I was talking with Peter Baumgartner yesterday. I am more ever interested in the use of shortish - say about 10-15 minute - audio and slideshows as a quick method of creating (open) educational materials. OK - there is not much interactivity in a slideshow. But neither is there is a written document. the issue is how the slideshow is used - the content, the context, the learning activity in which it is embedded etc.

Peter was concerned that we are developing a culture where the attentions pan of individuals is becoming ever shorter. I am unconvinced. Peter talked about the importance of books for 'deep' learning. I agree.

But I can (just about) remember when I was at university. I rarely read a book from end to end. I dipped in and out, read particular chapters, read the introduction and conclusion, read a review. That seems little different to how we may now use audio visual content.

And it does not imply a short concentration span. Concentration is on the overall topic. materials - be they in any form - are just parts of the process of enquiry into that topic. the learning is in assessing the materials, developing a critical approach and forming one's own opinion and hopefully, expressing that opinion. Computers can help us in that process.

So I am in optimistic mood.

This weekends exercise - to make a ten minute slide show with audio. Watch thsi spot.

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