Collaboration in the Semantic Grid: a Basis for e-Learning

The CoAKTinG project aims to advance the state of the art in collaborative mediated spaces for the Semantic Grid. This paper presents an overview of the hypertext and knowledge based tools which have been deployed to augment existing collaborative environments, and the ontology which is used to exchange structure, promote enhanced process tracking, and aid navigation of resources before, after, and while a collaboration occurs. While the primary focus of the project has been supporting e-Science, this paper also explores the similarities and application of CoAKTinG technologies as part of a human-centred design approach to e-Learning

Library Resources for Future/Current Resource Conscious Educators

Presentation given at the Georgia Libraries Conference

A Virtual Learning Environment for Doing Business on the Internet

The power of the new Communication and Information Technologies influences human life and economy so deeply that makes all of us learners both as individuals and members of (real or virtual) learning communities and learning organisations in a learning society. Looking back at the communication and information technology history we could clearly observe that the main attention of researchers and technologists has been gradually moved from hardware to software, next - to human-computer interface, and now - to social issues related to global communication and collaboration. The Computer Mediated Communication leads to establishment of virtual communities formed on the basis of common topics of interest, collaborative work, business, or other joint activities. These communities cross the national and cultural barriers and demand for re-conceptualisation of the social life, including education and business

Open Educational Content for Digital Public Libraries

If the production of digital content for teaching -- particularly free content -- is to expand substantially, there must be mechanisms to establish a link to fame and fortune that was not perceived in a pre-digital world. How that might be done is the central question this report addresses, in the context of examining the movement for open educational content. Understanding that movement requires delving into the history of what may seem, on first pass, a totally unrelated field of endeavor. The reader's patience is requested....