Second Life as a partial answer?

If you've read the posts about the videos below (students holding up signs etc to convey impressions of how education isn't working for them) then is educational engagement via Second Life a partial answer? Well, maybe, but only partial. But here is a short positive video on just this issue. Go Go Joe!

First Flavour of Apple

First impressions of the MacBook I recently acquired via a project are very positive.

Little but important things impress. It starts up in under 15 seconds and shuts down in about 6 seconds. All the Windows machines I use take ages to do either. Batter life is very good compared to the Windows XP and Vista laptops I’ve used. Lightweight and looks good but will I have to use a special cleaner to keep it that wistful white?

Absolutely love some of the pre-loaded software but haven’t yet harnessed it in a productive sense. Really need to spend a day just playing with the software and the MacBook/Tiger OS in general. Given I’m going to be carrying this laptop around a lot (for the project work) can I set a password on the machine? Can I easily encrypt or password protect folders or files on it if I cannot set a password? Love the wi-fi on it. Very good at picking up networks and quick to access those that are open. Again might not just be down to Windows but the Wintel laptops I use versus this recent MacBook. So very promising initial experiences but not perfect…