Monday, 27 July 2009

Social Software as a Tool for Informal Learning

via elearningeuropa.info

A paper by Nina Kahnwald (Research associate , Technical University in Dresden)

Abstract

This paper offers an overview of empirical findings, concepts and definitions of informal learning. Initially, diverse dimensions and contested fields of informal learning will be interrogated. In the second section, the meaning of informal learning in the context of Web 2.0 and social software will be portrayed. Finally, the concept of personal learning environments will be examined in terms of contradictions and inaccuracies in relationship to the afore interrogated basic concepts of informal learning.

Introduction
Informal learning is often referred to in connection to ICT, Web 2.0 and Social Software. However, rarely is the concept of informal learning deliberated within the context of use. The following contribution attempts to uncover essential dimensions and areas of conflict of informal learning, thereby offering an analysis of contemporary discussions surrounding Social Software and Personal Learning Environments.

Read the full article here


Phenomenology and Surveillance Studies: ...

Returning to the Things Themselves

an article by Norm Friesen (Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia), Andrew Feenberg (Simon Fraser University, Vancouver) and Grace Smith (Arapiki Solutions, Inc., Vancouver) in The Information Society Volume 25 Issue 2 (March 2009)

Abstract

In response to the increasingly quotidian, even banal character of surveillant practices in postindustrial societies, this article explores the possibility of a theoretical and methodological re-alignment in surveillance studies. This re-alignment entails a move from broadly Foucauldian, macro-level, structural or poststructural analyses, to the existential-phenomenological study of subjective consciousness and experience. This piece illustrates such an experiential study by taking part of Sartre's famous description of “the look”, and comparing it to a similarly experientially-based description of an everyday context of surveillance – specifically, a bank machine or ATM transaction. Through the analysis of these descriptions, the piece shows how the study of the lived experience of surveillance highlights the role of the body, of social convention, and also of individual agency in surveillant practices that can be overlooked in other analyses.

Individual competencies that older workers ...

in successfully adapting during their careers

an article by J Barton Cunningham and Bryan Sweet in International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management Volume 9 Number 2/3 (2009)

Abstract

Some older workers are more successful than others in maintaining a high level of functioning despite losses in psychological and biological capacities. In this grounded theory study of the careers of eight older workers, we identified ten Protean-like competencies relating to:
  • replacing beliefs about chronological age with beliefs of psychological age;
  • taking steps to improve health;
  • adjusting preferences to fit life's circumstances;
  • cultivating relationships to improve work and career;
  • developing relationships which recognise a diversity of interests;
  • developing relationships for mentoring others;
  • developing a sense of self in relationships;
  • redefining the contract with the organisation;
  • finding aspects of work which are meaningful and fulfilling; and
  • replacing job-worth with self-worth.

One of the most frequent observations underlying these findings was the variation among the respondents in their beliefs about the ability to control the events they encountered in their lives.



Sunday, 26 July 2009

UK Copyright Law, In Verse

via Copyfight by drwex

No, that's not “inverse” as in backwards. It‘s “rendered in verse” as in “poetically”. Or at least, in rhyming couplets.

Back in 2006, Yehuda Berlinger put up a rendition of US Copyright Law in verse form. Now he's added the UK's copyright law – though he does point out that there are upcoming changes, which may require him to re-verse.



Information as a basic element ...

of the modern information society and its place in the system of philosophical knowledge

an article by V O Melnikov, Yu O Melnikova and E V Gorbunova in Scientific and Technical Information Processing Volume 35 Number 6 (December 2008)

Abstract
Problems are considered associated with the philosophical understanding of the information concept as applied to the realities of the modern information society. The evolution of the notion [idea] of information is presented and on its basis the main philosophical concept of the concept “information” is elucidated. Various, sometimes opposing, scientific viewpoints on the problems under study have been analysed. The role of social information and the specifics of its relation with social processes are shown. The great significance of information systems and technologies for the development of modern society is demonstrated, which are at the same time the products of information processing and the means of its production. The important role of information systems in the management of information processes in modern society is explained.

Becoming a modern-day fireman

via Business: Career Advice Articles from EzineArticles.com

What is a fireman? At first look this is quite a silly question and the answer to this, for most people is obvious, a fireman is someone who puts out fires. However, if you want to become a fireman today then you need to fully understand the modern day role of the fireman and their role within society.

Read the full article

Wave of suicide sweeps China's graduate class

The Daily Telegraph reports that millions of students will graduate in China this year but with up to a third unable to get a job the number of suicides is soaring.

Dreadful story which I fear will be replicated across the world as the global crisis deepens.