Posted 11:51 AM by George Siemens
In case you care: MPEG 4
Quote: "MPEG LA, a group of patent holders governing MPEG-4, on Monday finalized licensing terms for the media delivery standard, bowing to market pressure for manageable royalty rates. "

Comment: We did quite a bit of work with streaming video this spring...the outcome of this (MPEG 4) is positive - however, it is just a matter of time before fees increase...and the streaming media field is too young for significant charges. Adoption would be stunted.

Posted 7:09 AM by George Siemens
Five Keys to Successful Teams
Comment: Teams sound a lot like communities...and the criteria for success seem to be similar for each. Teams, however, are restricted in size - J. Richard Hackman suggest max. 6 people. I think any organization seeking to foster an innovative spirit needs to foster team development - formally and informally. When I reflect on successful activities I've undertaken, small teams have always been at the core.

Knowledge Transfer Networks
Quote: "With the emergence of e-learning, predictions for training's evolution suggest a shift from delivering traditional training to designing, facilitating, and managing various types of learning experiences. Although direct interaction between trainers and learners will decrease, it will not cease to exist. Therefore, designers must consider how to capture the greatest value from trainer-to-learner involvement. Enter the knowledge transfer network."

Comment: Good concept...but I don't think it's fully developed in the article. The author details components of a knowledge transfer network (KTN)- analysts, change leaders, communications, application and systems technologists, learners, trainers, support and helpdesk staff. While I agree that these are all part of the network, I think greater emphasis for knowledge transfer should be placed on the design of flexible learning resources that allow learners to access content when they need it, based on their learning style. A KTN begins with something to transfer - content - that needs to be represented in a variety to formats to be effective - instruction, performance support (i.e. available when needed), and knowledge building with peers.