplier. No single tool fits all needs. Our research earlier this year (E-Learning DevelopmentTools: What Works) found that the average e-learning developer uses four different tools to build a course - and we expect this to continue.

If Macromedia chooses to further integrate eHelp's products into Breeze (a product obtained by Macromedia through its Presedia acquisition earlier this year), we will see the bar raised on "Rapid E-Learning." This acquisition could ignite a powderkeg to dramatically expand the "Rapid E-Learning" market.

Lego learning online

Ever wonder how Lego is made? Go here and soon you'll know all.

I think this is great example of how orienting new employees to how the business works can be made interesting and kinda fun.

Blog behavior

Check out the Nov 6, 2003 entry on the Learning Circuits Blog, entitled "blog behavior". The posting and ensuing comments explore Peter Jackson's experience with having his comment to a blog entry by Clark Quinn blocked by the interface, "This comment could not be posted due to questionable content." What follows is an interesting dialogue on the impact of the automated so-called-intelligence behind the technology, and the impact on learners. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this one.

EdBlogger Conference in San Fran

There's a conference on blogging very soon, and not too far away, but alas I can't make it. EdBlogger will be held Nov. 22-23 in San Francisco. And it's actually FREE to educators.

While I can't go, I shall certainly spend some time exploring the conference site, there's gotta be some good blogs from the conference floor....

Cool feature on the website: Check out this link to the blogs of the conference attendees.

TechLearn 2003 archives disappoint

Made my way to the TechLearn 2003 Archives tonight.... TechLearn has traditionally made full conference archives available for free, including some audio/video recordings (see the TechLearn 2000 Archives), but it looks like the evolving partnership with Advantstar is resulting in just the common links to PowerPoint slides... still good, but a big disappointment.

Other useful TechLearn stuff:
Jay Cross's review of TechLearn 2003 - start at this link and click forward for the full picture
There's also usually a TechLearn-sponsored Trip Report posted, it's apparently coming soon, watch for it here.
Starved for a video clip? You can still watch this pre-conference welcome video of Elliott: http://www.masie.com/stream/tl2003/

From the Jay Blog

Just as I put my head up from a couple weeks in which busy-ness had me largely offline, and thinking I need to catch up, I get today's issue of Jay Cross' periodic e-newsletter, pointing to some recent highlights from his world, and from his blog. How timely! Of note:

Jay's blogged his review of TechLearn 2003, great perspectives as always. Lots of good stuff, as usual. Almost feel like I was there. I particularly enjoyed this:

"Elliott stressed the importance of context, saying that if content is king, context is queen. His analogy is off. The age of kings is over; kings are mere figureheads. Also, kings can exist without queens, and vice-versa, but content cannot exist without context. In fact, content + context = learning. Jay's metaphor: Content is inside; context is outside; they are inseparable." Well sed Jay!

Plus enjoyed this bite from my general catch up on Jay's blog:
News? - a fascinating ah ha from the providers of Online Learning Reviews

UPDATE: my post upon learning of Jay's passing in 2015

Blogging in the classroom... for me!

I add this blog entry from the classroom myself, living in the student seat for a few days. I am taking eHelp's RoboHelp course, fabulous. And delighted that they brought it to my neck of the woods here in Vancouver. I am also delighted that my instructor is Kevin Seigel of IconLogic, the author of many books on eHelp products.

I bought the full suite a few months back, mainly to get RoboDemo for a project - but was so impressed during my research process that I bought the whole suite from eHelp, which also includes RoboHelp. It was quite an investment for me, but this process is confirming that my decision was a good one. I am very impressed with how powerful this tool is, and I am looking forward to using it for several projects.

Blogging books

By way of the wonder of this online world, today I received two more books on blogging:
"We Blog: Publishing Online with Weblogs", by Paul Bausch, Matthew Haughhey and Meg Haurihan
"Blog On: The Essential Guide to Building Dynamic Weblogs", by Todd Stauffer

I am adding these two to the one title I already had, "Essential Blogging", by Cory Doctorow, et al.

I don't actually think you need a book to create a blog, it's so darn easy. But I've got an interest (ok, an insatiable curiousity!) about how blogs are being used, and what's possible, that I want to learn more. I think deepening my knowledge will be important to how I move forward with blogs in learning.

BTW, I did a bit of digging, and there are half-a-dozen or so books on blogging. I found some great reviews that really helped me figure out which to buy (I seem to recall the reviews were on Amazon).

vancouverlearning.net is emerging

So far, so good on vancouverlearning.net.... I am delighted to be receiving event postings from several new sources, several of which are new to me. I'm pleased that there were over 20 events listed for November when the month kicked off. When I've been out and about in the real world (versus the virtual one!), I'm getting positive verbal comments from people. Starting to get some responses to the feedback survey, also good. Seems I've found a need here. The bonus? So far, made a couple new interesting connections in my personal network.

vancouverlearning.net is born

Today I launched a new service: vancouverlearning.net
This is a little brainchild that I've created, I hope it has legs, I suspect it will. Will see.....

Six degrees of separation and online networking tools

I attended a fairly interesting webinar this morning on 'Six Degrees of Separation' with a fellow by the name of Kevin Temple (there will be a recording available in about 24 hours at Placeware). While far more focused on sales than my tastes (I am most interested in collaboration and learning applications), it held my attention and I learned about two interesting tools:
Zero Degrees
Friendster.com

My discovery about sharing webinar listings...

I have had an interesting experience this morning. I recently added a page on my website with listings of webinars. I attend a lot of webinars and often have people asking me where I find them. So thought this would be of interest to others in the learning and development field. What I didn't expect is that when people have trouble accessing a webinar that they would contact me, rather than the Webinar providers. I thought it was pretty obvious that I am not running these, but I guess not. I'm just the messsenger here! Hmmm.... I don't want to pull the page, but I certainly don't want this as a result! I've changed the blurb at the top of the page, hopefully it's clearer. We'll see.

Mergers abound: Macromedia acquires eHelp

While the industry was abuzz last week about the Click2Learn/Docent merger, another merger slipped under my radar, that of Macromedia and eHelp. More precisely, Macromedia is acquiring eHelp. As I've recently purchased eHelp's products (RoboDemo, RoboHelp, etc.), and subscribe to a support license, this was of personal interest to me. Though I am not sure what the impact will be, and I am already a Macromedia customer as well. My guess is that it won't be hugely negative or positive initially, in the long term the ability to develop seamlessly between DreamWeaver and the eHelp suite would be my hope. I'll be staying tuned.

How do you spell blog?

Ha! Just tried out my blog spellchecker and it says that blog isn't a word! Tsk Tsk.

Good blog stuff in today's elearning post

From elearning post today:

A new blog called Dusk and Dawn. It is the blog of "mindful learner", otherwise known simply by his first name, Stuart. He's a senior learning designer for a UK and chooses to remain anonymous as his ideas do not necessarily reflect those of his company.... Looks like it will be a good blog. For a couple articles from the mysterious Stuart are at:
10 Damaging e-Learning Myths (co-written with Maish Nichani of elearningpost)
Learning by Design

David Weinberger blogs about what will happen when blogs get really popular on the Joho blog.

I'll be looking down at the sidewalks now, could very well bump into warchalking WiFi searchers

I haven't yet been taking my laptop out seeking wireless connections in this city, the low number of locations available from the paid services has me holding back. But thought this was pretty interesting:

Warchalking is the practice of marking a series of symbols on sidewalks and walls to indicate nearby wireless access. That way, other computer users can pop open their laptops and connect to the Internet wirelessly. It was inspired by the practice of hobos during the Great Depression to use chalk marks to indicate which homes were friendly.

I'll be keeping my eyes open!

The Scobleizer Versus Cerberus the Hound of Hades

What would happen if a member of the Windows marketing team were to publish his personal observations in a public blog? Well, it’s happening at the Scobleizer Weblog, the personal blog of Robert Scoble. Jay Cross told me about this article, "The Scobleizer Versus Cerberus the Hound of Hades". It is a fascinating read!!!

An excerpt from the article: "I've gotten email from people telling me they have changed their attitude about Microsoft because of my blog," says Scoble. "It helps me share the company's beliefs." It also helps Microsoft hear what the market is saying, both good and bad. "I link to everyone who hates Microsoft, and I send the negative stuff to the executives," he says.

Here's the link to the actual Scobleizer Weblog.

Scoble had an interesting chuckle over this, and so did i: Freud Meets Blogs.

British Columbia couple both win Ironman in Hawaii

Today, Saturday, October 18, 2003, Peter Reid and Lori Bowden, a married couple from Victoria both won the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Hawaii. After a 3.8 km. swim, a 180 km. bike ride, and a 42 km. run (a marathon), he won the professional men's division in 8 hours and 22 minutes and she won the professional women's division in 9 hours and 12 minutes. They have both won this event before but never at the same time. They have been described as the world's fittest couple. Two other Canadian women, Heather Fuhr and Lisa Bentley, finished in the top five. Canadians and British Columbians can be proud.

This came to me via an email from Don McIntosh, wishing congratulations to them both and a comment, "I am sending this out because the major media will barely mention it." He's probably right (so thanks Don!).

Not only that, but, hey, did a quick Google search, and found this Ironman site, and they don't even have the results posted yet (site still says there are four hours left); guess after the run the organizers were mai tai'ing.

How cool that they both won it in the same year, together! Or hot?

With my morning coffee....

People who are taller earn more money. $800/US an inch. It pays to be tall!!! (Where's my cheque). Source? Sorry, missed it. CBC Newsworld on the TV in the background as I surf (what can I say, I'm a news junkie).

100 millimetres of rain in 24 hours here in Vancouver. People's cars getting swamped with water up to their windows on Willingdon offramp from the freeway. Park Royal mall closed due to flooding. Lumber store flooded with floating wood everywhere in the store, 3' deep. It's called a Pineapple Express. Bet there are some interesting pictures, haven't found 'em yet. Interesting Vancouver rain clips:
Article
It always rains here
Well, not always

PS. It's still raining.

Before my morning coffee...

With my initial venturing online this morning, discovered:

Knowledge work and knowledge management are inseparable. At the Association of Knowledgework, people from every specialty cross professional, geographic, cultural, economic and hierarchical barriers to learn together. Not just another website, this is a virtual home for those who work with this stuff called knowledge.

Bloglines is "a free service that makes it easy to keep up with your favorite blogs and newsfeeds. With Bloglines, you can subscribe to the RSS feeds of your favorite blogs, and Bloglines will monitor updates to those sites. You can read the latest entries easily within Bloglines. Unlike other aggregators which require you to download and install software, Bloglines runs on our servers and requires no installation. Because your Bloglines account is accessible through a web browser, you can access your account from any Internet-connected machine." Bingo, may be exactly what I am looking for....

JOHO - Journal of the Hyperlinked Organization - I'm not even going to try and describe it, must visit.

Ever wonder what your Palm Vx would look like if you backed your car over it? Follow this link then hit page down about 2 times.

Take a peek into my brain before coffee: Gotta love it, found all that before my coffee perked, and I didn't even know I was looking! How'd I get there? For those may be interested, and even those who aren't, (OK, it's mainly me that's interested!), this all came from following a single link in this mornings elearningpost, which led me here. From there, well, you just scroll through JOHO, and see what happens! (This is life with curious mind ;-). Guess what happens when I have had my coffee first!!)

More pre-coffee discoveries:

Picking through JOHO I discovered something event better - David Weinberger's blog. ! And, for a little fun, here's a lovely comment from his website: "As for those of you who wonder why I don't write JOHO very frequently any more, take a look at my weblog. I'm writing every stinking day. Why? Beats me. Let me know if you figure it out." Well sed!! Go blogs go!

Back to JOHO, I just LOVED Weinberger's Editorial Lint: "JOHO is a free, independent newsletter written and produced by David Weinberger. If you write him with corrections or criticisms, it will probably turn out to have been your fault. To unsubscribe, send an email to joho-request@freelists.org with "unsubscribe" in the subject line. If you have more than one email address, you must send the unsubscribe request from the email address you want unsubscribed. In case of difficulty, let me know: self@evident.com. There's more information about subscribing, changing your address, etc., at www.hyperorg.com/forms/adminhome.html. In case of confusion, you can always send mail to me at self@evident.com. There is no need for harshness or recriminations. Sometimes things just don't work out between people. Dr. Weinberger is represented by a fiercely aggressive legal team who responds to any provocation with massive litigatory procedures. This notice constitutes fair warning. Any email sent to JOHO may be published in JOHO and snarkily commented on unless the email explicitly states that it's not for publication."

Thought bubble: I seem to be perking up with each discovery of people who tell-it-like-it-is...