Month: March 2003

Here is a good source for information about the educational potential of blogs – a page authored by Jay Cross entitled “Learn to blog — blog to learn.

This is the type of thing that drives me crazy. I am developing interative web pages using PHP and MySQL. I am getting things to work, but the process is slow. I see a Macromedia Dreamweaver MX ad indicating that Dreamweaver allows for easy integration of database content using PHP and MySQL. I install the software and I can get it to connect to the web site,but not to the database server. After fooling around for a few hours, I find the following page offered by Macromedia Support. The message suggests that OS X users download the trial version and test it first before they purchase MX. The message, in clear terms such as “this is still a buggy product and you might want to test it to see if it really offers the services we say it offers”, did not appear on the web site. I am not used to reading the technical notes until AFTER I purchase a product.

C/NET News reports that the inquiry of vendor fraud associated with the e-rate program continues. It appears that lax oversight as encouraged inaccarate reporting of actual costs.

It is spring break and a chance to get out of town. I have been planning a trip to Iowa. I understand this is not what everyone considers an exciting spring break getaway. Anyway, the weather for mid-week looks a little “iffy” – perhaps a winter storm. Why take a safe trip to a warm climate when you can enjoy the “excitement” of a winter storm.

I cannot leave until Wednesday morning so I have been watching the progression of the storm using the Weather Underground. This is a great source for info, forcasts, maps, etc.

Because I work with technology, I face the constant pressure to learn new things. I suppose this pressure is there no matter what type of work you do, but I think technology changes rapidly and thus requires a special commitment to personal development.

Here is the situation — I am switching the hardware and software basis for much of the work I do. This switch requires that I develop an understanding of a new operating system (OS X) and become reasonably proficient in MYSQL and PHP. While I am doing this I should also probably learn some advanced DreamWeaver of GoLive techniques necessary to create interactive web pages using MYSQL and PHP.

My traditional approach has been to buy books — lots of books — and engage in a process of reading and experimenting. This time I have been trying something different. I have purchased access to the courses offered by an online training company (Virtual Training Company). The training consists of narrated online Quicktime videos that demonstrate how to use various software applications or how to script/program using various “languages.” I am paying $25 for unlimited access for one month. As a point of reference, approximately 8-10 hours of content are available for each topic I have mentioned. This type of learning experience may not suit everyone, but it is ideal for my goals. You can purchase the same material on CD, but the cost to buy multiple CDs for my multiple interests was prohibitive.

If you are faced with developing learning new programs or developing new programming skills, I would encourage you to take a look at this company – sample units are available for each skill area.

Wonder how hackers break into systems? Wired News provides one example.

Blogs at Harvard?
Cnet.Com reports that Harvard U. is hiring a former software developer (UserLand) to help faculty and students learn to blog.

Winer claims “blogging should be integrated into every facet of the university.”