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Smart Classroom

6/25/2008

Executive View

The Educational Software Paradox: Can We Learn To Unlearn?: By Trent Batson; New "educational" software and applications are usually not as educational as one might think. As a whole, applications developed in the name of learning have ended up favoring the institution and preserving the status quo. Given existing dynamics, it could not be otherwise.

Worth Noting

D2L: Blackboard's Comments 'Contempt(ible)': On the heels of Blackboard's latest court action, Desire2Learn this week posted a response describing some of the commercial LMS leader's comments last week as "contempt(ible)" themselves and nothing more than a cynical attempt to create "fear, uncertainty, [and] doubt" in the marketplace. Blackboard filed a motion last Tuesday for contempt on the grounds that Desire2Learn had not fulfilled its obligations under a court order resulting from a patent infringement suit.
Ohio State Installing Interactive Technologies in Campus Incubator: Ohio State University in Columbus said it will be installing Smart Technologies products--including interactive whiteboards--in its Digital Union, a four-year-old leading-edge research and education facility. The Digital Union, a joint initiative between the Office of the CIO and the university libraries, offers a place for faculty and students to work with new education technology products in order to assess their potential for enhancing teaching and learning.
New Green Supercomputer Powers Up at Purdue: A new supercomputer installed at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN is being compared to a "fleet of thousands of bike messengers." Individually they don't carry much freight, but they use less energy and are more effective in some situations. At least, that's the hope. Gerry McCartney, vice president for IT and CIO at Purdue, said the supercomputer, a SiCortex 5832, uses one-fortieth the power of traditional supercomputers.
Western Governors U Offers New Online Degree in Health Informatics: Western Governors University, an online school with 10,000 students, has begun offering a science bachelor's degree in health informatics. This online degree combines healthcare with IT, to prepare the graduate to design, develop and operate health information systems.
Foothill-De Anza CC District Deploys Abaca for E-mail Protection: The Foothill-De Anza Community College District has chosen the Abaca Email Protection Gateway EPG 3000 and ReceiverNet Premium Service to provide e-mail security for faculty and staff at its two colleges and district offices.