Interesting list to reflect on. "Here are 8 signs that your online college is just another extension of the School of Hard Knocks handing out Masters Degrees in Gullibility."

The numbers paint a stark picture: blogging has changed, but the blogging scene is in some ways in better shape than it was three years ago. The big picture is that total engagement with online content is growing, on-site engagement is declining in significance as off-site engagement like link sharing on social networks grows. Surprisingly, this off-site link sharing has also extended the lifespan of content.

Although often seen as an inconsequential feature of digital technologies, one's self-representation, or avatar, in a virtual environment can affect the user's thoughts, according to research by a University of Texas at Austin communication professor.

Now you can see exactly how much information Google has on you with the launch of Google Dashboard - "Today, we are excited to announce the launch of Google Dashboard. Have you ever wondered what data is stored with your Google Account? The Google Dashboard offers a simple view into the data associated with your account - easily and concisely in one location."

Relating to in-class discussion last week about colleges outsourcing e-mail to Google....

Meez, a start-up that expanded last year from an avatar creation service into a full-out virtual world for teens, is touting some good news: it's been profitable since April and "every month is better than the last month," CEO John Cahill told CNET News.

Augmented Reality continues to seep into reality: "Layar, the first camera-based AR app to really blow us (or anyone) away, has quietly slipped into the App Store. As with the Android version, the app overlays all kinds of information onto a live view of the world around you."

Some interesting commentary on the future of touch screens. Potentially has implications for educational uses as well: "Anyone who has used one for a long time will tell you that they quickly revert to using the keyboard and mouse. And it isn't because of the software or touch technology - both are fine.The problem is that you get tired keeping your hands up and on the screen for a long period of time. Touch experts I've spoken with say it's because your hands are above your heart, which isn't comfortable for very long."

One potential use of augmented reality: To frighten and confuse innocent bystanders

This recent episode of "The Simpsons" addresses, incidentally (and in a way characteristic of the show), some of the issues we discussed in class. Nothing terribly profound, but I thought it had an amusing satire of modern teacher education programs.

This is an old article, but I thought quite appropriate given the discussion in class yesterday. This topic continues to fascinate me and I'd love to hear what you guys think about it.

A report from Uruguay about the success (and troubles) of the One Laptop Per Child program

"Governments and OEM partners in many emerging markets have canceled orders for Intel-promoted Classmate PCs, or have asked to suspend shipments, according to Taiwan-based component makers." Classmate PCs = Ultra-small, ultra-cheap laptops intended for use in classrooms of developing nations.

ITNews, an Australian business publication, is reporting that the Department of Education of the state of New South Wales is using a variety of management software and techniques 'to roll out 240,000 netbook computers into what CIO Stephen Wilson calls "the most hostile environment you can roll computers into" - the local high school.' Students are offered a netbook in 9th grade through 12th and can keep them if they graduate.

"It feels like the whole world is holding its breath for the Apple tablet. But maybe we've all been dreaming about the wrong device. This is Courier, Microsoft's astonishing take on the tablet." Looks like we might be closer than we thought to that techno-future in that video....

Those of you who have read about the Netflix contest probably know it's fascinating, and this NYTimes blog presents a good summary. More interesting is the fact that this type of work on algorithms may have other applications, beyond telling you what other movies you might like (e.g. commercial, scientific, perhaps even educational?). Therefore, it is tangentially related with our discussion on AI :)

Linden Research was sued on Tuesday for allegedly hosting a virtual Canal Street on Second Life. This is only tangentially related to the class, but I given that a lot of what we've seen in class covers Second-Life-like environments, I thought it might be good to keep up with what's going on with the actual Second Life.