Forum LAMS Newsletter: Newsletter 47, 29th Oct, 06

By: James Dalziel

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EDUCAUSE podcast - LAMS, open source and patents

While at the recent EDUCAUSE conference in Dallas, USA, I did a 16 min podcast with Matt Pasiewicz about LAMS, open source and patents. This is now up - you can find it at
http://connect.educause.edu/blog/mpasiewicz/an_interview_with_james_dalziel/9273

I haven't commented here previously on the Blackboard LMS patent and lawsuit, but I've been active behind the scenes talking with members of the education community as well as with Blackboard. One of my concerns has been the chill on innovation arising from the current lawsuit - I talk more about this in the podcast. For my general view on the patent and lawsuit, see the next item.

EDUCAUSE Board letter to Blackboard

EDUCAUSE is the organisation for university IT Directors in the USA. The EDUCAUSE Board have recently made public a letter they sent to Blackboard regarding the LMS patent and lawsuit. You can find the full text of the letter at
http://www.educause.edu/content.asp?page_id=12077&bhcp=1

The key section is:

"We believe that Blackboard should disclaim the rights established under your recently-awarded patent, placing the patent in the public domain and withdrawing the claim of infringement against Desire2Learn. We believe this action would be in the best business interests of Blackboard and in the best interests of higher education."

It is my sense that this statement captures the sentiment of many in the educational community. The letter certainly expresses my personal feelings - and I hope Blackboard listens and acts accordingly.

Thoughts on LAMS and Sakai?

Chuck Severance from Sakai is in Australia briefly this week, and after we spend Tuesday in Bathurst with the good folk at Charles Sturt University, I'm driving Chuck back to Sydney airport (3 hour drive) on Wednesday morning. I'd welcome any feedback from LAMS newsletter readers on key topics for us to discuss during our long drive. What matters to you about how LAMS and Sakai collaborate? Feel free to email me directly, or you can post comments publicly in the existing Sakai discussion threads at
http://www.lamscommunity.org/dotlrn/clubs/educationalcommunity/highered/forums/forum-view?forum_id=5158

Ernie confirmed for CafeConf in Argentina

Ernie's talk about LAMS and Moodle for CafeConf in Argentina is now confirmed - he'll be speaking at 2pm at UADE on Friday Nov 10th. The title (chosen by the conference organisers) is "Moodle & LAMS un sólo corazón" which I can't translate, but I'm told it describes the special relationship between Moodle and LAMS. For those attending CafeConf, watch out for another session by Ernie on LAMS V2 - time yet to be confirmed.

Posted by James Dalziel