* I suppose that before I even start that I need to let you know that, to some degree, Vance and Buth and I developed our approaches separate from each other. Vance chose to concentrate more on the Moodle and I wanted to look to other, hopefully more expansive and flexible Content Management Systems, Buth looked at things from an RSS and Blog perspective. It has been interesting to see how closely each of us came to the same approach using different technologies. That said, you will now find that the schedule for my section will follow Vance's to some degree but not completely. I hope that does not confuse too many folks.

* I have tried to focus on fairly low thresh-hold approaches to CMS applications, preferring to stay within the Open Source concept, but one of the first things that you are about to find out, is that much of my portion requires one to have access to a web server and the knowledge and willingness to access the server. The applications I will suggest are all free, but they all reside either on your server space or on the net itself. Much of what will be learned will have to do with how to install and manipulate said applications. Further, a good high speed broadband access to the net is desired and a first quality browser (I very much prefer Firefox, as you will see as the class moves forward).

* I will post each weeks suggested course of study at the beginning of that week. There is a great deal of material here to peruse and we really do not want to confuse you by giving you too much to do in any one week. However, in the same sense, we have tried to set the timing of the subjects so that they can sort of "sink in" before you have a chance to go on and try out some new element that you have heard about. In the same sense, I am counting on all of you who join me to create a very collaborative atmosphere in which to learn. I am by no means an expert in any of these areas, but I beleive that if we work together we can all learn to use these instruments of learning. There will be numerous forums where you can ask questions, seek advice or give answers or suggestions. Please add your knowledge and/or confusion to these. If you decide to install any of the suggested applications, let us know, so we can better direct questions or answers your way. I think I have everything set up on my Moodle to be RSS, so you should be able to subscribe to any forum.

* This first week we will explore Open Source, Portal or Content Management Applications (Including the Moodle) Next week we will see how some blogs can be tied to portal sites

* I have also set up a sample Portal Site called Elderville. I will be exprementing with that site throughout the class, and am hoping that you will be kind enough to let me know how things look from your location. I created this site as a way of learning about Portals and have found that do construct such a portal is one of the best ways you can learn about them. I am not sure which one is the best. The Moodle probably has the best user interface, but some of the others allow for a much great width of use. Putting any of them on-line will help you understand all of them. Unless you are a lot smarter than me (and I am sure many of you are), then you are likely to make a number of mistakes. There are great forum communities for all the softwares that I have suggested, and I further suggest that you join in those groups or at least learn how to read their FAQ pages. Most of the things you will experience, someone before you has already experienced and was kind enough to write about it.

* Elderville also has a variety of means of contacting me...and we shall explore some of that information in the first week. Of particular note, I am often available via Yahoo IM, Skype, by phone, if you are in the States and can afford the call, and by any other means that you feel is worthwhile (right now, I have three different VOIP applications running on my laptop). Please feel free to contact me regarding any matter. Part of my intent is to be as available as possible , and unless this becomes a large group, I think I can accomplish that using the above technologies. I am -6 GMT, but if you see one of my devices is on, give me a buzz. If I am away from my desk, leave me a message and I'll get back to you. I am semi-retired, and other than the fact, that my daughter (who lives with me) is due to deliver her first child on February 28, I should be around.

* So now, you can go to ElderUniversity. Sign up for an account, and see the Moodle for further instructions. Let's PORTAL!!!