Posted 7:28 AM by George Siemens
Problems and Issues in Online Learning
Quote: "In general the issues surrounding the location, distribution and reuse of learning resources online have to do with system architecture and resource based on what I call the "silo model." On the silo model, resources are not designed or intended for wide distribution. Rather, they are located in a particular location, or a particular format, are intended for one sort of use only."
Comment: Lists "problem" areas for online learning: proprietary standards, overly strict standards, monolithic solutions, closed marketplace, disintermediation, selective semantics, and digital rights mismanagement. From my perspective, the biggest issue relates to monolithic solutions - not just LCMS listed in the article...but the whole approach to elearning. Simple, effective tools - that's all that is needed. Blogging, discussion forums, communication tools...these work fine - and are often more effective for learners and instructors than systems like WebCT or BlackBoard. The higher the entry barriers to elearning...the more elitist the field, and the less likely to be integrated into education/life.

Posted 7:15 AM by George Siemens
Ontology Building: A Survey of Editing Tools
Quote: "As the hype of past decades fades, the current heir to the artificial intelligence legacy may well be ontologies. Evolving from semantic network notions, modern ontologies are proving quite useful. And they are doing so without relying on the jumble of rule-based techniques common in earlier knowledge representation efforts."
Comment: Describes process of building ontologies, links to an excellent chart of tools, and provides guidelines for use. Excellent resource.