Still on the topic of IU’s tech innovations in 2011, we must include Indiana University’s maverick computer scientist Dr. Ali Jafari, now starting his third venture here at the IURTC.

Jafari’s new company has developed the CourseNetworking (CN) software, a free social network for connecting teachers and students from around the world based on shared interests and class subjects. Jafari’s new application creates an active, large-scale learning environment that is completely open to any user, nationally and internationally.  Another innovation is CN’s business model, which is to generate the bulk of its revenue through targeted advertising relevant to system users and their course subjects.

Although CourseNetworking is slated for launch in the spring of 2012, I’ve nominated Dr. Jafari as a  top tech innovator for 2011 at the Chronicle of Higher Education blogsite. If you appreciate Jafari’s contributions, please add your own nomination.

CourseNetworking website.
More about Dr. Ali Jafari on Wikipedia.