Combining Web 2.0, Web 3.0, andCloud Computing Technologies to Empower eLearning

Irena Bojanova, Ph.D., Program Director, Telecommunications Management, Information Technology Infrastructure

Les Pang, Ph.D., Program Director, Database Systems Technology,Information Systems and Services, and Informatics

Graduate School of Management and TechnologyUniversity of Maryland University College

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Agenda

1. Educational Goals2. Explored Technologies 3. ITEC Virtual Learning Tour4. Lessons Learned5. Next Steps

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1. Educational Goals

• Introduce students to the technologies that will lead to the “Next Generation Internet”: Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and Cloud Computing

• Enhance the course learning objectives of two core courses in the ITS graduate program.

• Identify efficient tools and optimal teaching strategies for demonstrating and using these technologies.

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2. Explored Technologies

• Web 2.0 = Twitter/Twibes

• Web 3.0 = Second Life

• Cloud Computing = Google Docs

applications

servers

networks

storage

services

applications

servers

networks

storage

services

Web 3.0

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3. ITEC Virtual Learning Tour

A journey of shared Cyber-Enabled learning activities using:• Second Life• Twitter/Twibes• Google Docs

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Students Objectives & Activities

• Desired outcomes – students should be able to: Explain and use Web 2.0, Web 3.0, and Cloud

Computing. Apply concepts to situations outside of the classroom. Synthesize gained theoretical and practical knowledge.

• Activities: Create user accounts. Explore educational destinations in Second Life. Take snapshots and share impressions on ITEC Twibe. Prepare a collaborative presentation on Google Docs.

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Enhanced ITEC 620 ObjectivesITEC 620: Upon completing this course, students will be able to:• Describe fundamental functions,

architectures and applications of distributed data processing.

• Define, evaluate, and compare major IT components: computer hardware, operating systems, and communication networks.

• Identify and delineate modern computer architectures and the concepts involved in designing input/output devices and memory systems.

• Compare and assess TCP/IP and OSI protocol architectures. • Apply concepts and techniques to business applications. • Evaluate trends in IT and their impact on the future developments.

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Enhanced ITEC 610 Objectives

ITEC 610: Upon completing this course, students will be able to:• Analyze the underlying nature of data and information such as its digital

measure, characteristics, formats, and processing. • Explain the principles of operation of the various components of IT, such

as computers, software, databases, and networks. • Demonstrate how the components of IT fit together to form useful systems

that are responsive to organizational needs. • Assess the utility of IT in the operations, decision making, and investment

of organizations. • Identify and appraise the principal economic, social, and cultural issues

raised by the applications of IT. • Show currency with events and developments in the IT field. • Assess the relevance of current events and developments in the IT field to

management practices and significance to social change.

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Preparation

• At least 3-4 days to complete the preparation activities prior to the tour.

• User friendly tutorials and a checklist for readiness: Adhere to UMUC Code of Student

Conduct and Second Life security guidelines.

Create a Second Life account and complete the required tutorials.

Create Twitter/Twibes accounts and join the ITEC Twibe.

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The Tour Begins… Second Life (Web 3.0)

Second Life destinations:1. IBM Systems EduCenter 2. Cisco Live Conference 3. NOAA Island4. Siemens Innovation Center

Students encouraged to:• Take snapshots• Tweet to the ITEC Twibe

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Location #1: IBM Systems EduCenter

Interactive simulations:• Look behind the doors of a Mainframe• Add a new Blade or diagnose and replace

faulty memory in a BladeCenter

Educational sessions:• IBM System Z10 Mainframe• Power 595 Processor• IBM BladeCenter

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Location #2: Cisco Live Conference

Held in San Francisco and in Second Life• Conference keynotes and highlights• Experts’ technical chats and

panel discussions

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Location #3: NOAA Island

Learn about visualization and simulation techniques:• Evolution of

a glacier• Life cycle of

a tsunami• Real time

weather map• Weather balloon

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Location #4: Siemens Innovation Center

• Discover key innovations in engineering

• Interactively design and ride a rocket-propelled scooter!

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Twitter/ITEC Twibe (Web 2.0)

During and after the tour the students tweeted on the ITEC twibe about:

• Immediate impressions.• Favorite destinations.• Useful and exciding

experiences.• On the way discoveries• Rescue requests.

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Google Docs (Cloud Computing)

After the tour the students joined the ITEC Google Docs account to collaborate on the creation of a PowerPoint-like presentation.

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4. Lessons Learned/Teaching Strategies

 • Preparation

Select sites based on educational value but with fun in mind. Have clearly written and tested navigation guides. Students need to check if their hardware is appropriate. Students need to set up accounts and know the basics before the

activities.

• Activity Period Assign multiple tour guides; monitor students closely. Use microphone for communication. Watch your time.

•  Post-Activity Provide a reflective assignment synthesizing student experiences. Integrate the activities with the rest of the course. 

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Pedagogical Benefits

• Engaging and interactive experience• Collaborative and sharing environment• New social and cultural community• Exposure to emerging technologies • Global perspective• Fun learning experience• Sense of discovery

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5. Next Steps• Utilize the UMUC Second Life island:

o Use it as a “launching pad” for next tours; include an introductory lecture.

o Have real-time presentations. Invite renowned professionals as guest lecturers.

• Investigate the use of mobile devices for tweeting to the ITEC Twibe.

• Identify efficient tools for recording future virtual tours.

• Identify ways for virtualized access to Second Life (to address hardware problems).

• Further develop demonstrated ideas for enhancing online and face-to-face courses.

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Next Steps (cont.)

• Identify new sites to visit in Second Life: IBM Virtual Green Data site - solve energy problems in the data center

as part of interactive demos Dell, Inc. - use a drafting table to build basic components of a real-

world computer Ann Myers Medical Center – teaches med students how to listen to

their patients (apply techniques learned to a computer help center)

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Conclusions • The utilized technologies provide a new, rich, and engaging

educational environment. • A quantum leap over the use of traditional delivery techniques

such as learning management systems and PowerPoint slides.

• Students enjoyed their experiences and wanted to come back and explore more worlds.

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Further Information

ITEC Virtual Learning Tourhttp://polaris.umuc.edu/~ibojanov/GSMT/Events/ITEC Virtual Learning Tour.htm

Irena Bojanova, ibojanova@umuc.edu

Les Pang, lpang@umuc.edu

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Questions and Answers