If someone invents a medium that provides a more effective or less costly mechanism through which the forces can operate, then blogs will recede and that medium will take their place. I’ve had several recent discussions with colleagues about whether one’s blogging actually influences others in meaningful ways. And we’re not just talking about page views, comments, and pingbacks. Over the last several years of blogging, I’ve searched for articles or studies that examine blogging from a more rigorous social science perspective and have found very little. And that’s just for starters. MORE >>

Chapman Alliance recently released their data-heavy survey results that provide benchmarks for E-learning development. For those developing E-learning deliverables, this is THE question. Essentially, it’s all about project scope and assuming that your most conservative estimate is still probably too low—there’s always something else that will need to be added, modified or enhanced. However, you need to size the project using hours, so you reference past projects relative to the requirements of this new deliverable. But are there any industry standards or benchmarks you can point to? MORE >>

However, like many in the proprietary software camp, Ning has tried to make nice with developers by providing more API ( application programming interface ) access—think viewing your Netflix queue on a 3rd party Web site or phone app. Ning announced today that it will soon convert existing customers to a fee-for-service subscription or cut them loose. Jason Rosenthal, CEO of Ning , announced the shift in the company’s business model while downsizing his company by more than 40%. Some suggestions follow. It depends. Pligg ([link]. Elgg ([link]. LovdbyLess ([link]. Mixxt ([link]. Web 2.0 MORE >>

While a layer of narrative can be  added to provide context, some of most powerful stories are those that utilize the ambient sounds and highlight the most salient moments of the event with an appropriate photo. Online teaching takes many shapes and isn’t always conventional in form. One of the more compelling online pedagogical approaches is digital storytelling that combines audiovisual elements and focuses on a human interest story. well-known medium for digital storytelling is the audio slideshow. Hoedad Audio Slideshow. The Basics. New York Times: One in eight million. MORE >>

Learning opportunities are often geared for two main groups: those motivated to take a course, either because it is required or would provide advancement in their career or other practical benefit in their life; and those with a passionate interest in enriching their understanding of a subject or improving their skills in some activity. Public art has often provided “provocative encounters” for lifelong learners—forcing people to stop and see themselves and the world in a new way. But what about the third group, those without interest or incentive? Antonin Artaud. MORE >>