LEEP Program Features
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[edit] Important LEEP Features
[edit] Support for Multiple Protocols
In my view, the most important LEEP program feature is the least utilized: support for multiple protocols (not just multiple browsers) and the degree to which content management and interactivity are relatively decoupled. We could be doing a better job of this, but what worries me is how much worse we could be doing.
Right now it is at least *possible* to interact with the message boards using an authenticating NNTP client. That means you can use an actual text editor, instead of the faux editor that one can approximate in a web browser. A blind MLS student would have a chance of integrating her RBD and speech software successfully. Sending email to the boards has some occasional problems (mostly due to deceptive advertising on the Express Mail menu) but that works reasonably well (true crossposting would be nice). Connecting via FTP requires that you figure out the port number, but that works too. It is really important that we not lose sight of how valuable these features are.
There's lots of room to do even better: authentication via our LDAP, integrating the LEEP files with the other shared file systems as was done with classrm0*. But if we assume that everyone will use a web browser then that would be a mistake. If we deploy a solution that intimately couples content storage with the front end (however friendly) then we're courting major problems.
Dave
[edit] Support for Groupwork
- "Like being able to encourage group work and collaboration. They turn to each other for support, they bond, and get real life experience. Better than just emailing me when they get stuck. Group work has saved me a lot of time and work without compromising learning." -Anonymous
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[edit] Class List Features
- I love the class list page. I'm not so good with names, and it makes it easy to look people up when you need to email them but have not talked to them much. It is also helpful when I am asked by a professor to email the entire class, because I can copy and paste the list into a text-editor and then edit it as appropriate. Perhaps it would be a good idea to allow students to email the entire class as well? Definitely, make sure that in whatever new system, copy and paste commands still work on the class list. -Ingbert
- I also like the fact that the way most professors email the class is by posting to the BBs. This means that their messages are always saved, and I can go back and look for them if I need to find them. Remembering which Bulleting Board the messages were posted on can be a problem, but usually it's not that big a deal. (A search feature in the BBs might help with that problem.) -Ingbert
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[edit] Other Comments about the Current System
Please be sure to post desired features on the LEEP Wishlist
[edit] Current LEEP Technological Infrastructure
- Big Picture Items
- Reliable. High degree of uptime.
- Cross-platform, supports multiple browsers.
- Tools used are simple both to manage and to use.
- Tools are modular and based on open standards (NNTP, IRC, etc.).
- High degree of learning effectiveness.
- Supports low-bandwidth/dial-up users.
- Synchronous and asynchronous tools.
- Specifics
Asynchronous tools:
- bulletin boards (threaded, can be sorted by date or author).
- syllabi.
- archive page with links to text chat files, audio (both from live session and pre-recorded talks), and slides (webpages).
Synchronous tools:
- chat rooms (scripted and unscripted) available 24/7.
- multiple chat rooms so people can move into break-out groups for discussion.
- ability to "whisper" in chat room
- live audio, including ability to have multiple speakers.
- shared web pages ("slides").
- chalkboard.
- live image (on-campus only)
- white board (on-campus only)
- LEEP clock
- tech support
Class-related:
- Personalized login page with links to courses (both taking and teaching)
- Directory space for each course, each semester
- Each course has a main class page with links to major tools (syllabus, live session, etc).
- Each main class page has name of class, instructor (with email address) clearly listed
- Instructors have access to past materials
- Instructor has special course management permissions (set up bulletin board, set up slides)
- TAs can be given instructor permissions
- Guests can be added to class
- E-Reserves (managed by LIS Lib)
- E-Reserve request form
- Class lists (generated by daily roster feeds) with bios
- Instructor can view all bios in class at once
- Instructor can email all in class, with cc to a bbs
- Bulletin boards can be used in conjunction with mail lists (mailman)
- AV request form
- Bulletin boards can be open to anyone in GSLIS, restricted to class members, or set up for specific group members or individuals
- Limited search feature in bulletin boards
- Sign-up forms (Cataloging)
General:
- Lists of people in GSLIS community (all masters, LEEP, PhD)
- Guest accounts
- Personal directory space
- Group directory space
- Web-based FTP (WebFTP) or regular FTP client can be used to manage files in personal, group and class directories
- Alumni accounts (really just unexpired accounts)
- Ability to review syllabi, hear archives for classes you might want to take
- Look up bio (if you know Net ID)
- Tech tutorials, guides
- Virtual registration to indicate interest levels in LEEP classes
- General bulletin boards for school-wide discussion
- Guest lectures
- Special graduation, reunion events
System administration:
- "Fake" classes can be created for groups, special events
- Tools to archive live sessions
- Check quota
- Ability to look up user account info (last login, IP address)
- Check new user accounts
- LEEP server stats
- Ability to take a series of JPEGs and create web pages
- VNC (take over a computer-at-a-distance)
- Doc Man (in-house content management system)
- Scripts to manage rosters, users
- Tools for Rae to check for on-campus class conflicts
- Windows 2000 Server
- Real Server audio server
- O'Reilly's Web Site web server
- DNews NTTP server
- Conference Room IRC server
- Black Ice Defender
