Nomadic Desktop
-improving workflow, improving pedagogy-
Keys Ideas
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Universal access
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Sharing
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Collaboration
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Integration
The Problem · A Present-time Solution · Development · Use · Disadvantages
I.
The Problem
Our desktops are often a litter of open windows for
multiple activities across a number of different applications that more often
than not barely talk to each other. The flow of work on the current desktop
basically requires moving data from one application to another in a process
that often mimics cut and paste- applications only loosely integrate, making
work labor and time intensive and less beneficial to the user than it might
otherwise be. And unless it is possible to take the work computer home or use a
mirror system at home, there is likely to be often work that can only be
completed at one place or the other.
II. A Present-time Solution
Presented here is the case for a web-based desktop in which applications work
together to support more seamless completion of computer-based work anywhere,
anytime the user is online. The utility of this solution to provide always
available integrated services defines the nomadic
desktop.
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Figure 1 Suprglu
startpage |
The Suprglu-based site above helps leverage the in-browser
desktop environment. It supports calls to various zero-install web applications
with the user interface capabilities of desktop client software for
communicating, organising, and getting work done. It
is also part course and professional development RSS feedbook.
Course feeds come from shared class blogs, content
bookmarked at del.icio.us (incl. flickr
images), and variously from watchlists at CiteULike and topic-related blogs.
Professional development news comes variously from edtech-related
blogs and watchlists. As
well, it is a portal to campus web sites. This functionality is available
anytime the user is online at any computer in multiple tabs in a single browser
widow.
At this juncture, it is useful to stress that this is just one simple solution-
its greatest value may ultimately be to encourage others to seek different
solutions which suit their personal needs and preferred ways of working.
III. Development
Firefox and Suprglu is the
composite application that leverages various zero-install web applications which
draw on the strength of the web for integration, meaning better productivity
and less leg-work. Development involves the following:
A composite application consisting
of-
· Firefox
· Enabling plugins and bookmarklets
· Suprglu
Which orchestrates calls to the following services in this environment-
· Productivity
services including Writely, Thumsbstacks,
iRows, Openomy, Box, and Stickipad
· Communication
services from Gmail including Gmail
Chat, as well as Springdo, Meebo,
and Blogger
· RSS
information services from Flickr, Delicious, watchlists, and various blogs
· RSS feed
reader services from Bloglines, Google Reader, and Gmail Web Clips
· Organiser services from CalendarHub
calendar and the project manager Voo2do
·
Course management service (CMS) from Moodle
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Figure 2 "Blummy" drop-down buttons
menu for various services |
The table below details some of the functionality described:
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COMPOSITE APPLICATION |
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Browser: |
Plugins: Deli.cio.us Firefox extension - push button saving and viewing
of web pages |
Bookmarklets: |
Start page: |
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SERVICES (web-based, zero install) |
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COMMUNICATE
Blogger blog COURSE SITES Course management system Shared digital textbook Bioethics & Visions of the Future Shared class blog ARW Winter Reflections B Student tachometer WORKSPACE Data sheets Slideshow presentations Web pages wiki |
SAMPLE INTEGRATIONS Gmail offers email and chat in one service, encouraging a reply when too
busy to compose email. Meebo offers cross platform
chatting across the major IM services.
Subscribers (co-workers &
students) receive automatic updates to calendar events and work to do via RSS Extend functionality of CMS by
integrating new services- word processor, blogs,
shared bookmarking, file storage, RSS aggregator,
etc Collectively build an always fresh,
multi-perspective textbook. Seed a Suprglu
site with RSS feeds from various sources such as watchlists,
blogs, wiki, file storage,
a social bookmarking account shared by teacher
& students, etc. Share a
class debate and publishing space and motivate students by writing for a
class or public audience.
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RSS SOURCES (regularly changed) |
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DESCRIPTION |
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Figure 3 Some functionality of
nomadic desktop environment |
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IV.
Use
Imagine
in your work as a teacher you typically use this mix of applications:
·
Email client
·
Operating system file manager
·
Word processor
·
Track Changes
You may typically call to service
such applications when completing a simple task such as this:
1.
Start email client and wait for messages to download from
server. (Service 1)
2.
Open student message requesting feedback on essay.
3.
Download attachment to desktop. (OS file manager service)
4.
Move attachment to class folder.
5.
Move message to student's individual mail folder (for teacher accountability
purposes).
6.
Cut and paste message to to-do application. (Service 4)
7.
Open student essay in word processor. (Service 5)
8.
Use Track Changes (MS Word) to imbed feedback into document. (Service
6?)
9.
Attach proofread essay to return email message.
Alternatively:
1.
Open browser. Email messages download automatically. (Service 1
& 2)
Browser
automatically restores services (SessionSaver plugin) and email messages download immediately. Also, infinite
archiving and search that works negates need for filing messages.
2.
Click link in message to Writely.com hosted essay. (Service 3)
3.
Imbed comments into essay.
Track Changes not required, comments added in
different font color.
4.
Student receives automatic RSS notification from Writely.com
when teacher suggested changes complete.
Done! Finished
quicker with less rush- 3 services & 4 steps compared to 6 six services &
9 steps- better workflow and improved pedagogy.
V. Disadvantages
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Immature services: Use is not always smooth as most applications
mentioned are in early development and debugging
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Downtime: All web-based applications are not always available
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Speed: A fast connection is crucial to desktop-like
responsiveness
Conclusion
The
nomadic desktop helps leverage the strengths of the web environment for
universal access, sharing, collaboration, and integration of core services to
serve improvements in teaching and learning.
Related
reading
1. Jono Bacon-- Remixing how we use the Open Source
desktop
http://www.openadvantage.org/articles/oadocument.2005-04-26.0437165458/view
2. Rod Boothby-- The Next Wave in Productivity Tools
- Web Office
http://www.innovationcreators.com/2006/02/the_next_wave_in_productivity_1.html
3.
Scott Wilson-- Workflow and webservices
http://www.e-framework.org/resources/SOAandWorkflow2.pdf
Above
also bookmarked at Del.icio.us http://del.icio.us/okoj/workflow