Open mobile learning

I'm totally convinced about a couple of things regarding mobile phones: that I can't be without mine for very long before suffering withdrawal symptoms, and they are going to be the main way we access learning within a few years. As a result I've decided I'm going to be blogging a bit more about mobile devices and their uses within schools as we explore their use more and more. Like most things I prefer free and open (and therefore lean toward Android as an OS) but I can see that the way we use m-learning in future will probably call on the strengths of Android, iOS (and possibly even Windows 7 for Phones). Stay tuned for more info about how ASHS is using mobile phones and tablets.

Digikam: photo management made easy

I'm a big fan of Picasa. My only quibble with it is that it's not open and is another way for Google to own your ass (or at least all your embarrassing photos). For quite a while I've been looking for a good photo management tool that has powerful batch processing support and I've certainly found one: digikam.

There is quite a list of open source, linux-friendly photo organisers: F-spot, Shotwell etc. but most of them have either no batch processing support or very limited support. Digikam is different and will probably satisfy all of your batch and manage dreams.

It does what it says on the box:

• import pictures
• organize your collection
• view items
• edit and enhance
• create (slideshows, calendar, print, ...)
• share your creations (using social web services, email, your own web gallery, ...)