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Broadband Visual Communications

MusicGrid

The MusicGrid project began in the fall of 2002 and is expected to end in the spring of 2004.

MusicGrid pioneers large-scale broadband e-learning and enhances music education programs in parallel with research on barriers to scaling. Ultimately, MusicGrid research results could have a positive impact on broadband networks and satellite communication, e-learning and music education in general.

MusicGrid has both an educational and a research goal.

1. Education

Enable, expand and enrich Canadian music education programs in urban, rural and remote communities.

Researchers will deliver:

• project evaluator's reports
• a video repository of highlights
• a comparison of satellite/fiber network/tool platforms
• documentation of lessons learned regarding design, management, and implementation of broadband music education
• an analysis of applicability to corporate training.

2. Research

Create a future where a modest investment gives ubiquitous access to global learning communities.

Research deliverables include new knowledge and intellectual property, corresponding directly to four barriers to scaling:

• new network management methods supporting cost-effective broadband services within/between organizations' LAN/WANs;
• improved asynchronous broadband visual communication tools;
• methods and instruments for the affordable, ethical and scientific assessment of learning effectiveness in relation to collaborative behaviors around broadband visual communication tools; and
• models of large-scale deployment based on grid/peer-to-peer principles.

MusicGrid extends broadband reach by linking CA*net4, satellite and international broadband networks by interoperation of Isable and H323 videoconference platforms, and by development of new asynchronous broadband visual communication tools.

MusicGrid project partners include:

• STEM~Net (Memorial University)
• Communication Research Center
• University of Ottawa
• McGill University
• Memorial University
• School boards and schools in Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland, British Columbia, Kangiqsualujjuaq, and Nunavut
• 21 other associate national and international partners

Opportunities

1. Inquiries about collaborating in this research are welcome. If interested, please contact the project lead listed below. Possible research opportunities are in:
   • scalability of broadband network/applications
   • assessment methods of broadband learning environments
   • asynchronous broadband visual communication tools

2. The following technology transfer opportunities are also available:
   • broadband visual communication tools
   • management tools for bandwidth and security management
   • software supporting assessment of broadband learning environments
   • models of large scale deployment of broadband applications

Please contact the Business Development Officer listed below to discuss these opportunities.

Research Contact

Dr. Martin Brooks
Research Council Officer
Computational Video
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-50, Room 369
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 990-7661
Fax: +1 (613) 952-7151
E-mail: Martin.Brooks@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca

Business Contact

Dr. George Forester
Business Development Officer
Business Development Office, NCR
NRC Institute for Information Technology
1200 Montreal Road
Building M-50, Room 203
Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6
Telephone: +1 (613) 993-3478
Fax: +1 (613) 952-0074
E-mail: George.Forester@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca