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?