By some definitions, “Web 3.0″ will be characterized by semantic mapping of data. Unlike regular searches which mine information based on keywords you type in, semantic search looks for information you want by connecting the meaning of words.Read the Full Article

“In 2007 the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, with leadership from Dr. A. Frank Mayadas, initiated a collaborative effort with the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant
Colleges (NASULGC) focused on Use of Online Learning as a Strategic Asset. The American Distance Education Consortium (ADEC), Washington State University Extension and Sloan-C worked closely with Dr. Mayadas and Dr. Peter McPherson,President of NASULGC and his staff to develop a national web cast on this important topic.”

This site organizes enriching/educational videos on youtube that come from media outlets, cultural institutions, universities and non-profits. There are currently about 70 collections.

Ning is an online service that allows users to create their own social networks and join and participate in other networks. No technical skill is required to set up a social network, and there are no limits to the number of networks a user can join. Users of Ning social networks have access to functionality similar to that of more well-known social networks, such as Facebook and MySpace.

James Kelway from User Pathways tackles the creation and use of navigational taxonomies.

“This two-part article is a step-by-step guide for those wishing to create new taxonomies for their business unit or client. It will outline the many different elements that make up a quality taxonomy and the pitfalls you should be aware of when starting a new project.”

Part 1, Part 2

When designing a virtual world, or any other Web 2.0 tool, users need to recognize that there are basic barriers to institutional change. These barriers include first-order barriers, issues that are extrinsic to the faculty such as lack of access to computers and software, insufficient time to plan instruction, and inadequate administrative and technical support.”

Move over, smart classrooms. Researchers at Durham University in England are working on your offspring — an interactive desk they hope will move education away from its “teacher-centric environment,” the university announced Wednesday. The new desk’s screen will function somewhat like a whiteboard.

Despite concerns about diploma mills, time-starved workers are increasingly turning to online programs to advance their education. At times during the past year, Staci Gullotta sat at her computer at 3 a.m. watching a PowerPoint presentation or answering e-mails, all in a bid to get a master’s degree in business administration from Monmouth University in West Long Branch.

Is blended learning simply e-learning in disguise? We ask the experts. In spite of its versatility, blended learning has always suffered from an image problem: namely, that it’s just a glorified form of web and computer-based training.