Fall 2007 semester wrapping up

Well I am almost finished grading for this class. I think there have been quite a few wonderful projects. I enjoyed working with everyone. I hope you have a great holiday and perhaps will see you in another class soon.

Blogs and Wikis

Well I have made a fifth pass through everyone's blogs and most of you are in great shape with your Final Projects. I like seeing how things are progressing, and the blogs give me a chance to provide feedback as you are are working on them instead of waiting to the end.

On a different note, I recently submitted a proposal for a book on wikis to Jossey-Bass and it has been accepted. I will probably be contacting everyone sometime next week with permission slips for your wiki projects this semester. I hope to use the FAQ and at least one of the group projects for some of the examples that will be in the book. (btw-I will also post this as an announcement in WesternOnline.)

Looking through your blogs

NetVibes has really helped me organize my blog watching. Has anyone else used the tab I emailed out? So far, most of the blogs are looking great, and more importantly, they are showing progress with your Final Projects. We are almost done!

On a side note: the new cd is now available at Borders in Davenport. You can find it in the independent artist bin under the name GEMnEYE. The new one is called "Legacy". The first one is also available (called "The Covenant"). I think the difference in sound quality between the two is really noticable as I learn to figure out how the software works.

I am working on getting our blogs connected to NetVibes through RSS. If it works, I will share my NetVibes tab. Hopefully we will have good news by the end of today.

Memories of Heidelberg

Well I am back from the trip. The conference was excellent and Heidelberg a memorable place to visit. The ISPI Europe conference was a great experience, and my presentation (on wikis) was well received.

As you may recall, I was born in Heidelberg. I was only 1 or 2 when we moved back to the states. I made my first visit back in 1996, and wrote a song about it. The song is called Old Town, and it's on the new cd. I am going to try to upload an mp3 if anyone is interested. Music and lyrics by me. I play the instruments (virtually, of course) and sing backup. My good friend from 35+ years is singing lead.

A second called Home also available here. There are twelve tracks in all. Comments welcome.

• Old Town (5 mb)
  
• Home (3 mb)

The songs should open in a new window. Or you can just right-click and download the files. Old Town rocks, and Home is mellower.

Blog posts and return journey

Well, I have been reviewing everyone's blogs and they are looking pretty good. By this time, you should have three posts (halfway there) and be in the middle of your final project. Myself, I am preparing to present my paper here at the ISPI Europe conference (11:00 am Germany time on Saturday). After that, I have a group presentation at 3:00 (or as they say here 15:00). Then it's a 1 1/2 hour ride to the airport hotel in Frankfurt and flight home early Sunday morning. It's been a good trip, but I am ready to get back home.

Attending conference

On Saturday, I will be flying to Heidelberg, Germany to attend and give a paper at the ISPI Europe (International Society for Performance Improvement). The paper is on using wikis for global collaboration. I should still have internet access to check our class and respond to email, but it may be spotty. This trip will be interesting also because I was born in Heidelberg (Jim West being a common German name ). Actually, my dad was in the Army.

IDT 516 blogs

Well it only makes sense that I also have a blog for the class. Hopefully, everyone is successfully posting to their blogs now as well. I have checked them all out and they look pretty good. This last part of the course will become more disconnected as people concentrate on their projects. One thing I like to use this assignment for is as sort of a journal as you put together your Final Project. It helps to keep each other informed as to where you are. We also can provide some feedback, and maybe loosen up our posts somewhat. Plus, if there is anyone not in the class that you would like to join in the process, you can invite them to your blog and they can participate as well. Let's see what happens!