elearningpost.com is two years old and seems to be getting better with age.

I've been a subscriber to the Daily Links for most of this time and consider it to be a fantastic resource. These two gems recently appeared on the same day:

Marty Lucas' Demystifying Metadata -- provides a "way in" for those learning about metadata.

Jay Cross' thoughts on "objects" -- Being Objective -- as they relate to learning is education is another case in point. I'm familiar with the work of Jay and his colleagues at internettime.com and found his thoughts intriguing. I'm especially interested in the observation that current "object-based" designs don't take instructional design into account.

I was especially interested in what both authors had to say given the relevance to the SMART Education Object (SMARTEO).

My intention from the beginning with SMARTEO has been to ensure accessibility for "non-technical" audiences and include an "instructional design" component directly into each object.

Another post from Dallas.

I'm not sure what to write on this the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America; however, I feel the need to write something. I find myself dealing with many of the same emotions I had a year ago -- shock, sorrow, anger, disbelief, outrage.

I've been very impressed by the way that Americans have dealt, and are dealing, with the attacks of a year ago. The strength of spirit shown by Americans in general, and New Yorkers in particular, has been inspiring. Stories of individual and collective heroism continue to be broadcast by news media.

For me, the biggest credit to the American people has been the lengths they've gone to ensure the distinction between the perpetrators of these crimes (the so-called "Islamists") and the larger Muslim population. This is a true credit to the memory of those lost a year ago and to the very fabric of the society so viciously attacked.

I personally believe that the agenda of bin Laden and his ilk was to drive a wedge between Muslims and non-Muslims with these attacks by engendering fear and mistrust. They misjudged the resolve and integrity of the American people -- individually and collectively -- as evidenced by the response to these attacks.

I'm making this post from Dallas, TX.

I'm here to deliver training at a SMART Master's Event. It's been a rainy couple of days in the Lone Star state. There were some flood warnings on the news last night. Yesterday was windy and overcast, but the rain is holding off for the time being.

As always, the humidity is the most striking aspect of the climate. I walked from my hotel (La Quinta Inn and Suites) to the convention center (City Center) we're presenting at tomorrow and I was soaked with perspiration within minutes of leaving the hotel.

On the academic front, I'm sorry to report that I still haven't been able to find a course to take this semester.

This is especially frustrating given the fact that I've been attempting to secure a spot in a course since the end of June (deadline was mid-August) with no success.

I've sent another e-mail to the registrar expressing my disappointment, asking for suggestions re registration/waiting lists and how best to secure a refund of tuition if no courses are available. I'm hoping that the notion of a "refund" brings a sense of urgency to proceedings -- especially since courses begin today.

The Master's of Education degree -- Curriculum with a specialization in Computer Applications -- I'm taking at OISE/UT is the only one that can be completed entirely online. They may want to begin providing a disclaimer along the lines of "Provided you can get registered in the @#$%ing courses!"