Friday, July 2, 2010
8:30 AM-12:00 PM
Abstract:
There is probably not even one day without a new interesting service popping up on the Web 2.0 sphere, which could be integrated into the (virtual) classroom. Unfortunately, it is getting almost impossible to follow every path, so we have to focus on the promising ones we enquire for our purpose. Obviously, some web-based applications get more attention than others and Google with its rich environment is definitely one of them. Starting with the central search and collection of the “worlds” knowledge, Google added different applications each with its own focus but well integrated in the existing suite. Besides continuously updating the feature set, they also created various new products in 2009 like Chrome (OS), Android, Goggle, and Wave. Even though each one is worth to have a closer look at, the tutorial focuses on Google Wave as one of the most controversial services. We cover the interface, its components, the basic functionality, and relation to other Google applications. Afterwards, we explore two different tracks: (1) why do we need Google Wave, i.e. in learning scenarios, and (2) what is under the hood, i.e. quick start on API, robot and action development?
Objectives:
The objectives go along with the abstract and the topics covered in this tutorial. Web 2.0 applications and services found their way into the classroom and online learning and created a rich environment for students as well as educators. One of the major collections of tools is provided by Google. Their newest accomplishment – even though still in beta – is the consolidation of all services in one application, which is sometimes even considered to be a potential candidate to replace the traditional e-mail: Google Wave.
The major objectives of the tutorial are two introductions to Google Wave: One from a user– with focus on educators and students – and one from a developer perspective. The first is about the interface and the usage of interface in different scenarios, the other one describes the potential if the Google Wave APIs (Application Programming Interface) is used for integration in existing system architectures or new robots and gadgets are developed.
Besides the introduction, the tutorial explores the potential for learning. We demonstrate different scenarios as a motivator for the planned discussion afterwards. Knowing the basics about Google Wave and having first experience how to apply them, we initiate a discussion. This is about finding true requirements for Google Wave in the classroom that cannot be achieved with current tools or would simplify processes. The perception of the discussion is a list of research questions around Google Wave to pursuit in the future.
In conclusion, the tutorial introduces Google Wave and defines a starting point for the application in their teaching. And having fun learning about a new technology.
Outline:
Six months to go for the actual tutorial. This is a time frame in which Google is able to go through multiple development iterations and might announce various changes and new features. In addition, the community – including myself and a group of my students – explores the potential in different areas to create extensions, examples, and use cases. Nevertheless, the outline below shows topics that will be covered in the tutorial, while the details are adapted to the current version. The presentation uses multiple media formats (slides, videos, handouts, live demonstrations), whereas everything is demonstrated live using GWave online. Note: bring your own notebook to work along the demonstrated examples.
1)What is Google Wave?
a. Introduction to the Interface and its Components
b. Get most out of (public and private) Waves
c. Wave and Profile Configuration
d. Wave Organization and Managing Contacts
e. Collaboration in Realtime
2)Extending Google Wave
a. Examples for Extensions
i. Gadgets
ii. Robots
b. Adding Extensions to a Wave
c. Resources for Extensions
3) Scenarios for Learning (in Classroom and Online)
a. Demonstration of Scenarios
i. Projects in Distance Learning
ii. Developing an Interactive Online Book
iii. Online Interactive Discussion (including Media in different Formats)
b. Discussion and Brainstorming
4) Technical Background and Development of Extensions
a. Google Wave is Open Source
b. Application Programming Interface (API)
i. Google Wave API
ii. Using API from other Applications
c. AppEngine and other Tools to Develop Extensions for Google Wave
d. Developing Extensions
i. Sandbox
ii. Overview of Components and Programming Languages
iii. Developing a simple Robot
iv. Installation and Demonstration
5)Conclusion and Outlook
Prerequisites:
GWave is currently closed beta and will open to public in 2010. Therefore, we do not and cannot require any experience with GWave itself. The tutorial starts from scratch and introduces the technology with all its relevant features. As every participant receives an invitation to GWave (if not already available, please contact me beforehand), bring a notebook for some hand-on experience. Prerequisites: Curiosity and basic Internet experiences.
The next part is about extending GWave with gadgets and robots. How do we find them and how do we integrate them into our wave. Here, we show different ways to search as well as sources to browse for new extensions and provide some examples especially useful for the (virtual) classroom. Prerequisites: Basic Internet knowledge.
The third part suggests some scenarios for e-learning with focus on collaborative work. After presenting ideas, we intend to conduct a discussion/brainstorming about how GWave could be applied and if there are examples and extensions to cover these ideas. Experiences with web-based tools being part of teaching are helpful. Thus, we are able to achieve arguments pro or contra GWave from various perspectives and provide answers to open and so far unsolved questions and requirements for future research and case studies.
Google’s plan includes the release of GWave as Open Source allowing universities and companies to install the technology behind firewalls. For the final part, we take a brief look into the administration; e.g. how to integrate them into existing system architectures using the provided APIs in a small test environment. The tutorial finishes with a demonstration how to create a simple robot as a starting point for every participant when they get home. Prerequisites: This part is technical and will have programming code as well as the needed terminology. Nevertheless, this part is short and provides rather an insight of the flexibility, diversity, and simplicity of GWave than a course on implementing. If you do not program, you get at least an idea of the potential to take home for the programmer who will realize them.
Intended Experience Level:
Beginner
Instructor Qualifications:
My interest in innovative technology and programming started with the Commodore VC20 when I was 11 and retained until now. Besides studying Information Science (Diploma) and Computer Science (Bachelor), I developed a web-based adaptive e-learning environment for my Ph.D.; one of the main reasons of my later focus on researching Internet technologies. The knowledge in emerging technologies was further intensified in several projects, supervising diploma theses, and teaching various classes. Especially the course “Emerging Technologies in Information Systems” covers topics from Web 2.0, Web 3.0, Virtual Worlds, Semantic Networks, Social Communities, and even two units about the Google suite; i.e. the latest applications.
I joined Google Wave during its early alpha stage and took a closer look into the technology as part of seminars and programming projects. Together with students, I am currently working on three projects in the context of Google Wave (next to projects around Virtual Worlds, IPhone, and Android): 1) Using Google Wave in Virtual Teams for Communication, 2) Visualizing the process of projects through interactive Gantt-Diagrams, and 3) Integration of Google Wave in a Peer-2-Peer-Project Management Platform. The involvement further includes programming robots and gadgets for Google Wave and teaching others about the technology in smaller groups.
Currently, I am a PostDoc at the University of Hamburg with 12 years of teaching experience on undergraduate and graduate level. The content of the courses varies from Programming, Information Management, Simulation, Meta-Heuristics up to Emerging Technologies and Virtual Worlds. Most of the teaching was done in the classroom, but also using Blended Learning and online lectures for self-paced learning.
The tutorial will include the experiences from my teaching over the last years and the outcome of the latest research in the field of modern Internet technologies; i.e. Google Wave and other applications by Google. The tutorial covers my interest to utilize advanced tools to improve teaching, making my life easier, motivating students to participate and become more creative.