Using Streaming Media for Online User Training in IT John Fritz Bill Shewbridge University of Maryland, Baltimore County EDUCAUSE, October 2, 2002

Overview UMBC Background Basics of the Production Process UMBC Examples Lessons Learned Presentation And Contact Information

Institutional Drivers for Using Technology at UMBC Faculty -By and large, about 75% of our faculty are comfortable with basic technology ( /web) and exploring various stages of how technology can be used to improve learning. Assured Access to Computing Initiative -Focusing on providing all students with access to technology. -Student expectations: they are beginning to expect and request courses to utilize technology. Institutional Support -FaCT program was successful in getting faculty started. -OIT and the Faculty Development Center provide joint faculty training sessions and brownbag workshops

Classifying Technology Usage Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) -Technology augments in-class learning with the focus on providing course information and additional online resources.This represents the bulk of our current faculty usage Online Courses -Technology provides the means of running the course and a full complement of course information. Hybrid Courses -Course meets in-class and online. In-class sessions are reduced and the class meets online for discussions, group work and assessment.

Fall 2001 Instructional Technology Activities Computer classrooms – 84 courses -OIT labs support 84 classes using technology enabled classrooms -Reached saturation 3 years ago and have worked with Physics, GES, and English to create departmental facilities Blackboard – 234 courses with 6,436 distinct students -Usage is predominately in the social sciences and humanities -Doubled student enrollments each of the past 3 years -Expanding into organizational support areas (Delta Initiative, Faculty Senate, Student Affairs) Faculty-developed course web pages -Usage is predominately in the sciences

Why Online IT Training? Support crunch necessitated a more scalable approach Video on demand is more flexible by the end user Availability of a robust, broadband infrastructure (e.g., IPTV, Internet2) We could train users on UMBC specific IT issues they couldn’t find elsewhere: -Publishing web UMBC -Using the campus portal myUMBC -Creating and managing your user account

Initial Approach Broadband Video for Training -MPEG1 and IPTV -Example: PowerPoint in the Classroom ResNet Installation

Lessons Learned and Refocus Limits of MPEG for screen capture -FINWeb MPEGFINWeb MPEG -FINWeb Screen CapturesFINWeb Screen Captures Recognition that multiple solutions are needed Criteria for media selection -Quality of delivery -User Accessibility -Production Issues

Streaming at UMBC IPTV Mapping the Patapsco (MPEG)IPTV Screen Capture (FINWeb) QuickTime w/ PowerPoint

Production Process Basics Pre-production -Content development -Organization and efficiency of material and resources -Allocating resources -Multimedia integration issues Production -Acquisition Cameras Formats Audio -Graphics Post-production -Editing -Multimedia Integration -Distribution -Evaluation Usability

MethodQuality of DeliveryUser Accessibility Production Issues Live Face-to- Face Training GreatDoes Not ScaleClass prep Broadband (IPTV) VHS-QualityHigh bandwidth and client Can accommodate high-end production values Narrowband (Real) MarginalAccessible by most Lower quality image, bad for lots of movement

MethodQuality of DeliveryUser Accessibility Production Issues Screen CaptureExcellent for Screens - Bad for Motion Requires Plugin with appropriate CODEC Real-time Acquisition Slide ShowsGreat resolution - can be combined with Streaming Video Requires ubiquitous Plugin Can require extensive postproduction Audio OnlyHigh quality possible Accessible by most Minimal resources and expertise

MethodQuality of DeliveryUser Accessibility Production Issues Web SitesBroad range of options, generally static Easy accessDesign issues, variable production expertise Video TapeGreat for full motion, weak on high resolution Requires a tape deck Full range of video production possible CD-ROMCan integrate variety of media. Bandwidth less of an issue. CD must be distributed to user Extensive resources and skills needed

Summary Online presentations are not a universal substitution for face-to-face training. They can however be an effective supplement. Learning computer applications means looking at computer screens, but doing so through online video is difficult. Producing “compelling” content requires more time and planning than one might think. It takes time to change user expectations and support culture. If we can’t meet everyone’s needs, how can they adapt so they can meet their own?

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