iPod touch - does it have a future for learning?

We love our iPod Touch.


We love that it challenges assumptions on user interface, and takes a few steps towards the hallowed ideal of ubiquitous computing where the interface becomes intuitive (and invisible).

We love that we are not locked into a ridiculous phone contract with Orange for 18 months at £30pm, but we still have all the other features of an iPhone

What we really do NOT love is:

- No flash support. Come on apple, you are using the Safari browser, and an OSX base platform. Why block flash from your browser? (there have been rumours for some time that Flash support will be added but nothing firm)

- No 3rd party apps. I know I know, the hot news of the day is that Apple WILL allow third party developers access, but we will need to wait till next year. In the world of m-learning I am impatient, and want to offer my learners something NOW.

- Mac-only content formats, uploaded via mac-only tools (iTunes). Why not be open?

But life moves fast, and here are some of the growing initiatives that are tying to turn the tide of propriety control over mobile devices:

- MediaMonkey offers a far more flexible alternative to iTunes for synching your media files

- OpenMoko are building an open alternative to smart phone operating systems, as are the MobileAndEmbedded team at Ubuntu


We wait with baited breath for an open iPod Touch ...

Give up your beard for charity!

Not at all mobile learning related, but I am donating my beard to charity, and wanted to offer any blog readers the chance to see it on it's way!

If you have a beard to donate (or some loose change for a laugh) visit us on www.justgiving.com/giveupyourbeard

The team at www.m-learning.org work for Tribal, and have been included in a company wide "Give it Up" week, which happens next week.

• We give something up, and raise funds.
• Tribal doubles the contribution.
• The money all gets sent to a couple of charities in Africa, in beautiful Botswana and the magical kingdom of Swaziland.

Go on ... you know you want to!