Final Reflections

This is the sad part of the course when I have to say goodbye to my students. It is never easy. Sometimes I mechanically go back into WebTycho after the end of the semester expecting to see another bunch of postings but disappointed to find none. This class was special because the students were particularly motivated and bright. I know they will do well academically and in life.

As we put a close on this semester, I suggest you reflect on your new knowledge and skills you have gained in this class. I hope you have a better idea about blogs, wikis, social networks, avatars, data flow diagrams (maybe not?), OLAP and other key IT concepts by now.

Best wishes for a most successful career and a fulfilling life!

And for those of you who are graduating...

Reflections on Session 14

I noticed mixed reaction toward social networking sites. Some students found it novel, fun and interesting while others saw it as a total waste of time and/or another security vulnerability. Although I respect the latter's opinion, I must say that these sites have gained tremondous popularity during the last few years and they are being accepted into the corporate environment.

With Ning, you could focus on one particular area of interest (whether it is tiny frogs or security policy). Personally, it has been fun for me to have a Facebook account and keep in touch with my daughter in Philly as well as my close buddies. I can keep in touch with my colleagues who share a mutual interest in educational technology. The younger generation uses Facebook (and text/IM messaging) in lieu of e-mail to communicate.

I hope that we can keep in touch after this semester...either with Ning or Facebook.

Looking forward to your culminating blog posting!!!!

Do more with,
Les

Reflections on Session 13

Nice job on the wiki! The general thinking in industry nowadays is that a CIO is more a business person than a technical one. Don't confuse a CIO with a CTO (Chief Technology Officer).

Anyway, just for comparison, this is what the previous class created:

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Chief Information Officer
Wiki Icky Inc.
Adelphi, MD

Announcement Number: WI-CSMN-601
Open: Jul 23, 2007
Closed: Open Until Filled.

Job Description:

Wiki Icky Inc., a leading company in the field of communications and technology innovations, is seeking a Chief Information Officer. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and provides strong collaborative forward thinking, and responsive leadership in the planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and management of Information Technology (IT) as infrastructure. CIO Is in charge of the Management Information Systems (MIS) organization within the company, charged with overseeing operations, setting MIS priorities, and being a top level advocate for the MIS. The CIO will also ensure that information technology is acquired and information resources are managed effectively; develop, maintain and facilitate a sound and integrated information technology architecture; and promote the effective and efficient design and operation of all major information resources management processes for the agency, including improvements to work processes. The incumbent will serve as a member of the senior leadership team and will act as the senior advisor for all information technology within the company.

Company Information:

Founded in 1991, Wiki Icky Inc. grew internally and through acquisitions until the early 2000s. Beginning in 2002, the company began acquiring companies with expertise in information technology products and services, particularly in the networking, distributed computing, and communications arena. Wiki Icky focuses on creating shareholder value while delivering superior products and services to all commercial and government sectors. The company emphasizes excellence in Information Technology Management improvement in all of its operations. Wiki Icky values ethical behavior and promotes a culture of integrity throughout all aspects of its business. This culture is evident in how the company deals with shareholders, employees, customers, partners, and the communities in which it operates.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will be a visionary, progressive thinker, possessing a strong technical background with excellent management and analytical skills. He or she must possess a stellar record of employee management and demonstrate experience leading organization change and forming collaborative partnerships across organizations with diverse constituencies. He or she will have at least 10 years of experience at the senior management level. The ideal candidate will have experience in both public and private sectors. A MBA from an accredited college or university, with experience in Information Technology, and/or Systems Engineering is required; an advanced degree in a complementary field is highly desirable. A strong record of innovation, leadership, successful experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and implementation, and the ability to understand and engage emerging trends in information technology are essential. Strong knowlege of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) at level 5 and Project Management experience are essential. Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification preferred. should hold an active Secret clearance or have held one in the last two years.

Key knowledge, skills, and abilities of the CIO are:

1. Develop strategic plans and operating policies for computing and information technology;
2. Direct and develop programs and schedules for business and finance data processing, computer services, network communications, and management information services to accomplish corporate goals and objectives;
3. Manage and evaluate information security and data integrity of the company and its business units;
4. Implement the objectives of the information technology needs of the company to ensure the computer capabilities are responsive to the needs of the company's growth;
5. Evaluate overall operations of computing and information technology functions and recommend enhancements;
6. Advise senior management on strategic systems conversions and integrations in support of business goals and objectives;
7. Prepare enterprise objectives and budgets to facilitate the orderly and efficient capture, storage, processing, and dissemination of information;
8. Review and approve major contracts for computing and information technology services and equipment;
9. Coordinate the implementation of high-level security policies, standards and practices for the information systems, communication lines, and equipment;
10. Oversee the development, design, and implementation of new applications and changes to existing computer systems and software packages;
11. Responsible for the development, review, certification and testing of all back-up and disaster recovery procedures and plans;
12. Identify emerging information technologies to be assimilated, integrated, and introduced within the company;
13. Research new computing technologies to determine potential value for the company;
14. Establish company infrastructure to support and guide individual divisions/departments/sites in computing and information technology efforts;
15. Establish and implement short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures;
16. Serve on planning and policy-making committees, providing suggestions for technology based implementation or collaboration;
17. Responsible for application support for end users and achieve best practice metrics including high Service Level Agreement compliance, customer satisfaction scores, and use of technology and processes;
18. Leads implementation activities to achieve desired financial or procedural outcomes for new systems, using standardized implementation, use, and support models.
19. Manage $25 million annual capital budget for new applications;
20. Provide advice and assistance to senior managers on IT acquisition and management;
21. Maintains an inventory of information management hardware and software to identify gaps and needed changes;
22. Interviews and selects managerial and administrative support staff, provides training opportunities, evaluates the performance of incumbents, and reviews and approves administrative duties;
23. Oversee and contributes to Project Management efforts and standards as they relate to CMMI certification, I.T. development and management within the organization;
24. Envision the future of information technology at Wiki Icky Inc. and anticipate its impact on learning, research, outreach, and administration;
25. Develop and maintain a strong Information Assurance program ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all company information resources;
26. Implement and embrace information technology programs that support a strong process orientation to improve upon and maintain current CMMI levels throughout the corporation;
27. Seek opportunities for system consolidation and elimination of redundant functions;
28. Prior experience with migrating operating systems related to mergers and acquisitions;
29. Ability to prioritize between competing projects and resources to ensure work goals are met.
30. Coordinates scheduled training of Information Technology staff to promote professional development;
31. Coordinates upgrades and maintenance of all network, computer and hardware devices;
32. Other duties as assigned;

Salary:

The salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. The pay scale is currently under review for this position, but will range from $185,000 to $210,000 annually. Guaranteed bonus at 25% of annual pay, depending upon meeting company and position specific goals.

Benefits:

Wiki Icky Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance. 401(k) and Pension Plan. Short and Long-Term Disability. 4 weeks paid vacation, 10 paid holidays, and paid sick leave. Health/Dependent Care Spending Account (Flex Account).

Working Conditions:

The incumbent is assigned to the Office Headquarters in Adelphi, Md. Travel up to 40% is expected with occasional over night stays. This is an exempt position. Some evening and weekend work is required, as well as the ability to work remotely.

For more information regarding the position, minimum qualifications, and application requirements please contact:

Dr. Les Pang
3501 University Blvd. East
Adelphi, MD 20783
Phone: 410-555-1234
E-Mail: **csmn601@umuc.edu**


Wiki Icky Inc.
An Equal Opportunity Employer

*********************************************************

Here is what another previous class came up with:

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IF YOU DO NOT LIVE IN MARYLAND, PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS LISTING. HOW EVER, IF YOU ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, YOU MAY APPLY.

Title: Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Company Info:
The Widget Manufacturing Organization (WMO) has been in business for over 20 years. We pride ourselves on our dedication to our clients and employees. Known for the quality widget produced, our widgets have made their way into every corner of the globe. We are committed in providing the best leading technology in the country and look forward in globalizing our technology.

Hours: Full - Time

Length: Perm

Reports To: President / CEO

Salary: $500,000 - $1,250,000, including stock options and 100% possible future ownership.

Location: Dallas, TX

Position Description:
Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a Widget Manufacturing Organization (WMO) will provide a technological vision and leadership to the company wide Information Technology Program. The CIO will lead the WMO network in both planning and implementing enterprise information systems. Must have and demonstrate success in meeting corporate goals, with the ability to develop regional and corporate managers. Additionally, the CIO:

Provides strategic and tactical planning, development, evaluation and coordination of the Information Technology systems for the WMO network.
Facilitates communication between staff, management, vendors and other technological resources within the organization.
Responsible for the management of multiple information and communications systems and projects, including voice, data, imaging and office automation.
Designs, implements and evaluates the systems that supports the end-users.
Oversees and evaluates system security and back up procedures.
Supervises the Network Administrator.
Demonstrates a strong teamwork environment.

Qualifications:
Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in a leadership position and previous CIO experience. A with increasing management and support responsibility in Widget Manufacturing Organization information systems technology, including direct management of a major IT operation. Experience should also include experience with multi-client server environment. The ideal candidate will also have:

Experience with desktop, notebook, handheld and server computer hardware.
Experience with local and wide area networks.
Experience in strategic planning and execution.
Experience with implementation of information technology integrations in a large division/company
Knowledge of various operating systems such as Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Solaris, and Linux.
Extensive hands-on experience managing and integrating Windows 2003 Active Directory and Windows Server 2003.
Extensive knowledge of network security practices preferably with a CISSP certification.
Minium knowledge of Oracle 7i, 8i, 9i, and 10g.
Experience in Unix & SQL server.


Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Leadership experience and strategic direction for capital investment planning process and enterprise architecture to maximize innovative use of technology, protect the organization’s information systems technology, and reduce costs.
Provide leadership and strategic direction to develop and operate a comprehensive enterprise-wide information systems technology security program, including system plans and hardware and software purchases.
Provide a full range of communications and cyber security techniques to protect decentralized communications and cyber resources.
Be able to effectively define an Information Technology vision for the future of our company.
Be the eyes, ears, and heartbeat for the President on issues IT related that involve our company.
Develop and implement an organizational vision integrating national and program goals, priorities, and values. Create work environment that encourages creative thinking and maintain focus, intensity, and persistence under adversity.
Develop programmers and have an effective relationship with multi-national clientele and staff.
Design and implement strategies to maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards to meet organizational vision, mission, and goals.
Stress personnel accountability and continuous improvement, to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning by implementing and evaluating programs and policies.
Acquire and administer, human, financial, materials, and information resources to accomplish the organization’s mission, and use technology to enhance decision making.
Explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a persuasive manner in negotiations with internal and external groups. Develop professional network with other organizations, and identify internal and external politic that could significantly impact the organization’s mission and goals. Budget preparation and monitoring, and negotiating with vendors and contractors in IT related business.
Seek out new prospects to introduce new technology of ongoing business
Meets with department managers to review current and future infrastructure development, enhancement needs and requirements to stay abreast of business and operating requirements.
Knowledge of information technology computer systems and software and the ability to manage the entire spectrum of information technology operations.

Proven Skills in:

Negotiating with vendors, contractors and others.
Budget preparation and monitoring.
Showing direction and vision in expanding business globally.
Planning and organizing.
Management and Leadership.
Excellent communication skills.
Proven track record of on-time completion of projects.
Creating strong and effective teams.
Patients and proven peer mediation skills

Demonstrated ability to:

Communicate to all levels within and outside the organization.
Motivate and educate other team members.
Plan, implement and support systems in a complex environment.
Set and manage priorities.
Comprehend complex technical subjects.
Apply complex IT technologies to business strategies.
Mentor and develop talent.

Educational & Certification Requirement

PHD,Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Systems Engineering, Business Administration and related field from accredited universities. Masters in Business Administration or E-Commerce is highly desirable. CISSP and Cisco (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE) Certification is also desired. Oracle Professional DBA 7i,8i and 9i, SQL/PL/SQL,

Security Requirement

Candidate is required to posses or be able to obtain a TOP SECRET & POLY GRAPH security clearance.

Please forward your resume only if you are serious about furthering your career in management.

Travel: 10%

Telecommute: No

Reflections on Session 12

We are heading closer and closer to the final! I sense that some students are running out of gas? A few students did not complete the Session 12 assignments and I am a bit concerned. Please e-mail me if you have personal issues and/or conflicts so we can work things out.

A handful of students struggled with this data flow diagram mini-project because many had flowcharts ingrained in their minds. My guess is that many had taken a procedural programming class before and learned the need to build a flowchart to show the sequential operations including decision points and stepwise operations.

When I think flowchart, I think of this classic one:



Well, a dataflow diagram is quite different. Some say it is more object-oriented. It shows the information flows among processes, entities (internal and external), and data stores.

This modeling is important for one to understand the processes involved -- including the underlying subprocesses. Without this knowledge, the developer cannot do his/her job in developing a system that would support those real-world processes.

Reflections on Session 11

Regarding Fedscope, I am glad that most of the students were exposed to a powerful OLAP tool. They are seeing a Cognos (now IBM) product formerly called PowerPlay, but there are other companies such as BusinessObjects, Microsoft, Oracle, who can produce similar cubes and interfaces. These tools are certainly easier to use than pivot tables in spreadsheets. I am always impressed when I see the insightful trends and relationships students identified and the derived strategies based on these findings.

Most of the strategies identified social inequities such as the lack of diversity in various dimensions (gender, race, age, etc.) I am glad this class is cognizant of these social issues. Too bad the cubes did not contain any "green" information. I'm sure that a student would try to fix that!

Reflections on Session 10

We had a really lively discussion on whether data mining constituted invasion of privacy. My thoughts are posted at the end of the discussion thread. Some of you may disagree but you need to separate the technology from its application.

My first contact with bots was a computer program called AI Doctor. You, "the patient," would converse with a virtual doctor to help diagnose your ailment and come up with a treatment. It worked on the same principle as ALICE where words from the "patient" were parsed, processed and linked with pre-programmed responses. We have come far from AI Doctor with the use of the XML dialect, Artificial Intelligence Markup Language. This is a significant leap forward compared to when I used GW-BASIC many years ago to program my AI Doctor program.

For the session's mini-project, most students were quite unimpressed with their interactions with the chat bots. I guess it is because of their expectations, the current wave of video games, and what they have seen in the past.

Little do my students know that...I AM A CHAT BOT! I certainly fooled yoI certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo
I certainly fooled yo

(::Transmission ending due to technical issues technical issuestechnical issuestechnical issuestechnical issues



The REAL Dr. Pang!

Reflections on Session 9

I am glad most of the students got to experience a wiki for the first time. It is an excellent collaboration tool but alas nothing is perfect. Often you need an effective facilitator/moderator to ensure that the wiki is well structured and managed and to prevent any wiki vandalism, mis-entries or posting of non-politically correct ideas. Later on, the class will do a mini-project that will not involve any supervision or facilitation on my part. It will be an interesting experiment in human behavior!

Reflections on Session 8

Wow, the discussion thread on instituting an Internet sales tax generated quited heated exchanges! I really like these controversies because they force students to think and argue. I just hope students don't get carried away and start a fight in our virtual parking lot!

I realized that a handful of students found the Session 8 mini-project assignment (come up with a unique e-business) to be very frustrating. Unfortunately, some folks did not even attempt an idea. In a way, this challenging assignment was like a midterm exam. As mentioned before, imagination is more important than knowledge.

Here is a summary of ideas on possible e-businesses:

Satellite lawn service
Robotic adventures
Online gas station account
GPS with restaurant wait times
Custom build-it-yourself computer kit
Online make-up simulator
Independent local news correspondents
Remote energy control of appliances
Pre-purchase preview
Paid standees
Online parking payments
Custom baby bottles and sippers
Organ donor business
Pranksters, Inc.
Food price comparison site
Fragrance USB device
Custom gum
PickAFight.com
Personal online fashion consultant
Stinky jersey rental business
On-the-go music and try-it-on clothing service

Here are student e-business ideas from earlier semesters:

Virtual acupuncture
Virtual Worldwide Vacations
A New You
An Internet music marketing site
Online to-do manager
A real-time auto mechanic assistant
Personalized health care
My Couch Potato
Design My Radio Control car
"See-a-Pet"
Onstar Restaurant Locator
Dr. Everything custom instruction
Audio-visual beach simulation headphones
Miniature puffball pals
An online personal conflict manager
Charity Bridge Play Bidding System
Offer Finder web crawler
An online race management system
Design your own lighting fixtures
An online gas pre-payment system
Junk mail eliminator
Personalized online time management service
3-D modeling tool for an environmentally aware home
Online sports card inventory tracker
Auction site which matches sound equipment with performer
Small-town French restaurant selection guide
Organized weekend camping trips for gamers
College book rental
Family taxi for parents
Grocery price comparison site
Making jealous mates
College transcript clearinghouse
Home improvement contractor online bidding service
e-Closet - hotel storage for travelers
Gifted kids competition
SlingBox feed exchange
Customized beer delivered to your home
Online calorie counter for a broad range of restaurants
Nonalcoholic activity planner
An online hostage negotiator
Team picker based on behavioral survey results
Homepainting recommendation service
Anonymous shopper service
An e-business search service
Personal security-check web service
A one-stop pet resource
Virtual vacations which uses VR helmets
Guild builder for games
An advertiser-customer target marketer
A Mac and PC cross-platform software supplier
A pet food labeling service (has picture of their pet on the can!)
An unbiased fantasy football selector (disregards user's loyalties)
An MP3 music tagging service
Recordings of daughters' comedy routines
Custom cross-stitching service
Virtual DJ services

I wonder if any of my students will become billionaires because of their ideas. Hey, look at a Maryland student named Sergey Brin. He was born in Moscow, Russia, to a Jewish family, the son of a mathematician and economist. In 1979, when Sergey was six, his family emigrated to the United States. Brin attended grade school at Paint Branch Montessori School in Adelphi, Maryland, but he received further education at home; his father Michael Brin, a professor in the department of mathematics at the University of Maryland, nurtured his interest in mathematics and his family helped him retain his Russian language skills. In September 1990, after having attended Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Sergey enrolled in the University of Maryland, College Park to study Computer Science and Mathematics, where he received his Bachelors of Science in May 1993 with high honors. After graduating from Maryland, Sergey received a graduate fellowship from the National Science Foundation, which allowed him to study for his masters degree in Computer Science at Stanford University.

Brin is the American entrepreneur who co-founded Google with Larry Page. He is currently the President of Technology at Google and has a net worth estimated at $16.6 billion as of March 9, 2007, making him the 26th richest person in the world together with Larry Page and the 9th richest person in the United States. He is also the 4th youngest billionaire in the world.

Reflections on Session 7

Before I get into Session 7, I found most of the mid-semester feedback to be useful. As a result, I will "adjust my course" and execute the following:

1. Require that all postings and blogs be APA compliant with references.
2. Require a 150-word threshold.
3. Add a midterm to THIS semester.
4. Change this f2f class to a hybrid in order that I can torture students in person.
5. Bring back Miss Rambo!

Only kidding! These are what I plan to do (at least try!)...

1. I will provide more postings during the course of the week so you get an idea on my "take" on things (and give some positive feedback).
2. Encourage podcasts for current events postings (I'm actually doing that by you reading this right now!)
3. In future classes, look into reducing the weekly assignments.
4. In future classes, add an introductory lecturette.
5. Update the textbook (we will do this in the Fall.)

Hope I didn't miss anything. If I did, please provide a comment to this posting.

Thank you again for your useful feedback! Remember "no stick in the eye" in the semester-ending course eval!

Okay, back to the show....

Session 7 involved enterprise integration which is one of the greatest challenges in any organization. I hope students now understand the tools for integration such as ERPs, CRM, data warehouses, data marts and so on. Just as important, I hope that they understand the issues and challenges associated with with implementing and maintaining them. Incidentally many of these tools are being used for homeland security to help organizations to talk to one another and connect the dots.

Last semester, I have experienced a major failure of an ERP. It had an not-so-friendly interface, a cryptic navigation system, poor performances (long response times times) and poorly written documentation. What was ironic was that the university had classes on ERP implementation, designing effective user interfaces, optimizing system performance and preparing quality documentation! Goes to show that we in academia often don't do what we preach!

Hi, I'm Frek, the Wonder Frog -- Your New TA!

Reflections on Session 6

Oops! Three students did not get credit for their posting because they were unable to meet the 100-word threshold. The reason for the threshold is to ensure that students submit a substantial, value-added and meaningful information. No, it does not guarantee that but through my teaching experience I found that it certainly helps. Incidentally, when I find an exactly 100-word submission, I tend to look at the posting more critically since I suspect that the student added fluff to bring it up to the threshold.

I am glad students are taking a global perspective in this class. It was interesting to read how Europeans and Asians do things differently from a commercial standpoint. Hey let's face it....we live in a global village. (But the question arises...now who is the village idiot? Sorry 'bout that.) We get our cars from Japan and Germany, our coats from Poland and the Czech Republic, our fruits and coffee from Costa Rica and Colombia, and our TV shows from Great Britain (Office, Weakest Link, BBC shows, etc.).

One of the threads in Session 7 provides for a means for you to give me mid-semester feedback. Hopefully, I can try to fix things before the end of the semester. If not, at least your fellow students who take this class next semester will benefit. I would appreciate hearing from you!!!! Thanks!!!

Identity theft is a frightening thought. I've had my credit card stolen once which I guess is a type of identity theft. Fortunately, my credit card company forgave me for all of the false credit card charges (it amounted to thousands of dollars of clothing after my card disappeared from a local restaurant). However, I hear about these horror stories where the bad guys get into your checking and savings account and take all of the funds. The victims are unable to buy things on credit because their credit rating is shot. Let's face it, much of this evil wrongdoing is due to technology. Yes, technology can be a two-edge sword.

Students need to know about the risks surrounding technology. This is a major consideration when implementing a new technology application in an organization. They need to know how to address this risk (countermeasures and controls) and understand that they assume a certain level of risk when it is finally installed. They need to know how to reduce risks on a continuing basis. Threats cannot be totally eliminated unfortunately. I guess you could transfer the risk such as buying identity theft insurance, but that is the not the total solution.

Reflections on Session 5

I found it fascinating the changes in the types of potential security breaches students mention from semester to semester. In past classes, the issues surrounded viruses, spyware, worms, and other malware. During the past semester, the postings were on wireless issues (lack of encryption), server security, patch management, laptop (data-at-rest)and thumbdrive security, social engineering, shoulder surfing, tailgating, identity theft, and dumpster diving. This semester again wireless issues and thumbdrive security seems to be the major concern. But I am pleasantly surprised that physical security issues (tailgating, improper key duplication and social engineering) and CAC card problems seemed to garner the most attention. This reflects a broader perspective of security beyond the intrusions from the World Wide Web.

Some students think that because of the exercise on alternatives to passwords, I am implying that passwords should be replaced totally. No, I am in favor of a two-factor authentication which typically includes a password or a PIN particularly when dealing with portal entry. I am disappointed with passwords themselves which are long, complex and impossible to memorize. And they say not to write it down. There MUST be a better system. I'm glad a few of you mentioned PassFaces but that is still vulnerable to shoulder surfing!

Oh, yes, MISS RAMBO says...

Reflections on 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!

I had to e-mail a handful of students, though, for not submitting "value-added" postings but they were in the minority. They were able to post re-writes well before the deadline...but starting next week -- no more Mr. Nice Guy! I probably won't send e-mail if your posting is deficient.

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!

Reflections on Session 3

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.

Except for Sarah's illustrations, another trend was that many students are awful artists! I'm REALLY 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!

Ms. Rambo's Blog

Reflections on Session 2

I am glad to see that we have an imaginative group of students in the class. The diary assignment revealed that! Here are just a few of the creative thoughts that came up:

Laser shower
GPS car-crash avoidance system
Waterless shower
Aero car
Health sensor (just like Bones)
DNA sampling
MP7
Touch TV Screen
Virtual assistant
Retina scan for authorization
Multi-purpose and secure PDA's
Smart kitchen
Holographic ads
Nano-bots
Instant video messagingFred the Robot
Voice Recognition Car
Holographic tables
10 Terabyte PDA's
Quantum servers
Integration across systems
All-Access Device
Wireless entertainment system
Wallpaper TV
Cloned bosses
Computer control by thought
Digital textbooks
GooHoo (Google + Yahoo)
Organic solar panels
Hyper-bikes
100 core processors
OLED
Auto dresser
Cyber-wife
Kitchen digital assistant
Wireless Base Launch
Imbedded RFID chips
3-D holograhics
20-core processor

One of my favorite sayings is "Imagination is more important than Knowledge." Reflect on that statement a few minutes because it is very profound. Without imagination, our society would not have advanced at all.

BTW, that saying came from Al...

P.S. Humor is also important!

Reflections on Session 1

This class reflects a broad spectrum of backgrounds. I like classes like these -- you get a wide range of perspectives. I predict a very stimulating class this semester!

Miss Rambo, our mean and evil TA, is upset that several students forgot to include the name of the student they are responding to. However, I feel that this is just a minor concern. I am glad students met the 100-word minimum -- this helps to ensure depth to the responses.

I hope students are applying critical thinking and analysis to the discussion question contributions. It's easy to copy and paste info, but graduate school is all about higher order thinking. The current events postings are really on target! Seems like there are a lot of interest in a variety of areas. Miss Rambo reminds us to check if your article is already posted before you post yours. Students posted the article on microchips THREE TIMES!

As for the blogs, it would be great to add a little more pizzazz with the addition of images, relevant links and (yes) even humor!



Looks like a terrific semester coming up!!!!