Re: SocialLearn presentation in Elluminate

Lately I’ve been pondering whether there is anything in elearning comparable to Linus Torvalds’ kernel that launched Linux. I’m looking for a “kernel” that would be both open source and free, something that might extend the LAMP stack into learning. There are bits and pieces it seems, and my search is not complete, but my present inclination is to say that nothing like this exists.

One of the candidates still on my list is SocialLearn, even though it is being developed within an institution (Open University) and is neither open source or freely available. It does, however, contain many of the features that might make a good “kernel.” For example, it uses a modular design built around open APIs, which permits considerable flexibility and easy personalization for learners.

Recently Martin Weller of OU gave a demo of SocialLearn set within the broader context of changes in higher education. The presentation was arranged and moderated by George Siemens using Elluminate. This is great stuff. Definitely worthwhile.

Graham Attwell has an interesting comment on the business models evident in SocialLearn.

George Siemens’ comments and questions to Martin are excellent and provide a poignant reminder that change comes with a dear cost for those institutions least capable or prepared to adapt. My own sense is that the most emergent changes are not likely to start in institutions (e.g., Open University). Rather they will start among the most difficult to reach populations where a quality education is better than no education, where financial resources are severely constrained, and where teaching talent may be scattered and not in sufficient supply. See, for example, the work of Derek Keats and the African Virtual Open Initiatives and Resources (AVOIR).

If I’m right in this guess about incubation, then the diffusion into existing higher education may be more evolutionary than revolutionary. I sincerely hope this is the case.

These truly are exciting times.