UR joins IBM's global jam

University students united with other college students in a three-day-long online discussion hosted by IBM.

IBM’s Smarter Planet University Jam allowed faculty, students, IBM business leaders and technicians and industry partners to engage in thoughtful discussions on how technology and business can aid in building a “smarter planet.”

Some of the central points of the dialogue included building efficient cities and improving carbon usage, water management, electricity grids, healthcare, education and professional skills.

UR was invited to participate in the IBM Smarter Planet University Jam and subsequently agreed to set up registration for students and faculty members. The global online forum started Monday, April 20, and ends tonight, April 23.

Associate Vice Provost of University Information Technology [Academic & Research] Eric Fredericksen, commented on the level of student participation in the event.

“There is great enthusiasm from students and faculty for the spirit of this event,” he said.
Since the start of the event, over 2,000 posts have been made globally and nearly 3,500 people have logged in for the jam. Participants had the option to start their own thread or respond to existing ones.

Following the forum, IBM will publish a summary report of the depth and insight developed through the conversations.

In addition, IBM will recognize select innovative contributions and support research of the discussion topics.

Nathaniel is a member of
the class of 2011.