System and method for providing structured tours of hypertext files

A system and method for providing structured tours of hypertext files. A server controls the presentation of hypertext files to a user. Accompanying information to the hypertext files in the form of an automated tour guide is presented and synchronized with the hypertext files by the tour server. A user may depart from the structured tour to explore linked files for a predetermined period of time, and may effect the content and order of the tour by indicating preferences at predetermined points along the tour. More than one user may take a tour, and the users on a tour may communicate with each other. Items may be purchased on a tour, and the user may send postcards based upon visited hypertext files to other users.Published versio

Using data analytics for collaboration patterns in distributed software team simulations: the role of dashboards in visualizing global software development patterns

This paper discusses how previous work on global software development learning teams is extended with the introduction of data analytics. The work is based on several years of studying student teams working in distributed software team simulations. The scope of this paper is twofold. First it demonstrates how data analytics can be used for the analysis of collaboration between members of distributed software teams. Second it describes the development of a dashboard to be used for the visualization of various types of information in relation to Global Software Development (GSD). Due to the nature of this work, and the need for continuous pilot studies, simulations of distributed software teams have been created with the participation of learners from a number of institutions. This paper discusses two pilot studies with the participation of six institutions from two different countries

Creating smarter teaching and training environments: innovative set-up for collaborative hybrid learning

This paper brings together previous work from a number of research projects and teaching initiatives in an effort to introduce good practice in setting up supportive environments for collaborative learning. The paper discusses prior use of social media in learning support, the role of dashboards for learning analytics in Global Software Development training, the use of optical head-mounted displays for feedback and the use of NodeXl visualization in managing distributed teams. The scope of the paper is to provide a structured approach in organizing the creation of smarter teaching and training environments and explore ways to coordinate learning scenarios with the use of various techniques. The paper also discusses challenges from integrating multiple innovative features in educational contexts. Finally the paper attempts to investigate the use of smart laboratories in establishing additional learning support and gather primary data from blended and hybrid learning pilot studies

Interruption Management and Telephone Call Screening

Notification-oriented computer interfaces are growing in importance, as is our understanding of how users manage interruptions. To gain insights relevant to the design of such interfaces, this study explored telephone call screening as a common example of how people manage technology-driven interruptions in their everyday residential environment. Survey results showed that audio screening is a frequent and regular practice, often used as part of an active, multicue strategy for managing interruptions. Frequent screeners estimated knowing more about the call before engaging in social interaction and were more selective when answering. Screening was viewed as an effective means of managing interruptions because screened, unanswered calls were rated as less disruptive of ongoing activities than calls that were answered. These findings on how people manage telephone call interruptions provide insights for designers of notification systems. First, audio alerts can be highly effective, especially in residential settings. Second, alerts need not be simple to be effective; they can usefully include rich information that clarifies how to respond to the interruption. Finally, informative alerts offer a situated alternative to “presence publishing ” interfaces. 1

Providing Presence Cues to Telephone Users

A significant problem with telephone communication is that callers do not have enough awareness about the Personal Presence of people they want to call. The result can be unwanted, interrupting calls. The live addressbook is an application that helps users make more informed telephone calls and teleconferences, from anywhere, via their wireless PDA or desktop browser. Unlike other network-based address books, which maintain static information, the live addressbook can display dynamic information about where the recipient currently is (i.e., reach number), and how available he/she currently is for calls. The system accomplishes this by applying to telephony the “Buddy List ” concepts made popular in Instant Messaging applications. User trials assess the applicability of Personal Presence information in a telephone context