Virtual Conferences

Virtual Conferences

This is a collection of links and information I've put together about virtual conferences.

Why

How

Who

In more detail

Here are some ideas that I came up with some time back with considerable input from Robbert van Renesse

Interaction modes

Conferences support multiple interaction modes, which may need different solutions depending on the conference size. Generally speaking, this is a cross product of {synchronous, asynchronous} with {1-1, 1-many, many-many}.

  • 1-1 asynchronous
    • Not relevant in a conference setting
  • 1-1 synchronous
    • This is similar to an informal hallway conversation
    • This interaction style either leverages a past history of interaction or creates new connections
  • 1-many asynchronous
    • This is essentially an archival conference record
    • In some cases, comments can be added over time
  • 1-many synchronous
    • This is a typical conference presentation
    • Generally live video in parallel with many-many text-oriented discussions
    • To deal with time zones, a speaker could give the same presentation multiple times, or at least have multiple interaction sessions
  • Many-many asynchronous
    • Like a MOOC lecture with multiple flipped classrooms
  • Many-many synchronous small group interactions
    • This is typical of a demo/poster session
    • Ability to hop around, like a poster session
    • Ability to see demos being done
    • Find out which demo is popular
    • Need a whiteboard, leave a message for others
    • Schedule presentations of the poster at a particular time


Tools/Resources available today

  • 1-many stored video
    • Ed X and ACM DL can store video from conferences for replay
  • Poster and demos
    • Maybe can use VNC for remote demos
  • Asynchronous interaction

Technical and sociological issues that need to be addressed by research

  • How to achieve high quality of the video/audio?
  • How to re-create informality?
    • Can poke head into someone’s office, but can’t do that on skype
    • The barrier to entry to interrupt someone is high because people are diffident about interruption
    • Conferences reduce options and hence force interaction
  • How to create conditions that support attendance? In a real conference there is no need to worry about food, where to rest
    • Make a commitment, perhaps in writing
    • Need to create a social headroom
  • How to convey body language and non-verbal cues?
  • How to integrate components properly?

An alternative