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Using Networked Technologies To Support ConferencesBrian KellyUK Web FocusUKOLNUniversity of BathBATH, UKEmailB.Kelly@ukoln.ac.ukURLhttp://www.ukoln.ac.uk/

UKOLN is supported by:

Co-authors:Emma Tonkin, UKOLNPaul Shabajee, ILRT

AbstractThis paper:

• Describes experiences in using networked applications to support an event

• Provides a framework for exploiting such technologies

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Contents • Introduction• UKOLN/UCISA WLF Case Study:

• “Beyond Email: Strategies for Collaborative Working and Learning in the 21st Century”

• Exploiting the WiFi Network• Instant messaging, Wikis, Blogs, VoIP, …

• A Framework for Deployment:• Technology-Driven Or User-Driven?• The Need For An AUP

• Conclusions• Questions

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Feel free to make use of networked technologies during this talk provided distractions to others is minimised.

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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BackgroundThe current environment:

• Web-enabled everything (teaching & learning; research; social; …)

• The Martini environment – learning anytime, anyplace, anywhere

• Student-driven environment• Potential for exploitation to enhance

teaching & learning and researchThe challenges:

• Disruptive technologies• Student-driven usage• We’ll have to ban it!

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Related WorkWWW 2003 (Budapest, May 2003

• WiFi network available (after W3C meeting)• IM (IRC) used by W3C staff and others for

minute-taking, technical support, etc.• “Real-time peer reviewing” expression coined

Colston Symposium, Bristol:• Research symposium• Building on WWW 2003 experiences• Blogs used for note-taking • Public display of IRC chat (mixed feedback!)

Podcasting at IWMW 2005 event:• To be held at Manchester on 6-8 July 2005• Podcasts available prior to event• Podcasts of talks planned

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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UKOLN/UCISA Case StudyBackground:

• IT Services have need to consider such experiments and plan for wider deployment

• UCISA (WLF) and UKOLN collaboration• Joint workshop on "Beyond Email: Strategies for

Collaborative Working and Learning in the 21st Century" held in Leeds in Nov 2004

• 80+ delegates• Unexpected bonus – WiFi network available:

We encouraged use of the network We recommended several applications We encouraged testing prior to event We kept record of discussions

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Application Environment (1)Wikalong:

• Wiki software (Web-based collaborative authoring)

• Software to annotate Web pages

• Used in discussion groups & during presentations

Jabber Instant Messaging:• Various clients

including GAIM and clients for Mac & PocketPC

• Used for general discussion

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Application Environment (2)Skype:

• Popular VoIP (Internet telephony) application

• Used to allow remote user to listen to opening talk

Advantages:• Accessibility benefits:

enables delegates who can't attend to participate

Disadvantages:• Will people attend? • Possible loss of income• Spin-doctored talks?

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Additional RequirementsFirewall:

• No firewall at venue, so apps should work• But delegates PCs may be vulnerable• Notification of potential dangers provided, and

responsibilities defined Design of PowerPoint slides:

• Designed to allow users to follow links

• Provided accessibility benefits (increase font size, change colours,…)

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Reflections Some reflections

• Time for learning: Users benefited from using applications prior to event

• Preservation Of Discussions: Wiki better than flip chart, but dangers of

information being lost Blogs can disappear – one did

• URIs: Used for annotation – so if URI changes or ambiguous, annotations can disappear

• Technical/Admin Problems: e.g. PocketPCs, IDs• Alternative Applications:

Users could chose own Jabber client Could have made use of a VLE, …

But:• Lack of equality: delegates with no laptop• Personal preferences: learning styles, …

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Why Are We Doing This?Dangers of technology-driven approachesEnthusiasts don’t necessary consider potential barriers or only think about technical issuesNeed to address:

• Purpose of networked service: why are we doing this?

• Users' concerns: distraction; disruption; intrusion; legal issues; misuse; …

• Technical issues: preferred application; support; security; performance; preservation; …

There is a need for a framework in order to address such issues in a consistent manner

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A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Why?Why are we providing and exploiting networked applications in lectures?

• It's available It's exciting!• I can write a paper & go to Manchester

Or:• It can empower the student• It can democratise lecturers• It can help move from 'the sage on the stage' to

'the guide on the side'• It can encourage peer support• It can enhance accessibility• It can enhance feedback

There is a need to be clear of the purpose

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Users' ConcernsIssues to be addressed:

• Disruption and Distraction: Will usage be disruptive to users?

• Distraction: Will the need to think about the

technologies hinder the learning of the content?

• Equality: Will this exacerbate inequality? Could end user use degrade speaker's

use?

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Technical IssuesIssues to be addressed:

• Bandwidth: Is sufficient bandwidth available? Could end user use degrade speaker's use?

• Performance: Will application run effectively on typical PCs?

("Just wait, soon be ready, … don't leave!") Will they scale to shared usage?

• Scaling: It worked with 5 users; will it work with 50?

• Security & Administration: How do you avoid dangers of the Internet world? How do you manage the user IDs & passwords?

A centre of expertise in digital information management

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Management IssuesIssues to be addressed:

• Administration How will user accounts be managed?

• Charging (cf LIN) What charging model will be used:

Free Connection time Session charge

All delegates Connected users … Will refunds be provided if problems occur? Is UKERNA's LIN work relevant?

• Expectations & Problem Management Should we encourage take-up? Should we highlight difficulties? …

A centre of expertise in digital information management

www.ukoln.ac.uk

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Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)Advisable to have an AUP (but also need for AUPP!)AUP developed for UCISA/UKOLN workshop

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PrincipleUse of networked technologies encouraged, provided distraction to others is minimised

Legal issuesOrganisers not responsible for physical and online security

ProceduresOrganisers/chairs will give advice

SupportAdvice on recommended applications providedTesting of applications took place prior to eventBriefing sheets on applications provided

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www.ukoln.ac.uk

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ConclusionsTo conclude:

• We're putting WiFi networks in lecture theatres

• Provides an opportunity to enhance learning

• Enthusiasts will use networks in any case• But possible dangers • Need to manage usage• Need to experiment• Need to share experiences

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www.ukoln.ac.uk

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QuestionsAny questions?