Author: Ezra S F


  • New World

    Here is an attempt at a positive post with our new vendor, Desire2Learn. In the Old World, WebCT/Blackboard, my role was to develop install the application / databases, monitor for problems, automate systems to run without the need of humans, or to make it simple for humans to do. In the New World, Desire2Learn, my…

  • Only 8 years into running this product and I still learn something new about it. Monday there was an event. Two nodes became responsive at about the same time. The other ten nodes did their jobs and transferred session information to the nodes taking on the sessions. Most were so busy they did not respond…

  • E.O. Wilson on inspiring people to get into science. If the below video does not display, then try E.O. Wilson: Advice to young scientists

  • At some point when I am not too lazy, I should empower my future laziness. I really need an easier way to look up books on Goodreads when I see them mentioned on other pages. For example, say I go to BBC’s Big Read and want to add some to my wish list. At present I…

  • I was asked to work my “Unix magic”. The problem? Duplicate courses were spooled and converted from the WebCT format to the Desire2Learn. The conversion process creates an import file using the WebCT SourcedId.Id as the OrgCode. The first time the OrgCode is used, it creates a course. The next and subsequent times, it duplicates…

  • Scrambls encrypts social media posts and lets users specify exactly who can see them, across all social media sites. The user can form groups from friends and family, going as broad as everyone with a Gmail account down to a specific colleague or even those who know a certain password. Everyone else (including the social…

  • Hope you have a great day!

  • Supposedly this is the future. Students helping each other rather than looking to the teacher. Instead of long boring lectures, students get short videos. If the below does not work, then try Peter Norvig: The 100,000-student classroom.

  • Today is the 183rd day or midpoint of the year, so where am I with those goals? Reading goals should be at 50%: Complete unfinished novel series. 13 of 27 done. That is 48%. So I am a little behind. American History and Decision Making. 4 of 10 done. That is 40%. So I am a little behind. Science. 6…