Cole W. Camplese

ETS Talk 15 is Now Available

Cole, Brad, Allan, and Chris return to the ETS Talk 210 F Studio to bring you Episode 15. This week we get our Twitter on and discuss the implications for an instant communication tool. We respond to two, count them, two pieces of listener mail as well. All in all a good show. Direct Link to Podcast | iTunes U

ETS Talk 14 is Available

We produced another episode of the ETS Talk Podcast this past Friday. It is available for download for you listening pleasure. Any feedback?

ETS Talk 13 is Now Available

This week's ETS Talk Podcast brings Cole, Brad, Chris, and Allan together to talk about a bunch of things. The new Apple iPhone has been a hot topic around our offices this week and we do our best to break it down. The thing about the iPhone is that it is so interesting we are starting to really think about how it will alter what we can do in an educational setting. We also announce our new email address for comments and feedback. You can now email us at etstalk at psu dot edu and the Hot Line is working at 814-806-1855. We listen to our first listener submitted audio comment as well. All in all a good show. Direct Link to Podcast | Podcast on iTunes U

Another ETS Talk Podcast

You can jump over to Penn State on iTunes U to get access to the latest ETS Talk Podcast. This week Chris Millet, Brad Kozlek, Allan Gyorke, and I sit down and discuss the idea of designing a course using web 2.0 technologies ... I hope you find it enjoyable. BTW, we are fishing for comments, feedback, and just about anything else. If you feel like it leave a comment here, at the ETS Blog, or call the new ETS Talk Skype number (814-806-1855) and leave a message.

The Podcast About My Zune

Now that I have had the Zune for a whole day the true nature of it is starting to become apparent.  Not that I don't like it ... I'm not a huge fan, but it isn't bad.  I haven't had a chance to test what I feel is the most compelling aspect of it, the social networking capabilities.  The device itself is an MP3 player that, to me, doesn't evoke an emotional response on any level.  It is a device that is a utility ... no statements or anything, just a device.

I do like the hardware, it is the software that is a real pain for me.  Maybe it is because I am so comfortable with the iTunes and iPod integration, but it just doesn't speak to me.  Having to log into all those damn Microsoft accounts just to purchase Zune Points is really something that I am not interested in.  It is so clear to me now just how much of an advantage Apple has when it comes to the user experience related to the software/hardware integration.  I wonder how someone who doesn't like Apple feels?  I am sure the Zune is so much better for so many people, but this is my space and that is my impression.  At the end of the day it is a good device and honestly only the second non-Apple MP3 player I have owned.  Before my iPod I had a Rio ... I felt the same about that as I do the Zune.  It works, but nothing else.  At least the Rio connected to iTunes.

So I sat down and recorded some thoughts about the device yesterday and tried to give a balanced report -- a lot like Fox News ;-) ... I also sat down with a few ETS people and got their reactions.  Keep in mind this is the first time I have ever tried to create a podcast like this -- just me editing a lot of stuff together.  It may be annoying, but I am trying to get better at this.  At any rate, here is a link to the ETS Special Edition Zune podcast at Penn State on iTunes U.  Thoughts?

Production

I am being reminded of something I have known for quite some time -- if you don't post, people stop showing up. It leads me to wonder who I am doing this all for. I write for a ton of reasons, but when the comments dry up, the motivation does as well. Not that I am writing for comments, but I am writing to satisfy my own need for expression and my expanding interest in community participation. I think what I miss most about it is the lack of participation. The fact that the most comments I have received in the last couple of weeks was on a test post doesn't make me feel any better ;-) It is my own fault. I am spreading my content very thin these days. Not that I am complaining ... I have been spending a ton of my time thinking about and acting on things in my day job. I know that the content of this blog has become an extension of that activity and thus less than interesting to those of you out there in the non-PSU world. I have been using this space as a sort of personal decision making sounding board -- a place to articulate ideas that I am finally willing to put into place. I guess not hearing people call me names here is a good thing. I am wondering how we get the conversation started again? I am now doing a regular weekly podcast and wonder if anyone is listening ... if you are, do you have topics we should be discussing? I'd love nothing more than to drag some real questions into the ETS Talk Podcast. I'd love to hear some feedback and know if this is providing any sort of value ... I know it is providing value inside my organization. Honestly, I am just enjoying creating on a regular basis. So, if you are reading and want to know what is going on, ask ... if you are listening and want to push us let me know. Production must go up, but where?

Weekly Podcast

I have really been trying to stay true to the one podcast per week ideal ... the last time I did this was for the original From the Basement podcast (that turns two years old in a few days). For two weeks in a row we've done an ETS Talk Podcast show ... that isn't all that impressive, two weeks in a row but it feels good. Creating time and opportunity has been the difference maker. I have noticed that in the last few weeks more and more of my colleagues have been interested in creating content ... that shows me we are on the right track. At any rate, the latest ETS Talk Podcast is available.

I have gone way too long without any comments and it is starting to make me feel pathetic ... any thoughts on staying regular with a podcast schedule, on how higher education can tap the space, or anything of interest ... don't make me beg.