I think it is great that he talked to you and it's makes me feel really good that they're thinking about progress in this field. I didn't understand the part about file transfer problems. Why can't the ministry upload the files to a secured site of the MOE and supply schools with password to the secured site. On the day of the exam you download the file and in a matter of minutes you can upload to many students the files needed. Even if you do it, let's say 15 minutes before the exam starts as you collect all their mp3 players and upload the files to their devices. I'm sure this will save a lot of money to the ministry and also make our life much easier. Kobi -----Original Message----- From: etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:etni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Ask_Etni Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 9:47 PM To: ETNI Subject: [etni] Fw: cds mp3s and moe ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sharon Tzur" <sharontzu5@xxxxxxx> Subject: cds mp3s and moe Dear Etniers: As you may know, I wrote a long letter to Mr. Dudu HaLevi from the Testing Department on the topic of CDs and MP3s. Though I didn't get an immediate response to my first letter, after sending a second letter, Mr. Dudu HaLevi himself responded, called me at home, and spoke with me for over half an hour about the hakraat sheilon issue. I reiterated the problems with CDs - particularly the high cost of diskman, the waste for using disks, and the problem of producing disks for practice during the school year. I was really happy to talk to a responsive person who proved to be aware of the problems involved and I was glad to see how seriously and intelligently the whole issue is being handled - something I couldn't have known from the letter issued to schools - which didn't even mention that other options are being discussed. Mr. HaLevi said that the tape option is no longer available for technical reasons (apparently the previous suppliers are no longer making tapes), but that the ministry is aware of the problems of using CDs and is looking into moving to MP3 (or some other) technology. We discussed some of the issues. Mr. HaLevi is interested in using technologies that would eliminate the need for file transfer on the day of the bagrut.(My original suggestion was to send a disk-on-key with the files in the sealed envelopes on the day of the exam. He pointed out that transferring files on the day of the exam is problematic in schools with very large populations.) He said they are looking into using a technology which would eliminate the need for file transferring on the day of the exam - like SIM cards. I'm not really familiar with that particular technology, but I know that my own MP3 player (produced by ScanDisk) is equipped to read a tiny memory card that can be slipped into my MP3 player - I think it's the same idea. That would certainly be a great idea. I did send a follow up fax saying that in light of the fact that the ministry may be moving to a newer technology very shortly, it would make sense to continue to supply tapes until that time - and I suggested that the ministry check again to see if there is any supplier who could continue to produce tapes for another year or two. I also promised Mr. HaLevi that I'd send a letter to the Etni list reporting on our conversation. If anyone has any ideas to contribute, please write me and I'll try to pass them on. ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** ----------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------- ** Etni homepage - http://www.etni.org or - http://www.etni.org.il ** ** for help - ask@xxxxxxxx ** ** to post to this list - etni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** -----------------------------------------------