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.

As you might expect, that comment stirred things up. See Martin’s post offered “in the spirit of debate,” Stephen’s rejoinder, and Martin’s suggestion that they continue the discussion off-line at an upcoming conference (both here).

If you haven’t already read the exchanges, do so. It’s an important topic engaged in a lively, informed, and even-tempered way by all involved.

But it’s too important a topic to leave off-line. So I’ll jump into the fray here in hopes that we can continue the public discussion and, perhaps, get others involved also.

To Stephen: Learning for free. It’s a great vision. But how on earth do we get there? We need nuts and bolts to move in that direction. How about providing some?

To Martin and Tony: SocialLearn (slides, video here) seems a remarkable idea given the constraints of working within an existing institution. But the vision (“make the education system adapt to the learner”) just doesn’t get it right. Stephen’s vision goes for the jugular. His may not be a vision that can blossom within the Open University (I have no knowledge here). But how about using “learning for free” as a way to expand the business models you consider? It’d be a marvelous strategic planning exercise.