Stephen Downes

David T. Jones argues that academics should not create their own websites. It's inefficient, he argues, and the outcome is of poor quality. Worse, there is limited institutional control. Instead, he recommends default course sites and wizards. All very fine, for those academics who have no interest or inclination to build their own online presence. But despite the inefficiencies, I would find myself severely constrained by an institutionally managed website. Institutions are often behind the times and use older (safer, more reliable) technology. They do not innovate. So this is one of those cases where something that is generally true should not be implemented as a policy. You can create the option for academics to use institutional website services, and most of them will. But forcing them to do so breaks the system.