Post on 22-Jan-2016
description
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 20072007
Teaching over the Access GridTeaching over the Access Grid
Today’s AgendaToday’s Agenda
Introduction to Access Grid Why video matters Why audio matters Suggestions for helping students learn to
use the AG effectively
Questions?Questions?
Please jump in anytime with questions
The Access Grid (AG)The Access Grid (AG)
A set of software applications, for collaborating across high-performance computer networks
Often used to support large-scale distributed meetings, collaborative work sessions, seminars, lectures, tutorials and training
Developed by Argonne National Laboratory
A Couple DefinitionsA Couple Definitions
Node: An individual installation of Access Grid software– Could be a full room, like at Jemez– Could be a laptop, like in Jennifer’s
officeNode operator: Person who sits at
the node, running the software
A Few ExamplesA Few Examples
Boston University, University of New Mexico, and Jemez Department of Education have all been using AG for a number of years
Here are a few examples of events we’ve been involved in . . .
Tribal Virtual Network . . . Tribal Virtual Network . . .
Interviewing International Interviewing International Applicants . . . Applicants . . .
. . . Even Global Karaoke!. . . Even Global Karaoke!
Technology Supports Technology Supports CommunicationCommunicationSmall technical details can make or
break any AG meeting– Camera adjustments, lighting,
microphone placement, software adjustments
Important to provide feedback to each other about whether we can see and hear each other well
We Need to See Each OtherWe Need to See Each Other
Camera placement and lighting are essential! Plenty of communication happens through
body language, facial expressions At the beginning of each session, look at
your video to make sure everyone can be seen
Throughout each session, either make adjustments to camera angles, or have people go to the camera to speak
Who’s Easier to Talk With?Who’s Easier to Talk With?
Before . . . . . . and after
We Need to Hear Each OtherWe Need to Hear Each Other
At the beginning of each session, check audio for clarity and volume
Sometimes audio problems can be intermittent, so if problems arise pause the session to address them
Be sure that each person speaking has access to a microphone– This may mean moving the microphone, or
moving the person
Text Chat Helps TroubleshootText Chat Helps Troubleshoot
Pause if anything disrupts the event. – Your node operator can convey
messages to the other site through the AG software text chat, even if audio and video aren’t working
Please do interrupt the speaker if audio problems make it hard to understand them
Sharing PowerPoint SlidesSharing PowerPoint Slides
We’ll do our best to design PowerPoint slides for guest lectures that work across the Access Grid
It’s not always possible to know if there will be problems with slides (fonts, embedded files, etc), so please let us know if any issues come up
Pre-Meeting Basics ChecklistPre-Meeting Basics Checklist
How does my video look?Can I see everybody okay at the
other sites?Have I had an audio check with the
other site? – Brief conversation is necessary, it’s not
enough to just hear a couple words
Helping Students Use the AGHelping Students Use the AG
Using video conferencing takes some getting used to
It’s hard to remember to use the microphone, make sure you’re on camera, etc
If guest lectures happen over AG, students will need a bit of training
Introducing Students to AGIntroducing Students to AG
You may wish to have a class session specifically about the AG and how to use it
Students could learn more about the world of computing by hearing examples of AG in use– And, at the same time, practice talking
over the AG, getting used to mics/cameras
AG “Games”AG “Games”
Light and easy word games played across the AG may help people get used to using AG later for conversations, question-and-answer sessions
Choose games that only work if everyone can hear each other clearly
Suggestions for AG “Games”Suggestions for AG “Games”
Some ideas:– Twenty Questions– Bizz/Buzz–More ideas at
http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=446179
Questions?Questions?