TechCommGeekMom

Udemy, a platform for experts to share courses in any subject, has been accused not doing enough to remove stolen content from its service.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.bbc.com

This is a big blow to the MOOC and online learning industry. Online learning, as we know it now, is big business. To have one of the larger providers of online learning, Udemy, have a big problem with copyright infringement and other administrative issues should be a wake up call to all online learning providers. Check your protocols now! It could well save you from the headache that Udemy is suffering from now. Be accountable!

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

Li-fi, a faster way to deliver internet access, has been tested in a real-life, working office in Tallinn, Estonia.

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.bbc.com

Talk about li-fi has been around a lot in the news lately. Provided that this new technology can truly work and is safe, this would be a HUGE advancement. I often half-joke that one of those life necessities that I can’t live without besides, water, food, shelter, clothing, and electricity is wi-fi. I know, it’s a "first world problem" to be without wi-fi. But think of this–building this technology into a simple light bulb could help connect many more efficiently–or at all–in second- and third-world countries. The ability to communicate and disseminate information would be greater than ever. Mobile is already the predominate means of getting information and communication around the world–why not help it become more readily available to be in "the grid" if you want to be on the grid? I look forward to when this technology will be mainstream that gaining internet access will be as easy as screwing in a lightbulb. This will also affect technical writing, digital marketing, and e-learning. How? Because there will be even more emphasis on mobile delivery than ever before. Think about that. Then think about how you will contribute to the future.

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

As part of the Linguistics Roadshow, we put together a short survey on some Australian English vocabulary. We invited people to fill it in and tell us which words they prefer for particular things,…

Sourced through Scoop.it from: lingroadshow.com

Thanks to Kirsty Taylor for posting this article on Facebook. I tell you, I went into the wrong field. I should’ve gone into linguistics. I love to read articles like this. Usually, I post about the differences in American or British vocabulary or accents, but Kirsty has provided this link to differences found in Australia. It’s still all English, my friends! It’s interesting to see these patterns of terms used around the country. And my New Jersey answer for the question of "does ‘dance’ rhyme with ‘aunts’ or ‘pants’", I say both! LOL  

 

Take a look at this, and see where you might fit in with your use of English. It’s another example of how there really is no such thing as "global English", and that we need to pay attention to localized language. 

 

What’s your reaction to this? Include your comments below. 

–techcommgeekmom

 

 

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

This is a great article because it supports, I think, a big argument why technical communicators are needed and what their training should be. I’m an advanced beginner to intermediate level user of HTML. I understand how to tweak JavaScript, CSS, HTML5, and XML, but I can’t program those languages from scratch. I used to know a little SQL, too. I often find that employers are looking for developers/programmers that can write. They are out there, but very few. And I often find that many of these job postings out there claim that the tech writer/content strategist/tech communicator needs to have various complicated programming languages under their belt when they really don’t. Having a little bit of foundational coding helps in understanding, but as the author points out, you don’t need to be a programmer to do jobs that are important for a tech project. I think part of the solution is for employers to have realistic expectations, and consider candidates who have the main skills needed and the potential to learn how to maneuver around code. I had a similar discussion about this with my husband when a recent Mashable article about the 15 programming languages you (supposedly) should know for 2015 was up. He looked at the list, and probable knew 10 of the 15, but that was knowledge acquired over 25+ years. Some of the other 5 languages were ones he said he wouldn’t touch with a ten foot pole. I’ve often said to him, “Maybe I need to learn ___ language,” and his reply is often, “Why? You can write, and can manage content, understand UX, and other stuff like that. Why would you want to learn coding?” “Because all these employers are asking for it.” “Nah, don’t bother. The odds of you actually using it are next to none.” And he’s usually right. What do you think? Include your comments below. –TechCommGeekMom

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.linkedin.com

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications

Web Summit talk by Benedict Evans showed just how revolutionary the smartphone is

Sourced through Scoop.it from: www.irishtimes.com

This is a fascinating article that covers one of the talks at the recent Web Summit in Dublin, Ireland. I’ve read this idea of mobile’s trajectory for years, and here’s someone that confirms it with some facts and figures. This is not only important for e-learning, but all aspects of use going forward. Do you agree? I think the speed of mobile’s dominance is hard to predict, but there’s no question the disruption is happening in leaps and bounds. The problem is, not everyone has still caught on that mobile is gaining dominance globally. Include your insights below. –TechCommGeekMom

See on Scoop.it – M-learning, E-Learning, and Technical Communications