Month: April 2005

Ever had the feeling that you need a hero? I started thinking about this question as I realized I was becoming more negative in my appraisal of my technology heros. While it may be possible to change the world with a technology that begins in your garage, the “adult” personalities of notable examples of people who have done this (Gates, Jobs) are not that appealing. I would like to think it was possible to be brilliant and relentless without being a jerk. Maybe not. Can’t say that I really understand the world of big business.

Here is a new possibility. Hector de Jesus Ruiz, the new chief executive of Advanced Micro Devices, wants to put Internet access into the hands of 50 percent of the world’s population by 2015 and is designing a $200 computer to do the job (Washington Post).

Juicy Studio offers an interesting service that allows the user to “calculate” the readability of a web site. Readability is an estimate of the difficulty of text and various indexes use word or sentence length and similar quantitative variables to estimate difficulty. I have done reading research during my career and I do know that there are “issues” with simple quantitative approaches. However, the concept is interesting and the variables provide a useful starting point for analysis.

I applied this tool to one of our online book chapter summaries (Chapter 2) and learned that the document was written at the level of “academic paper.” Of course, this would have been our intent.

The Dept. of Ed has dropped support for the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) online site (eSchool News). ENC provides an online database of thousands of web site reviews for math and science. The Dept claims this is part of the strategy to move money toward broad categories that can be allocated at the local level. I would bet few administrators at the local level spend money on access to the subscription version of EN C.

I have been attempting to find a way to prevent comment spam so that I can allow comments on my posts. It seems unfair to generate posts and not allow people the opportunity to state a supporting or opposing point of view. This does not mean spam comments can be tolerated. I have made some adjustments so we will give the comment option another try.

Education World offers a nice article on educational blogging. If you are interested, check this resource out for the links to examples and tools.

You never know for certain that what you read is true, but what I read regarding major tech business leaders (e.g., Gates, Jobs) has always disturbed me. I understand that one needs a bit of an ego to push a personal agenda or vision, but there is a point at which personal drive becomes annoying. These folks are starting to act like professional athletes or movie icons.

Speaking of Icons. Steve Jobs has retaliated against Wiley books because of a less than flattering book (iCon Steve Jobs). Seems like Steve will not allow the sales of Wiley books in Apple Stores.

Very mature, Steve – makes me proud to be an Apple User. Let’s “think different” and try to lead in a positive way.

CNN Report

ABCNews Description

Someone at Kairosnews has taken the time to compile an online bibliography of resources and information about blogging. Kariros concerns itself with rhetoric, technology and pedagogy so you can expect a related orientation in the resources that have been organized at this site.