Meeting 2008 Dec 3rd

Team Page: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Classroom
Meeting Minutes by: Elizabeth Krumbach

Present

The following were present during this meeting:

Proceedings

Discussion

20:00 < pleia2> okies, meeting time :)
20:00 < pleia2> Agenda: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Classroom/MeetingAgenda2008Dec3
20:00 < pleia2> so, who all is here?
20:00 < pleia2> introduce yourselfs! :)
20:01 < pleia2> yourselves too
20:01  * PrivateVoid PrivateVoid nods
20:01 < PrivateVoid> hello everyone!
20:01 < Rocket2DMn> I'm just here to watch (I think)
20:01 < spiderbatdad> err
20:01 < bodhi_zazen> Hello classsroom :)
20:02 < pleia2> hey bodhi_zazen 
20:02 < bodhi_zazen> The Beginners team in interested in assisting with #ubuntu-classroom :)
20:02 < pleia2> we can start out with that
20:03 < pleia2> so currently, ubuntu-classroom is mostly a basic project to help teams host courses in irc - we hold sessions here so there is a centralized location, help put folks in touch with resources for promotion
20:03 < bodhi_zazen> Sounds awesome
20:04 < pleia2> we also intended to do our own general sessions, which is pretty much the same mandate as the beginners education team
20:04 < bodhi_zazen> And we can help guide people to IRC (from forums mostly)
20:04 < pleia2> (early on when classroom was founded we did our own)
20:04 < pleia2> bodhi_zazen: nice :)
20:04 < pleia2> so lately we don't have the humanpower to run our own courses, so mostly it's just been a coordination and promotion thing
20:05 < bodhi_zazen> We can help coordinate on the forums and we have some members who would like to instruct as well
20:05 < pleia2> excellent
20:05 < pleia2> Classroom doesn't currently have a forums contingent, and I'm not much of a forums person so I've never pushed it, but it's a great resource
20:06 < bodhi_zazen> I am afraid I am stealing PrivateVoid's thunder here, PrivateVoid has done some outstanding footwork
20:06 < PrivateVoid> The beginners team has an education focus group - https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BeginnersTeam/FocusGroups/Education
20:06 < PrivateVoid> We would like to run classes that are wiki/forum based with IRC sessions, and IRC based classes, and IRC based Q&A sessions.
20:06 < PrivateVoid> The type of 'class' I view as a candidate for the mixed sessions is a programming class. The lesson material and assignments are on the wiki or forum and the 'instructor' is available one night a week in IRC.
20:07 < PrivateVoid> We are building a resources component of the wiki which links people to resources, but those resources do not answer all the questions... that is what the Q&A sessions would be for
20:07 < bodhi_zazen> Well, the BT is, IMO, not only a resource for beginners on the forums, but I see it as a way of encouraging people to become more involved with the Ubuntu community
20:07 < PrivateVoid> I currently have a thread on the forums asking people what they would like to see 'taught'
20:07 < bodhi_zazen> so our members may go to Launchpad, MOTU, wiki, and classroot
20:07 < bodhi_zazen> *classroom
20:07 < Rocket2DMn> +1 bodhi_zazen
20:07 < PrivateVoid> and some threads asking for interested instructors
20:08 < bodhi_zazen> PrivateVoid, link ?
20:08 < PrivateVoid> I think the easiest way to build up, as bodhi_zazen suggested in the BT meeting, is to start with the Q&A sessions
20:08 < pleia2> sounds good
20:09 < PrivateVoid> bodhi_zazen, they were not stickied... give me a second
20:09 < bodhi_zazen> np PrivateVoid, don't worry about it
20:09 < PrivateVoid> call for topics -- http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=984986
20:09 < pleia2> PrivateVoid: so I'm thinking you get these up and running, and when you want to host one drop a note to ubuntu-classroom list to get put on the wiki schedule (or just add it yourself)
20:09 < PrivateVoid> call for instructors - http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=997940
20:09 < DarkKnight> hey i m a newbie...and wanted to be on the MOTU team....i read the wiki page...but there are certain things that i didnt understand
20:09 < PrivateVoid> pleia2, noted
20:10 < DarkKnight> I did file a bug
20:10 < bodhi_zazen> DarkKnight, if you wish, come to #ubuntuforums-beginners
20:10 < bodhi_zazen> we have members who will guide you if needed
20:10 < DarkKnight> bodhi_zazen; newbie in the sense i m newbie to the development process
20:11 < bodhi_zazen> As I said, one of our goals is to make the greater Ubuntu community more "accessible"
20:11 < bodhi_zazen> I'm sure you could teach us all a few tricks DarkKnight :)
20:11 < DarkKnight> bodhi_zazen; wat tricks
20:12 < pleia2> so once we have a class scheduled, we'll help promote if you need us
20:12 < bodhi_zazen> that would be awesome pleia2
20:12 < bodhi_zazen> I have suggested we start small and build ;)
20:12  * pleia2 nods
20:13 < PrivateVoid> yes bodhi_zazen the Q&A is an excellent starting point
20:13 < bodhi_zazen> Thank you for your time, we will be in touch
20:13 < DarkKnight> i didnt get a word of wat u ppl had been saying
20:13 < pleia2> DarkKnight: we're having a meeting :)
20:13 < pleia2> PrivateVoid: are there any other ways you can think we can help you guys out?
20:14 < DarkKnight> pleia2; okkk.....
20:14 < PrivateVoid> pleia2, we need instructors... and people willing to write some courses
20:14 < DarkKnight> pleia2; ya i need help
20:14 < PrivateVoid> FAQs and HowTos are ok, but not really 'courses'
20:14  * pleia2 nods
20:14 < PrivateVoid> so the format has to be slightly different
20:15 < PrivateVoid> FAQs and How Tos can be preparation material for the Q&A sessions, but the courses would be more 'lesson' based
20:15 < pleia2> so the way I see things, is Classroom itself really woud like to get our own courses going again, but if we could delegate that to your team it might be a worthwhile thing
20:15 < PrivateVoid> that would be great... but my 'team' is rather small right now...
20:15 < PrivateVoid> so it might be best to work in harmony with one another
20:15 < pleia2> unfortunately we've already been burnt by working with another team for such things, there was a New Users team a long time ago that died :)
20:16  * PrivateVoid nods
20:16 < PrivateVoid> I understand
20:16 < DarkKnight> pleia2; so wat r being thought in the classroom...and how r ppl across the world going 2 learn
20:16 < PrivateVoid> bodhi_zazen, will whipe me if I fade away and die
20:16 < PrivateVoid> so I have no ability to just leave you all hanging
20:17 < pleia2> DarkKnight: can you hold off new questions until we finish up this discussion?
20:17 < PrivateVoid> DarkKnight, we will be making classes... about Bash Scripting, programming Python, etc... and then we will offer the courses in the IRC channel and via wiki/forum posts
20:17 < bodhi_zazen> pleia2, although it is early, I think the BT is getting established and if anything I see growth
20:17 < pleia2> DarkKnight: the classroom site is here: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Classroom
20:17 < pleia2> bodhi_zazen: *nod*
20:18 < bodhi_zazen> If you have concerns or feedback we would be all ears
20:18 < DarkKnight> pleia2; thanq.....ohh plzz don't mind for having interrupted
20:18 < DarkKnight> ur discussion
20:19 < bodhi_zazen> I think we would add to rather then take over if you will
20:19 < pleia2> ok, so maybe you guys start off with the q&a sessions, we promote, and take it from there?
20:19  * pleia2 nods
20:19 < bodhi_zazen> We would start small for sure, and build
20:19  * PrivateVoid nods
20:19 < pleia2> honestly Classroom has kinda fizzled out these past couple years, it's been tough to get regoing and perhaps what we ultimately *need* is another team helping out
20:20 < PrivateVoid> that sounds good pleia2 do you have any instructors... or a good idea on how to recruit them?
20:20 < PrivateVoid> that, I think, will be the largest challenge
20:20 < pleia2> thus far we've primarily used planet, posts to UWN, and our own connections within the community (ie - nag people who know stuff to do classes)
20:20 < PrivateVoid> the forums, the wiki and launchpad all give people, those who seek it, 'exposure' and 'recognition'
20:21 < PrivateVoid> perhaps if there was a way to give people that 'recognition' for being an instructor we would get some more people interested
20:21  * pleia2 notes that nagging has been primary tool
20:21 < bodhi_zazen> PrivateVoid, do we not have a few interested instructors in the BT ?
20:22 < bodhi_zazen> It would be a start
20:22 < PrivateVoid> bodhi_zazen, being honest we have people that have expressed an interest... but only one that I am aware of that ran a class
20:22 < PrivateVoid> the Q&A sessions would make it easier, I think, to get people to commit to the time
20:22 < bodhi_zazen> Well, to be honest, I think they will respond to "leadership" and "structure"
20:23 < bodhi_zazen> It is nebulous, being an instructor
20:23 < spiderbatdad> most do
20:23 < bodhi_zazen> but if you tell them what is needed, give them structure, they will follow
20:23 < bodhi_zazen> you are a natural leader
20:23 < PrivateVoid> bodhi_zazen, I agree... that is what I am trying to build...
20:23 < spiderbatdad> +1
20:24 < pleia2> bodhi_zazen: +1
20:24 < PrivateVoid> I just enable people to shine
20:24 < PrivateVoid> not really any leadership in that...
20:24 < bodhi_zazen> yes there is, and that is my line :)
20:24 < pleia2> so for classroom stuff, we developed this: https://wiki.ubuntu.com/Classroom/Guidelines
20:24  * PrivateVoid does not take compliments well... they embarrass him... as much as he appreciates them
20:25  * PrivateVoid reads wiki
20:25 < bodhi_zazen> bookmarked pleia2
20:25 < PrivateVoid> good structure pleia2
20:25 < pleia2> it's a bit rough around the edges
20:26 < pleia2> but basic ideas are there
20:26 < PrivateVoid> it is good... we can buff the edges
20:26 < pleia2> :)
20:26 < PrivateVoid> I think writing the wiki ahead of time and adding to it after the class would be a good idea
20:27 < PrivateVoid> perhaps a wiki for the main 'subject' and logs of previous classes
20:27 < pleia2> PrivateVoid: like for a series on a similar subject?
20:27 < PrivateVoid> yes
20:27  * pleia2 nods
20:28 < PrivateVoid> I would think certain classes will see many students pass through the 'doors'
20:29 < bodhi_zazen> I am going to need to get to my family soon
20:29 < bodhi_zazen> pleia2, you can always find us at #ubuntuforums-beginners :)
20:30  * pleia2 recalls :)
20:30 < bodhi_zazen> It is a relaxed channel, take care not to click on the links :)
20:30 < pleia2> I stopped lurking because people were always welcoming me like I was new
20:30 < pleia2> hehe
20:30 < PrivateVoid> I hang here... and on many other channels
20:30 < pleia2> I knew where to find you guys if I needed ;)
20:30 < bodhi_zazen> We like fresh victims
20:31 < bodhi_zazen> doh, I mean members
20:31  * PrivateVoid evil grin
20:31 < Rocket2DMn> mmmmm blooooood
20:31 < pleia2> haha
20:31 < pleia2> alas, I dislike forums :)
20:32 < pleia2> ok, so since bodhi_zazen has to scoot soon - I'll work up some gathering instructors ideas and post them to the wiki, you guys start working on a couple pepole to start running classes and then nudge me or the classroom list when you're ready to get help for promotion and stuff?
20:33 < bodhi_zazen> Well, that is one way we can work together, we are strong on forums, weaker elsewhere
20:33 < PrivateVoid> sounds good!!
20:33 < bodhi_zazen> +1 pleia2
20:34 < pleia2> PrivateVoid: I'd be interested in other thoughst of yours for expanding classes beyond forums/wiki (you had mentioned moodle at some point), but I think that's for a later time
20:34 < pleia2> don't want to tackle too much at once
20:34 < PrivateVoid> yes.... if we get things rolling...
20:34 < PrivateVoid> a app like moodle could really help
20:35 < PrivateVoid> I wrote an entire course for School Administrators regarding security in Moodle...
20:35 < PrivateVoid> so I have a bit of experience with it... though not an expert
20:36  * pleia2 knows very little about moodle
20:37  * PrivateVoid nods and waves
20:37 < dinda> i know about Moodle
20:37 < PrivateVoid> thanks for the time on your docket classroom team
20:37 < PrivateVoid> I appreciate the opportunity
20:37 < PrivateVoid> and hope that I can assist in moving the education of Ubuntu users forward
20:39 < pleia2> your enthusiasm is much needed :)
20:40 < PrivateVoid> I hope it rubs off...
20:41 < PrivateVoid> to be honest... I gave up computer gaming... and Ubuntu is what I am focused on instead
20:42 < pleia2> I did the same a while back
20:42 < PrivateVoid> Cool...
20:42 < PrivateVoid> I was very, very in to Guild Wars...
20:42 < PrivateVoid> and World of Warcrack before that
20:43 < dinda> can I ask a general question about this channel?
20:43 < pleia2> dinda: sure
20:43 < dinda> why do so many folks hang out here?  are they waiting for something to happen?  or just like to lurk?
20:44 < pleia2> Ubuntu Open Week is held here
20:44 < pleia2> I think a lot of people join during that, and lurk :)
20:44 < dinda> that's one every 6 months
20:44 < pleia2> developers week is also hosted here, which is 6-12 months
20:44 < pleia2> I think most folks just lurk and look in when something is going on if it's interesting
20:44 < dinda> are there any other regularly scheduled events here?
20:45 < pleia2> motu school had regular sessions for a while
20:45 < dinda> yeah James_w was very helpful in trying to get those going
20:45  * pleia2 nods
20:45 < pleia2> they were great :)
20:45 < pleia2> alas, we don't have much else going on
20:45  * Rocket2DMn returns to his tiny corners of the IRC net
20:45 < pleia2> so I scour the ubuntu community for other teams doing classes, and drag them here
20:45  * pleia2 points at PrivateVoid 
20:46 < pleia2> like beginners team! :)
20:46 < dinda> :)
20:46 < PrivateVoid> I will try to build it... I will...
20:46 < dinda> we've had some success with our weekly session in the training team
20:47 < dinda> but need to add some evening US time sessions
20:47 < PrivateVoid> dinda, another team for teaching... cool... we really need to pool our resources
20:47 < PrivateVoid> https://wiki.ubuntu.com/BeginnersTeam/FocusGroups/Education
20:47 < PrivateVoid> I am working on getting some stuff going with pleia2
20:48 < dinda> getting good session leaders is key
20:48 < PrivateVoid> in using the wiki/forums and IRC to hold classes and Q&A sessions
20:48 < PrivateVoid> yes, it is...
20:48 < dinda> one guy found it really hard to lead an irc session with all the crosstalk in the channel
20:49 < PrivateVoid> +m
20:49 < PrivateVoid> set the channel to +m
20:49 < pleia2> yeah, we tend to leave +m up to the instructor
20:49 < PrivateVoid> that should cut that down
20:49 < dinda> some topics lend themselves to irc better than others I suppose
20:49 < pleia2> the ubuntu women open week presentation I did ended up having to be moderated
20:50 < PrivateVoid> I agree dinda I see IRC being used in some courses as a 'help' session that augments class lessons that are forum/wiki based
20:50 < PrivateVoid> that have material that is to be learned with assignments
20:51 < dinda> good luck, let me know if i can help
20:52 < PrivateVoid> dinda, you can help...
20:52 < PrivateVoid> how do I contact you?
20:52 < dinda> dinda@ubuntu.com  :)
20:52 < dinda> like pleia2 I'm not much a forums person either
20:52 < PrivateVoid> k
20:53 < PrivateVoid> not an issue... I am less a forum person than most of the BT guys
20:53 < PrivateVoid> I mostly hang on IRC
20:53 < PrivateVoid> and use LP to answer questions
21:03 < dinda> ok, gotta go fight with BZR some more
21:03 < dinda> night all!

Classroom/Meetings/Minutes2008Dec3 (last edited 2008-12-14 20:19:07 by alderaan)