Archives for the Month of June 2006 on Roger Zender's Blog
NMC Conference Day 4
(No Day 3 of the conference for me)
I can't say that I've ever been motivated enough to attend a conference session at 8:30 am on a Saturday morning (unless I was giving it). But this session sounded extremely interesting and relevant.
The New Content Marketplace
This session will highlight and demonstrate the state of the art of content integration utilizing Service Oriented Architecture. The functionality of various end-user applications and their ability to discover and make use of content from a diverse collection of sources will be covered. Technologies and content repository integration to be demonstrated will include Tufts’ Visual Understanding Environment, SearchParty (from MacLearningEnvironments), Sakai Twin Peaks, Harvest Road Hive, MIT’s Visualizing Cultures Database, Fedora, Dspace and Pachyderm.
Jeff Merriman, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;
Joshua Archer, California State University, CDL;
Peter Wilkins, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
This session was exciting because it addresses an emerging problem, many tools are being created to build, house, and disseminate digitized information while very little is being done to allow these tools to talk with one another. This is limiting access in a realm where there should be very few limits.
This session and these concepts rely heavily on understanding programming technology, and since software programming is not my forte, I will do my best to synthesize and "copy and paste" the necessary pieces to paint the correct picture this session tried to present.
The Open Knowledge Initiative (O.K.I) develops and promotes specifications that describe how the components of a software environment communicate with each other and with other enterprise systems. O.K.I. specifications enable sustainable interoperability and integration by defining standards for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). Through this work O.K.I. seeks to open new market opportunities across a wide range of software application domains.
To this end, O.K.I. has developed and published the Open Service Interface Definitions (OSIDs), whose design has been informed by a broad architectural view. The OSIDs define important components of a SOA as they provide general software contracts between service consumers and service providers. This enables applications to be constructed independently of any particular service environment, and eases integration. The OSIDs enable choice of end-user tools by providing plugin interoperability.
OSIDs are software contracts only and therefore are compatible with most other technologies and specifications, such a SOAP, WSDL. They can be used with existing technology, open source or vended solutions.
OSIDs are a local language service definition and bindings of them are provided in Java, PHP, and soon Objective C and C#.
Joshua Archer began by addressing the problem of having a proliferation of media resources but very few tools to connect them. OKI is presenting a single solution to this problem through OSID's (Open Service Interface Definitions).
While the technology aspects of this session sounded like they would be cool, the most exciting portion was the demonstration of what they were talking about.
Jeff Merriman from MIT demonstrated the MIT Visualizing Cultures Image Database that is using this technology, and the one I believe that initiated the whole OKI project. The point to be made here is that this web interface is pulling content from several different repositories, but by only working through with the OKI interface. He mentioned how the War Postcards collection is located in Boston, but he didn't have a clue where the "Ground Zero" collection was located. This project served the purpose of the faculty, because it allowed access to these images in one location, as well as allowing the contribution of keywords and metadata back to the images. What the faculty wanted next was the ability for students to create stories or narratives about the images in the database. This was where Pachyderm comes in.
Joshua Archer talked about the technical simplicity of the implementation of the OKI, that it is just a series of function calls. He demonstrated a Pachyderm project that was using the OKI to pull images from the same repositories. He did the same searches that Jeff performed and was able to get the same responses. The difference here is that by using Pachyderm, you get access to the benefits it provides, such as the built-in image zooming properties and the templates provided for presenting the information.
Peter Wilkins demonstrated his VUE project, a visual mapping interface, that also used OKI and same image repositories. Again, we got to see a third interface using the same images and doing the same searches with the same results.
Someone asked about Metadata, and if OKI was in any way trying to manage how this was being implemented. Jeff stated that there are other organizations out there to do that ( i.e. IMS).
The next question was about Digital Rights Management (DRM), and how OKI handles it. Jeff responded that OKI only passes assets, and that no DRM is built in. But this structure allows for DRM context to be passed with the content, such as a URL, encryption code, or even a player. For example, ArtStor is using OKI, though you still need to pay for ArtStor services to access their content.
The next question was asking how this interfaces with LMS systems, such as Blackboard. It was reported that at the Sakai conference, that Blackboard is signing up to work with OKI. This sounded like a really recent development, however this article was found from 2002.
This session ended with the discussion of how quickly OKI is being adopted right now. Existing implementations include:
- Fedora
- DSpace
- Pachyderm
- Sakai
- Harvest Road
- etc... (more listings to come at the Education Commons)
with new implementations on their way from:
- Apple (& iTunes University)
- Cisco
- Moodle
- Oracle
- Giunti Directive Labs
Additional Links:
OKI @ Sourceforge
OKI @ Education Commons (SUN Systems)
Index of OSID articles
Fedora's Implementation of OKI
NMC Conference Day 2
So my time in education technology has taken me to many conferences over the years, but never have I been to a conference where so many people were using laptops, cameras, pda's, etc. Not to sound too much like a dork, but I loved it. It feels really good to finally be in the majority when busting out my MacBook.
I originally considered going to see the "The Online Tutorial: Supporting Students’ Transition from Traditional to Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD)" session. I was intrigued because I wanted to see how Ohio State University and Adobe was working with the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations to maximize the use of Adobe and the PDF format. However, I'm also curious about what ITAC was doing with Pachyderm, and about the Pachyderm project overall.
Pachyderm 2.0 - A Learning Object Authoring Application
Pachyderm is an authoring application that allows content experts to create visually attractive, pedagogically sound learning objects without any expertise in software or design. The original tool was created by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art to aid curators in building online Flash-based exhibits. Through a thirteen-institution partnership, Pachyderm was rewritten to have a more user-friendly interface, multi-platform installation packages and an extensible code base. It is now being offered free and Open Source for all educational institutions. This presentation will demonstrate the application and discuss its potential use cases.
First up was our own Jared Bendis. Despite some network troubles (probably from the dozens of laptops eating up bandwidth), and with the help of about 4 tech support staff, we were able to see a project that Jared had created using Pachyderm. He took a paper he had written and moved it to this learning object format, which he stated gave it more detail, more color, made it more dynamic by taking it out of the linear format. You can check it out here.
Megan Linos from Instructional Technology and Academic Computing (ITAC) department was up next. She demonstrated a couple projects that she developed with staff on campus. You can see each of these items here. What struck me about this presentation was the use of multi-media in the Windows Media format. Being a Mac user, I have a strong interest in multimedia to be multi-platform. I was anxious to get back to my office and check it out (as I didn't want to contribute to slowing down the session connection). It turns out that the media does work fine on the discontinued Windows Media Player (Flip4Mac isn't available on Intel Mac's yet). However, there was another stream portion using the Anystream Apreso platform. One difference I noticed here was that I was only able to hear the presentation and see the slides, missing out on the actually video of the professor. Being a "Microsoft Gold Partner" and having no mention of any other platforms in their system requirements section, I doubt they would ever add this functionality for non-Windows users.
Holly Witchey, who's in charge of the New Media Department at the Cleveland Museum of Art demonstrated her project. One area that she discussed was how to integrate Pachyderm with the CMA's website. It was discussed giving these learning objects the look and feel of the environment in which they reside, but also giving credit to Pachyderm, and driving traffic back to their site through a clickable link. Someone mentioned about bringing in Quicktime's 360 degree views. It appears that it's possible, but Holly wanted to distinguish using Pachyderm as a venue for showing deep, rich content about an object or concept and to get away from the idea of it being a repository for different types of media. To look at it more from a pedagogical standpoint than from a technology standpoint.
Peter Samis and Tim Svenonius from SFMOMA presented probably the most visually stunning example of a Pachyderm learning object. Skin of the Nation. This piece had some superficial alterations to the look to the piece, which really made it flow well within their website and less like use of a template.
Joshua Archer, who is the lead (and pretty much only) developer on the project spoke next, giving some ideas of what's to come with the next version of Pachyderm. Unfortunately, I got caught up passing down "pachy pins" and missed out on what he mentioned (so it must have been brief). He also pleaded for help with this project. It's open source and it's located on Sourceforge.net. One of the most interesting things I gleaned from his talk was how different plug-ins could be written to connect to your own repositories. I think this makes Pachyderm much more appealing.
Overall I have to say that I was very impressed with the project and the people involved. They were affable and open to ideas and assistance.
Pachyderm Blog / http://nmc.typepad.com/pachyblog/
Pachyderm Wiki / http://dev.pachyderm.org/wiki/
My next session was hearing about the Commons that were developed at the University of Tennessee Library.
Circle of Service: The Commons at the University of Tennessee
Barbara Dewey / Dean of Libraries
Julie K. Little / Executive Director Educational Technology and Interim Assistant CIO
http://www.utk.edu/libraries/
The Commons is a collaborative partnership between the University of Tennessee Office of Information Technology and the University Libraries to connect students and faculty with tools and information to be successful learners and teachers in the 21st century. A true partnership and next generation facility, the Commons
This session was decent, but nothing earth shattering. What I was most curious about, was to see how the Library and the IT staff of the University came together to repurpose a space into a "Commons" area that offered 24 hour access to computers and book pickup, as well IT services such as laptop repair and software installation (a free service paid for by a technology fee that students pay). They discussed tensions between the two groups, but seemed to get them all worked out. They noted how their patrons are "one stop shoppers" (i. e. Amazon / WalMart / etc...) so the library wanted to work with IT to allow access to everything in one place, both Library & Tech Services.
They also focused on the physical space. They showed how students wanted the ability to work individually or in groups, and how the layout of the room and the furniture needed to accommodate that. They showed plans of a proposed mixed-use environment where everything was mobile as well as use of non-traditional furniture designs (soft, curved benches that could be for sitting or laying).
Between these two areas, it really seemed like the University of Tennessee was on it's way to something cool... (though I wouldn't want to be the staff member working the late shift).
NMC Conference Day 1
And so begins another blog... however, blogging for work is kinda like getting to bring your dog to work. It's involving something that you really enjoy but don't feel quite right doing. Speaking of which, when will taking your dog to work become a standard practice? I see Google's now doing it. Doesn't that mean that it's cool and everyone should jump on the bandwagon?
Part of the purpose of this blog is to share what I'm working on, or what I'm learning, with the Tech Team here at the Kelvin Smith Library. Attending this New Media Consoritium (NMC) Conference on campus is a perfect start. And what better way to start than to write about a workshop on Web 2.0 technologies! However, this didn't really occur to me until about 20 minutes into the workshop, as everyone is sitting there with their laptops and the presenter is encouraging people to use their computers as he's giving his presentation. I couldn't believe I didn't think to bring mine. I slipped out and came right back with it.
Now this blog won't necessarily be my personal synthesis on everything that was discussed, but more just documentation of my notes, with personal comments thrown in.
Can You Wiki a Vlogcast? Web 2.0 and Rich Media
Peter B. Lewis Building, Room 106
Bryan Alexander, NITLE
Bryan's Blog: Infocult: Information, Culture, Policy, Education
This session explores the intersection of Web 2.0 social computing with new developments in rich media, examining the resulting pedagogical uses. Instructors discuss the different levels of interactivity afforded by syndication, aggregation, and mixing of sound and video files. Emphasis is placed on two case studies: how can podcasts become more responsive to users, as their content is enhanced by emergent tools and practices? How can video be collaboratively edited? New forms of storytelling are also considered.
This session essentially summarized Web 2.0 technologies (social software applications) and Rich Media (photos, podcasts, digital video, etc). Many of the attendees were Instructional Technology / New Media people for various Higher Education Institutions. So much of what was discussed involved how these technologies affect students, faculty and learning.
Bryan first talked about his role at NITLE, where he serves as the Director of Research. Several projects of interest are:CODEX: Faculty, librarians, and IT professionals from participating colleges are developing essential projects and resources to address the rapid growth in the quantity and availability of digital materials and the increasingly sophisticated means of accessing them. Emerging solutions include collaborative databases of media assets and communities of practice focused on effective strategies for digital asset management.
Latitude: Faculty and staff across the disciplines are integrating spatial reasoning into their courses and curricula. By teaching with GIS and other mapping tools, participants deploy powerful technologies to engage their students in complex analysis, modeling, and quantitative reasoning. As a result, students gain the ability critically to reframe and resolve challenging questions with sophisticated geographical awareness.Bryan discussed how this technology is not necessarily new. We can look back over decades to see how technology has affected us. Going back to the original DARPA network, the purpose of technology and a network has always been to connect people to information and to each other. Much of our culture looks at it as man vs. machine, but really we need to look at it from the social aspect of it. So this burst of social software applications is only an extension of our intended use of technology. Web 2.0 has several components:
- Microcontent (URL, picture, text, audio file, etc.)
- Social Software (Wikipedia, Flickr, del.icio.us, LastFM)
- Open Services (cross-silo / inter-domain)
- Podcasting (which now spans everything from academic use to porncasting)
- Web Video (Google Video, You Tube, etc.)
- Mobile Video (iPod, PSP)
- Music (Pandora)
While much of this is readily available on your personal computer, imagine all of this on mobile technology / mobile phones. Then discussion started about how the US is severly lagging on the development and deployment of mobile networking technologies.Point made that Rich Media can be accessible "off-line" through these mobile technologies, while social software can't.
The Black Box Problem. While all these rich media technologies are becoming more and more accessible, they cannot be manipulated or searched as easily as text is. Video and audio are hard to crack. Though this is changing. Audacity is a free open source audio editing tool. There are also blogs that now allow you to post audio feedback. There are also sites such as ITConversations.com that will allow you to enter a section of time from an audio file, where it will then give you a URL that links to just that section of audio. The point being that slowly the "black box" problem is going away.
Gaming was also discussed during this session, as it is throughout the entire conference. There's even an entire conference track based on gaming. Bryan said that if you weren't part of it, then you're missing out. Gaming, while often shunned as being isolationist, is really just another extension of using technology to interact with others. Examples being that many of the more popular games involve working with (or against) other players, and many of these networked games bring in instant messaging or audio conferences. These can be powerful tools for learning and social interaction.
The real meat of this session comes with looking at how these areas of social software and rich media interact.
Two examples stood out:
PandoraFM: A mash-up of the tow technologies, where what you're listening to at Pandora is tracked and published over at LastFM.
smARThistory: A Project from Beth Harris and the SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology
Obviously, there was much more to this session. And I wish I could have better captured the more pedagogical points that Bryan made. Regardless, this is a start. I'd encourage you to check out this article on Web 2.0 technologies here. You can also check out his del.icio.us tags here.
When he found out that I represented a library, he also suggested I check out more information on Library 2.0. Maybe, just maybe, I'll write a blog entry on it.