Learning Ecosystems

Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie – May 24, 2010.
#625 – Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
54,964 Readers – http://www.masie.com – The MASIE Center.
Host: LMS & Learning Systems Forum – Chicago – June 10 & 11

1. Google Launches Cloud Based, Open Source Learning Platform.
2. Outsourcing Grading of Papers and Assessment.
3. 3D Video Camera for Organizations Announced.
4. Learning Systems Supplier Podcasts Online.

1. Google Launches Cloud Based, Open Source Learning Platform: Google has created an interesting application experiment called CloudCourse. This is an open source, learning platform, running under AppEngine, their Cloud Based environment.  CloudCourse is being used internally at Google for several LMS type functions – from registration to classroom management. It is available as an Open Source codeset and will be evolved as developers experiment and extend the functionality. We will be conducting a test at the MASIE Center Learning LAB and are intrigued by the ability of both learning departments but also learners to create and launch learning activities in the “cloud”. Code and descriptions are downloadable at http://tinyurl.com/3yqpqrs

2. Outsourcing Grading of Papers and Assessment: A number of colleges are now outsourcing the grading of student papers to a company called Virtual-TA, that uses both offshore and U.S. resources to provide students with very detailed and rapid feedback on their work.  Needless to say, the practice is controversial. One interesting impact seems to be that these graders often provide much more detailed and extensive feedback to learners – and the firm claims that it increases retention and completion in on-line courses. Info at: http://www.virtual-ta.com/

3. 3D Video Camera for Organizations Announced: 3D is a major force in video, as films like Avatar have shown a user appetite for the immersion experience of wearing glasses and having objects come right to our eyeballs.  Yet, the cost of equipment has been huge. Panasonic announced a new camera for organizations that will be in the $20,000 range and weigh only 7 pounds – capable of shooting high def 3D content. Take a peek at: http://tinyurl.com/2849c5x

4. Learning Systems Supplier Podcasts Online: I recently recorded podcasts with the CEO’s of several Learning Systems companies about the future of LMS and LCMS systems.  Listen to these short interviews at http://www.masie.com/Learning-Systems-10/suppliers.htm

Yours in learning,
Elliott Masie
email: emasie@masie.com

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