Telkart and QnA: An Open Teaching System for Computer Science CoursesVikram Kamath Cannanure, Dr. Geoff GordonCarnegie Mellon University

Introduction: What’s the talk about?

• Discuss our system for teaching computer science courses.

• Show a prototype and its application in teaching.

• Seek feedback about our system and it’s application in OER.

• Look for prospective collaboration for research and deployment.

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Our System: What is it made of?

• QnA: A software system to upload instructions (videos, text) and assessments.

• Telkart: A custom hardware system to create videos.• Lightweight: Uses existing devices (MacBook

and an iPad) to create course content. 3

QnA: Software Web Portal

• Limited Learning Management System(LMS) features with low setup cost.

• Modularity, portability were the goals.

• Designed using user-centered research; and open source libraries. 4

Our Design Approach

• Our users are stakeholders • Features developed in

iterations• Continuous feedback loop• We use insights from users

for iterative design 5

Features in QnA

• WYSIWYG- What You See Is What You Get

• Real-time latex preview

• Embed media

• Version control6

TelKart: Custom hardware cart

• Mac Mini, Wacom tablet, video and audio recording.

• Mounted on a custom-made cart. • Can be wheeled to a classroom or office.

• Content is exported or live streamed to YouTube or Panopto

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Future Work: Low Cost TelKart

• iPad Pro and a MacBook connected using the default cable

• Uses QuickTime and open source OBS Studio to broadcast the window from the iPad

• Allows switching windows and adding a camera view.

Add image

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Demo

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Next Steps: Low Cost TelKart

“ It took me less than an hour to set up” - Professor, Carnegie Mellon University

• Collect feedback from users and deploy it

• Build a low cost version e.g. Android tablet

• Build a DIY instructional setup for instructors to use it independently

• Augment the system with 3D printing and add on lenses 10

Project: Future Work

• Open-source software to form independent instances

• Prototype and evaluate the low cost version of the tool

• Deploy to more instructors within and outside university

• Add documentation to make adoption easier11

Summary

• QnA: system is deployed in campuses in Pittsburgh and Silicon Valley.

• TelKart: A custom hardware system to create videos.• Prototype a low-cost version of the system based

on a laptop and a tablet• Seeking feedback and ideas that you may have

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Feedback?Stay updated: http://bit.ly/qna-infoVisit me at my poster. 13