Hey all! I stumbled across this really cool website that uses a game-like interface to teach you Javascript! It's really easy and fun! I'm already about 50% through the Introduction section, but there's several other lessons as well.  Time will tell to see if what I learn here can actually transition to using Javascript in my sites, but for now I feel like I'm learning quickly and having fun.  Check it out!

http://www.codecademy.com/languages/javascript/topics/introduction

I am taking a Digital Game-Based Learning course this semester, and so far it has been really interesting.  We look at the ways that games can provide great learning opportunities. For a project, I had to create my own game.  I had previously created a non-educational game in another class, so I built off of that one for my educational game.  Play both games at the links below.

Non educational game, "When Hippos Fly" : http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/FuzzyTurtles/2094222'

I was looking through some Wired Campus articles from The Chronicle of Higher Education, and I found this one about some resources where you can learn computer programming. I have always wanted to learn more about computers, programming, web design, etc. Last Christmas break I learned HTML and CSS, so this year I think I'm going to delve into Python.

I wanted to share this passage that I saw on the internet. Do not be put off by the beginning; just keep reading and you'll see what it's getting at.

I found this eye-opening article from Wired Campus (link at end of article).  It discusses how synchronous online classes are raising questions about what is appropriate "Netiquette," since people are eating or lying down while on the webcam, and in one instance, a nude spouse walked by in the background!  I have experienced similar things in my online courses, where students leave their mics on while talking to their children or spouse, or have a TV playing behind them.  Part of the benefit of taking online courses is being able to interact from the comfort of your own home, but how "comfo

I am a subcriber to the Wired Campus e-newsletter from The Chronicle of Higher Education. A couple of weeks ago, we were featured in this article for the A&S Wired Dorm! Check it out!

http://chronicle.com/blogs/wiredcampus/at-a-u-kentucky-dorm-a-live-in-ip...

Usually in these blog posts, I like to focus on something related to Online Ed or Instructional Design. But today I want to write about something a little more personal and fun…. I recently got a hamster! I just moved into a new apartment two weeks ago, after living for four years in various places where I wasn’t allowed to have a pet.

This semester, as part of my Instructional Systems Design Master’s program, I am taking EDC 605: Distance Learning Research and Design. I’m really excited about taking this course, as I think it will greatly benefit the work I currently do in Online Ed. What I’m really interested in is one of the books that we are assigned: Face to Face Communication over the Internet: Emotions in a Web of Culture, Language and Technology, edited by Arvid Kappas and Nicole C. Kramer.

With classes looming just around the corner, many of us are starting to think (and worry) about how we're going to afford our textbooks. This article shows many tips on how to get textbooks for good deals, or even for free!

http://distancelearn.about.com/od/managingyourwork/a/cheaptextbook.htm?nl=1