Sunday, 15 June 2008
1/2/08 - Do I need to Evangelise?
I feel I need to start a eLearning forum at work. This will be a conduit for disseminating new techniques, software and equipment to lectures and support staff. I already have an offer of support from lecturers who will present their experience of using eLearning (interactive white boards voting tools, Internet etc.). I will be able to give out make FOSS known by having a slot showing them how to use FOSS instead of MS Office. I can give out a small questionnaire focused on their initial reactions etc. (not fully formed as an idea as yet but I will do.
1/2/08 - Do I need to Evangelise?
I feel I need to start a eLearning forum at work. This will be a conduit for disseminating new techniques, software and equipment to lectures and support staff. I already have an offer of support from lecturers who will present their experience of using eLearning (interactive white boards voting tools, Internet etc.). I will be able to give out make FOSS known by having a slot showing them how to use FOSS instead of MS Office. I can give out a small questionnaire focused on their initial reactions etc. (not fully formed as an idea as yet but I will do.
29/02/2008 - Stop and Reflect
I started reading “Doing your Research Project” by Judith Bell over the weekend. One question that came to mind is... Is my study moving to the “Grounded Theory”, Glaser and Strauss as I believe I have started with a question that I appear to be answering as my investigations move on. I have now uncovered that FOSS does have a Education version which has opened up a new area for me to investigate. I recognise I am quickly getting to the stage of information overload. I need to focus on the questionnaire. However, I believe this question is not to be rushed as I need to get this right. I feel I have focused on it too much and I am trying to rush it.
29/02/2008 - Stop and Reflect
I started reading “Doing your Research Project” by Judith Bell over the weekend. One question that came to mind is... Is my study moving to the “Grounded Theory”, Glaser and Strauss as I believe I have started with a question that I appear to be answering as my investigations move on. I have now uncovered that FOSS does have a Education version which has opened up a new area for me to investigate. I recognise I am quickly getting to the stage of information overload. I need to focus on the questionnaire. However, I believe this question is not to be rushed as I need to get this right. I feel I have focused on it too much and I am trying to rush it.
27/02/08 - Initial questionnaire problems
Decided to use the Intranet at Colchester Institute to deliver the questionnaire. The Intranet use Microsoft SharePoint Portal which is basically a CMS (Content management System) that allows those that have normal Microsoft Word skills to develop web pages as well as more advanced features such as Discussion boards and Surveys. It was the survey I was interested in as I knew I could develop a questionnaire very quickly.
After an hour's work I found that I was unable to add further questions. After checking on the Internet I found that SharePoint Portal is restricted on the type and the amount of questions that can be used:
64 questions of type - Single line of text and Choice (drop-down menu or radio buttons)
31 questions of type - Multiple lines of text and Choice (check boxes (allow multiple
sections))
32 questions of type - Number and currency
32 questions of type - Hyperlink
16 questions of type - Date and time
16 questions of type - Lookup
16 questions of type - Yes/No
8 questions of type - Calculated
I was using a simple yes/no questionnaire (quantitative) but was not able to finish it. I will think about the questionnaire again as it was quickly getting very large.
In the evening I joined an on-line conference with a work colleague. I was at home and he was still at work (teaching). used WebEx is designed for Windows, however, I noticed the technology was FOSS based (Java language) and I tried to see if it would work on my FOSS based laptop. Without much trouble we were connected using white boards and VOIP. We did not try video as I don't expect it would work as yet as I have not installed video drivers etc.
After an hour's work I found that I was unable to add further questions. After checking on the Internet I found that SharePoint Portal is restricted on the type and the amount of questions that can be used:
64 questions of type - Single line of text and Choice (drop-down menu or radio buttons)
31 questions of type - Multiple lines of text and Choice (check boxes (allow multiple
sections))
32 questions of type - Number and currency
32 questions of type - Hyperlink
16 questions of type - Date and time
16 questions of type - Lookup
16 questions of type - Yes/No
8 questions of type - Calculated
I was using a simple yes/no questionnaire (quantitative) but was not able to finish it. I will think about the questionnaire again as it was quickly getting very large.
In the evening I joined an on-line conference with a work colleague. I was at home and he was still at work (teaching). used WebEx is designed for Windows, however, I noticed the technology was FOSS based (Java language) and I tried to see if it would work on my FOSS based laptop. Without much trouble we were connected using white boards and VOIP. We did not try video as I don't expect it would work as yet as I have not installed video drivers etc.
27/02/08 - Initial questionnaire problems
Decided to use the Intranet at Colchester Institute to deliver the questionnaire. The Intranet use Microsoft SharePoint Portal which is basically a CMS (Content management System) that allows those that have normal Microsoft Word skills to develop web pages as well as more advanced features such as Discussion boards and Surveys. It was the survey I was interested in as I knew I could develop a questionnaire very quickly.
After an hour's work I found that I was unable to add further questions. After checking on the Internet I found that SharePoint Portal is restricted on the type and the amount of questions that can be used:
64 questions of type - Single line of text and Choice (drop-down menu or radio buttons)
31 questions of type - Multiple lines of text and Choice (check boxes (allow multiple
sections))
32 questions of type - Number and currency
32 questions of type - Hyperlink
16 questions of type - Date and time
16 questions of type - Lookup
16 questions of type - Yes/No
8 questions of type - Calculated
I was using a simple yes/no questionnaire (quantitative) but was not able to finish it. I will think about the questionnaire again as it was quickly getting very large.
In the evening I joined an on-line conference with a work colleague. I was at home and he was still at work (teaching). used WebEx is designed for Windows, however, I noticed the technology was FOSS based (Java language) and I tried to see if it would work on my FOSS based laptop. Without much trouble we were connected using white boards and VOIP. We did not try video as I don't expect it would work as yet as I have not installed video drivers etc.
After an hour's work I found that I was unable to add further questions. After checking on the Internet I found that SharePoint Portal is restricted on the type and the amount of questions that can be used:
64 questions of type - Single line of text and Choice (drop-down menu or radio buttons)
31 questions of type - Multiple lines of text and Choice (check boxes (allow multiple
sections))
32 questions of type - Number and currency
32 questions of type - Hyperlink
16 questions of type - Date and time
16 questions of type - Lookup
16 questions of type - Yes/No
8 questions of type - Calculated
I was using a simple yes/no questionnaire (quantitative) but was not able to finish it. I will think about the questionnaire again as it was quickly getting very large.
In the evening I joined an on-line conference with a work colleague. I was at home and he was still at work (teaching). used WebEx is designed for Windows, however, I noticed the technology was FOSS based (Java language) and I tried to see if it would work on my FOSS based laptop. Without much trouble we were connected using white boards and VOIP. We did not try video as I don't expect it would work as yet as I have not installed video drivers etc.
Saturday, 17 May 2008
26/02/08 - Questionnaire
I wish to explore which features of Office and other software available on the supplied computer network system is actually used by staff. This is necessary to ensure that alternative FOSS software is able to match and preferably surpass the currently supplied software.
Just spent an hour thinking and doodling on a piece of paper. I focused on the issue of the questionnaire. I tried to think about identifying a benchmark. The ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is a qualification that is non-platform specific.
I obtained the syllabus from their website to explore whether I could use it as a framework for the questionnaire.
Just spent an hour thinking and doodling on a piece of paper. I focused on the issue of the questionnaire. I tried to think about identifying a benchmark. The ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is a qualification that is non-platform specific.
I obtained the syllabus from their website to explore whether I could use it as a framework for the questionnaire.
26/02/08 - Questionnaire
I wish to explore which features of Office and other software available on the supplied computer network system is actually used by staff. This is necessary to ensure that alternative FOSS software is able to match and preferably surpass the currently supplied software.
Just spent an hour thinking and doodling on a piece of paper. I focused on the issue of the questionnaire. I tried to think about identifying a benchmark. The ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is a qualification that is non-platform specific.
I obtained the syllabus from their website to explore whether I could use it as a framework for the questionnaire.
Just spent an hour thinking and doodling on a piece of paper. I focused on the issue of the questionnaire. I tried to think about identifying a benchmark. The ECDL (European Computer Driving License) is a qualification that is non-platform specific.
I obtained the syllabus from their website to explore whether I could use it as a framework for the questionnaire.
24/02/2008 - Thoughts about a questionaire
THOUGHTS... I need to find out if Microsoft office is a barrier to students as they may not have Microsoft office on their home computers?
I helped my wife produce a PowerPoint tonight using a small section of a DVD. I copied the small segment of the DVD and converted it for Windows use inserted it in the PowerPoint she had created. Put this in the action plan to see if I can do this using FOSS.
Action Guide
Add last.fm radio station to my Ubuntu laptop
24th -
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Add Google desktop to my Ubuntu laptop
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Questionnaire - draft
29th
me
This will cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. I suspect that each area will have similar questions.
Try questionnaire out on Kathy Chilver's (IT lecturer) and refine.
week beginning 3rd March
Refine questionnaire
Develop questionnaire for on-line use so results go straight into a database
week beginning 10th
Once in a database I can carry statistics much easier.
Write up for in house newsletter explaining the need for my questionnaire
Newsletter goes to all staff across all campuses
Burn from dvd and convert to use on computer and insert into PowerPoint
Develop questionnaire aimed at students to see what access they have to our VLE (via their home computer and the Internet) and whether they have Microsoft Office (or parts thereof).
Identify a entry level book on “Change Management” (education organisations if poss).
I helped my wife produce a PowerPoint tonight using a small section of a DVD. I copied the small segment of the DVD and converted it for Windows use inserted it in the PowerPoint she had created. Put this in the action plan to see if I can do this using FOSS.
Action Guide
Add last.fm radio station to my Ubuntu laptop
24th -
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Add Google desktop to my Ubuntu laptop
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Questionnaire - draft
29th
me
This will cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. I suspect that each area will have similar questions.
Try questionnaire out on Kathy Chilver's (IT lecturer) and refine.
week beginning 3rd March
Refine questionnaire
Develop questionnaire for on-line use so results go straight into a database
week beginning 10th
Once in a database I can carry statistics much easier.
Write up for in house newsletter explaining the need for my questionnaire
Newsletter goes to all staff across all campuses
Burn from dvd and convert to use on computer and insert into PowerPoint
Develop questionnaire aimed at students to see what access they have to our VLE (via their home computer and the Internet) and whether they have Microsoft Office (or parts thereof).
Identify a entry level book on “Change Management” (education organisations if poss).
24/02/2008 - Thoughts about a questionaire
THOUGHTS... I need to find out if Microsoft office is a barrier to students as they may not have Microsoft office on their home computers?
I helped my wife produce a PowerPoint tonight using a small section of a DVD. I copied the small segment of the DVD and converted it for Windows use inserted it in the PowerPoint she had created. Put this in the action plan to see if I can do this using FOSS.
Action Guide
Add last.fm radio station to my Ubuntu laptop
24th -
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Add Google desktop to my Ubuntu laptop
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Questionnaire - draft
29th
me
This will cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. I suspect that each area will have similar questions.
Try questionnaire out on Kathy Chilver's (IT lecturer) and refine.
week beginning 3rd March
Refine questionnaire
Develop questionnaire for on-line use so results go straight into a database
week beginning 10th
Once in a database I can carry statistics much easier.
Write up for in house newsletter explaining the need for my questionnaire
Newsletter goes to all staff across all campuses
Burn from dvd and convert to use on computer and insert into PowerPoint
Develop questionnaire aimed at students to see what access they have to our VLE (via their home computer and the Internet) and whether they have Microsoft Office (or parts thereof).
Identify a entry level book on “Change Management” (education organisations if poss).
I helped my wife produce a PowerPoint tonight using a small section of a DVD. I copied the small segment of the DVD and converted it for Windows use inserted it in the PowerPoint she had created. Put this in the action plan to see if I can do this using FOSS.
Action Guide
Add last.fm radio station to my Ubuntu laptop
24th -
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Add Google desktop to my Ubuntu laptop
me
This was installed on my Windows XP desktop
Questionnaire - draft
29th
me
This will cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. I suspect that each area will have similar questions.
Try questionnaire out on Kathy Chilver's (IT lecturer) and refine.
week beginning 3rd March
Refine questionnaire
Develop questionnaire for on-line use so results go straight into a database
week beginning 10th
Once in a database I can carry statistics much easier.
Write up for in house newsletter explaining the need for my questionnaire
Newsletter goes to all staff across all campuses
Burn from dvd and convert to use on computer and insert into PowerPoint
Develop questionnaire aimed at students to see what access they have to our VLE (via their home computer and the Internet) and whether they have Microsoft Office (or parts thereof).
Identify a entry level book on “Change Management” (education organisations if poss).
23/02/08 - Reading material
I have ordered two books from Amazon:
“Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition)”, Judith Bells
Writing Your Dissertation: The Best Selling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work (The How to Series): Derek Swetnam.
These are in addition to the books I have out from the library and on-loan from my mentor.
“Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition)”, Judith Bells
Writing Your Dissertation: The Best Selling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work (The How to Series): Derek Swetnam.
These are in addition to the books I have out from the library and on-loan from my mentor.
23/02/08 - Reading material
I have ordered two books from Amazon:
“Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition)”, Judith Bells
Writing Your Dissertation: The Best Selling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work (The How to Series): Derek Swetnam.
These are in addition to the books I have out from the library and on-loan from my mentor.
“Doing your Research Project: A Guide for First-Time Researchers in Education, Health and Social Science (4th Edition)”, Judith Bells
Writing Your Dissertation: The Best Selling Guide to Planning, Preparing and Presenting First-Class Work (The How to Series): Derek Swetnam.
These are in addition to the books I have out from the library and on-loan from my mentor.
22/02/08 - Where is the academic comparisons
I realise I am very new to research, but I just cannot find unbiased comparisons between Microsoft and Open Office. I would like to construct a matrix to show functions available in each but it is extremely time consuming and I am not sure if the the benefit I am was originally looking for will be realised. Maybe, this is why there appears to be very little factual comparisons as perception and resistance to change could have more influence on peoples choice rather then what the products can offer, especially if the features and functions are not used/needed.
If anyone can put me in the direction of information sources that may assist then please leave a comment. This is a useful comparison between Microsoft and Open Office, however I consider it to be (understandably) biased.
If anyone can put me in the direction of information sources that may assist then please leave a comment. This is a useful comparison between Microsoft and Open Office, however I consider it to be (understandably) biased.
22/02/08 - Where is the academic comparisons
I realise I am very new to research, but I just cannot find unbiased comparisons between Microsoft and Open Office. I would like to construct a matrix to show functions available in each but it is extremely time consuming and I am not sure if the the benefit I am was originally looking for will be realised. Maybe, this is why there appears to be very little factual comparisons as perception and resistance to change could have more influence on peoples choice rather then what the products can offer, especially if the features and functions are not used/needed.
If anyone can put me in the direction of information sources that may assist then please leave a comment. This is a useful comparison between Microsoft and Open Office, however I consider it to be (understandably) biased.
If anyone can put me in the direction of information sources that may assist then please leave a comment. This is a useful comparison between Microsoft and Open Office, however I consider it to be (understandably) biased.
21/02/08 - Be brave and commit to FOSS
I decided that I need to remove Windows from my laptop completely as I kept switching it on to use rather than Ubuntu (FOSS). I took a big breath and installed Ubuntu 7.04 (aka Gutsy Gibbon) over the top of Windows and therefore my laptop is now only FOSS. I now have the challenge of using only FOSS.
Fig 1 Screen shot of desktop view of Ubuntu.
Have a close look at the right-hand bottom of the screen. You will see two squares, one dark and one light. Ubuntu offers two desktops, what a fantastic idea; I can be working on my academic work on one and just flick on the other desktop where I am working on images or putting PowerPoints, opps sorry presentations together. Now that was an interesting slip-up. Has Microsoft done such a good job in marketing that I think all presentations are PowerPoints, this is like saying all vacuum cleaners are 'hoovers'. I wonder what others think of my thought... please comment.
The desktop of Ubuntu is very similar to early Apple Macs. It is based on the Gnome interface which I find is extremely simple easy and just do what I need without spending time hunting. This is just one graphical user interface, there are many others, some that look similar to Windows XP and Vista.
Interestingly my daughter has asked to have Ubuntu installed on her laptop as she loves how quick my laptop is now. I have said that I will back-up her laptop and then install Ubuntu on it. With the backup saved I can always bring her laptop back to how it was before installing Ubuntu. Clearly, I now have another source of research for my studies.
Fig 1 Screen shot of desktop view of Ubuntu.
Have a close look at the right-hand bottom of the screen. You will see two squares, one dark and one light. Ubuntu offers two desktops, what a fantastic idea; I can be working on my academic work on one and just flick on the other desktop where I am working on images or putting PowerPoints, opps sorry presentations together. Now that was an interesting slip-up. Has Microsoft done such a good job in marketing that I think all presentations are PowerPoints, this is like saying all vacuum cleaners are 'hoovers'. I wonder what others think of my thought... please comment.
The desktop of Ubuntu is very similar to early Apple Macs. It is based on the Gnome interface which I find is extremely simple easy and just do what I need without spending time hunting. This is just one graphical user interface, there are many others, some that look similar to Windows XP and Vista.
Interestingly my daughter has asked to have Ubuntu installed on her laptop as she loves how quick my laptop is now. I have said that I will back-up her laptop and then install Ubuntu on it. With the backup saved I can always bring her laptop back to how it was before installing Ubuntu. Clearly, I now have another source of research for my studies.
21/02/08 - Be brave and commit to FOSS
I decided that I need to remove Windows from my laptop completely as I kept switching it on to use rather than Ubuntu (FOSS). I took a big breath and installed Ubuntu 7.04 (aka Gutsy Gibbon) over the top of Windows and therefore my laptop is now only FOSS. I now have the challenge of using only FOSS.
Fig 1 Screen shot of desktop view of Ubuntu.
Have a close look at the right-hand bottom of the screen. You will see two squares, one dark and one light. Ubuntu offers two desktops, what a fantastic idea; I can be working on my academic work on one and just flick on the other desktop where I am working on images or putting PowerPoints, opps sorry presentations together. Now that was an interesting slip-up. Has Microsoft done such a good job in marketing that I think all presentations are PowerPoints, this is like saying all vacuum cleaners are 'hoovers'. I wonder what others think of my thought... please comment.
The desktop of Ubuntu is very similar to early Apple Macs. It is based on the Gnome interface which I find is extremely simple easy and just do what I need without spending time hunting. This is just one graphical user interface, there are many others, some that look similar to Windows XP and Vista.
Interestingly my daughter has asked to have Ubuntu installed on her laptop as she loves how quick my laptop is now. I have said that I will back-up her laptop and then install Ubuntu on it. With the backup saved I can always bring her laptop back to how it was before installing Ubuntu. Clearly, I now have another source of research for my studies.
Fig 1 Screen shot of desktop view of Ubuntu.
Have a close look at the right-hand bottom of the screen. You will see two squares, one dark and one light. Ubuntu offers two desktops, what a fantastic idea; I can be working on my academic work on one and just flick on the other desktop where I am working on images or putting PowerPoints, opps sorry presentations together. Now that was an interesting slip-up. Has Microsoft done such a good job in marketing that I think all presentations are PowerPoints, this is like saying all vacuum cleaners are 'hoovers'. I wonder what others think of my thought... please comment.
The desktop of Ubuntu is very similar to early Apple Macs. It is based on the Gnome interface which I find is extremely simple easy and just do what I need without spending time hunting. This is just one graphical user interface, there are many others, some that look similar to Windows XP and Vista.
Interestingly my daughter has asked to have Ubuntu installed on her laptop as she loves how quick my laptop is now. I have said that I will back-up her laptop and then install Ubuntu on it. With the backup saved I can always bring her laptop back to how it was before installing Ubuntu. Clearly, I now have another source of research for my studies.
20/02/08 - One of many unproductive days
The following extract from my journal is the only one I recorded in relation to the frustration of finding time.
Oh I wish that just because "I said I would do something it could happen". I spent another day flat out and the evening was also very busy... so nothing has been done.. I did manage to spend a little time on the Internet looking to see if there is any matrix already done for comparing Microsoft Office against Open Office. I had some success, but nothing to the granularity I need. So I guess it is up-to-me. I could not even find a specification from Microsoft on the features of Microsoft Office.
No-one an change the situation apart from me. So I will have to construct strategies to ensure that I balance my studies, family and work in a framework that can co-exist.
Oh I wish that just because "I said I would do something it could happen". I spent another day flat out and the evening was also very busy... so nothing has been done.. I did manage to spend a little time on the Internet looking to see if there is any matrix already done for comparing Microsoft Office against Open Office. I had some success, but nothing to the granularity I need. So I guess it is up-to-me. I could not even find a specification from Microsoft on the features of Microsoft Office.
No-one an change the situation apart from me. So I will have to construct strategies to ensure that I balance my studies, family and work in a framework that can co-exist.
20/02/08 - One of many unproductive days
The following extract from my journal is the only one I recorded in relation to the frustration of finding time.
Oh I wish that just because "I said I would do something it could happen". I spent another day flat out and the evening was also very busy... so nothing has been done.. I did manage to spend a little time on the Internet looking to see if there is any matrix already done for comparing Microsoft Office against Open Office. I had some success, but nothing to the granularity I need. So I guess it is up-to-me. I could not even find a specification from Microsoft on the features of Microsoft Office.
No-one an change the situation apart from me. So I will have to construct strategies to ensure that I balance my studies, family and work in a framework that can co-exist.
Oh I wish that just because "I said I would do something it could happen". I spent another day flat out and the evening was also very busy... so nothing has been done.. I did manage to spend a little time on the Internet looking to see if there is any matrix already done for comparing Microsoft Office against Open Office. I had some success, but nothing to the granularity I need. So I guess it is up-to-me. I could not even find a specification from Microsoft on the features of Microsoft Office.
No-one an change the situation apart from me. So I will have to construct strategies to ensure that I balance my studies, family and work in a framework that can co-exist.
190/02/2008 - Initial exploration of Ubuntu and FOSS
This is the day I felt the research has started for 'real'. Instead of using the Microsoft Office word processor 'Word', I am using Open Office word processor named simply... Word Processor My initial reaction is that Open Office is just as easy and powerful as Microsoft Word. I have found out that I can save Open Office files as Microsoft Office files. I am assuming that Chris is using Microsoft Office 2000/XP and therefore I have also saved these files in that format as well as the normal Open Office format. Open Office has a large amount of differing formats that it can save the file as.
Interestingly Microsoft Office does not recognise the Open Office format at all, but Open Office will open Microsoft formats with no problem.
Interestingly Microsoft Office does not recognise the Open Office format at all, but Open Office will open Microsoft formats with no problem.
190/02/2008 - Initial exploration of Ubuntu and FOSS
This is the day I felt the research has started for 'real'. Instead of using the Microsoft Office word processor 'Word', I am using Open Office word processor named simply... Word Processor My initial reaction is that Open Office is just as easy and powerful as Microsoft Word. I have found out that I can save Open Office files as Microsoft Office files. I am assuming that Chris is using Microsoft Office 2000/XP and therefore I have also saved these files in that format as well as the normal Open Office format. Open Office has a large amount of differing formats that it can save the file as.
Interestingly Microsoft Office does not recognise the Open Office format at all, but Open Office will open Microsoft formats with no problem.
Interestingly Microsoft Office does not recognise the Open Office format at all, but Open Office will open Microsoft formats with no problem.
14/02/08 - Time to reflect on progress
The driving force for this web log has come from my experiences during my current module of my MA (Ed). During my research I have come to realise the power of communication and that BLOGGING is not an idle past time, "[but can also] serve as a proxy for observation in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for direct observation to take place" (Robson. C, 2003).
I believe I was at the point were I could see the full landscape ahead as far a my dissertation was concerned and decided that this was the right time to reflect on my proposal and refine my study schedule with my Mentor. My Mentor and I had been in communication and we arranged to have our initial meeting.
I traveled to meet Chris Lavender (Mentor) at her place of academic work/study. The meeting focused completely on the task ahead and was extremely exploitative in terms of my academic plans, reflective practice and general study practices. Chris quickly gave me a 'reality check' in relation to how educational organisations work and was able to see straight through my proposal. All the potential problems were just "jumping out at me". At the end of the meeting I felt 100% better and definitely more focused.
Chris wrote up notes from our meeting and posted them to me. Chris also sent excellent notes on a variety of research issues as well as a couple of extra emails with her reflective thoughts. These extra emails are much appreciated especially the point about considering using a matrix.
Reference:
Robson. C, (2003) Real World Research Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
I believe I was at the point were I could see the full landscape ahead as far a my dissertation was concerned and decided that this was the right time to reflect on my proposal and refine my study schedule with my Mentor. My Mentor and I had been in communication and we arranged to have our initial meeting.
I traveled to meet Chris Lavender (Mentor) at her place of academic work/study. The meeting focused completely on the task ahead and was extremely exploitative in terms of my academic plans, reflective practice and general study practices. Chris quickly gave me a 'reality check' in relation to how educational organisations work and was able to see straight through my proposal. All the potential problems were just "jumping out at me". At the end of the meeting I felt 100% better and definitely more focused.
Chris wrote up notes from our meeting and posted them to me. Chris also sent excellent notes on a variety of research issues as well as a couple of extra emails with her reflective thoughts. These extra emails are much appreciated especially the point about considering using a matrix.
Reference:
Robson. C, (2003) Real World Research Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
14/02/08 - Time to reflect on progress
The driving force for this web log has come from my experiences during my current module of my MA (Ed). During my research I have come to realise the power of communication and that BLOGGING is not an idle past time, "[but can also] serve as a proxy for observation in situations where it would be difficult or impossible for direct observation to take place" (Robson. C, 2003).
I believe I was at the point were I could see the full landscape ahead as far a my dissertation was concerned and decided that this was the right time to reflect on my proposal and refine my study schedule with my Mentor. My Mentor and I had been in communication and we arranged to have our initial meeting.
I traveled to meet Chris Lavender (Mentor) at her place of academic work/study. The meeting focused completely on the task ahead and was extremely exploitative in terms of my academic plans, reflective practice and general study practices. Chris quickly gave me a 'reality check' in relation to how educational organisations work and was able to see straight through my proposal. All the potential problems were just "jumping out at me". At the end of the meeting I felt 100% better and definitely more focused.
Chris wrote up notes from our meeting and posted them to me. Chris also sent excellent notes on a variety of research issues as well as a couple of extra emails with her reflective thoughts. These extra emails are much appreciated especially the point about considering using a matrix.
Reference:
Robson. C, (2003) Real World Research Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
I believe I was at the point were I could see the full landscape ahead as far a my dissertation was concerned and decided that this was the right time to reflect on my proposal and refine my study schedule with my Mentor. My Mentor and I had been in communication and we arranged to have our initial meeting.
I traveled to meet Chris Lavender (Mentor) at her place of academic work/study. The meeting focused completely on the task ahead and was extremely exploitative in terms of my academic plans, reflective practice and general study practices. Chris quickly gave me a 'reality check' in relation to how educational organisations work and was able to see straight through my proposal. All the potential problems were just "jumping out at me". At the end of the meeting I felt 100% better and definitely more focused.
Chris wrote up notes from our meeting and posted them to me. Chris also sent excellent notes on a variety of research issues as well as a couple of extra emails with her reflective thoughts. These extra emails are much appreciated especially the point about considering using a matrix.
Reference:
Robson. C, (2003) Real World Research Oxford: Blackwell Publishing
4/02/08 - Windows and Ubuntu together
I took my laptop to work as I believe it was time to compare both Windows and Ubuntu within the work environment. The laptop appeared stable using either operating system. I now need to think further on how I can wean myself off Windows. I guess I need to use my laptop as Windows and identify everything I use it for and then try and see how Ubuntu will “handle” the same functions, as well as identify suitable FOSS replacements for the software application I currently use.
4/02/08 - Windows and Ubuntu together
I took my laptop to work as I believe it was time to compare both Windows and Ubuntu within the work environment. The laptop appeared stable using either operating system. I now need to think further on how I can wean myself off Windows. I guess I need to use my laptop as Windows and identify everything I use it for and then try and see how Ubuntu will “handle” the same functions, as well as identify suitable FOSS replacements for the software application I currently use.
30/01/2008 - The start of my FOSS adventure
The following few posts will consist of back filling my posts with my previous experience of FOSS to bring me to the present time...
I obtained a copy of Ubuntu (Gutsy Gibbon version) and after reading community sites and magazines to find out how to load it onto a PC with Windows already installed, I planned out my install. Clearly if I am to install Ubuntu onto my current laptop then I need to ensure that it does not affect my current installation of Windows. I am not yet brave enough (or silly enough :-)) to risk affecting my normal Windows system. Clearly, I am not yet confident that FOSS will replace Windows for supplying my day-to-day IT needs.
The Presentation (link to follow) shows my preparation and subsequent install of Ubuntu onto my laptop (AKA my PC). I used a camera and capture screen shots as the main content.
Once Ubuntu was installed I completed a full backup of my laptop to ensure I can always restore my laptop to a fully working 'Windows and Ubuntu' laptop.
I obtained a copy of Ubuntu (Gutsy Gibbon version) and after reading community sites and magazines to find out how to load it onto a PC with Windows already installed, I planned out my install. Clearly if I am to install Ubuntu onto my current laptop then I need to ensure that it does not affect my current installation of Windows. I am not yet brave enough (or silly enough :-)) to risk affecting my normal Windows system. Clearly, I am not yet confident that FOSS will replace Windows for supplying my day-to-day IT needs.
The Presentation (link to follow) shows my preparation and subsequent install of Ubuntu onto my laptop (AKA my PC). I used a camera and capture screen shots as the main content.
Once Ubuntu was installed I completed a full backup of my laptop to ensure I can always restore my laptop to a fully working 'Windows and Ubuntu' laptop.
30/01/2008 - The start of my FOSS adventure
The following few posts will consist of back filling my posts with my previous experience of FOSS to bring me to the present time...
I obtained a copy of Ubuntu (Gutsy Gibbon version) and after reading community sites and magazines to find out how to load it onto a PC with Windows already installed, I planned out my install. Clearly if I am to install Ubuntu onto my current laptop then I need to ensure that it does not affect my current installation of Windows. I am not yet brave enough (or silly enough :-)) to risk affecting my normal Windows system. Clearly, I am not yet confident that FOSS will replace Windows for supplying my day-to-day IT needs.
The Presentation (link to follow) shows my preparation and subsequent install of Ubuntu onto my laptop (AKA my PC). I used a camera and capture screen shots as the main content.
Once Ubuntu was installed I completed a full backup of my laptop to ensure I can always restore my laptop to a fully working 'Windows and Ubuntu' laptop.
I obtained a copy of Ubuntu (Gutsy Gibbon version) and after reading community sites and magazines to find out how to load it onto a PC with Windows already installed, I planned out my install. Clearly if I am to install Ubuntu onto my current laptop then I need to ensure that it does not affect my current installation of Windows. I am not yet brave enough (or silly enough :-)) to risk affecting my normal Windows system. Clearly, I am not yet confident that FOSS will replace Windows for supplying my day-to-day IT needs.
The Presentation (link to follow) shows my preparation and subsequent install of Ubuntu onto my laptop (AKA my PC). I used a camera and capture screen shots as the main content.
Once Ubuntu was installed I completed a full backup of my laptop to ensure I can always restore my laptop to a fully working 'Windows and Ubuntu' laptop.
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
What is "Free"
FOSS or FLOSS is free (as in beer) to the end user. However FOSS is not developed at no cost! There are donations via open source enthusiasts, thousands of hours given freely by community developers (a cost in time to them) and large single donations from commercial giants such as Google in ventures such as the regular 'summer of code'. Clearly, costs can be attributed to the creation of the software and therefore the term "free" applies to the end user.
There is another aspect of 'free' that we must consider. The software is not restricted by the usual use copyright, but uses licences that ensures its freedom.
So if the software does not involve any immediate financial cost to the end user, why do companies such as Red Hat and SUSE give away free versions of their linux operating systems and still manage to continually increase their profit margin.
I suggest that by giving their product away, these companies such as Red Hat obtain very high quality research & development (R & D) and user feedback for absolutely no cost. This R & D carried out on the software can be fed back into their next commercially released product with a high confidence level of market success.
This practice of having peer-reviewed code ensures that security, robustness and performance of the product will be of the highest level and therefore there is a win-win situation for both the software company and the wider community:
1] The software company has a product that can be marketed at a very competitive price and I suggest; even more importantly, offer paid-for support for a product that is proven to be very stable and perform as expected.
2] The wider community (you and me) have the benefit of obtaining a product for free that is no more than one release cycle behind the commercially supported version.
An interesting slight variation to the above business model can be seen from a supplier of a linux varient called Ubuntu. Mark Shuttleworth is the founder of this very popular product. The product is backed by a Canonical Ltd. Canonical actually gives CD versions away for free via the Ubuntu website in addition to the usual download facilities. The business model appears to be very similar to the original Linux commercial providers, however Ubuntu is focused more on the desktop user in direct competition to Windows and Apple. Merchandise and technical support as well as bleeding edge development in mobile technology is clearly seen as a focus of the company.
As an educator one aspect of Canonical offering that interests me is a version called edubuntu. The attractiveness of this varient is its focus on educational needs and the included educational software bundled with it. In addition, as edubuntu will opperate quite successfuly on 4-8 year old computers within a thin or thick client environment the couple of hundred computers that my college pay to have dumped every year may have a new least of life.
There is another aspect of 'free' that we must consider. The software is not restricted by the usual use copyright, but uses licences that ensures its freedom.
So if the software does not involve any immediate financial cost to the end user, why do companies such as Red Hat and SUSE give away free versions of their linux operating systems and still manage to continually increase their profit margin.
I suggest that by giving their product away, these companies such as Red Hat obtain very high quality research & development (R & D) and user feedback for absolutely no cost. This R & D carried out on the software can be fed back into their next commercially released product with a high confidence level of market success.
This practice of having peer-reviewed code ensures that security, robustness and performance of the product will be of the highest level and therefore there is a win-win situation for both the software company and the wider community:
1] The software company has a product that can be marketed at a very competitive price and I suggest; even more importantly, offer paid-for support for a product that is proven to be very stable and perform as expected.
2] The wider community (you and me) have the benefit of obtaining a product for free that is no more than one release cycle behind the commercially supported version.
An interesting slight variation to the above business model can be seen from a supplier of a linux varient called Ubuntu. Mark Shuttleworth is the founder of this very popular product. The product is backed by a Canonical Ltd. Canonical actually gives CD versions away for free via the Ubuntu website in addition to the usual download facilities. The business model appears to be very similar to the original Linux commercial providers, however Ubuntu is focused more on the desktop user in direct competition to Windows and Apple. Merchandise and technical support as well as bleeding edge development in mobile technology is clearly seen as a focus of the company.
As an educator one aspect of Canonical offering that interests me is a version called edubuntu. The attractiveness of this varient is its focus on educational needs and the included educational software bundled with it. In addition, as edubuntu will opperate quite successfuly on 4-8 year old computers within a thin or thick client environment the couple of hundred computers that my college pay to have dumped every year may have a new least of life.
What is "Free"
FOSS or FLOSS is free (as in beer) to the end user. However FOSS is not developed at no cost! There are donations via open source enthusiasts, thousands of hours given freely by community developers (a cost in time to them) and large single donations from commercial giants such as Google in ventures such as the regular 'summer of code'. Clearly, costs can be attributed to the creation of the software and therefore the term "free" applies to the end user.
There is another aspect of 'free' that we must consider. The software is not restricted by the usual use copyright, but uses licences that ensures its freedom.
So if the software does not involve any immediate financial cost to the end user, why do companies such as Red Hat and SUSE give away free versions of their linux operating systems and still manage to continually increase their profit margin.
I suggest that by giving their product away, these companies such as Red Hat obtain very high quality research & development (R & D) and user feedback for absolutely no cost. This R & D carried out on the software can be fed back into their next commercially released product with a high confidence level of market success.
This practice of having peer-reviewed code ensures that security, robustness and performance of the product will be of the highest level and therefore there is a win-win situation for both the software company and the wider community:
1] The software company has a product that can be marketed at a very competitive price and I suggest; even more importantly, offer paid-for support for a product that is proven to be very stable and perform as expected.
2] The wider community (you and me) have the benefit of obtaining a product for free that is no more than one release cycle behind the commercially supported version.
An interesting slight variation to the above business model can be seen from a supplier of a linux varient called Ubuntu. Mark Shuttleworth is the founder of this very popular product. The product is backed by a Canonical Ltd. Canonical actually gives CD versions away for free via the Ubuntu website in addition to the usual download facilities. The business model appears to be very similar to the original Linux commercial providers, however Ubuntu is focused more on the desktop user in direct competition to Windows and Apple. Merchandise and technical support as well as bleeding edge development in mobile technology is clearly seen as a focus of the company.
As an educator one aspect of Canonical offering that interests me is a version called edubuntu. The attractiveness of this varient is its focus on educational needs and the included educational software bundled with it. In addition, as edubuntu will opperate quite successfuly on 4-8 year old computers within a thin or thick client environment the couple of hundred computers that my college pay to have dumped every year may have a new least of life.
There is another aspect of 'free' that we must consider. The software is not restricted by the usual use copyright, but uses licences that ensures its freedom.
So if the software does not involve any immediate financial cost to the end user, why do companies such as Red Hat and SUSE give away free versions of their linux operating systems and still manage to continually increase their profit margin.
I suggest that by giving their product away, these companies such as Red Hat obtain very high quality research & development (R & D) and user feedback for absolutely no cost. This R & D carried out on the software can be fed back into their next commercially released product with a high confidence level of market success.
This practice of having peer-reviewed code ensures that security, robustness and performance of the product will be of the highest level and therefore there is a win-win situation for both the software company and the wider community:
1] The software company has a product that can be marketed at a very competitive price and I suggest; even more importantly, offer paid-for support for a product that is proven to be very stable and perform as expected.
2] The wider community (you and me) have the benefit of obtaining a product for free that is no more than one release cycle behind the commercially supported version.
An interesting slight variation to the above business model can be seen from a supplier of a linux varient called Ubuntu. Mark Shuttleworth is the founder of this very popular product. The product is backed by a Canonical Ltd. Canonical actually gives CD versions away for free via the Ubuntu website in addition to the usual download facilities. The business model appears to be very similar to the original Linux commercial providers, however Ubuntu is focused more on the desktop user in direct competition to Windows and Apple. Merchandise and technical support as well as bleeding edge development in mobile technology is clearly seen as a focus of the company.
As an educator one aspect of Canonical offering that interests me is a version called edubuntu. The attractiveness of this varient is its focus on educational needs and the included educational software bundled with it. In addition, as edubuntu will opperate quite successfuly on 4-8 year old computers within a thin or thick client environment the couple of hundred computers that my college pay to have dumped every year may have a new least of life.
Monday, 12 May 2008
The purpose of ICT / ILT
I see ICT/ILT (depending on whether you are a school or FE/HE teacher) as an addition to the teaching and learning "toolbox" to be used only when appropriate. I suggest that there is a sense within teaching that unless ICT/ILT is part of every single lesson and that the latest technology is being used, the teacher and by implication the school/college is seen as "being behind.
The image of gadgets and gizmo's within teaching is to be welcomed as "variety is the spice of life" (see 40 gadgets in 40 minutes by Andy Black http://flux.futurelab.org.uk/about/panel/ ); however do not mistake the use of these as providing a variety of teaching methods . It is not the gadgets and gizmo's that provide the variety of teaching methods, it is the way you use them and for what purpose that will support your lesson and the students' learning.
This sense of need to be "seen" to be using the latest and greatest has led to a proliferation of IT and ICT/ILT over the last 10 years; which has been fueled in part by government initiatives and marketing by hardware and software companies. Although I truly believe ICT/ILT must be an integral part of education, I am concerned by how much money is invested and whether some of this money would be better used in other areas of teaching, e.g. smaller class numbers and tutorial support.
Over the last five years I have become interested in FOSS (free and open source software). This software is built by a community of developers for free and in many cases match the current paid for offerings from the commercial environment.
"[FOSS] approaches are only beginning to be explored in education and at the present time the research literature is partial and fragmented"(Futurelab, 2006) . I therefore hope that this blog will be a suitable vehicle to report on my own experiences of attempting to immerse myself (leisure and professional life) in FOSS and to see if I can actually divorce myself from commercial software solutions to FOSS solutions.
Reference
Dillon, T, Bacon, S (2006) The potential of open source approaches for education, Futurelab, Bristol, pp 10
The purpose of ICT / ILT
I see ICT/ILT (depending on whether you are a school or FE/HE teacher) as an addition to the teaching and learning "toolbox" to be used only when appropriate. I suggest that there is a sense within teaching that unless ICT/ILT is part of every single lesson and that the latest technology is being used, the teacher and by implication the school/college is seen as "being behind.
The image of gadgets and gizmo's within teaching is to be welcomed as "variety is the spice of life" (see 40 gadgets in 40 minutes by Andy Black http://flux.futurelab.org.uk/about/panel/ ); however do not mistake the use of these as providing a variety of teaching methods . It is not the gadgets and gizmo's that provide the variety of teaching methods, it is the way you use them and for what purpose that will support your lesson and the students' learning.
This sense of need to be "seen" to be using the latest and greatest has led to a proliferation of IT and ICT/ILT over the last 10 years; which has been fueled in part by government initiatives and marketing by hardware and software companies. Although I truly believe ICT/ILT must be an integral part of education, I am concerned by how much money is invested and whether some of this money would be better used in other areas of teaching, e.g. smaller class numbers and tutorial support.
Over the last five years I have become interested in FOSS (free and open source software). This software is built by a community of developers for free and in many cases match the current paid for offerings from the commercial environment.
"[FOSS] approaches are only beginning to be explored in education and at the present time the research literature is partial and fragmented"(Futurelab, 2006) . I therefore hope that this blog will be a suitable vehicle to report on my own experiences of attempting to immerse myself (leisure and professional life) in FOSS and to see if I can actually divorce myself from commercial software solutions to FOSS solutions.
Reference
Dillon, T, Bacon, S (2006) The potential of open source approaches for education, Futurelab, Bristol, pp 10
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