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Teaching over the Access Grid

Teaching over the Access Grid. Today’s Agenda. Introduction to Access Grid Why video matters Why audio matters Suggestions for helping students learn to use the AG effectively. Questions? . Please jump in anytime with questions. The Access Grid (AG).

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Teaching over the Access Grid

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  1. Teaching over the Access Grid

  2. Today’s Agenda • Introduction to Access Grid • Why video matters • Why audio matters • Suggestions for helping students learn to use the AG effectively

  3. Questions? • Please jump in anytime with questions

  4. 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

  5. A 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 office • Node operator: Person who sits at the node, running the software

  6. A 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 . . .

  7. Tribal Virtual Network . . .

  8. Interviewing International Applicants . . .

  9. . . . Even Global Karaoke!

  10. Technology Supports Communication • Small 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

  11. We 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

  12. Who’s Easier to Talk With? Before . . . . . . and after

  13. We 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

  14. Text 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

  15. Sharing 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

  16. Pre-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

  17. Helping 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

  18. Introducing 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

  19. 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

  20. Suggestions for AG “Games” • Some ideas: • Twenty Questions • Bizz/Buzz • More ideas at http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=446179

  21. Questions?

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