Blurts

Forbes contends ND students should be happy. ND students benefit because the state is one of the few that is operating in the black. Tuition increases should be less painful.

This content from Free Press writer Cathy Nelson challenges the notion that “digital natives” benefit from multi-tasking. Gaming, cell phone use, messaging – negative academic consequences.

Up- and downside of Apple Strategy or Great Innovation, but Slow to Accommodate

AskTOG offers an insightful post concerning the Apple development strategy. AskTOG proposes that Apple is unmatched in creating innovative and useful products. He then proposes that Apple tends to rest allowing others to duplicate the fundamental characteristics of the innovation and offer follow-up products that are more flexible, open, or expanded. I would also add “cheaper” – not sure if this was included. You buy an Apple product and you clearly have bragging rights for at least six months or so. Maybe that is long enough.

I do wish Apple would take that next step. I wish the iPad were a little more open. I guess I will wait to see what Google has to offer. It should have a product available soon. The first generation will likely be promising, but not great. That has been my experience with the phone. I have learned. I am waiting for the second version.

p>Many of us take and display digital pictures. I have always wondered about legal responsibilities associated with such practices. I derive no commercial income from the images I take and I am guessing this would be true of most individuals reading my posts. Here is an analysis by Mayflor Markusic focused mostly on the documentation necessary for commercial interests.

The critical piece that has always troubled me concerns the release required from a “model” –

contract that is obtained from a person whose face is recognizable in the photograph that will be displayed publicly or used commercially.

It is the “displayed publicly” that concerns me. Many bloggers, including me, have included images that may contain recognizable people. There must be issues that are not included in the Markusic description. For example, I know that when my daughter was involved in high school athletics, her picture would appear in various outlets. Did I as a parent sign something in allowing her to participate that made this acceptable? Is something implied when participating in a public event that differentiates pictures taken of such events from pictures captured “on the street”?  What are the implications for students urged to collect and display images as part of educational proejcts?

Bob Sprankle offers a post in reaction to likely demise of free Ning services. His analogy involves web folks as sharecroppers (I guess because they are at the mercy of the powerful folks who pay for the sites the sharecroppers use, but evidently don’t make much money on), settlers, and now possibly nomads. How about this? Be an investor? A mobileme account is $100 a year. There are many services that offer tools for less than $10 a month. No reason for second guessing the motives of the “owner” or reason for being dependent on their business model. Spend a little money and invest in something you value.

P.S. – Backup. Nothing is permanent.

Interesting presentation from someone I hold in high regard. Note his comments on the best way to learn is to teach – virtual study groups. This is my favorite way to explain the potential of participatory tools for classroom use.