XplanaZine

Here’s a summary of ideas and conversations from the edublogging community that have captured our attention in the past 48 hours.

Stephen Downes is back from his hiatus and leads off with this response to Will Richardson’s post on why he is not reading as much in the blogosphere as he used to. Stephen writes:

“Why write posts? Why blog at all? If the content of what you are reading or
writing isn’t absorbing in and of itself, to you, then the blog just becomes a
vehicle for some sort of external reward. Let go of the reward; leave that for
the self-promoters and the shysters and the advertisers. And eschew these in
your reading. Invest in your passions and follow those of others; the rest will
follow.”

Ben Vershbow has an informative piece over at if:book on defining the networked book. As he points out, this concept has been getting quite a bit of currency of late. This article recaps recent discussion, offers up a definition of the networked book — “a networked book is an open book designed to be written, edited and read in a networked environment.” — and provides a list of projects related to networked books.

And, as George Siemens points out, it’s just not a one-way world anymore. “We may still control certification, but the learning act itself is quickly
moving into the hands of learners.” Indeed, education cannot and will not escape this evolutionary event.

Finally, check out Vicki Davis’ post on “interesting facts around the blogosphere.” She points to predominant language use, education opportunities, and a whole lot more.