Lots of Tiny Languages - All Different

The MIT Technology Review reports on the Emerging Language Camp. This looks like an indication of things to come. The article makes an interesting point that existing mainstream languages were designed for computational architectures that are rapidly becoming outdated. Software systems  are no longer based on single-processors, single-heaps, and reliable in-core execution paradigms. There seems to be increasing interest in languages that are not exclusively based around the all-conquering OO message-and-state mechanisms that emerged in the 80's. Part of the change seems to be driven by the rise of mobile devices and new styles of device interface. Is the era of the 'big language' (C++, Java) over?

XCRI

I attended a meeting yesterday that introduced me to XCRI. This is an XML format for representing course information so that institutions can provide an XCRI feed, thereby publicizing their offerings for others to integrate into applications. Perhaps we are heading for a situation where it will be possible to specify your detailed HE requirements (skills, interests, teaching and learning methods) and for a system to generate matches, automatically enroll, produce learning portfolios, etc. Or perhaps its just a way for the UK government to measure and manage HE provision.

Cycling for Charity

My brother-in-law has just set off on his cycle tour from John O'Groats to Lands End.  He is raising money for the Psoriasis Association. You can follow his progress via the following blog where there are further details if you wish to support the charity.