Creating & Delivering A VISITview Teletraining Session Jack B. Settelmaier Bernard N. Meisner...

Creating & DeliveringCreating & DeliveringA VISITviewA VISITview

Teletraining SessionTeletraining Session

Jack B. SettelmaierBernard N. MeisnerScientific Services DivisionNWS Southern RegionFort Worth, Texas

National Weather Service

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the National Weather Service.


Creating & DeliveringCreating & DeliveringA VISITview SessionA VISITview Session

• VISITview Website and HistoryVISITview Website and History

• A review of the VISITview features.A review of the VISITview features.

• How to create, distribute and deliver How to create, distribute and deliver a VISITview session.a VISITview session.

• Hands-on exercise:Hands-on exercise:

• using the presentation you brought, orusing the presentation you brought, or

• using the presentation I have provided.using the presentation I have provided.


VISITview Home PageVISITview Home Page


VISITviewVISITviewWhat is it?What is it?

• A teletraining and real-time A teletraining and real-time collaboration tool.collaboration tool.

• Developed for the NWS VISIT Developed for the NWS VISIT program to support science training program to support science training of forecasters.of forecasters.

• Attempts to emulate AWIPS Attempts to emulate AWIPS functionality.functionality.

• New features added by the developer New features added by the developer primarily primarily based on our inputbased on our input..


VISITviewVISITviewSummary of FeaturesSummary of Features

Image animationImage animation Image fadingImage fading

ZoomingZooming Image colorizingImage colorizing

AnnotationAnnotation QuizzesQuizzes

WhiteboardWhiteboard Chat functionChat function

OverlaysOverlays PortalsPortals

Use of external Web linksUse of external Web links

You may also record voice and all You may also record voice and all "annotation" activities for synchronized "annotation" activities for synchronized playback.playback.


Creating A VISITviewCreating A VISITview Presentation Presentation

1.1. Create your presentation (using Create your presentation (using PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, screen PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, screen captures, etc.).captures, etc.).

2.2. Save the individual slides as images Save the individual slides as images (GIFs, JPEGs or PNGs).(GIFs, JPEGs or PNGs).

3.3. Import the slide images into the Import the slide images into the VISITview Lesson Builder.VISITview Lesson Builder.

4.4. Add any of the desired VISITview Add any of the desired VISITview features (slide names, quiz questions, features (slide names, quiz questions, text phrases, etc.).text phrases, etc.).

5.5. Save and distribute the presentation.Save and distribute the presentation.


VISITview TerminologyVISITview Terminology

LessonLesson -- a collection of -- a collection of PagesPages..

Page Page -- one or more -- one or more FramesFrames..

Frame Frame -- a single image-- a single image (GIF, JPEG, PNG). (GIF, JPEG, PNG).

OverlayOverlay -- a image placed on top-- a image placed on top of another image. of another image.

Portal Portal -- a small window within-- a small window within the main window. the main window.


Lesson BuilderLesson BuilderGetting StartedGetting Started

1.1. Make a directory on your machine for the Make a directory on your machine for the VISITview software and lessons.VISITview software and lessons.

2.2. Download the “Download the “vvinstall.exevvinstall.exe” file.” file.

3.3. Extract that file into your VisitView directory.Extract that file into your VisitView directory.

4.4. Create a subdirectory for each Create a subdirectory for each LessonLesson..

5.5. Create / assemble your Create / assemble your SlidesSlides..

6.6. Start the Lesson Builder using the Start the Lesson Builder using the ““visitbuild.batvisitbuild.bat” command.” command.



The VISITviewThe VISITviewLesson BuilderLesson Builder


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson Builder

Loading an ImageLoading an Imageinto a into a PagePage


When in doubt, read the status bar!



Selected image appears in preview window.



Click “Insert” or “Append” to add the image


VISITviewVISITviewImage AnimationsImage Animations

• Image Animations Image Animations are created from a are created from a set of images.set of images.

• They are not *.mpg or *.avi files.They are not *.mpg or *.avi files.

• Load the first image into a Load the first image into a PagePage, , then load the rest of the images as then load the rest of the images as additionaladditional Frames Frames of thatof that Page. Page.



Loading AdditionalLoading AdditionalFrames Frames of aof a Page Page

to Create an Animationto Create an Animation



1. Select “View Page Frames”2. Specify images in Browse window3. Select “Append All 4.”

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The “Frames” are added to the “Page.”



1. Select “View Pages” and the number of “Frames” is indicated in parentheses (5).2. Now you can type a Page Label <Enter> and 3. Specify the animation “Speed” and whether “Initially Looping” is desired

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2

3



Add any other desired Pages and Frames.



Loading Two Loading Two FramesFramesin order toin order to

FadeFade Between Them Between Them



Select “Browse Directories” and specify the first image.



Select “Append” to add the image as a new Page.



1. Select “View Page Frames”2. Select the second image in the Browse window3. Select “Append” to add the image as a new Frame to the Page

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The “Frame” is added to the “Page.”



1. Select “View Pages” and the number of “Frames” is indicated in parentheses (2).2. Now you can type a Page Label <ENTER>. 3. Note “Enable Fade” has been selected automatically.

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2 3


Image Fade ExampleImage Fade ExampleThe VISITview software will The VISITview software will generate an 11 frame animation, generate an 11 frame animation, morphing from the first image to morphing from the first image to the second, during your the second, during your presentation.presentation.

Note that you cannot Fade between two animations.



OverlaysOverlays and and PortalsPortals


VISITviewVISITviewAdding Overlays and PortalsAdding Overlays and Portals

• Overlays Overlays typically contain a color, or typically contain a color, or range of colors, that are transparent so range of colors, that are transparent so the underlying image can show through.the underlying image can show through.

• A A PortalPortal is a picture-in-picture, and is is a picture-in-picture, and is viewed on top of the background picture.viewed on top of the background picture.

• OverlaysOverlays and and PortalsPortals are first inserted are first inserted into a into a LessonLesson, then assigned to one or , then assigned to one or more more PagesPages..

• OverlaysOverlays and and PortalsPortals must have the same must have the same number of number of FramesFrames as the as the Page(s)Page(s) to which to which they are assigned.they are assigned.



Loading andLoading andAssigning Assigning OverlaysOverlays



1. Select “View Overlays”2. Use “Browse Directories” to locate the

overlay image.

3. “Insert” or “Append” the image into the lesson

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1. Select “View Overlay Frames”2. Specify images in Browse window3. Select “Append All 7”

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1. Select “View Overlays” and note that the number of “Frames” is indicated in parentheses (8).2. Type an Overlay Label <ENTER>.

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2



Add any other desired Overlays.


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson BuilderOverlaysOverlays

Assigning an Assigning an OverlayOverlayto a Pageto a Page


VISITview Lesson Builder Overlay 2VISITview Lesson Builder Overlay 2

1. Select “View Pages”2. Highlight the Page to which you want to

add the overlay(s).3. Click the “Select Overlays” button.

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The “Choose Overlays” window will appear.



Select the Overlay(s) you wish to assign to this page. It/They will appear on the image.



Define the Transparency value in hexadecimal: xRRGGBB.Note this can be a single color or a range of colors: “xD0D0D0, xFFFFFF”Click “Save & Quit”



Select “View Pages” and note the letter “o” for Overlay has been appended to the Page header.



Loading andLoading andAssigning Assigning PortalsPortals


VISITview Lesson Builder Portals 2VISITview Lesson Builder Portals 2

1. Select “View Portals”2. Use “Browse Directories” to locate the

portal image.3. “Insert” or “Append” the image into the

lesson.

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1. Select “View Portal Frames”2. Specify images in Browse window3. Select “Append All 7”

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1. Select “View Portals” and note that theNumber of “Frames” is indicated inparentheses (8).

2. Type a Portal Label <ENTER>.

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2



Add any other desired Portals.


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson Builder PortalsPortals

Assigning a Assigning a PortalPortalto a Pageto a Page



1. Select “View Pages”2. Highlight the Page to which you want to

add the Portal.3. Click the “Layout Portals” button.

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The “Edit Portals” window will appear.



Select a Portal you wish to assign to this page. It will appear as a small window on the image.



Click on the Portal to drag and resize it as desired.The new position and size will be displayed.Repeat for additional portals if desired.Click “Save & Quit.”



Select “View Pages” and note that the letter “p” for Portal has been appended to the Page header.



Saving Your Saving Your LessonLesson


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson BuilderSaving a LessonSaving a Lesson


Saving a LessonSaving a LessonAssigning a File NameAssigning a File Name

NOTE: You must specify a NOTE: You must specify a different file namedifferent file name every time every time you save your lesson; you cannot overwrite a previous you save your lesson; you cannot overwrite a previous version of a lesson.version of a lesson.


Saving a LessonSaving a LessonLesson ParametersLesson Parameters



The primary and (if specified) alternate The primary and (if specified) alternate servers:servers:• must be running the VISITview server software.must be running the VISITview server software.

• Must be “visible” to all lesson participants. Must be “visible” to all lesson participants. (Firewalls can be an issue here.)(Firewalls can be an issue here.)

You can run the server software on your You can run the server software on your machine.machine.


Saving a LessonSaving a LessonServers and GroupsServers and Groups

• Although you communicate over the telephone Although you communicate over the telephone during a teletraining session, the software during a teletraining session, the software communicates over the Internet. communicates over the Internet.

• This is done by having one machine (and usually This is done by having one machine (and usually a backup) designated as a a backup) designated as a serverserver. Its purpose is . Its purpose is to act as a "re-broadcaster" of commands that it to act as a "re-broadcaster" of commands that it receives from the instructors and participants.receives from the instructors and participants.

• The The serversservers used in the VISIT program can used in the VISIT program can handle multiple, independent handle multiple, independent groups groups of users of users simultaneously without interference between simultaneously without interference between them.them.


Saving a LessonSaving a LessonServers and GroupsServers and Groups

• Usually, each VISIT training session is assigned Usually, each VISIT training session is assigned a unique "a unique "group namegroup name" by the instructor when " by the instructor when the lesson is created. the lesson is created.

• Each time a site connects the server, it joins a Each time a site connects the server, it joins a groupgroup (either automatically or by some overt user (either automatically or by some overt user action). action).

• Each message that is sent from the user's Each message that is sent from the user's workstation (workstation (i.e.i.e., Move the Pointer, Draw a Line, , Move the Pointer, Draw a Line, Stop the Animation) arrives first at the Stop the Animation) arrives first at the serverserver..

• The The server server then resends this message to all sites then resends this message to all sites in the in the same groupsame group (including the one that (including the one that originated it).originated it).


Saving a LessonSaving a LessonServersServers

The following VISITview servers are The following VISITview servers are generally available for NOAA use:generally available for NOAA use:

• www.ssec.wisc.eduwww.ssec.wisc.edu

• visit.cira.colostate.eduvisit.cira.colostate.edu

• visit.comet.ucar.eduvisit.comet.ucar.edu

• www.wdtb.noaa.govwww.wdtb.noaa.gov

• www.roc.noaa.govwww.roc.noaa.gov

Or, you can run your own VISITview server:Or, you can run your own VISITview server:


VISITviewVISITviewRunning Your Own ServerRunning Your Own Server

Type the following command in a DOS window: Type the following command in a DOS window: c:\VisitView\bin\jre.exe -cp c:\Visitview ViewServerc:\VisitView\bin\jre.exe -cp c:\Visitview ViewServer

Computer will respond with:Computer will respond with:VISITview Server $Revision: 1.28 $ listening on port 1631 at VISITview Server $Revision: 1.28 $ listening on port 1631 at

{date/time}{date/time}

Now you are a VISITview server!Now you are a VISITview server!



Specify a unique Specify a unique Server GroupServer Group name: name:• so your group won’t interfere with any other group so your group won’t interfere with any other group

running on the server at the same time.running on the server at the same time.

I recommend you set I recommend you set Require IDRequire ID to “true” to “true”• so you can tell who’s who as you monitor the so you can tell who’s who as you monitor the

session.session.



For those of us who cannot type and/or spell For those of us who cannot type and/or spell you can save a list of phrases to add to pages you can save a list of phrases to add to pages during a session.during a session.

• Insert a comma-delimited set of text phrases in the Insert a comma-delimited set of text phrases in the box.box.

• These will appear in the Phrases window (Alt+O) These will appear in the Phrases window (Alt+O) for your use during the session.for your use during the session.

Vorticity, Lagrangian, Nittany Lions,


VISITviewVISITviewSaving A LessonSaving A Lesson

When you When you Save a LessonSave a Lesson, these files , these files are written to the ZIP file: are written to the ZIP file:

• all the images.all the images.

• a visit.bat, visitm.bat, and visitlocal.bat a visit.bat, visitm.bat, and visitlocal.bat files.files.

• a viewmaster.html and viewstudent.html.a viewmaster.html and viewstudent.html.

• all the Java .class files.all the Java .class files.

• the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) for Windows machines (Windows machines (in the bin/ and lib/ in the bin/ and lib/ subdirectoriessubdirectories).).



Creating a Self-extracting Creating a Self-extracting LessonLesson for Distribution for Distribution


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson BuilderMaking a Self-extracting LessonMaking a Self-extracting Lesson


VISITview Lesson BuilderVISITview Lesson BuilderMaking a Self-extracting LessonMaking a Self-extracting Lesson

Specify the name of your zipped Specify the name of your zipped LessonLesson file. file.

The resulting self-extracting file will have the The resulting self-extracting file will have the same name but with an .exe suffix.same name but with an .exe suffix.


VISITviewVISITviewDistributing A LessonDistributing A Lesson

• Recipients download the *.exe file Recipients download the *.exe file and extract it into a directory.and extract it into a directory.

• While the lesson can reside in any While the lesson can reside in any directory we recommend you follow directory we recommend you follow the convention:the convention:

VisitviewVisitview

LessonsLessons

Name of your lessonName of your lesson


VISITviewVISITviewDistributing A LessonDistributing A Lesson

• After extracting the lesson, After extracting the lesson, recipients should test it by running recipients should test it by running the “the “visitlocal.batvisitlocal.bat” command.” command.

• During a session the During a session the instructor(s)instructor(s) run the “run the “visitm.batvisitm.bat” command.” command.

• During a session the During a session the studentsstudents run run the “the “visit.batvisit.bat” command.” command.

Note:Note: you can practice by concurrently you can practice by concurrently running both instructor and student sessions running both instructor and student sessions on your own computer!on your own computer!


VISITviewVISITviewDelivering a LessonDelivering a Lesson

Instructor’s Controls

Student’s Controls



Adding Quiz QuestionsAdding Quiz Questions


VISITviewVISITviewAdding Quiz QuestionsAdding Quiz Questions

• Quiz questions are stored in a Quiz questions are stored in a separate text file which separate text file which should notshould not be distributed with the lessonbe distributed with the lesson**..

• Only multiple choice questions are Only multiple choice questions are possible (which can be True/False).possible (which can be True/False).

• Questions are assigned to Questions are assigned to PagesPages using either the using either the PagePage Number Number or or Page NamePage Name..

**The VISITview Builder will not include theThe VISITview Builder will not include theQuiz Text FileQuiz Text File it in the lesson package. it in the lesson package.



Creating a Quiz:Creating a Quiz:

• Edit the Edit the quiz_template.txtquiz_template.txt file file

• Save it as Save it as quiz.txtquiz.txt in same directory in same directory as your lesson.as your lesson.



Sample format of quiz.txt:Sample format of quiz.txt:# quiz info for lesson page 1# quiz info for lesson page 1

##

page number: 1page number: 1

question: On which day did Isabel make landfall?question: On which day did Isabel make landfall?

choices: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Fridaychoices: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

answer: Thursdayanswer: Thursday

##

# quiz info for lesson page 2# quiz info for lesson page 2

##

page label: 2. Radar and Lightningpage label: 2. Radar and Lightning

question: No lightning occurred with these storms. question: No lightning occurred with these storms. (true or false)(true or false)

choices: True, Falsechoices: True, False

answer: Falseanswer: False


VISITviewVISITviewDelivering a LessonDelivering a Lesson

Instructor’sQuiz Window

Students’ Quiz Windows


Main Display

Status Window

Page List Window

Controls WindowPhrases Window

Bernard’s Suggested Screen Layout


Alt-1 Alt-5

Alt-3

Alt-7Alt-8

Alt-2

Alt-6

Alt-4

Chat Window Alt+C

Controls Window Alt+M

Help Window Alt+?

Page List Window Alt+L

Phrase Window Alt+O

Status Window Alt+S

Zoom Alt+Z / Alt+R

Blackboard Alt+B / Alt+B

Add Text Alt+T

Left mouse button

Right mouse button

Ctrl + Left mouse button

Ctrl + Right mouse button

Ctrl + Shift + Left mouse button

Ctrl+ Shift + Right mouse button

VISITview ControlsVISITview Controls

Developed by Bernard N. MeisnerNWS Southern Region SSD

ESC before releasing button to cancel drawing



Planned FuturePlanned Future

EnhancementsEnhancements


VISITview VISITview Planned Future EnhancementsPlanned Future Enhancements

• Support playback of ‘movies.’Support playback of ‘movies.’• QuickTime? mpeg? QuickTime? mpeg?

• whatever can be supported on the widest assortment of whatever can be supported on the widest assortment of platforms, and that can be somewhat controlled.platforms, and that can be somewhat controlled.

• WDTB-desired integration with Weather WDTB-desired integration with Weather Event Simulator.Event Simulator.• code that allows "playback" of a recorded session for a code that allows "playback" of a recorded session for a

specified range of pages through a script.specified range of pages through a script.

• Lesson Builder writing XML data related to Lesson Builder writing XML data related to the lesson being constructed.the lesson being constructed.• So the WMO cataloging software can mine a lesson and So the WMO cataloging software can mine a lesson and

extract metadata.extract metadata.



SampleSample

Teletraining/CollaborationTeletraining/Collaboration

SessionSession

Questions?Questions?

mailto: [email protected] [email protected]


Extra Reference Slides FollowExtra Reference Slides Follow



Lesson BuilderLesson BuilderImporting a PresentationImporting a Presentation

1)1) Create your presentation in PowerPoint, Create your presentation in PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, etc.Corel Presentations, etc.

2)2) Save the presentation slides as images Save the presentation slides as images (GIFs(GIFs**, JPEGs, PNGs)., JPEGs, PNGs).

3)3) Start the Lesson Builder using the Start the Lesson Builder using the ““visitbuild.batvisitbuild.bat” command.” command.

* * Some PowerPoint versions produce non-standard GIFs.Some PowerPoint versions produce non-standard GIFs.


Saving a PresentationSaving a PresentationMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft PowerPoint


Saving a PresentationSaving a PresentationCorel PresentationsCorel Presentations


Importing a PresentationImporting a Presentation



Navigate to the Navigate to the First SlideFirst Slide of your saved presentation. of your saved presentation.


Add Page LabelsAdd Page Labels


Saving The LessonSaving The Lesson

NOTE: You must specify a different file name every time you save NOTE: You must specify a different file name every time you save your lesson; you cannot overwrite a previous lesson.your lesson; you cannot overwrite a previous lesson.

Questions?Questions?

mailto: [email protected] [email protected]


Creating & Delivering A VISITview Teletraining Session Jack B. Settelmaier Bernard N. Meisner...

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Transcript of Creating & Delivering A VISITview Teletraining Session Jack B. Settelmaier Bernard N. Meisner...