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‘Linux of online learning’: edX and Stanford build open source platform

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Re: ‘Linux of online learning’: edX and Stanford build open source platform

#5

Post by adelevie »

I know "X for Y" descriptions can be useful shorthand, but "Linux of online learning"? Really?

I know many HNers groaned at yesterday's Morozov essay, but we might do well for ourselves if we take some of the buzzwords back a notch or two. It would go a long way towards preserving the meaning and significance of important words. If anything that is "open" can be "the Linux of something," then what is Linux?

Re: ‘Linux of online learning’: edX and Stanford build open source platform

#7

Post by adelevie »

akandiah wrote: post #4

There are a fair number of these open source learning management systems. A small list is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_learning_management_sys... How is this different from any of these?

It looks like we have a lot of different "Linuxes for online learning." Perhaps we should peg different open source LMSs to particular distros. Since edX and Stanford's system seems to be destined to be the most popular and user-friendly, we should from now on call it the "Ubuntu for online learning." Further, I suggest Wikipedia be called the "Arch Linux of online learning." Traditional colleges and universities can be called the "Drupal of online learning."

Re: ‘Linux of online learning’: edX and Stanford build open source platform

#8

Post by polymatter »

adelevie wrote: post #5

I know "X for Y" descriptions can be useful shorthand, but "Linux of online learning"? Really? I know many HNers groaned at yesterday's Morozov essay, but we might do well for ourselves if we take some of the buzzwords back a notch or two. It would go a long way towards preserving the meaning and significance of important words. If anything that is "open" can be "the Linux of something," then what is Linux?

The OS for Floss (free/libre/open source) hackers.

Re: ‘Linux of online learning’: edX and Stanford build open source platform

#9

Post by netcan »

adelevie wrote: post #5

I know "X for Y" descriptions can be useful shorthand, but "Linux of online learning"? Really? I know many HNers groaned at yesterday's Morozov essay, but we might do well for ourselves if we take some of the buzzwords back a notch or two. It would go a long way towards preserving the meaning and significance of important words. If anything that is "open" can be "the Linux of something," then what is Linux?

Apart from being very prone to cliche, the problem with "X for Y" is that it's got so much potential to be indulgent.

"Linux of online learning" might convey meaning like "platform," "open," :big ecosystem" and "you can build a brand on top of it." But, it sounds like they are saying "Awesome & incredibly successful platform for learning."

That said, I still don't think it's meaningless, though I don't know how much conviction the people saying it have. Think of the different connotations you get if you replace linux with Windows or iOS.

Like mission statements or any other form of cliche it's bullshit & self indulgent 90% of the time. But if it's done with conviction, it can have (useful) meaning.

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