Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Modular Advanced Collaboration System Distance Learning with MACS O.Brand, W.Mahalek, D.Sturzebecher, M.Zitterbart Outline Motivation & Aims & Experience Framework & Applications & Structure Status & Contact

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Motivation n increasing demand on distance learning university education lifelong learning n basic types of distance learning asynchronous –web-access –learning material  synchronous –lectures –seminars  Network

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Aims n learning scenarios seminar –few participants (ca. 10) –equal rights, moderator optional classroom –more participants (ca ) –teacher / lecturer has control  requirements generic applications specialized application control structures Network

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Experience n lecture in 1997 using public domain tools and internet transmitted over MBone (sdr, vic, vat, wb) –shortcomings as tools not dedicated for distance learning  initiated own developments n lecture in 1998 and 1999 using MBone tools (sdr, vic, vat) MACS whiteboard n seminar in 1999 using MACS  flexible framework set of single tools is not sufficient

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig MACS Framework n generic purpose applications audio & video whiteboard chat n specialized purpose applications TelSEE (distributed CASE editor) n MACS framework independent of application content  allows easy integration of new applications n implemented in Java  portable, platform independent n interworking MBone NetMeeting

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Whiteboard n whiteboard full featured drawing (e.g. object selection) tele-pointer / tele-marker graphics and postscript object (access) control page controltele-markerps import toolsoptions

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Control n control levels system(access to microphone, speakers, camera,...) session(user invite, session moderation,...) users(access to slides in whiteboard,...) n different session types open (without access control) moderated (with access control)... n different access strategies open (anyone can speak at any time) agenda (predetermined order) round robin (by demand in dynamic order)...

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Structure n 4 horizontal layers n variable number of applications LRMP (Reliable Multicast) Video WB Audio TelSEE Control (incl. ViSCO) TelSEE- Window WB- Window Video- Window TelSEE Panel Control-Window Video- Panel Control Panel Display Control ApplicationsSessions Tools Network Audio Panel Network Glue ViSCO TCP UDPCORBA Floor-Strategies Floor-Mechanisms Control-Interface

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Session List n MACS session list MACS sessions MBone sessions session list tab basic operationssession description MACS sessions MBone session

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Users List n MACS user list MACS user NetMeeting users (via LDAP from a ILS) user list tab basic operationsuser description MACS users NetMeeting users

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Seminar n seminar scenario few participants (ca. 10) equal rights, moderator optional session tab basic operations chat visual control available applications equipment

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Classroom beamer auto-tracking camera screen for mouse and whiteboard projection area technical assistant

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Classroom n possible implementation l class represented as one entity student “steps” in front of class advantages +high scalability +easy to realize disadvantages –little feedback for teacher n further visualizations being investigated teacher with class student talking to class

D. Sturzebecher, Institute of Operating Systems and Computer Networks, TU-Braunschweig Status & Contact n status demo release V0.3 – classroom scenario under construction –TelSEE included n next steps further integration of floor control a release with classroom scenario test in seminar between Braunschweig and Hannover n further info flyer MACShttp://macs.ibr.cs.tu-bs.de To/oLhttp://