What will a publisher look like in 5 years? If the web is a global learning environment, what roll will they play?

I have been noting more teachers embracing all kinds new content and material they are assembling and bringing into class. At my spouses college, more and more classes are not using traditional textbooks. They are getting material from the web, direct publishers and the like.

The advent of social media is creating a network of collective experts that as a whole, can overpower the reach, depth and knowledge of one or a few co-authors. So, what does the future hold for a traditional textbook publisher?

I get the impression they will need to transform how they aggregate, assemble and edit learning materials. In my opinion, it will turn their existing model upside down…from sales to production to ongoing textbook revisions.

Will they change or will Amazon, Blackboard, Apple, Desire2Learn or Google  become the next generation textbook publisher? Will a publisher need to think more like a portal? Will content need to edutain?

I have taken our content and software to traditional publishers. The reaction has been well received by staff that are younger or that have stay connected to how the web is transforming learning and communications.

What is your perspective? I am keen to hear your views.

Part-time Professor of the Year, Patti Church!

A big shout out to Patti Church, for winning the Dianne Bloor Part-time Faculty Award at Algonquin College this year. When she was nominated by Jennifer Monk, Patti was honored to be amongst so many other amazing instructors, each with their own unique experiences worthy of such an award.

As the event drew closer, my biased perspective was, the award was hers. I watched her develop and execute so many creative programs and interesting new learning experiences for her students. Many of them have thanked her profusely and she continues to stay in touch with them.

I have every belief she will continue to inspire students and build amazing new learning experiences. She is a change agent that will keep pushing for new tools and programs that bolster the student experience.

Thank you Jennifer Monk (@jenmonk) for nominating, suporting and inspiring her.

Focus, grit and steadfast determination

Last night, Patti and I dropped into a BobCat concert – our first! We were very keen to check out two hugely talented musicians we had met earlier in their careers. Three years back, both Amanda Rheume and Tara Holloway had just committed to starting their careers as professional musicians.

We were absolutely blown away at the talent we saw last night. Both of these women and the legendary Jeff Logan (lead guitar)  simply blew the crowd out of the water. What I found so inspiring was their humility, support for each other and personal commitment to success in what they love doing best – performing!

These three are putting in their time and doing their share of road trips. I have no doubt these musicians will find their place amongst a broader base of audiences. They continue to learn, create and build their respective brands through performing, producing and getting out there amongst us.

Students thinking about their passion core should make sure they follow the path that gives them such passion and unbridled commitment. When you come across someone with such focus and passion, it is not hard to root for them and share their music and stories. Check them out!

Let’s Talk Twitter

A recent study from Edison Research in the US just announced that the level of familiarity of Facebook and Twitter are almost the same at 87% and 86% respectively.  The big difference falls in the area of application.  Although the majority of those that are familiar with Facebook also know how to use the social network, very few, just 7%, feel that they are actively using Twitter properly.

Given the numbers and the questions we keep being asked by faculty, admin, and students alike, it’s time for another pitch for Twitter.

People’s first reactions include ‘why bother’, ‘I don’t get it’, ‘what’s going on’, and ‘I already using _______’.  At the beginning, Twitter is confusing, different, and looks like a big waste of time.  But just like exercise, you have to make a commitment to get results.

Twitter can be used;

To learn – The Twitterverse is all about sharing.  Once you connect and start to follow people you will start see a constant stream of information from like-minded people and subject matter specialists.

To stay up to date – Twitter is instant information.  World events of all sorts will be reported faster on Twitter then any other media.

To promote events – There is a constant stream of events that are being announced, linked to and promoted on Twitter.

To connect with like minds – Connect with people that are talking about the same topics that are of interest to you.  You can share information with them, add to conversations, and connect for partnership opportunities.

To communicate – Twitter is a direct communication channel that can be used publicly or privately.  The advantage of public chats is that others can chime in and add thoughts, resources, or links that add to the conversation.  You can also quickly jump into a private conversation where you can share emails or phone numbers for more detail.

You have to decide what kind of commitment you are going to make to Twitter.  It also helps if you start to see the value of it.  I have expanded my local network with Twitter, participated in several amazing events, connected and lectured in a class in Nevada, promoted events, have had contacts lecture in my class through video from Toronto, and next week I start sailing, all because of Twitter.

I’m strengthening my Twitter muscle and continue to get results that make the commitment worthwhile.  However, it took a commitment upfront to get some momentum and find the value.  I strongly suggest you give Twitter some time and attention.  It will open up new doors if you take the time to knock on them.

Social Network Privacy – assume it does not exist

Most recently, Techcrunch highlighted a security hole in Facebook that would enable your chat sessions to be viewed by your friends. Shocker!

For those that believe what you send to friends or post to sections of a web site will stay private…don’t count on it. Fast moving software companies, faulty software components and copying and pasting are surefire causes of your data showing up in the wrong place.

A word of advice?

Assume anything you type, post or share will be viewed by anyone. Counting on Facebook or any software to be 100% secure, is simply a bad idea. Someone could easily copy and paste your post to another blog.

Follow the golden rule – don’t post content that you would NOT say to people on the street, at work or at school.  By following this rule, you will be able to sleep at night and NOT miss out on professional or personal opportunities downstream.