Courses at CWC 2008
Courses at CWC 2008 are ordered into seven topic groups. We offer courses of nine, six, three and one hour duration.
In addition to the courses, every day will end with a keynote talk. Keynotes are held by invited guest speakers; they will be announced separately. Wednesday afternoon is reserved for the student session.
The registration for courses is now open. After the registration deadline, we will check the number of participants for each course. If the number of registrations for a particular course is too low, the course might not be offered at the CWC. Final confirmation of course registrations will be sent out after the registration deadline.
To register, follow the instructions provided on the registration form. When registering for courses, please check the timetable to avoid overlappings.
- Web Technologies
- Software Development
- Current Topics in Computer Science
- Research Skills
- Interdisciplinary Topics
- Career Skills
- Gender and IT
Web Technologies
(W1) Web Frameworks: What they are, how they work, and how to set up your own
From Wikipedia: "A web application framework is a software framework that is designed to support the development of dynamic websites, Web applications and Web services. The framework aims to alleviate the overhead associated with common activities used in Web development. For example, many frameworks provide libraries for database access, templating frameworks and session management, and often promote code reuse."
This course will explain the basics: What web frameworks do. It contains an overview of common web frameworks and a comparison of their features. We will then set up a basic web framework from scratch using CherryPy, SqlAlchemy and Apache.
| Presenter(s) | Gloria W. Jacobs |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | basic knowledge of HTML, databases, Web application development and/or of programming in Python or other scripting languages is of advantage but not required |
| Length | 9 hours |
| Program Slot | Mon–Wed 9–12:30  |
(W2) Content Management Systems
You would like to build a website? You need to manage many content items or do this collaboratively? You want dynamic web pages or a database connection? You would like to have a publishing workflow?
Web Application Servers build a framework to get all these tasks done on the spot and further more allow you to implement your own web application. Some major Content Management Systems are already the starting point to such a framework.
In this course the participants will have the opportunity to try out a Content Management System (CMS) from the perspectives of different users as well as the administrator. Step by step we'll go through structure and technology and some design features of a Web Application Server with CMS by the example of the open source product Zope/Plone and we'll discuss the most important theoretical and background information.
| Presenter(s) | Annette Baumann |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | knowledge of HTML would be helpful; using the Web; enjoying to discover new software systems |
| Length | 6 hours |
| Program Slot | Mon+Tue 9–12:30  |
(W3) Ontologies on the Semantic Web
As an informational technology the World Wide Web has enjoyed spectacular success, in just ten years transforming the way information is produced, stored and shared. The "Semantic Web" is touted by its developers as equally revolutionary but has not yet achieved anything like the Web’s exponential uptake. This presentation will provide an overview of some key ontological issues which arise on the semantic web, looking at the following questions:
- How explicit a machine-understandable theory of meaning is it possible or practical to construct?
- How universal a machine-understandable theory of meaning is it possible or practical to construct?
- What is it for a theory of meaning to be machine-understandable anyway?
Time will be allocated for group discussion of some of these issues (as well as the issue of whether the semantic web is likely to succeed in its goals at all). Some specific details of particular semantic web languages (e.g. XML, RDF, RDFS, OWL) will be presented.
| Presenter(s) | Catherine Legg |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Tue 1:30–5  |
Software Development
(S1) Evaluation Methods for Software Tools
There are many evaluation techniques that can be applied to new software tools. Which one to choose and what each will tell you is often confusing. In this course we will survey the range of evaluation techniques from usability evaluations to cogitative dimensions and comparative studies. We will then look at comparative studies in details in detail. This will be a practical course with us developing an evaluation strategy suitable for a Masters or PhD software project.
| Presenter(s) | Beryl Plimmer |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open; especially students majoring in HCI or software engineering |
| Prerequisites | basic knowledge of software engineering |
| Length | 6 hours |
| Program Slot | Mon+Tue 9–12:30 |
(S2) Agile Methods and Test-Driven Development
An overview of agile methods and the most popular techniques used in applying the methods will be provided. This will be followed by a development workshop where the techniques of test-driven development (TDD) using NUnit will be introduced and participants can work through a structured tutorial. In the second session pair programming and TDD will be used to explore the implementation of one or more design patterns.
| Presenter(s) | Diane Strode and Sue Chard |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | basic knowledge of object-oriented programming |
| Length | 6 hours |
| Program Slot | Mon+Tue 1:30–5  |
Current Topics in Computer Science
(T1) Peer-to-Peer Computing
During recent years, computing devices and network communications have experience great improvements, contributing to the rapid growth of the Internet. This growth has lead to the emergence of new applications with new challenging requirements in terms of scalability, security, reliability and adaptability. The traditional client/server model fails to meet these requirements fully due to its centralised nature, which implies single points of failure and resource bottlenecks. Peer-to-Peer (P2P) computing is a very active area of research devising very scalable models of communications based on decentralised architectures. In a P2P network, each node acts both as a client and as a server, using the resources (such as files, computing power, bandwidth) offered by other nodes and offering some of its own resources.
This course will give an introduction to P2P computing. The principles underlying P2P systems will be described. Then, the classification and evolution of P2P networks will be introduced. The evolution includes different generations ranging from centralised models, unstructured, structured and order-preserving structured networks. The main examples of each type of P2P networks will be analysed and compared.
This course had to be canceled due to speaker unavailability.
| Presenter(s) | Alejandra González Beltrán |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | interest in networks, data structures and algorithms; basic knowledge of maths |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | — |
(T2) Data Compression
Data Compression is an interesting research area in Computer Science with many good applications. This course introduces you to the fundamentals in the area and offers you a hands-on learning experience on algorithms and implementation. It consists of lectures and workshops. We will discuss algorithmic issues in the lectures and implement our ideas in the workshops.
This course had to be canceled due to speaker unavailability.
| Presenter(s) | Ida Pu |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open; especially students majoring in Computer Science, Mathematics, Computing or Computer Information Systems and practitioners in these fields |
| Prerequisites | basic knowledge in programming (Java, C, C++ or any high level sequential language) |
| Length | 3 hours (shortened from 6 hours) |
| Program Slot | — |
(T3) Context-Aware Computing: What is it and why should I care?
Computing devices are getting ever smaller and more portable: just think of cell phones and digital cameras. And we do actually have them with us a lot of the time. But that's also true for your wristwatch (if you still have one). What's exciting about devices like cell phones is that they can communicate with their environment: think cell phone network, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, … This enables them to adapt their behaviour to their context of use – for example their user's location, current weather conditions and Internet connectivity status.
That's a very short introduction to context-aware computing. This course goes into more detail and also includes an interactive component.
| Presenter(s) | Andrea Schweer |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 1 hour |
| Program Slot | Tue 1:30–2:30  |
Research Skills
(R1) Statistical tests and significance
Real-life quantitative data crops up in many areas of computer science, for example when comparing the performance of similar computer programs or in usability studies. But what does the data actually mean? Which valid conclusions can be drawn?
Statistics offer a toolbox of methods to interpret such data. This course gives an overview of statistical hypothesis testing. We will also look at the relationship between significance tests and confidence intervals. The course will be presented in a practical way with a focus on what the computer output produced means for the questions of interest. There will be examples provided for you to work on.
| Presenter(s) | Lyn Hunt |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Wed 9–12:30  |
Interdisciplinary Topics
(I1) Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and Philosophy
How do advancements in robotics change the view on artificial intelligence? Does an artificial mind require an artificial body? This course will give insights on the history and developments of artificial intelligence. It will not focus on the technical aspects of robotics but on the philosophical requirements for "human-like" intelligence.
This course had to be canceled due to speaker unavailability.
| Presenter(s) | Corinna Balkow |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | — |
| Program Slot | — |
(I2) Applying Hypertext methods to printed books
The mediums of printed books and hypertext both hold important benefits for learners. By applying hypertext methods to a printed book the advantages of both media can be utilised. This research looks specifically at non-fiction books and how hypertext can be applied to them for adult learning. The aim is to show the development from the first concepts through to the final solution and how the methods of hypertext can successfully be applied to another medium.
| Presenter(s) | Claire Timpany |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 1 hour |
| Program Slot | Tue 2:30–3:30  |
(I3) UpStage – in creative and educational settings
The participants will learn the tools of the online performance environment UpStage. A free and open source software developed by online performance troupe Avatar Body Collision and artist Douglas Bagnall, UpStage is a graphical chat environment that has been used by students, artists and educators around the world. The environment allows users to interact and create stories using avatars [graphical representations] that can move and speak, there is also the ability to use web cameras, drawing and audio tools.
This workshop is an introduction to the space and an invitation to explore the ongoing projects.
| Presenter(s) | vicki smith |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open, especially artists and educators |
| Prerequisites | interest in net arts, social and creative online environments; basic knowledge of the computer interface; interest in graphical applications through to programming |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Wed 9–12:30 |
Career Skills
(C1) The smallest thing can ruin a great presentation!
An interactive course which will cover the key aspects of a good presentation. Topics will include: how power point can kill a presentation, how to engage your audience and not distract them, the polished yet relaxed delivery, how to get comfortable with being on stage, and dealing with questions and the frightening heckler. The course will focus on practising tools that can make a good presentation great, and discussing aspects (many obscure) that quickly ruin a presentation. Delivering a good presentation is an art and involves the basics: the material, power point, and delivery. But just as important are personal appearance, body language, and the relationship with the audience.
| Presenter(s) | Stephanie Nyman |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Mon 1:30–5  |
(C2) Business Networking
Good business relationships are based on mutual respect. The etiquette and techniques of building these relationships is not always "second nature" to people. These things can be taught and an interactive workshop is the ideal vehicle in which people may learn and practise in a non-threatening environment.
Topics covered:
- General networking practice
- Tips for approaching people at a networking event
- Learn how to follow up on connections and turn these into valued relationships
- Learn how to manage the contacts made
- Gain valuable insight into how interpersonal connection works for different people, with some tips on cultural differences
- Learn what you need in your "networking toolbox" so you present a professional image at all times
- Basic business etiquette
The course can only cover these topics in a "whistle-stop" way but will encourage thought and discussion by participants.
| Presenter(s) | Lynnette Flowers |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | basic interest in people; interest in interpersonal relationships as the basis for productive business relationships and growth |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Tue 1:30–5 |
(C3) Making Decisions and Managing Conflict
This course will provide skills in ethical analysis and decision making, and conflict management to assist participants to resolve problems and to contribute to improving the situation.
| Presenter(s) | Jenine Beekhuyzen, Liisa von Hellens and Sue Nielsen |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Wed 9–12:30 |
Gender and IT
(G1) Gender issues in IT education and work
This course will
- Introduce participants to the "gendering" of IT
- Discuss the status of current research
- Explore the current situation and causes of declining female participation in IT education and work, in terms of recruitment, retention and progress
- Identify potential solutions to the problems in IT education and in the workplace
| Presenter(s) | Jenine Beekhuyzen, Liisa von Hellens and Sue Nielsen |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | interest in understanding the issues facing women working and studying in IT |
| Length | 3 hours |
| Program Slot | Tue 9–12:30  |
(G2) Gender codes: Girls and Media Technology
An illustrated talk on 20 years as a design educator and the issues, observations and data about the participation of young women in digital technology. It deals particularly with the technical and programming aspects of graphic design, and what may be learnt from this for problems of gender inequality in computer science and information technology.
The talk uses both formal research findings and anecdotal material, draws personal conclusions and attempts some future gazing.
| Presenter(s) | Polly Cantlon |
|---|---|
| Target Group | open |
| Prerequisites | — |
| Length | 1 hour |
| Program Slot | Tue 4–5  |