Contents of FlightBag

Image by graney
Lots of stuff I will have on the flight [sans medicine and toothbrush]

Hypermedia Ethnography on a Shoestring

Image by Penny Coutas
The Poster from my presentation at the EuroCALL 2009 conference in Playa de Gandia, Spain. eurocall.webs.upv.es/eurocall2009/

Note: I attached an iPod shuffle, small speaker and a small digital photo frame in order to have the participants "speak for themselves" and to show images of the case-study school environments.

Abstract:
New technologies allow for “anywhere, anytime” access to information resources and likewise facilitate the creation of those resources quickly, easily and at point of need. Mobile phones, mp3 players, netbooks, YouTube, blogs, social networks and tagging are just some of the tools available to language learners and educators that have facilitated innovative ways of collaborating and working together. So too have these tools enhanced opportunities for innovation in research.

With this poster, I present the possibilities, practicalities and challenges afforded by new Information Communication Technology (ICT) tools to conduct, analyse, and (re)present qualitative research on Computer Assisted Language Learning. This extends and builds on the work by Dicks, Mason, Coffey & Atkinson (2005) who used hypermedia ethnography as a methodology for research in learning environments by bringing the methodology into the “Web 2.0” era. I draw on findings from my current EdD research project, exploring the use of ICT for learning and teaching Languages in technology-enhanced and supported government high schools in Western Australia, to provide examples. Throughout the research process I have made great use of ICT tools and services, raising questions such as: how can an iPhone be used for data collection? Should it? Does blogging aid or restrict the research process? How is data best stored and access online? Do participants engage more fully in the research process when they have anytime access to their data? What are the important ethical issues that arise, unique to this methodology, and how might they be addressed?

This poster may pose many questions, but I also offer recommendations and suggestions for further developments and explorations in this area. Hypermedia ethnography represents a new trend for research in computer assisted language learning: one of great potential, and one that certainly facilitates innovative ways of collaborating and working together with both research participants and the broader research community

Macbook Air

Image by Josh Calvetti
As I don’t currently have a blog, I shall make Flickr one for the time being, and thus spill my guts on my views of Steve’s Keynote here.

#1. Time Capsule
Totally unexpected move on Apple’s part. I didn’t even imagine that Apple would pursue a wireless backup for Time Machine. Cool nonetheless.

#2. iPhone & iPod Touch update.
The update for the iPhone includes better Google Maps functioning, adding of web pages to the home screen, and moving icons around in the home screen as well. While I knew that the iPhone update was coming from spy shots on rumor sites, the iPod Touch software revision was a bit surprising to me. This update adds Mail, maps, stocks, weather and notes to the homepage… for . Maybe Apple is trying to reimburse themselves after the iPhone price drop. All the programs work the way they do on the iPhone, except for maps… in order to use it, you must be connected to a Wi-Fi network. No GPS for the Touch yet.

#3. Movie Rentals
I knew this was coming for some time, due to various scripts found in iTunes resource packages. Looks quite interesting. This also deals with Apple TV‘s update. It now browses the iTunes store on its own, a feature that users have been begging for. In addition to Youtube browsing, Flickr has been added to the options for photo entertainment.

Finally, #4 Macbook Air
Wow.
It’s thin.
Like, really thin.
I was expecting a 12" notebook similar to the G4 I mentioned yesterday. While I really want this new machine, it could never make the cut for me. In addition to being priced at either 1300 bucks or nearly 3100, it only has one USB 2.0 port, a micro DVI port and a headphone jack. Biggest capacity available is 80 gig hardrive. The more expensive option is a 64 gig solid-state drive. The CPU speed is also a bit slow, from 1.6 to 1.8 Ghz. All the new Macs have at least 2 (except for maybe the Mini). I really like the thinness, but the price and lack of peripherals turns me away a bit. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still buy it, but it could never work as my primary machine, due to lack of Firewire and harddrive space. It also does not have an optical drive, but it does have a bit of software exclusive to it’s kind: Remote Disc. This feature allows you to use any computer’s disc drive, including PC’s, as an optical drive for the AirBook, provided the admin gives permission. I could easily live without a CD drive, but for those that can’t, Apple provides an external USB Superdrive for 99 clams. The machine has 802.11 n wireless built in, but for those that need an Ethernet connection, Apple sells a USB to Female Ethernet jack for 30 bucks. Overall I like the new notebook.

My favorite product of today? Hmm, I really like the look of Apple TV which I didn’t even discuss to it’s full new additions. Not only does it work better, but it is lower in price! I do like the AirBook (As I shall name it), but I think Apple intends everyone too, hence it strutting about on the homepage. Apple TV is my favorite other than the obvious AirBook.

If you want more, Watch the Keynote!