STATISTICS:
Duration: 13 hours (7am - 8pm Eastern Standard Time)
# of Events: 57
30 presentations
11 Then and Now memories
3 vendor presentations
Countries presenting (3 Australia, 2 Canada, 1 China, 2 Croatia, 2 Finland, 1 India, 1 Netherlands, 8 Slovenia, 1 Sweden, 2 Taiwan, 1 Wales, 28 USA
Technologies used in presentations: videos, PowerPoint, Second Life (18 attendees), Vidyo (14 attendees), Skype, green screen, electron microscope, streaming (Arnes streaming servers (Starbak VCG and Codian IPVCR) had up to 30 concurrent streaming clients), blog
# Registrations: 188 (Note: because some of the registrations were MCU's, we don't have an accurate count of the number of sites, or even the number of participants at each site. If we guess an average of 10 at each site, we would have close to 2000 participants.
PRIZES:
The prize winners were notified during the roll calls, and will be listed in the Prizes section of the web site. You do not have to do anything to get your prize. It will be sent to you directly from its donor.The Grand Prize winner is Jay Moody of Canton Local -Five R's Academy.
Special plaques will be sent to all those who have participated in all 10 Megaconferences.
CERTIFICATES:
Certificates of thanks will be sent to all those who helped make the event a success. This includes for example the presenters, the MCU operators, the MCs, the planning team etc.
RECORDINGS:
The event was recorded at several locations. See the web site for locations and instructions for playing the recording.
Bob
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Change of Megaconference Leadership
This was the 10th year for the Megaconference.
In the beginning, there was no such thing as H.323. A few of us got started with H.320 encapsulated in IP packets, using huge PC cards made by Zydacron. Mary Fran Yafchek of NYSERNET and Avi Moyal of RADVision organized a small group of us to get started with Internet video conferencing.
Eventually H.323 was created, and we all moved to that.The Internet2 Digital Video special interest group was formed, chaired by Larry Amiot of Northwestern. The group was looking for something to do that would popularize and spread the use of Internet video conferencing. I suggested that we sponsor a video conference, and invite the whole world, and let's call it the Megaconference. There was significant resistance to this wild idea, and it was even called "crazy". But this just made me even more determined, so I went off and organized it mostly by myself, and it was a big success. After the first one, everyone clammored to get on the bandwagon and said we had to do it every year.
During the 10 years of the Megaconference, the technology has grown from infancy to maturity.We helped make that happen. The Megaconference has been such a high profile event, that several vendors have actively participated in making sure they did not look bad, by sending engineers here to baby sit their equipment during the event. They told us we pushed them ahead of their development schedule, and we provided them with a more realistic testing ground than they could ever create themselves.
Through the years, many people have helped organize the Megaconferences. The current crew of wonderful and talented organizers includes:
Sandy Sprafka, now retired from North Dakota State University
Judson Eliott, of Baldwin-Wallace College
Jennifer Oxenford, of MAGPI
Arif Khan, of OARnet
Darayus Mehta, of Reliance ADA, in India
Megan Troyer of Ohio State University
Gabe Moulton, of Ohio State University
Nick Thompson, of Ohio State University
Robbie Noble, of Ohio State University
I have decided that this is the last year I will chair the Megaconference. New people and ideas are needed to guide the Megaconference into the future. I am getting older and have less energy than I once did. If you would like the Megaconference to continue, then you need to stand up and offer to help organize it, or to chair it. I can help out with some aspects, but not be chair. PLEASE write to me about this.
Bob
In the beginning, there was no such thing as H.323. A few of us got started with H.320 encapsulated in IP packets, using huge PC cards made by Zydacron. Mary Fran Yafchek of NYSERNET and Avi Moyal of RADVision organized a small group of us to get started with Internet video conferencing.
Eventually H.323 was created, and we all moved to that.The Internet2 Digital Video special interest group was formed, chaired by Larry Amiot of Northwestern. The group was looking for something to do that would popularize and spread the use of Internet video conferencing. I suggested that we sponsor a video conference, and invite the whole world, and let's call it the Megaconference. There was significant resistance to this wild idea, and it was even called "crazy". But this just made me even more determined, so I went off and organized it mostly by myself, and it was a big success. After the first one, everyone clammored to get on the bandwagon and said we had to do it every year.
During the 10 years of the Megaconference, the technology has grown from infancy to maturity.We helped make that happen. The Megaconference has been such a high profile event, that several vendors have actively participated in making sure they did not look bad, by sending engineers here to baby sit their equipment during the event. They told us we pushed them ahead of their development schedule, and we provided them with a more realistic testing ground than they could ever create themselves.
Through the years, many people have helped organize the Megaconferences. The current crew of wonderful and talented organizers includes:
Sandy Sprafka, now retired from North Dakota State University
Judson Eliott, of Baldwin-Wallace College
Jennifer Oxenford, of MAGPI
Arif Khan, of OARnet
Darayus Mehta, of Reliance ADA, in India
Megan Troyer of Ohio State University
Gabe Moulton, of Ohio State University
Nick Thompson, of Ohio State University
Robbie Noble, of Ohio State University
I have decided that this is the last year I will chair the Megaconference. New people and ideas are needed to guide the Megaconference into the future. I am getting older and have less energy than I once did. If you would like the Megaconference to continue, then you need to stand up and offer to help organize it, or to chair it. I can help out with some aspects, but not be chair. PLEASE write to me about this.
Bob
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Final Megaconference Update
Be sure to go to the web site and read all the announcements, in case you missed any.http://www.megaconference.org
Some of the pages on the web site require you to scan down to see all the information.
If you are not registered, you can still view the conference via streaming video and Second Life.See the web pages for instructions.
Thise who have High Definition capability will be able to take advantage of it. You have already been assigned to an HD MCU.
Note the Chat facility available to you, so you can ask text questions and make comments as the event proceeds. See the main web page for instructions.
There may be minor real-time adjustments to the program shown on the web pages (for example, if a speaker is ill and cannot present). These will be announced only on the Chat facility.
Before you connect to the conference, MUTE your microphone, and then leave it muted unless youspecifically want to make a comment or ask a question, and then BE SURE to mute it again.The BIGGEST PROBLEM we have in the Megaconference is people who do not mute their microphone.
See you tomorrow!
Bob
Some of the pages on the web site require you to scan down to see all the information.
If you are not registered, you can still view the conference via streaming video and Second Life.See the web pages for instructions.
Thise who have High Definition capability will be able to take advantage of it. You have already been assigned to an HD MCU.
Note the Chat facility available to you, so you can ask text questions and make comments as the event proceeds. See the main web page for instructions.
There may be minor real-time adjustments to the program shown on the web pages (for example, if a speaker is ill and cannot present). These will be announced only on the Chat facility.
Before you connect to the conference, MUTE your microphone, and then leave it muted unless youspecifically want to make a comment or ask a question, and then BE SURE to mute it again.The BIGGEST PROBLEM we have in the Megaconference is people who do not mute their microphone.
See you tomorrow!
Bob
All Ten Megaconferences Award
There will be special awards for those organizations and people who have participated inALL TEN Megaconferences.
This is the list we currently have:
CSC Finnish IT Centre for Science
Michigan Technological University
North Dakota State University
OARnet
Ohio State University
Syracuse University
Tim Poe
Dept of Surgery, Ohioi State University
If you believe you or your organization has been in all 10, and you are not listed above, send me email asap.
If your organization or name is listed, please send me:List of names to be on the award (not too many, as we will run out of room)Official name of your organization, as you would like it on the award.
Thanks!
Bob
This is the list we currently have:
CSC Finnish IT Centre for Science
Michigan Technological University
North Dakota State University
OARnet
Ohio State University
Syracuse University
Tim Poe
Dept of Surgery, Ohioi State University
If you believe you or your organization has been in all 10, and you are not listed above, send me email asap.
If your organization or name is listed, please send me:List of names to be on the award (not too many, as we will run out of room)Official name of your organization, as you would like it on the award.
Thanks!
Bob
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Two Days to Go
ROLL CALLS AND DOOR PRIZES
Everyone gets to choose which of the 3 rolls calls they want to be in, when they test with their assigned MCU manager. Lists of the people in each roll call will be published on the web site.I will call on each person in the order shown, so follow along the list and be ready when you are called.
When you are called, you get a minute to say hello to the world. Say anything you wish. Sing a song, play a video, be creative!
During the roll calls, the door prizes will be awarded randomly. The prizes are described on the web site. If you don't respond when called, you lose your opportunity to receive a prize. If you don't select a roll call, you will not be in any roll call.
FLAG OF EARTH
The Flag of Earth is symbolic of the theme of world togetherness that the Megaconference promotes. Everyone is encouraged to display the Flag of Earth at their location, so it can be seen by all. You can learn more about the Flag of Earth, and get your own Flag, by going to its web site http://www.flagofearth.org/. They are available there for purchase (non-profit), and also for free printing at your location. If you would like to order one, please do so asap, so it can arrive in time for you.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF VIEWING THE CONFERENCE
If you are not registered, you cannot participate interactively. But you can still watch the conference via streaming video and via Second Life and via Vidyo. See the web site for instructions.
SPECIAL USA ELECTION COVERAGE
The USA presidential election occurs just 2 days before the Megaconference.Well-known political scientist Herb Asher will lead a panel discussion of the election, which will be an interesting alternative to the information provided by network news pundits.
http://www.megaconference.org/
Bob
Everyone gets to choose which of the 3 rolls calls they want to be in, when they test with their assigned MCU manager. Lists of the people in each roll call will be published on the web site.I will call on each person in the order shown, so follow along the list and be ready when you are called.
When you are called, you get a minute to say hello to the world. Say anything you wish. Sing a song, play a video, be creative!
During the roll calls, the door prizes will be awarded randomly. The prizes are described on the web site. If you don't respond when called, you lose your opportunity to receive a prize. If you don't select a roll call, you will not be in any roll call.
FLAG OF EARTH
The Flag of Earth is symbolic of the theme of world togetherness that the Megaconference promotes. Everyone is encouraged to display the Flag of Earth at their location, so it can be seen by all. You can learn more about the Flag of Earth, and get your own Flag, by going to its web site http://www.flagofearth.org/. They are available there for purchase (non-profit), and also for free printing at your location. If you would like to order one, please do so asap, so it can arrive in time for you.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF VIEWING THE CONFERENCE
If you are not registered, you cannot participate interactively. But you can still watch the conference via streaming video and via Second Life and via Vidyo. See the web site for instructions.
SPECIAL USA ELECTION COVERAGE
The USA presidential election occurs just 2 days before the Megaconference.Well-known political scientist Herb Asher will lead a panel discussion of the election, which will be an interesting alternative to the information provided by network news pundits.
http://www.megaconference.org/
Bob
Monday, November 3, 2008
Participant Count
We know that there are many people who will be watching the Megaconference (using H.323) who are not registered, but instead are connected to various MCUs around the world. We need a count of how many sites and people there are in this category. Please send me that information, either before or soon after the Megaconference. Thanks!
Bob
Bob
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time to Test
If you are REGISTERED for Megaconference 10 and you think that you have NOT been contacted yet for testing (and to sign up for a Roll Call) please do the following:
1. Find your name/site on the Participants page.
2. Look across the line to see the MCU to which you've been assigned
3. From the MCUs page, contact your MCU manager---BE SURE TO WHITE LIST THIS EMAIL ADDRESS
If you have NOT REGISTERED yet, registration is now closed, however, hope is not lost. You can watch Megaconference live via streaming or in Second Life.
Megan
1. Find your name/site on the Participants page.
2. Look across the line to see the MCU to which you've been assigned
3. From the MCUs page, contact your MCU manager---BE SURE TO WHITE LIST THIS EMAIL ADDRESS
If you have NOT REGISTERED yet, registration is now closed, however, hope is not lost. You can watch Megaconference live via streaming or in Second Life.
Megan
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Final Notice! Call for Proposals Closing
Good Wednesday Megaconferencers!
This is just a quick reminder that we are closing our call for proposals this FRIDAY, September 12, so please get your proposals submitted. Remember, you don't have to have your presentation complete before submitting good ideas are welcome!
This year we will resume mailing certificates to the presenters, so after Megaconference X, you will have a lovely memento to hang on your wall.
Cheers!
Megan
This is just a quick reminder that we are closing our call for proposals this FRIDAY, September 12, so please get your proposals submitted. Remember, you don't have to have your presentation complete before submitting good ideas are welcome!
This year we will resume mailing certificates to the presenters, so after Megaconference X, you will have a lovely memento to hang on your wall.
Cheers!
Megan
Friday, August 22, 2008
Keep those registrations coming!
Welcome back!
The Megaconference Planning Team wants to remind all of our friends out there that both general registration and the call for proposals is now open. If you have sent in ideas via email, we really need you to submit your ideas through the online form. Folks that submit their proposals first will get to pick the time they present!
Also, if you have friends or colleagues who may NOT be on the Megaconference Mailing List, please feel free to forward this email to them.
www.megaconference.org
The Megaconference Planning Team wants to remind all of our friends out there that both general registration and the call for proposals is now open. If you have sent in ideas via email, we really need you to submit your ideas through the online form. Folks that submit their proposals first will get to pick the time they present!
Also, if you have friends or colleagues who may NOT be on the Megaconference Mailing List, please feel free to forward this email to them.
www.megaconference.org
Monday, July 28, 2008
Six Weeks Left
Good Monday (at least where I am...) Megaconferencers!
This is your weekly reminder that the call for proposals is currently
open for Megaconference X. (Yes, we're in year TEN.) If you do not
have a proposal, you can also register now. Please follow the
directions on the megaconference website: http://www.megaconference.org
Monday, July 21, 2008
Registration Now Open
Good Monday Morning Megaconferencers!
General Registration for Megaconference is now open. Also, if you
have a proposal, you still have time to submit your ideas--early
deadline is August 1, late deadline is September 12.
Please see the Megaconference website for more information!
http://www.megaconference.org
Best,
Megan
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Reminder, Get your proposals together
Good mid-summer Megaconferencers! Please share this post with any
colleagues you may believe are interested.
colleagues you may believe are interested.
Please get your ideas together for presenting in the TENTH annual
Megaconference. We're continuing the theme: Breaking Down the
Barriers: Global Connections. Preference will be given to
presentations with more than one presenter (in different locations)
and presentation time selection preference will be given to those
submitted by August 1. The final deadline for proposal submission is
September 12, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EDT.
The proposal submission form should be available on the Megaconference
website shortly.
~~megan
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Call for Presentations in the Tenth Anniversary Megaconference
The Tenth Anniversary Megaconference will be held on Nov 6, 2008, all
day, everywhere.
Because this is the 10th Megaconference, some very special things
will happen then that have not occurred in previous Megaconferences.
The Megaconference is the largest video conference in the world, with
many hundreds of participants from all over the world.
day, everywhere.
Because this is the 10th Megaconference, some very special things
will happen then that have not occurred in previous Megaconferences.
The Megaconference is the largest video conference in the world, with
many hundreds of participants from all over the world.
You are cordially invited to submit a proposed interactive
presentation for this event. Presentations may be on any topic of
general interest, but those which demonstrate new or novel
applications of video conferencing technology, or promote world
togetherness and understanding are especially encouraged.
Presentations are normally about 15 minutes long, but exceptions can
be made.
Presentations should be interactive, involving more than one
location. But musical and other performances involving only one
site are also desired. You can get an idea of the kinds of
presentations done in the past by seeing last years abstracts at
http://www.digitalunion.osu.edu/megaconference/megaconference9/abstract.html#iportal
Presentations should include interesting video materials, preferably
live, and not just talking heads.
You need access to H.323 or compatible video conferencing equipment,
and sufficient bandwidth to provide good quality video. You need not
be connected to Internet2. There is no cost to participate.
Rehearsals will be scheduled for all presentations.
To submit a proposal, send me a paragraph describing your
presentation. All proposals must be received by August 1, but please
don't wait until the last minute. Early proposals will be looked
upon fondly.
The Megaconference is supported by the Internet2 Commons, by many
volunteers around the world, and many organizations and manufacturers
and vendors and dealers.
Please forward this Call to any persons or lists you feel might be interested.
Apologies if you receive duplicate copies of this message.
Thanks!
Bob
--
Robert S. Dixon, Ph D, PE
Chief Research Engineer
Ohio Supercomputer Center Network (OSCNet)
and
Ohio State University, Office of the CIO
Office Telephone: 614-292-1638
Fax: 614-292-7081
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Megaconference X Date
The majority of the people who participated in the recent Megaconfernece survey stated that they prefer the date of the event to be early November.
Therefore the date for Megaconference X has been tentatively set for Thursday Nov 6, 2008.
Bob
--
Robert S. Dixon, Ph D, PE
Chief Research Engineer
Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARNet)
and
Ohio State University, Office of the CIO
Therefore the date for Megaconference X has been tentatively set for Thursday Nov 6, 2008.
If anyone has reasons why that is not a good date, please let me know now.
Once this date is finalized, the dates for submitting proposed interactions and registrations will be determined and announced.
Once this date is finalized, the dates for submitting proposed interactions and registrations will be determined and announced.
Bob
--
Robert S. Dixon, Ph D, PE
Chief Research Engineer
Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARNet)
and
Ohio State University, Office of the CIO
Initial Plans for Megaconference X
The planning committee has already been at work planning
Megaconference X. Here are some of the ideas/decisions so far.
Please post your ideas and comments as well.
1. The dates are not determined yet, but there will be earlier deadlines for submitting Interactions, rehearsals, registrations, etc. This will remove some of the last-minute pressure, and allow us to post the complete program on the web pages further in advance.
2. We are beginning to analyze the results of the Survey (announced here earlier), which will provide lots of good information.
5. Participation from people using the One Laptop Per Child equipment.
Megaconference X. Here are some of the ideas/decisions so far.
Please post your ideas and comments as well.
1. The dates are not determined yet, but there will be earlier deadlines for submitting Interactions, rehearsals, registrations, etc. This will remove some of the last-minute pressure, and allow us to post the complete program on the web pages further in advance.
2. We are beginning to analyze the results of the Survey (announced here earlier), which will provide lots of good information.
3. The on-line registration system will be changed to be the same as is used in Megaconference Jr. Many people find this is easier and more user-friendly to use.
4. There will be special 10-year anniversary events, such as showing clips from Megaconference I, awards for people who have been in all 10 events, descriptions of how the Megaconferences got started, how technology has improved , etc.
5. Participation from people using the One Laptop Per Child equipment.
Bob
--
Robert S. Dixon, Ph D, PE
Chief Research Engineer
Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARNet)
and
Ohio State University, Office of the CIO
--
Robert S. Dixon, Ph D, PE
Chief Research Engineer
Ohio Academic Resources Network (OARNet)
and
Ohio State University, Office of the CIO
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