Nortel Networks' Kidz Online Site ... And Open Standards

This is sort of a cross-post from my other blog, but I thought it is worth mentioning as I thought about Rick's recent email regarding his (and Jay Wilson's) upcoming AECT presentation titled "A Grand Purpose for ID". I think it's relevant.

I recently met with a Nortel Rep. who is touting the somewhat new Nortel Networks' Kidz Online resource. It's actually a pretty good resource, rich with mostly video-tutorials re: producing 2D and 3D animations, creating websites, understanding cyber-ethics and security, presentation (PowerPoint) streaming, cyber-safety, etc. I think most of you will find the resource useful.

However, the problem (IMHO) is, the tutorials are tied so tightly to Microsoft IE and Windows Media Player that it almost makes it useless on any other platform (e.g, Mac, Linux). Of course, when this was designed, Nortel had a very close relationship with MS throughout ... and it shows ... but if one is to put in the millions of dollars into a resource that is touted as free (as in beer), why not think about open-standards, an open license ... something that will make this useful for the maximum amount of users. There are several school divisions (e.g., Regina Public, North Battleford, Moose Jaw) that could use these resources but would likely not be able to use them as they use 'alternative' formats (i.e., Mac, Linux).

So I guess ... my thoughts are ... in thinking of the "Grand Purpose of ID", what role should open standards and/or open licensing play in instructional design and development? It's a complex question, and certainly dependent on contextual issues ... but I would love to hear any thoughts on the subject.

(And Rick & Jay ... I haven't seen your presentation and I am going on a title ... so I apologize in advance if this bears no relevance).

Case History 5 Panadol instructions

case history 5 Panadol instructions -- Not exactly instructional design, but a fascinating article on the redesign of over-the-counter medicine packaging to aid in its proper use.

thisisbroken.com

From Dean Caplan, you're going to love this. Here's how Dean described it.

Speaking of design, here's a fun Web site that you can share with the group on Rick's Cafe: it's called This is Broken www.thisisbroken.com and is a weekly collection of faulty design. I never fail to get a few chuckles - or head shakes - from the examples, if not from the designs then at least from some of the comments. Enjoy!

Improvisational ID

I ran across this reference on Stephen's Web. While I might quibble about whether these ideas fit every situation, I think this writer is onto something important. At least, I love the metaphor.

http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_col_effectiveness.asp?articleid=661

Improvisational ID

I ran across this reference on Stephen's Web. While I might quibble about whether these ideas fit every situation, I think this writer is onto something important. At least, I love the metaphor.

http://www.clomedia.com/content/templates/clo_col_effectiveness.asp?articleid=661

Learning In Action, Consulting, Emotional Competence, Training, Ron Short

Learning In Action, Consulting, Emotional Competence, Training, Ron Short -- Some good articles in their Publications section about EI (Emotional Intelligence).