DISQUS

There are, indeed, a few kinks in the user-experience/usability of Googly things, Steph! In June, we have a small group of students going to Google London to demo how they are using Google's products (products that are becoming more and more important to students and teachers as the weeks go by). We'll be aiming, also, to make some constructive criticisms/suggestions for improving the interfaces and experience of using the various tools. I'll be sure to see that we raise the issues you've pulled together here. Thanks -- this is a very good post to be able to refer to.

Will, Matt Webb blogged about classic computing texts and various friends of his contributed their ideas. See http://interconnected.org/home/2007/09/18/a_bun... and http://interconnected.org/home/2007/09/20/i_had... . (BTW, do you accept basic HTML in your comments,?)

Imagine a network of wireless-enabled, handheld devices operating in school environments that are themselves wireless-enabled. Innumerable, personal networks of learning and informational exchange. You've already come up with some ideas that are good, but comb the web and you'll see that there's no end to the initiatives people are making. [Some links: http://tinyurl.com/ytjpk5 & http://tinyurl.com/2l2lba.]

The future of computing will , I am sure, make its current ecology seem strange and we will wonder how we ever could have conceived of it as other than free to occur wherever we are - wherever *and* whenever.

Mathew, I'm not saying that we should restrict the debate to whether or not we should have DRM. I am saying that what is happening - the rolling out of (incompatible) DRM mechanisms -- is happening without appropriate public engagement. Given the importance of DRM and its potential side-effects (in her post, Shelley touches on a number of areas of possible concern), the debate must happen -- and must include thoughtful, open discussion as to whether DRM is a good thing at all. Talking with, or listening to, business leaders and entrepreneurs who are building their companies on the net, I am struck by how many are questioning traditional business models and, in doing so, are also questioning the role and place of DRM. Such questioning needs to be communicated more widely within our societies.

I note that Lloyd Shepherd updated his original post and has concluded that, thus far, no-one has come forward to answer his original questions: 'what are the best implementations of DRM out there, which balance the needs of the provider and the consumer without getting in the way of either? Does such a thing exist?'. Lloyd has concluded: 'It would appear that the answer to my original question is a resounding “no� from this little survey'.

I liked Tom Loosemore's comment (number 16) on Lloyd's posting, and I think Lee Bryant made two valuable comments there, too.