Design matters

Originally uploaded by schwier.

In case you ever question the importance of design.

Bug Me Not

Colin meantioned the soul-destroying effect of being required to register for newspapers and other items, and I couldn't agree more. Alec Couros' blog introduced me to http://www.bugmenot.com/", a very useful site that gets around the problem, or at least the problem of actually registering under your own identity. It identifies valid username/passwords to many major online publications. As far as I know, it is restricted to free publications, so I don't think there is any legal issue involved.

The New York Times Technology Circuits In the Classroom Web Logs Are the New Bulletin Boards

The New York Times Technology Circuits In the Classroom: Web Logs Are the New Bulletin Boards [Soul-eating registration required] -- Don't get me wrong, I think blogging is great, but many of the 'findings' in this article were the same things said about bulletin board systems. If you take the title to a logical conclusion, not only are blogs the new bulletin boards, but they probably have the same limitations that BBSs had, as well.

Usability test software tool: Excel data logger

If you've been looking for some excellent tools to support your collection and analysis of usability data, here is a really nice implementation of an Excel Workbook to do the job. This spreadsheet is customizable, and it allows you to measure task completion rates, analyse questionnaire data, and summarise participant comments. It even includes a timer so you can measure time-on-task. It does employ Java macros, so you may need to custom install this feature from your Microsoft Office install disc if you haven't already.

It was created by Todd Zazelenchuk (the pride of Kyle, Saskatchewan) and it is available free under a Creative Commons License.

Usability test software tool: Excel data logger

SSHRC Research Clusters Design Grants

SSHRC is promoting a program of small grants (30K) to develop position papers and identify strategic research priorities for the organization. We have a couple of ideas, notably extending the research program we already have underway, but we haven't yet had a chance to discuss it or make any plans. But if it means that we can help define the national research agenda for the next while, I think we all need to participate. Any thoughts? You can check out the call for letters of interest at:

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Research Clusters Design Grants

Educational Technology Conference Calendar

Here's a great tool created by Dan Schellenberg and Alec Couros. I'm constantly wondering when a particular conference is happening (or where in the winter), or I'm looking for a conference that would be appropriate for presenting a paper. Dan and Alec have created a calendar of upcoming conferences in educational technology. A terrific feature is that anyone can add to the calendar -- so if you hear of a conference that isn't yet posted, you can add it here. Nice community feature! Have a look at the Educational Technology Conferences Calendar and pass along the word to others if you like it.

Blogger Help : What is BlogThis! ?

Blogger Help : What is BlogThis! ? -- Just passing along a tip -- if you want to quickly post to this blog -- whether you use IE, Safari, Mozilla, etc., just drag the "BlogThis!" link found in the third paragraph of this page to your browser's link bar -- tada! So, when you are surfing and find something you want to post, hit the "BlogThis!" link, a new window will open, type your comment and publish. Seconds later your brilliance will be available in which all may bask.