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 Number 7, September 2003
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publisher: Isoph (http://www.isoph.com/)
editor in chief: Celisa Steele | senior editor: Jeff Cobb
contributor: Jude Higdon | guest writer: Steven Forth
sophist@isoph.com
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This issue of The Sophist looks at how technical standards frame so much development work--for better and for worse.
To paint in broad strokes, technical standards serve either as agents of interoperability or as agents of change. Both the practical aspects of technical standards (interoperability) and their social side (standards as agents of change) are particularly applicable to nonprofits as the standards align with the sector’s other work that is focused on inclusion and social change and where standards can be powerful tools. More >>
"The Good, the Bad, the Ambiguous: A Look at Technical Standards" reminds us that while standards are exceedingly helpful, we must make sure they never become the primary focus of our work. The issue of ambiguity raised in the article underscores the need for leadership and stewardship to prevent good intentions from paving a road to hell. More >>
In our standing column "Monolog," we ask one person to share his or her point of view on issues pertinent to those involved with socially-focused organizations. This issue features Daniel Ben-Horin, president of CompuMentor. More >>
Guest writer Steven Forth reviews the basics of metadata--what it is and why to use it--and discusses SCORM as an example of a large metadata initiative in the online learning arena. More >>
This "In Brief" highlights articles, news, and resources focused on open source and proprietary software, metadata, and taxonomy projects. More >>
first article >>
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