Harper Collins Controversy

Harper Collins, an eBook publisher announced a new lending policy for libraries where they will only allow libraries to checkout their eBooks 26 times. Their announcement set a huge controversy between the publisher and libaries who pay to use their eBooks.  I wasn't aware of the controversy involving libraries and Harper Collins, but after reading several articles I do not support the stand Harper Collins has taken by putting a cap on the number of times an ebook can be circulated by libraries. Under the new terms libraries can make an ebook available to one customer at a time until they reach 26 then the license for the book will expire (Hadro, 2011). I'm not sure how Harepr Collins came up with the limit of 26 but would be interested to know.  The limit  sounds ridiculous to me because if a book is an electronic copy why can it only be checked out to one person at a time when we know it can be shared with a lot more users at once especially because its electronic! Harper Collins also released a statement saying, " We believe this change balances the value libraries get from our titles with the need to protect our authors and ensure a presence in public libraries and the communities they serve for years to come. (Hadro, 2011)."  I dont agree with that statement because I think libaries help companies like Harper Collins gain and maintain readers of their books, they promote their books so without libraries the number of readers will decrease and in the end their authors are losing fans.  The president of sales for HarperCollins, said that the decision was made after cosidering several things that included the average lifespan of a print book, and wear and tear on circulating copies. That doesn't make sense because Im pretty sure the lifespan of a print book would last longer than 26 checkouts. I dont think a book would recieve much wear and tear after 26 checkouts. If libaries are willing to take the reponsiblity of handling ebooks then would'nt that lessen wear and tear on their books and get more users to read them. In the end, I think the decison made by Harper Collins doesn't make sense because it seems it would limit readers to their books which could affect their business. Hadro,J. 2011. Harepr Collins put 26 Loan Cap on Ebook Circulations. Retrieved from: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/home/889452-264/harpercollins_caps_loans_on_ebook.html.csp

Second Life:3D Learning Context

How do you feel about this based on your experiences there? How would a 3-D learning context improve learning? How might it hurt learning?

            Second-Life is an online virtual word that allows users to create their own avatars. They are able to interact with others, participate in-group or individual activities and purchase and trade property and services with each other. Colleges and universities, governments, scientists, business companies, and even religion organizations are using it. Second life is limited to users that are over 16, which limits the use in education, grades K-12 (Second Life, 2011).

            I explored the website Second life and joined to create an avatar. This was the first time I had ever used this type of learning context. I was very engaged and enjoyed exploring the possibilities. I think it would benefit college classes because the opportunity to create your own avatar and virtual world is a lot more engaging than sitting in a classroom listening to a professor lecture. This would benefit the students that depend on distance courses. This type of learning context gives students the opportunity to construct their ideas. According to Calogne, a Computer Science professor; students don’t have to be confined to a traditional classroom setting but instead be a part of a virtual online environment where the class is highly engaging, full of social interaction and where the learning process can be seen throughout (Cologne, 2008). Education today is focused on discovery so why not use a virtual classroom to create those opportunities. Although there are many advantages for using this type of learning context there are some drawbacks. Students need to learn how to create avatars and how to use the tools in the virtual world such as how to move, communicate, interact, etc. Another could be that students may become to engaged in their avatar and lose focus in the learning goals. Although virtual worlds do offer opportunities for students to enhance their learning they may not be for everyone. Some students still learn better by being in a real classroom with a real life teacher. As our world continues to advance in technology I think that we will begin to see more of this type of learning.

Second Life. 2011. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

Calogne, C. 2008. Educational Frontiers: Learning in a Virtual World. Retrieved http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume43/EducationalFrontiersLearningin/163163