Open Source, MOOCs, and Hammers

Perhaps Vaidhyanathan and I just got off on the wrong foot.  I might have felt better about him if I read his post on the Chronicle of Higher Education Blog.  But, I read the Social Media Reader chapter first, so I didn’t think much of him.  We made up in the end though.

Open source is not the way we have always worked.  From Socrates complaint that writing would undermine his proprietary knowledge, through trade guilds of the Middle Ages, to the resistance of the Catholic church to printing the Bible in the vulgate, humans have sought to guard and horde knowledge.  Teaching slaves or wo

Open Source for Blacksmiths. Now it’s a Jack Hammer.

men to read was dangerous.  They might think for themselves or want to vote.  Knowledge, and more importantly, control of its dissemination has been a basis for power throughout human history.  So don’t give me any techno-hippie garbage about free love and source code being the natural state of man.

I absolutely agree that copyrights and proprietary restrictions squash creativity and potential.  On the other hand, they enable creativity and potential for others.  Overwhelmingly, most people who use computers today do not engage in basic programing.  They want a word processor with spell check, an easy way to post and view cat videos, and a simple and fairly reliable connection to other people and information.  Vaidhyanathan is correct when he distinguishes between software and music or literature; it is not an expression.  What he fails to see is that software is simply a tool for most of us.  It’s a way to do other things.  Like most of the tools in my blacksmith shop, I want them to work without thinking much about it.  There probably is a better design for a particular hammer or saw, and if someone wants to spend their time thinking about it, more power to them, but that’s not me.  The same is true for software.  People are willing to accept just pretty good programs if they have wide compatibility, ease of use, and dependable customer support.  Linux is a great operating system that you can adapt for various uses and you can depend on it to be stable, but you can’t run most programs on it and I couldn’t watch Netflix with it, so to Hell with it.  I will spend the money to get Windows 7, because I am not just paying for a program to run my computer, I am paying for familiarity with the product, compatibility with other computers and software, and a 24/7 hotline for customer service.  Sure with open source software, I could fix the clitches myself, provided I learn the programing language. Software is kind of like pharmaceuticals.  Lifting copyrights and proprietary restrictions would result in low cost production of medication that could save millions.  But then how would we pay for the years of development and clinical trials?  Without those copyrights, many drugs would never be developed.  Please don’t get me wrong.  Micro-Soft and big drug companies are creations of the Devil which are fueled as much by the souls of consumers as their dollars.  However, if left in hand of well-intentioned programmers and designers and without corporate investment of time and money, computers would still be as large as a house and run on punch cards, thus making this whole argument moot.It is with similar skepticism that I view MOOCs.  Here, Vaidhyanathan and I are in agreement.  I love the Khan Academy, but it is not the same as attending a class for a semester.  MOOCs will be a great tool for those who seek to learn new skills or acquire knowledge.  I also believe that access to learning should be as wide spread as practically possible.  But I have no fear that my years of study and dollars paid for a PhD will be wasted as millions of people steam forth waving online degrees.

81 thoughts on “Open Source, MOOCs, and Hammers

  1. You guys did get off on the wrong foot. I think he actually would agree with you with respect to control of knowledge, because what is is talking about is proprietary ownership of expression – these are two different things. One relates to the question “Should people be allowed to have ideas/knowledge?”; the other is the question “Who profits from this idea/knowledge?” When he talks about open source being the “traditional” way, he’s talking about the latter.

    Regarding software, no you’re right, most people just want the tool that works. What many open-source advocates argue, though, it that open-source can make it work better, in a more efficient manner. I.e, maybe Vista wouldn’t have been so awful if they had opened up their source code. That doesn’t mean they give it away for free ($), but it does mean that people who do have the time and interest can fix the bugs.

  2. I’m glad you mentioned pharmaceuticals in your writing. It was one of the specific examples I had in mind when reading about open access. Would the government be forced to provide subsidies to get these companies to continue with R&D if open access becomes the norm? However, when it comes to something as sensitive as a lifesaving drug, do we really want companies to have such lengthy copyright allotments?

  3. El futuro de los casinos en línea en casinos de argentina online tanto por apasionantes oportunidades como por importantes responsabilidades. Si bien la industria está lista para expandirse e innovar, es crucial que los jugadores se mantengan informados, jueguen responsablemente y aboguen por regulaciones que prioricen la protección del jugador. De este modo, los casinos online argentinos podrán seguir ofreciendo una experiencia de juego emocionante y segura a los jugadores de todo el país y más allá.

  4. Unsere Garantie, Die Prüfungsfragen und Antworten zu Huawei H13-624_V5.5 (HCIP-Storage V5.5) von ExamFragen ist eine Garantie für eine erfolgreiche Prüfung! Bisher fiel noch keiner unserer Kandidaten durch! Falls aber jemand durch die Zertifizierungsprüfung fallen sollte, zahlen wir die 100% Material-Gebühr zurück. Wir übernehmen die volle Geld-zurück-Garantie auf Ihre Zertifizierungsprüfungen! Unsere Fragen und Antoworten sind alle aus dem Fragenpool, alle sind echt und original.

  5. The article is very empowering, thanks for sharing! Thanks to the Test 350-201 vce free, I achieved a promotion and salary boost. Now it’s free for all. Best wishes in reaching your career goals!

  6. Thank you for the brilliant share, it really left me in awe! Get the free QREP valid study guide ebook exam materials now—your key to career advancement and salary increase!

  7. This article was truly outstanding; thank you for sharing! The Latest SPLK-5001 dumps questions exam questions are crucial for promotion and salary growth—get them for free!

  8. Thank you for your amazing share; the article really shocked me! Sharing the free Related MB-500 Certifications test questions—your key to career advancement and higher earnings!

  9. This article is so uplifting, thank you for sharing it! I earned a promotion and salary increase using this CSCM-001 valid test cram review. Now, I’m sharing it for free. Wishing you success in your career progress!

  10. I’m thankful for your article, it was really enlightening and fresh. The New JN0-223 practice questions free test questions are essential for career success—available for free!

  11. I found the article to be incredibly beneficial to my understanding. The extensive content in E_S4CPE_2405 reliable practice questions book is offered free of charge to support you.

  12. That article was a real gem. The DP-420 valid test bootcamp exam that helped me achieve a promotion and pay raise is free today for you to use. Best of luck on your professional journey!

  13. CompTIA인증XK0-005시험을 위하여 최고의 선택이 필요합니다. ExamPassdump 선택으로 좋은 성적도 얻고 하면서 저희 선택을 후회하지 않을것니다.돈은 적게 들고 효과는 아주 좋습니다.우리ExamPassdump여러분의 응시분비에 많은 도움이 될뿐만아니라CompTIA인증XK0-005시험은 또 일년무료 업데이트서비스를 제공합니다.작은 돈을 투자하고 이렇게 좋은 성과는 아주 바람직하다고 봅니다.

  14. This article is simply incredible, thank you for sharing! The Reliable exam C_C4H22_2411 topics pdf helped me land a promotion and salary increase. It’s free for everyone now. Best of luck with your promotions!

  15. Your article was incredibly impactful, thank you for this insight. Enhance your IT abilities and get free Valid 1z0-071 exam pass4sure. Best wishes for success!

  16. This article is outstanding in every way, thank you for sharing. The RPFT certification questions test questions are shared for free. Good luck with your exam preparation!

  17. This content is outstanding, and my like is locked in. Reliable DP-300 exam tips offers a broad range of material free of charge, hoping it supports you.

  18. 一部のお客様は時間を無駄にしないホワイトカラーの従業員であり、プロモーションを得るために早急にSalesforce認定を必要としますが、他のお客様はスキルの向上を目指している場合があります。そのため、Platform-App-Builder-JPNの質問と回答の異なるバージョンを設定することにより、異なる要件を満たすようにします。特別なものは、オンラインのPlatform-App-Builder-JPNエンジンバージョンです。オンラインツールとして、便利で簡単に学習でき、Windows、Mac、Android、iOSなどを含むすべてのWebブラウザとシステムをサポートします。このバージョンのPlatform-App-Builder-JPN試験問題をすべての電子デバイスに適用できます。

  19. すべての人々のニーズに応じて、当社の専門家と教授は、すべての顧客向けに3種類のOGEA-101認定トレーニング資料を設計しました。 3つのバージョンは、すべてのお客様が操作するために非常に柔軟です。実際の必要性に応じて、今後の試験の準備に最も適したバージョンを選択できます。当社のすべてのOGEA-101トレーニング資料は、3つのバージョンにあります。 3つのバージョンのOGEA-101の最新の質問を使用して、今後の試験の準備をすることは非常に柔軟です。

  20. もしあなたはまだMicrosoftのDP-100試験に合格するのために悩まればPassTestは今あなたを助けることができます。PassTestは高品質の学習資料をあなたを助けて優秀なMicrosoftのDP-100会員の認証を得て、もしあなたはMicrosoft DP-100の認証試験を通して自分を高めるの選択を下ろして、PassTestはとてもよい選択だと思います。

  21. Thank you for your article; it truly shocked me! I reached my career goals thanks to the Practice 156-587 engine exam, and now you can access it for free!

  22. This article is refreshing, and it’s really worth reading. Thanks to the Answers JN0-105 Real Questions, I got promoted and received a salary raise. Now, I’m offering it for free. Wishing you all success in your careers!

  23. What an outstanding piece of writing, I’m truly impressed! MB-230 simulations pdf test questions now available for free. Good luck with your exams!

  24. So good, I’m liking it without any delay. Career growth is within reach with the free Reliable 1Z0-1133-24 practice questions questions—boost your salary and promotion!

  25. 아무런 노력을 하지 않고 승진이나 연봉인상을 꿈꾸고 있는 분이라면 이 글을 검색해낼수 없었을것입니다. 승진이나 연봉인상을 꿈꾸면 승진과 연봉인상을 시켜주는 회사에 능력을 과시해야 합니다. IT인증시험은 국제적으로 승인해주는 자격증을 취득하는 시험입니다. Pass4Test의Salesforce인증 Certified-Business-Analyst덤프의 도움으로 Salesforce인증 Certified-Business-Analyst시험을 패스하여 자격증을 취득하면 승진이나 연봉인상의 꿈이 이루어집니다. 결코 꿈은 이루어질것입니다.

  26. Your article has truly left me speechless, thank you for sharing! The Reliable C_S4CCO_2506 practice questions ppt test was the secret to my promotion and pay raise—today, I’m giving it to you for free!

  27. I learned so much from the article—it was truly beneficial. This C_BW4H_2505 reliable test forum helped me achieve a promotion and pay raise. Now I’m sharing it for free with everyone. Wishing you all great success in your careers!

  28. I’m really enjoying this content, definitely hitting like. The Reliable NSK300 exam labs exam questions are available for free. Wishing you the best in your exams!

  29. 我們VCESoft網站是在盡最大的努力為廣大考生提供最好最便捷的服務。速度和高效率當然不可避免,在當今的社會裏,高效率走到哪里都是熱議的話題,所以我們網站為廣大考生設計了一個高效率的培訓資料,可以讓考生迅速領悟,從而考試取得優異的成績。VCESoft CWNP的CWAP-405考試培訓資料可以幫助考生節省大量的時間和精力,考生也可以用多餘的時間和盡力來賺去更多的金錢。

  30. Absolutely brilliant content, no hesitation to like it. 100-160 latest practice questions download offers in-depth material for free to enhance your learning.

  31. Die Fragenkataloge von DeutschPrüfung enthalten die Lernmaterialien und Simulationsfragen zur Microsoft DP-600 Zertifizierungsprüfung. Noch wichtiger bieten wir die originalen DP-600 Fragen und Antworten.

  32. This article is incredible, thank you for sharing it with us! The C_SIGVT_2506 exam sample online questions were essential to my promotion and salary boost, and today, I’m sharing them with you for free!

  33. Thank you for your wonderful article; it was truly shocking! The Reliable ZDTA exam collection free helped me move forward in my career with a promotion and salary increase. Now, I’m sharing it for free. Wishing you career success!

  34. The points mentioned in the article are very useful and have helped me a lot. I’m about to take the DCA Printable PDF exam. Wishing for all the best!

  35. In Bezug auf die SAP C-S4TM-2023 Zertifizierungsprüfung ist die Zuverlässigkeit nicht zu ignorieren. Die Schulungsmaterialien zur C-S4TM-2023 Zertifizierungsprüfung von ExamFragen werden besonders entworfen, um Ihre Effizienz zu erhöhen. Unsere Website hat weltweit die höchste Erfolgsquote.

  36. Warum wählen viele Leute die Schulungsunterlagen zur Linux Foundation CKA Zertifizierungsprüfung von It-Pruefung? Es gibt auch andere Websites, die Schulungsressourcen zur CKA Zertifizierungsprüfung bietet. Unser It-Pruefung stellt Ihnen die echten Prüfungsmaterialien zur Verfügung. Unser Eliteteam, Zertifizierungsexperten, Techniker und berühmte Linguisten bearbeiten die neueste Linux Foundation CKA Zertifizierungsprüfung. Deshalb klicken Sie It-Pruefung Website, wenn Sie die Linux Foundation CKA Zertifizierungsprüfung bestehen wollen. Mit It-Pruefung können Sie Ihren Traum Schritt für Schritt verwirklichen.

  37. 当社の製品には多くの面で多くのメリットがあり、CPMAI_v7練習エンジンの品質を保証できます。まず、経験豊富な専門家チームが実際の試験に基づいて入念に編集します。第二に、CPMAI_v7学習教材の言語と内容の両方がシンプルです。このコンテンツは焦点を強調し、洗練されたCPMAI_v7の質問と回答を使用するキーをつかみ、学習者が最小限の実践で最も重要な情報を習得できるようにします。 3つ目は、学習者が教材を学習し、試験の準備をするのに役立つさまざまな機能を提供することです。

  38. VCESoft可以為你提供捷徑,給你節約好多時間和精力換。VCESoft會為你的SAP C-ABAPD-2507認證考試提供很好的培訓工具,有效的幫助你通過SAP C-ABAPD-2507認證考試。如果你在其他網站也看到了可以提供相關資料,你可以繼續往下看,你會發現其實資料主要來源於VCESoft,而且VCESoft提供的資料最全面,而且更新得最快。

  39. 빨리 Pass4Test 덤프를 장바구니에 넣으시죠. 그러면 100프로 자신감으로 응시하셔서 한번에 안전하게 패스하실 수 있습니다. 단 한번으로SAP C_BCBTM_2502인증시험을 패스한다…… 여러분은 절대 후회할 일 없습니다.

  40. IT業界の一人として、IT領域の現状をよく知っているのでしょう?現在のIT業界でCiscoの資格認証はますます重要になっています。多くの人は300-740試験に悩んでいます。あなたもその中の一員かもしれません。試験に迅速に合格する方法を探していますか?我々の300-740資料を試しましょう。無料のサンプルを提供して、あなたはダウンロードして試すことができます。あなたの要求を満たすなら、弊社の300-740参考書を利用してください。

Leave a Reply to Tony King Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *