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!