Students posted some very unique next-generation telecommunications devices. The trend among the submissions was human implantations -- under the skin, in the eye and in the ear. This really should not be a surprise...after all some folks have pacemakers, artificial limbs and VeriChip. Other trends include converged functionality: small form factor, wireless, MP3, and GPS technologies. This is the world of "mash-ups" where different technologies are married together to create a new application. The classic one is the mash-up of cell phones and GPS technology.
Another trend was that many students are REALLY awful artists! I'm VERY glad this is not an art class.
I remember when I was a kid there were matchbooks with offers to take drawing lessons by mail. I wonder if these companies are still around. Some of the students could use their services!
I am pleased with the students' topic selections. Frankly, I wish students could write on 2 or even 3 of the topics they proposed. But I am satisfied with the final selections -- these should be very informative for both the students and myself. You see, students will post their papers in a conference for everyone to view. We are in a collaborative, sharing environment in our virtual classroom!
Session 4
Students are getting "in the groove" (to use an archaic term) with the course. The discussion threads are full of insightful comments and exchanges, the current events postings are timely and stimulating to read and the mini-projects reflects significant thought by the students. Most students are keeping up with their blogs. Hey, this is what graduate school is all about!
Starting this week -- no more Mr. Nice Guy! I won't send e-mail if your posting is deficient (less than 100 words, forgot to put the current events title, etc).
There is no perfect web site (except mine :-) ) so Zillow reflects a number of flaws but represents where we are going when it comes to the web. Self reporting, integrating and re-packaging data, and collaboration are features of most new web sites.
Keep up the good work, gang! Groovy!
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