EdTech Fusion

Parts of a Fast Technology Experience

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We talk about the need for speed in education technology solutions, but just what are the components of a fast experience?  What is “Fast” in the real world of digital learning?

Years of performance tuning in the IT industry has taught me that “Fast” can only be measured against the users expectations.   I’d like to individually list some separate but related components of a fast experience with performance related explanations.  This way, we can better understand what may impact the speed of our experience.

Background  – things your system does other than where your attention is focused
Bandwidth – the amount of bulk data that can be transferred in a period of time
Bottleneck – the single component that is limiting the speed of the system
Buffering – slight delay in display of data to smooth out performance irregularities
Caching – previously accessed data that is stored for fast repeated access
CPU – time to process single request, or number of concurrent requests supported
Dedicated Resource – faster for one task or user and wasted when not in use
Drive I/O (IOPS) – how quickly local data can be read or written from storage
Duplex – half allows only one speaker at a time, full allows simultaneous conversations
Feedback – immediate response and updates that you see while you wait
Indexing – how quickly a system can find local resources for the user
Input Device – how you tell the computer what you want it to do or give it information
Interface – connection between your computer and people or other devices
Latency – the amount of time required to respond to a request
Name Resolution – how quickly a system can find network resources for the user
Offloading – sending a task to a dedicated device instead of using a general system
Optimization – adjustment of the process for your specific needs or environment
Prefetch – data you might access that is stored while the system is idle for fast access
Prioritization – speeding up time sensitive data at the expense of background data
RAM – size of file, or number of concurrent applications ready to use in an instant
Spooling – collecting output for later action so the user can continue working
Video Card  – smooth display of high definition, fast changing or large screen video

What impacts how fast you can use your systems?

insidecomputer

The Need For Speed

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Why is there a NEED for Speed in technology assisted learning?  Isn’t a lack of speed something that can just be compensated for with a little patience?

Our answer is no way, no how, not ever.  Just ask any frustrated teacher, presenter, or child that is waiting for a presentation, video, or game that has a poor connection.  You can’t even access, much less use certain types of interactive or synchronous sites and applications at all without adequate speed.

While system performance as a whole is what matters, and most issues can be addressed locally, an area of specific concern is high speed internet access.  Even in developed countries there are many rural locations without any good options for a high speed internet connection.  To ensure quality learning for everyone, we must start to view quality internet access as just another utility like electricity, roads, and clean water.  As we transition, we must do our best to design content for differentiated connections as well as differentiated learning styles.

The promise of technology in areas of motivation, engagement, enrichment, self direction, equality, and positive experiences are tied to how distributed, transparent, and functional the technology is.  Speed, or at the very least, the perception of speed, is a big part of access and minimizing frustration so that focus can be maintained on the subject, rather than the delivery of the material.  Otherwise frustration can make the very problems we are trying to solve with technology even worse.  Take a tip from online sales companies, they know anything that takes longer than a fraction of a second, costs them sales.  In education, even seconds of delay cost you engaged students.

How does computer performance impact your learning or classroom experience?

30min-wait

Memorial Day Pool Party Wireless Success

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Last year Boulder Country Club was looking for an upgrade to their wireless solution.  The old system provided signal coverage but would overload and stop working during large events.   The two primary areas of concern were the indoor dining hall and the outdoor pool area, both of which could have up to about 500 people.

JP Schwartz has success supporting high density wireless installations in schools with Ruckus Wireless hardware, so we decided to use the same system to meet the Clubs needs.  We deployed about 12 access points in total, to ensure strong coverage on both 2.4 Ghz and 5.0 Ghz frequencies.  By using gigabit connections to the access points we are able to ensure the wired network support the traffic load.  We then programmed a private Club network and Guest network for security and bandwidth control.

While the network was installed almost a month ago, today’s Memorial Day pool party is the first outdoor event that really loaded the wireless.  We are glad to report that while many people were on the outdoor network, there were no problems allowing everyone to enjoy the food, sun, and fun.  JP Schwartz was the only one thinking about the wireless.

BCCPool

John Schwartz: Questions to Ask About Your Backups

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In this video you will see some of the many items to consider when planning backups that can produce reliable restores needed as part of any effective disaster recovery plan.

This video is a bit targeted to many industries. While it is important for schools to have backups, this is an area of expertise that we feel will benefit many organizations in addition to schools. We offer a fully managed backup and recovery service for any company to use, and believe that in many cases, protecting information is just as important as gaining information.

Since this is our first attempt at the production of our own video, what do you like most about our backup questions video?

[youtube http://youtu.be/gi_0kDfdN1E]

Michael Wesch: The Machine is Us/ing Us

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Dubbed “the explainer” by Wired magazine, Michael Wesch is a cultural anthropologist exploring the effects of new media on society and culture. After two years studying the implications of writing on a remote indigenous culture in the rain forest of Papua New Guinea, he has turned his attention to the effects of social media and digital technology on global society. His videos on culture, technology, education, and information have been viewed by millions, translated in over 15 languages, and are frequently featured at international film festivals and major academic conferences worldwide. Wesch has won several major awards for his work, including a Wired Magazine Rave Award, the John Culkin Award for Outstanding Praxis in Media Ecology, and he was recently named an Emerging Explorer by National Geographic. He has also won several teaching awards, including the 2008 CASE/Carnegie U.S. Professor of the Year for Doctoral and Research Universities.
[Source] http://ksuanth.weebly.com/wesch.html

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLlGopyXT_g]