How To Succeed At Distance Education Richard Anderson, UW Jay Beavers, MSR But at what cost?

Background Professional Master’s Course taught by University of Washington Professional Master’s Course taught by University of Washington Graduate Computer Science, targeted at continuing adult education Graduate Computer Science, targeted at continuing adult education ~50% students from Microsoft ~50% students from Microsoft Lecturers drawn from both University of Washington and Microsoft Research Lecturers drawn from both University of Washington and Microsoft Research

In 2002… First deployment of ConferenceXP into the classroom First deployment of ConferenceXP into the classroom Last year, this lecture was “How To Fail At Distance Education” Last year, this lecture was “How To Fail At Distance Education”  Network Failures  Production Quality (Lighting, Microphones, Camera Placement)  Overly Structured Presentations  Classroom Logistics  Short Technical Interruptions had Big Impact

In 2003… Applied resources to the problem Applied resources to the problem  Improved classroom equipment (>$75k)  Better Audio & Video Equipment (plasma screens, Gentner XAPs)  Better room logistics (lighting, layout)  Direct control over both classrooms  More people at University of Washington Improved software Improved software  Classroom Presenter with Tablet PCs  Windows Media Gateway for async playback  Updated to ConferenceXP RP 2.3

Results 10 of 11 classes had 100% two way connectivity 10 of 11 classes had 100% two way connectivity  The other class was a disaster on the receiving end I regret to report that the quality of the video feed from MS was extremely poor. In fact, it was non- existent for 85% or more of the lecture (as in no video whatsoever - just a voice from above). When it was available at all, Phil appeared in a postage stamp size window complete w/ frequent psychedelic blurring effects.

Results “Overall, I think that ConferenceXP was a significant improvement over the previous approach with PictureTel™, NetMeeting™, and dialup teleconferencing. The audio and video quality is much better and the inking capability is great. I like it because it keeps me focused on the slides, helps me relate what I'm saying to what's written on the slide, and it's a real whiteboard.” “Despite the much-improved audio and video, there wasn't much Q&A with students at the remote site… I have no emotional connection to the students at the remote site. In the live classroom, I can see student's expressions. The image of the remote site is much too coarse-grained to even recognize individuals, much less to tell how they're reacting.” “A few students who started out attending the live classroom told me that they eventually reverted to watching over the web, either live or at a later time. One said that he thought the viewing quality was at least as good as at UW.” “Is there a hope that this will be operator-free in my lifetime?”

Near Futures Networking Diagnostics, Reporting, and Failover Networking Diagnostics, Reporting, and Failover Remote Administration Remote Administration  Remote control of classroom settings  Windows Server 2003  Gentner & Camera capabilities  Receive side A/V adjustment Improve the video quality Improve the video quality  640x480 native resolution instead of 320x240  Plasma displays instead of projectors a wireless networking in the classroom a wireless networking in the classroom Student Tablets with note taking Student Tablets with note taking New Capabilities New Capabilities  Assessment, feedback, simulations Investigating integration with other research Investigating integration with other research  Intelligent Camera Management System

Tips and Tricks ClearOne XAP ClearOne XAP Plasma Screens versus Projectors Plasma Screens versus Projectors a a

Longer Term Directions Increase the interaction Increase the interaction  More collaborative activities in the classroom Operator-less Technology Classrooms Operator-less Technology Classrooms  Automated startup & shutdown  Centralized, single point of support (outside of classroom) Less expensive Camera & Microphone solutions Less expensive Camera & Microphone solutions  1024x768 $50 “webcams” with digital zoom & tracking  Fewer, smarter microphones with beam forming & location tracking