Kurt Maly, C. Michael Overstreet, Hussein Abdel- Wahab, Ayman Abdel-Hamid, Sahar Ghanem, Ye Wang, Ankit Kothari International Conference on New Educational Environments Lucerne, May 26-28, 2003 Department of Computer Science Old Dominion University Norfolk, Virginia , USA {cmo, maly, wahab, wild, hamid, Multiple-Mode Communications Environments With IRI-h

May 26, 2003ICNEE Outline n Introduction n History of IRI & IRI-h n Primary IRI-h Functionalities n Interface examples n Functional Details n Current Status n Alternate Uses of IRI-h n Conclusions and Future Work

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-1995

May 26, 2003ICNEE Introduction n IRI-h ( I nteractive R emote I nstruction– h eterogeneous) is a multi-platform, multi-network environment scalable system (available from n IRI-h prototype successfully used to teach a semester- long computer science course across 2 sites 30 km apart. n Fully implemented in JAVA (multi-platform) n Multiple operating system versions (Windows & UNIX) interact freely n Audio and video based on Java Media Framework (JMF) n Tool sharing based on Interactive Program Video IPV

May 26, 2003ICNEE History n Funded by U.S. National Science Foundation n First used in real semester-long class in 1995 u Has been used in many different classes n Current version is third redesign/implementation u Originally written in C for speed u Used XTV (an environment for distributing simultaneous X applications to multiple workstations) on Sun workstations. n Reoccurring design problems: u System manages too much (e.g. people’s interactions) u Interfaces too complex

May 26, 2003ICNEE Primary IRI-h functionalities n Everyone can: u Send video u Receive up to 4 simultaneous videos u See one or more remote site videos u Control/share most any tools F Windows, UNIX u Control F Pointer F Whiteboard n Session activities (audio, video, annotations) recorded for later review n Support for reduced-bandwidth participants

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-h Interface, Discussion Mode A shared view snapshot illustrating a discussion scenario

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-h Interface: Presentation Mode A shared view snapshot illustrating a presentation scenario

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-h user functionality details (1/3) FunctionalDescription Online management Class & Internet configuration from Web Initiation a) Web-based auto start b) Command-line start Late join"Session State" delivered to late arriving participant Presenter controlControls everyone's window layout and available services PointerOption: cursor attached, click activated AnnotationShare drawings, text Options: pencil, text, clear, others

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-h functionality details (2/3) Audio Listen to audio from other sites Options: mic on/of; speaker on/off Kill/restart sender; kill/restart receiver Video View audio of participants Options: activate/deactivate video Kill/restart sender; kill/restart receiver Tool sharingShare applications on user's with others Survey Replay Feedback Conduct instantly tabulated surveys/ quizzes Replay an earlier class sessions Names displayed on pointers & videos Video image of remote classes

May 26, 2003ICNEE IRI-h functionality details (3/3) Problem/situation awareness Identify problems related to class member understanding; audio/video/network NotebookCreate & store notes, snapshots during class for later review Site videoControl image of entire class Call studentControl IRI-h services for students including turning on their video/audio MonitorParticipant monitor, service monitor Bandwidth controlControl transmission rates for non- multicast users

May 26, 2003ICNEE Current status n Stable system with significant use history n Provides administrative support for instructional use u Class roles u Automatic start-up on a collection of machines so ready when students arrive n Available for download u But no support u In present form, it requires experienced technical support

May 26, 2003ICNEE Strong support for "lecture-like" class situations Prepared materialsSlides, simulations, software tool demos Presenter audio & video Audio only if presenter in another room Class membersAttendees names and locations Identification of questioner Names displayed on videos and pointers Feedback to presenter Notebooks Video of remote rooms Instantly tabulated surveys Participant initiated feedback Private notes available after class Recorded sessionsUsed for student review of class material

May 26, 2003ICNEE Alternative uses of IRI-h n Our primary experience has been classroom use u Replacing conventional TV-delivered courses n We believe it is well-suited for situations with: u Presentations of prepared material, e.g. slides to a group of people u Tutorial sessions for interactive tools F Anyone can control, everyone sees responses to control u Active free-flow use participant/interaction on a when- desired basis u Discussions where participation is primarily managed by a moderator

May 26, 2003ICNEE Example new IRI-h possibilities: n Commercial u Attorney/client meetings u Lawyers/experts report generation u Sales meetings u Contract negotiations u Proposal writing n Advantages u Access to multiple tools, audio, video u Free participation of all members u Recorded session of what happened (audio, video, annotations)

May 26, 2003ICNEE More educational possibilities n Student-scheduled project meetings n Student-scheduled group review for exams n Instructor help sessions with individual or small groups of students u Code debugging u Consultants with students on their drafts of papers, etc. n Student advising

May 26, 2003ICNEE Minimal System Requirements n Any reasonable modern computer u 1.8 GHz Windows or Sun Blade 100 workstation n Microphone n Camera (USB works fine) n Good network connection (56k modem; works well with cable modem)

May 26, 2003ICNEE Future Work u "IRI-lite" and specialized reduced functionality versions u Reduced capability versions u Goal: reduced complexity u Complexity of use during sessions now seems acceptable u Complexity of configuration, set-up, trouble shooting needs to be addressed u Eliminate need for configuration files u Automatic actual rate adaptation for video and tool- sharing gateway servers