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Online College Computer Courses

Fort Hays to offer class lectures for use in iPods

HAYS, Kan. Fort Hays University is going hip.

The 104-year-old is using iTunes -- Apple Computer's popular software and Web site -- to bring class lessons to its students wherever and whenever they want.

The pilot project unveiled yesterday is called i-Tunes U, and enables professors to record and upload their lectures. They can also create more interactive lessons and offer extra documents online. The students can then download the material and play it back on an i-Pod or computer.

Fort Hays is the first to try the program in Kansas, although other state colleges are considering it.

For now, Fort Hays is using i-Tunes U in five pilot projects, including two on-campus courses, a music class, a virtual campus class, and a class at a sister university in China.

NC Community Colleges Adds SAS Online Education Product To Lineup

CHARLOTTE, N.C. � The North Carolina Community College system is adding online curriculum as offered by software giant SAS as part of a pilot program.

SAS� Curriculum Pathways for Higher Education includes a variety of content for web-based education. It can be accessed by Community College students wherever they can utilize a computer that has an Internet connection. The program was developed by SAS inSchool, the education arm of Cary-based SAS.

All 58 Community Colleges will utilize the program.

"The SAS inSchool Curriculum Pathways higher education resources are ideal for community colleges,� said Martin Lancaster, president of the Community College system, in a statement.
�They are a good fit for developmental, basic skills and GED courses � areas that are a current focus for online course development and support,� he added.

Crackdown on Child Predators May Impact on Internet Freedoms

The growth of technology has changed our lives dramatically. Computers were viewed as a luxury or even an extravagance 30 years ago. We relied on television, newspapers, and radio as primary sources of news and information. Cables, modems, and online services were virtually nonexistent.

Today, computers are prevalent in businesses, homes, schools, libraries, and even airports. The World Wide Web provides instant access to news, reference information, shopping, banking, stock trading, auctions, and travel information and reservations. People routinely use the Internet to take college courses, play games, listen to music, and view videos. Chat rooms and e-mails are now replacing telephones as our favorite means of long-distance communication.

The proliferation of computer technology obviously has enhanced our lives in many ways, such as enabling improved productivity and efficiency at work, school, and home.

August 19th, 2008 09:14 AM

An Intro To OpenSim, the Apache of Virtual Worlds

ajohnj1 writes with an excerpt from Ostatic: "You've probably read a bit about OpenSim, the BSD-licensed virtual world server, and recent news that IBM and Linden Lab are working to make Second Life and Open Sim interoperable. Besides that project, what's Open Sim about, who's working on it, what are they doing with it, and how do you get involved as a developer and participant? Here's a starter's guide."

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

August 18th, 2008 11:40 PM

OLPC Physics Game Jam For an XO

Brian Jordan writes "For 48 hours during the weekend of August 29-31 at the OLPC Physics Game Jam Boston, game developers will compete in teams of 2-4 to design and implement a physics-based game for the One Laptop per Child XO laptop. There are prize categories for indie, professional, and remote developers (Ludum Dare style). In addition to OLPC/Jam-related swag for all participants, one team will win an XO laptop. Participants should have some game development experience, but we'll be going over the development process during the event — read below for details. If you'll be in the Boston area this weekend, or want to participate remotely, sign up before August 22. If you're a graphic artist, sound designer, musician in the Boston area, or want to be a volunteer, get in touch." Click the magic link for details of the crash course in game programming being offered.