Blurts

It is being reported that the Chinese government is limiting Internet access to sources that mention Tiananmen Square as the anniversary of the confrontation approaches. I doubt this is a problem for the Chinese people, but I have difficulty with any government ignoring the realities of history.

(image is Memorial from Tiananmen Square)

A blog post from “Open Thinking” offer links to videos on educational topics.

This a report on data collecting 2007-2008 attempting to identify trends in K-12 online education. Approximately 75% of schools make some online experiences available to students.

The launch of Wolfram Alpha has both interested and confused many. 

Here is an interview with Stephen Wolfram conducted by Leo Laporte. It is the last half hour of this podcast so move to approximately that location unless you want to listen to the entire TWIT program (the program is approx two hours long if that helps)

I write a commercial textbook so I have mixed feelings about those who criticize textbooks and the textbook industry. No need to get into this debate here, but as is often the case the issues are complex and most people are only partly informed. Anyway, I am also intrigued by the notion that quality projects can emerge out of bits of knowledge and enthusiasm scattered about the crowd. What I question is the commitment of individuals to make a time commitment to a project without compensation. So, when I hear that someone is attempting to organize a wiki book for the general good I try to bring this matter to the attention of others. Perhaps in a year or so, we will revisit this site and find an interesting educational resource. Perhaps in a year we will visit this site and find that it was just another idealistic project that never materialized.

BTW – I use the tag “book” on this site and my main blog to identify topics of this general nature.

CoolIris – a plugin that provides a unique interface for exploring images on the web and on your computer has been updated. I had forgotten how interesting their approach is, but now I remember.