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DOCUMENTATION DISCUSSIONS FILE ROOM
Volunteer Computing in the Classroom

Volunteer Computing in the Classroom

 
ID: 21503
Posts: 326

I've got high hopes for Volunteer Computing in the Classroom.  Anyone have any experience?  Any ideas?
ID: 50163
Posts: 2

I've recently taken a technology advisory position at my university, and I've wondered about using the lab computers for grid computing (officially, through the university) because otherwise they just sit around all day either getting used for email and facebook, or they sit idle sucking up power.  Many of them are really decent computers too, so they might as well do something worthwhile.  If not to be used for grid computing through BOINC, perhaps they could be used for grid computing for student rendering projects or mathematical projects so as to also allow student education into grid computing and other involved projects.

My worry and expectation is that the administrative bodies of the campus computers, who are already lazy about maintaining the computers as it is, would be disinterested in any further complication of their job of maintaining the computers with any sort of projects like BOINC, despite the ease of its use.  Is this what you are getting at?

ID: 21503
Posts: 326

Actually, what I had in mind was developing classroom lesson plans around the research areas of the various projects -- to use each project as a gateway to a fascinating area of science.

This gives students a way to engage directly in the research they are reading about.  

And of particular interest, it seems to me, is the prospect of interested students-- students who think the research worthwhile-- going out into the world to convince their friends and family and others to participate.  Because in order to do this, they'd need to learn enough about the science to explain it to others, ie to tell others why their participation would be worthwhile... 

ID: 21503
Posts: 326

Having said this, the prospect of getting schools / computer labs to participate would be really great.  There are a few that do, but the notion has not really caught on broadly for a variety of reasons.  One is that in most schools it seems there is no central authority -- it seems that every department "owns" its computers, and so each would need to be approached separately.  And then, as you surmise, I assume administrative resources are quite thin; and admins who have not tried volunteer computing do not have confidence that the process is as easy as it really is.

If know anyone who wants to give it a go; or you know anyone who is thinking about it and has questions, feel free to refer them to this thread to discuss. 

ID: 50163
Posts: 2

I see what you mean.  I would love to see the inclusion of BOINC in the classroom as well.  It would be longer-lasting than single projects that are over and passed as soon as they are completed, and it would be a very expandable item since there are so many BOINC projects.  I wonder if you have any ideas as to how grid computing projects could actually be involved in the classroom though.  The projects don't always have that much information availble to computer owners because either the processed information is too technical or progress is too slow because of the size of the project.  I'm having trouble thinking how a class project could go beyond students simply learning about the projects.  But I'd like to hear your (or anybody else's) ideas concerning this.
ID: 21503
Posts: 326

I think we'd need some interested science teachers to collaborate on the development of classroom materials for each project, for various grade levels.

 you'll see under the "projects" link in the left column here on the community pages, in the "documentation", a wiki page for each project.  only a few of these are fleshed out at the moment, but some people are working on a batch of new stuff which will hopefully help.  these pages won't do as coursework, but hopefully they will help to communicate a bit more about what the projects are about. 

ID: 88101
Posts: 4

Should be an easy goal to reach because of the variety of subjects the projects cover. You/we now can convince a larger target group to participate. Education is more easily obtained through passion, and because of individualism the more variety of subjects the more participation you shall receive. I just joined this site and already see the importance behind each project. To be able to implement ideas as well as learn of others plus the interaction through the discussion boards will promote higher learning. Adding visual feeds such as you tube ec. just stimulates learning further. Most important is the correlation each field of science has with one another., and the ability of a mind from one spectrum to communicate with a mind from another spectrum will result in advancement. Ground breaking. Must hit the streets and promote BOINC in every institution the old fashion way. May need to develope a program/s that would be compatible with their curriculums of the many departments. Try to push the idea of their involvement in this site and specific projects will promote a greater understanding of what they are currently learning as well as maybe even offering extra credit or points towards participation. Just need to avoid the institutions from trying to suck money out of you to better their students and the world. Cancer research centers as well would be interested in some of the projects as well as other medical research institutions. For every subject offered is a grociery list of institutions, orginizations, buisnisess, ec. that would be very interested in these projects. I  am currently in college and am willing to talk to the heads of the science department to see if this could fit in the classrooms if I have your consent. Have to start somewhere!
ID: 21503
Posts: 326

Sure, Anthony.  Thanks for the offer.  Please do talk with anyone, and post back with details.  
ID: 88101
Posts: 4

will do thank you Matt.
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