Author: grabe

I am always interested in new blogging tools and services. .Mac (the set of online services you can purchase from Apple) now includes iBlog (the client software) and the templates, database space, server resources necessary to create and serve blogs. The version of iBlog given away without cost to those with a .MAC account works only with .MAC. The full commercial version ($30 if I remember correctly) allows content to be uploaded by FTP and WEBDAV so this might be a possibility for anyone with access to server storage space.

Would I purchase a .Mac account so I had access to iBlog? Probably not. However, if I had no other resources at my disposal a .Mac account would not be a bad investment. Demo

Blog was developed by Lifli Software.

Secretary Paige recently hosted a showcase providing examples of the use of technology to meet NCLB expectations in rural settings (eSchool News). Rural schools have difficulty meeting requirements for “highly qualified teachers” and technology can facilitate the efforts of rural teachers to improve personal qualifications or can bring more qualified teachers to rural schools through distance education.

Tne National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released the most recent CIPA (Child Internet Protection Act) study. This is a good current source for descriptions of protection measures and statistics associated with Internet use in schools.

Issues of overblocking and underblocking are discussed, but the general tone of the review is positive.

The October 2003 issue of Learning and Leading with Technology (Note – not available online at this time – try in a couple of weeks) includes an article by Kajder and Bull outlining blog applications in the instruction of reading and writing.

One interesting techniques makes heavy use of images (photo blogs) such as a thousand words.

Dan Geer a security specialist was fired by his employer @Stake following the release of an analysis of security risks associated with Microsoft products. Geer evidently did not have the authorization of his company to release the analysis. I happened to listen to Geer presenting his concerns on TechTV. This ought to get the conspiracy theorists going.

More from eWeek.

Looking for an overview of blogs in education? Anne Davis from Georgia Southern has organized information to introduce educators to this topic – Weblog Workshop.

eSchool News reports that Texas is cutting its educational technology division. State officials say the move is about integration and others contend it is simply a way to cut expenses.