Cole W. Camplese

Simple Twist of Fate

Not the Dylan rendition of the song of by that title, but a pointer to an interesting read over at the Edupodder blog, "Revolution from the edge: students posting class recordings". Going into the whole Podcasting for Penn State, we never really thought the content would be posted by students. It only makes sense as they become more and more savvy with today's web publishing tools that they will engage in this type of behavior. I wonder how it will feel when the tables are turned? I post my class lectures as podcasts because I think they belong to me ... but if you listen carefully you'll hear students talking. Doesn't that make them ours? Going forward I am curious as to how this will play out. Will faculty be ok with this notion? A lecture recorded, maybe even edited, by the students for the students. Should I get to sign a release form? How does this change the notion of the commercial "note trade" that goes on at major Universities? Is there a new business model in here? Podcast Notes ... hmm.

In Washington D.C.

I got down to DC last evening to prepare for today's "Expert Panel on Technology-Based Learning" that I was invited to be a part of. Let me first say that this is the first time I have taken part in anything remotely connected to the Government. This all day panel is hosted by the U.S. Department of Labor and its intent is to inform them on policy decisions related to technology in education. I am one of maybe a half dozen people here to join the conversation.

I talk at 1:00 PM (right after lunch) on the panel titled, "Emerging Technologies Now and in the Future." My piece of the hour and a half panel is on what we are calling disruptive technologies -- blogs, wikis, podcasting, RSS, and social bookmarking. I get 20 minutes to talk and then we are on the spot for 30 minutes of questions. Should be a lot of fun. I am really looking forward to hearing what goes on today. There are some good people here that will be making remarks in the morning so it should keep my attention. I will post a follow-up after I get home tonight.

BootCamp ... Winderz on a Mac, for Real

I was just pointed to BootCamp (code name) for a new technology Apple will release with 10.5 ... this little utility/app/technology will allow you to install Windows XP on your Mac without running all over the Internets looking for stuff. Sort of makes me giggle that people worked so hard to do this the last several weeks. At any rate, think of how this can impact market share ... the people who say they can't get a Mac because of a handful apps, shouldn't have any real excuse anymore. I wonder how it works ... I guess we'll just have to download it and see. From Apple's BootCamp page:

Boot Camp lets you install Windows XP without moving your Mac data, though you will need to bring your own copy to the table, as Apple Computer does not sell or support Microsoft Windows.(1) Boot Camp will burn a CD of all the required drivers for Windows so you don't have to scrounge around the Internet looking for them.

The times they are a changin' ... I would tag this with interestingness. Now, will I run this? Nope, it goes on to say that you need to beware of the typical issues on Windows -- you know viruses, trojans, and all the other ugly stuff my Windows using friends deal with. I have lived the last 22 years of my life with a Mac and I'll stick to that for now. But, if in the future this becomes important, I now have an option that won't make me feel all dirty. XP on a Mac ... unreal.