Difference between revisions of "BarnCamp 2017 workshop proposals"
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We can throw our arms in the air, complaining and grumbling about how we didn’t write the code, how we would never have written it the way it is, how those that wrote it were lesser programmers, possibly lesser humans themselves, but the code still remains, staring us in the face and hanging around for longer that we could possibly imagine. We can sort it out, we can improve it, we can make it testable, and we can learn to love our legacy code. | We can throw our arms in the air, complaining and grumbling about how we didn’t write the code, how we would never have written it the way it is, how those that wrote it were lesser programmers, possibly lesser humans themselves, but the code still remains, staring us in the face and hanging around for longer that we could possibly imagine. We can sort it out, we can improve it, we can make it testable, and we can learn to love our legacy code. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Markov Chains & Trump Bots Workshop – the art of getting computers to regurgitate words.== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Proposed by: Craig | ||
| + | ;Time:45-60 minutes | ||
| + | ;Level: Some basic/intermediate coding to start. | ||
| + | ;Resources: Laptop, any software you may think would help. (Python/Dart/Perl/R ?) | ||
| + | ;Number: any | ||
| + | |||
| + | Markov Chains (stochastic processes, where in a chain of linked events each event is only dependent on the preceding state of the system) have been used in various applications, including in the use of text generators/'bots'. | ||
| + | |||
| + | As language can be viewed as a state space of all words with a probabilitiy of transitioning between words dependent on context, previous words etc…, then a Markov process can be used to approximate communication. | ||
| + | |||
| + | I propose a little woorkshop to share ideas and tips, then hopefully at least start a workable bot. Some good examples: | ||
| + | (https://filiph.github.io/markov/ , http://rubberducky.org/cgi-bin/chomsky.pl, https://reddit.com/r/SubredditSimulator/). | ||
= System Administration = | = System Administration = | ||
| Line 105: | Line 121: | ||
Many barn campers are active members of different community-based projects, whether that is an Open Source project on the net or a local tech collective or a housing co-op. I'd like to lead an open discussion on what our project's structures, processes, successes and failures can learn from each other | Many barn campers are active members of different community-based projects, whether that is an Open Source project on the net or a local tech collective or a housing co-op. I'd like to lead an open discussion on what our project's structures, processes, successes and failures can learn from each other | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Phlogiston == | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Proposed by: Ben Green | ||
| + | ;Time: 0.5-1 hours | ||
| + | ;Level: None | ||
| + | ;Resources: None | ||
| + | ;Number: 0-30 | ||
| + | |||
| + | Theories can be logically consistent, show results and have a good predictive validity, but still be completely wrong. It's so easy to get science wrong. What does this mean for science? More importantly, what does this mean for System Administration? | ||
| + | |||
| + | We'll go into reading log files, googling for result, and look at black box theorisations and how to deal with them. | ||
= Media Applications = | = Media Applications = | ||
| Line 117: | Line 145: | ||
GIMP has come a long way since 2.8, but hardly anyone has seem the results. The hugely long development cycle leaves us punters mostly in the dark. This talk seeks to inspire GIMP users, and potential GIMP users about what's happened, why, and the implications artists, developers, and for the nature of the universe. | GIMP has come a long way since 2.8, but hardly anyone has seem the results. The hugely long development cycle leaves us punters mostly in the dark. This talk seeks to inspire GIMP users, and potential GIMP users about what's happened, why, and the implications artists, developers, and for the nature of the universe. | ||
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| − | |||
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== Command Line Guru Conversion Course Parts 1 and 2 == | == Command Line Guru Conversion Course Parts 1 and 2 == | ||
| Line 139: | Line 155: | ||
Taking beginner and intermediate users through command line use of a linux computer. For those with windows, we'll take you through first connecting to a linux computer. Part 2 will be for those who's thirst for knowledge was not sated by Part 1. | Taking beginner and intermediate users through command line use of a linux computer. For those with windows, we'll take you through first connecting to a linux computer. Part 2 will be for those who's thirst for knowledge was not sated by Part 1. | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Linux Video Tools == | ||
| + | |||
| + | ; Proposed by: Valentina | ||
| + | ; Time: 1-2 hours | ||
| + | ; Level: a minimal experience in [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-linear_editing_system non-linear video] video editing and [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_file_format video formats] is mandatory.<br /> | ||
| + | ; Resources: small space, no projector | ||
| + | ; Number: up to 5<br /> | ||
| + | Open discussion about the topic above following as possible guide: [https://itsfoss.com/best-video-editing-software-linux/ 5 best video editing software linux/] | ||
| + | Be aware that most of the journal article out there are nice crap (written by someone who never had direct experience aka a simple list of software) <br /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | It's a Gnu-Linux system [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bring_your_own_device BYOD] activity :D | ||
= Greener Tech / Energy Descent = | = Greener Tech / Energy Descent = | ||
| Line 153: | Line 181: | ||
At the last BarnCamp, we had a [[Notes2015#Re-using_computers_in_our_communities|discussion]] about personal computer re-use, and how this could be linked to community education and different kinds of organisation/business. Many BarnCampers are involved with these kind of activities. Let's catch up with how we've been developing our re-use practices (e.g. lessons learned from setting up http://re-pute.it/), take stock of current challenges and resources available, and talk about how we can support each other as a network of practitioners. | At the last BarnCamp, we had a [[Notes2015#Re-using_computers_in_our_communities|discussion]] about personal computer re-use, and how this could be linked to community education and different kinds of organisation/business. Many BarnCampers are involved with these kind of activities. Let's catch up with how we've been developing our re-use practices (e.g. lessons learned from setting up http://re-pute.it/), take stock of current challenges and resources available, and talk about how we can support each other as a network of practitioners. | ||
| + | |||
| + | =Social and Political Activism= | ||
| + | ==Anarchy in the GR== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Proposed by: naomi | ||
| + | ;Time, Numbers: as it comes | ||
| + | ;Resources: available from the bar | ||
| + | |||
| + | Talk & discussion about the anarchist movement in Athens, the refugee housing projects, the tech work I've been trying to do there and why I've almost entirely failed to do anything (so far). | ||
| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | ==How we built the world's (second?) largest media co-operative== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Proposed by: charlie | ||
| + | ;Time, numbers: An hour or so, as many as you like | ||
| + | ;Resources: projector, screen | ||
| + | |||
| + | New Internationalist, where I work, recently ran a community share offer. We became a multi-stakeholder co-op with over 3,400 co-owners -- we think we are now the second largest media co-op in the world. Along the way we learned a lot about how to run a crowdfunding campaign, how to balance worker autonomy and transparency in a co-op and just how many people believe that a better media ownership model is possible. What we learned will be useful for other progressive media, citizen journalist and perhaps movement projects more generally. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Slides: coming soon! | ||
=Practical activities= | =Practical activities= | ||
| Line 266: | Line 314: | ||
| − | == | + | ==Making Patterns in Inkscape Skillshare== |
;Proposed by: Nor | ;Proposed by: Nor | ||
| − | ;Time: | + | ;Time: 40 mins |
| − | ;Level: Total beginner | + | ;Level: Total beginner or some experience |
;Resources: Laptop | ;Resources: Laptop | ||
;Number: up to 5 people | ;Number: up to 5 people | ||
| − | + | Making patterns using Inkscape cloned tiles tool. Maybe some xml editing if we are feeling frisky. | |
| + | [[Patterns in Inkscape skillshare 2017]] | ||
==Defence Against The Dark Arts: Information Security for the Discerning Activist== | ==Defence Against The Dark Arts: Information Security for the Discerning Activist== | ||
| Line 300: | Line 349: | ||
Draft booklet at http://www.thebrentc.net/articles/digitalforensics/Digitalforensics.pdf (for reference, we won’t cover all content). Note I’m not working in this field or claiming huge expertise, so please come skillshare. If there’s specific topics people want to look at, let me know, and I can try prep for this (contacts in booklet). Comment/corrections for booklet welcome too. | Draft booklet at http://www.thebrentc.net/articles/digitalforensics/Digitalforensics.pdf (for reference, we won’t cover all content). Note I’m not working in this field or claiming huge expertise, so please come skillshare. If there’s specific topics people want to look at, let me know, and I can try prep for this (contacts in booklet). Comment/corrections for booklet welcome too. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Superhero survival climbing workshop== | ||
| + | |||
| + | ;Proposed by: fred | ||
| + | ;Time: 45 mins.. | ||
| + | ;Level: From low to high | ||
| + | ;Resources: provided | ||
| + | ;Number: 15 | ||
| + | |||
| + | What you will learn: | ||
| + | This workshop is aimed at Barncampers with an interest in learning knot making techniques for essential climbing survival around the campsite as well as those more interested in exploring superheroes gender stereotyping and subverting lego politics. A variety of materials are available for Barncampers to work with. | ||
| + | |||
| + | By the end of the workshop you will be able to: | ||
| + | |||
| + | Select and prepare superheroes, climbing, challenges and knots. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Start, shape and complete knots and structures using a range of materials and techniques. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Guide superheroes on a climbing challenge | ||
| + | |||
| + | Appreciate superhero daring dos as a subject and its potential for further exploration and study. | ||
Latest revision as of 10:52, 14 June 2017
Workshop Ideas
Example Entry
- Proposed by
- Exampley Mc Exampleface
- Time
- 3-4 years
- Level
- Some experience of using a wiki required
- Resources
- Laptop and 10 mice, USB hub (10 port)
- Number
- up to 10 people all huddled round a laptop and USB hub with 10 mice in it
You will learn how to make generic fictional entries into wiki pages, demostrating the format of the page expected, together with some humour. You will also use bullet points to:
- show how bullet points are used in Mediawiki
- add some much needed recursive self reference
- make friends
You'll then finish off your description with how exciting workshop will be, or with an uncomfortable orphan sentence type paragraph.
This is the end of the example.
Coding
Life's a Git, and then you use it
- Proposed by
- adelayde
- Time
- 45 mins (talk/demo) to 2 hours (interactive workshop)
- Level
- experience of using the Linux, Windows or OS X command line.
- Resources
- projector, laptop, people can bring their own laptops (or use BW laptop suite if it still exists).
How to use Git in essence. How to keep it simple.
- what Git is and what uses can it be put to
- how does it work (branches, commits and repositories)
- how to set one up for your file system
- how to add files and commit them
- how to delete files and commit them
- how to roll-back and move the HEAD about
- how to clone a repository
- what GitHub is and how to set up a remote bare bones master repository
- how to push and pull
- what to do when you get in a mess
Audio signal processing using interactive python
- Proposed by
- Marcus V
- Time
- 1 h 45 mins
- Level
- To appreciate the sounds and laugh (hopefully) at the jokes: none. To follow the maths: undergraduate level maths or physics or engineering or computer science.
- Resources
- projector, laptop, PA to play the sounds.
Marvel as I attempt to compress a term's worth of undergraduate level signal processing content into 90 minutes. Using interactive python we will whip up a drawbar organ, a fuzz box, a classic disco bass line and much more from first principles.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legacy Code
- Proposed by
- adelayde
- Time
- 45 minutes
- Level
- experience of programming at a intermediate to advanced level - nerd gag warning!!
- Resources
- projector, laptop (have one)
- Number
- any
Legacy Code. I never wrote it; everybody else did! How many times have you waded through an ageing, decaying, tangled forrest of code and wished it would just die? How many times have you heard someone say that what really needs to happen is a complete rewrite? I have heard this many times, and, have uttered that fatal sentence myself. But shouldn’t we love our legacy code? Doesn’t it represent our investment and the hard work of ourselves and our predecessors?
Throwing it away is dangerous, because, before we do, we’ll need to work out exactly what it does, and we’ll need to tweeze out that critical business logic nestled in a deeply entangled knot of IF statements. It could take us years to do, and we’ll have to maintain two systems whilst we do it, inevitably adding new features to them both. Yes we get to reimplement using the latest, coolest programming language, instead of an old behemoth, but how long will our new cool language be around, and who will maintain that code, when it itself inevitably turns to legacy?
We can throw our arms in the air, complaining and grumbling about how we didn’t write the code, how we would never have written it the way it is, how those that wrote it were lesser programmers, possibly lesser humans themselves, but the code still remains, staring us in the face and hanging around for longer that we could possibly imagine. We can sort it out, we can improve it, we can make it testable, and we can learn to love our legacy code.
Markov Chains & Trump Bots Workshop – the art of getting computers to regurgitate words.
- Proposed by
- Craig
- Time
- 45-60 minutes
- Level
- Some basic/intermediate coding to start.
- Resources
- Laptop, any software you may think would help. (Python/Dart/Perl/R ?)
- Number
- any
Markov Chains (stochastic processes, where in a chain of linked events each event is only dependent on the preceding state of the system) have been used in various applications, including in the use of text generators/'bots'.
As language can be viewed as a state space of all words with a probabilitiy of transitioning between words dependent on context, previous words etc…, then a Markov process can be used to approximate communication.
I propose a little woorkshop to share ideas and tips, then hopefully at least start a workable bot. Some good examples: (https://filiph.github.io/markov/ , http://rubberducky.org/cgi-bin/chomsky.pl, https://reddit.com/r/SubredditSimulator/).
System Administration
Introduction to CiviCRM
- Proposed by
- Cassidy McGurk
- Time
- 1 to 2 hours
- Level
- No experience necessary
- Resources
- Projector, fast laptop, internet access for attendees
- Number
- up to 15?
CiviCRM is an Open Source project to produce better than commercial CRM for campaigns and not-for-profit organisations | More on CiviCRM
Basic introduction for newbies with hands-on examples of basic administration tasks
Communities Skill Swap
- Proposed by
- Cassidy McGurk
- Time
- 2 hours
- Level
- None
- Resources
- None
- Number
Many barn campers are active members of different community-based projects, whether that is an Open Source project on the net or a local tech collective or a housing co-op. I'd like to lead an open discussion on what our project's structures, processes, successes and failures can learn from each other
Phlogiston
- Proposed by
- Ben Green
- Time
- 0.5-1 hours
- Level
- None
- Resources
- None
- Number
- 0-30
Theories can be logically consistent, show results and have a good predictive validity, but still be completely wrong. It's so easy to get science wrong. What does this mean for science? More importantly, what does this mean for System Administration?
We'll go into reading log files, googling for result, and look at black box theorisations and how to deal with them.
Media Applications
GIMP 2.10 prospective new features demo
- Proposed by
- Ben Green
- Time
- 0.5 to 1 hour depending on takers.
- Level
- No experience of gimp necessary.
- Resources
- Projector, fast laptop.
- Number
- any number of people
GIMP has come a long way since 2.8, but hardly anyone has seem the results. The hugely long development cycle leaves us punters mostly in the dark. This talk seeks to inspire GIMP users, and potential GIMP users about what's happened, why, and the implications artists, developers, and for the nature of the universe.
Command Line Guru Conversion Course Parts 1 and 2
- Proposed by
- Ben Green
- Time
- .5 - 2 hours
- Level
- No experience needed
- Resources
- Some computer of some sort
- Number
- up to 20
Taking beginner and intermediate users through command line use of a linux computer. For those with windows, we'll take you through first connecting to a linux computer. Part 2 will be for those who's thirst for knowledge was not sated by Part 1.
Linux Video Tools
- Proposed by
- Valentina
- Time
- 1-2 hours
- Level
- a minimal experience in non-linear video video editing and video formats is mandatory.
- Resources
- small space, no projector
- Number
- up to 5
Open discussion about the topic above following as possible guide: 5 best video editing software linux/
Be aware that most of the journal article out there are nice crap (written by someone who never had direct experience aka a simple list of software)
It's a Gnu-Linux system BYOD activity :D
Greener Tech / Energy Descent
(Still) re-using computers in our communities
- Proposed by
- MaRk
- Time
- 1 - 2 hours depending on number of people
- Level
- Some experience of keeping old computers in use
- Resources
- Nothing special
- Number
- up to 20
At the last BarnCamp, we had a discussion about personal computer re-use, and how this could be linked to community education and different kinds of organisation/business. Many BarnCampers are involved with these kind of activities. Let's catch up with how we've been developing our re-use practices (e.g. lessons learned from setting up http://re-pute.it/), take stock of current challenges and resources available, and talk about how we can support each other as a network of practitioners.
Social and Political Activism
Anarchy in the GR
- Proposed by
- naomi
- Time, Numbers
- as it comes
- Resources
- available from the bar
Talk & discussion about the anarchist movement in Athens, the refugee housing projects, the tech work I've been trying to do there and why I've almost entirely failed to do anything (so far).
How we built the world's (second?) largest media co-operative
- Proposed by
- charlie
- Time, numbers
- An hour or so, as many as you like
- Resources
- projector, screen
New Internationalist, where I work, recently ran a community share offer. We became a multi-stakeholder co-op with over 3,400 co-owners -- we think we are now the second largest media co-op in the world. Along the way we learned a lot about how to run a crowdfunding campaign, how to balance worker autonomy and transparency in a co-op and just how many people believe that a better media ownership model is possible. What we learned will be useful for other progressive media, citizen journalist and perhaps movement projects more generally.
Slides: coming soon!
Practical activities
activism
- Proposed by
- xyz
- Time
- .5 - 2 hours
- Level
- No experience needed
- Resources
- a modicum of enthusiasm
- Number
- up to 20
how to make a difference. Discussions on applying tech skills to aiding activism. How to get involved. How to explore and expand interests. Current topics of interest. Where are efforts best aimed?
12/240 volt electrics for a campervan refit
- Proposed by
- Adelayde
- Time
- 1 hour
- Level
- No previous experience, but if you know some DC electric stuff, it'd help me!
- Resources
- Project for inside bit (possibly), but otherwise outside at van
- Number
- As many as can practically see
I've recently done up my third van for use as a camper. I've installed a secondary battery supply to provide both 12volt DC and 240volt AC supplies. Thought I'd show folks around how it fits together and what kit you need. Will try to cover:
- batteries one can use
- cables and connectors
- split charge relays
- fuses
- 12 volt lighting
- 240 volt cabling and inverters
- RCD protection of 240volt circuits
- Earthing
- Some basic theory if there's time
The workshop should be pretty exciting. We can look at some theory, before or after, having a look at the van wiring and discussing how I did it, and how you could do it.
Cool Running
- Proposed by
- MaRk
- Time
- 1-2 hours
- Level
- none - could be inclusive of kids with supervision
- Resources
- laptops of varying ages (participants to bring their own)
- Number
- up to 5 people at once, but can drift in & out - informal
This activity uses a plug-in 240V power meter to measure power consumption of laptops, from which the battery has been removed. Each user is asked to get their lappy to run some standard tasks (e.g. play a video, or more formal benchmarks), and its power consumption is measured. Participants can then compare how energy-hungry their machine is compared to others, and how much energy they can save by changing how they use the machine. I've done this at village fairs etc. and it gets people talking and thinking about tech and energy.
The activity can be adjusted according to the experience of attendees...
- we can go on to look at BIOS tweaks
- sysctl / powertop adjustments
- simple measures like reducing backlight levels
- simple maths to convert energy use into CO2 emissions / what you Earthlings call 'Money'
- demonstrates an experimental paradigm to people who might not like science
- tabulating results and producing graphs of results
UnMonastery/ economic sustainability/UBI/War on Ca$h
- Proposed by
- Katalin, Patrice
- Time
- 1 hr orso
- Level
- 101 ( = no minimum level of entry)
Our proposals are low on tech aspects, maybe a nice diversion to more hard-core geeky talks/workshops.
- Resources
- human voice! (maybe slides could be shown, dunno yet!)
- Number
- Any number of people interested sitting in circle with the samovar in the middle.
(You can indicate yr preference for one of each of the two subject issues proposed)
Proposed by Katalin: The unMonastery project
https://web.archive.org/web/20160806025222/http://athens.unmonastery.org/ https://www.stirtoaction.com/article/unmonastery
("The unMonastery is a social clinic for the future. It is a place-based social innovation is aimed at addressing the interlinked needs of empty space, unemployment and depleting social services by embedding committed, skilled individuals within communities that could benefit from their presence.")
or: discussing how to achieve economic sustainability for small co-living co-working initiatives.
(Focusing more on the practical and organisational imperatives)
Proposed by Patrice: UBI: the movement for a Universal, unconditional basic income.
(here for a long Wikipedia entry making my talk entirely superfluous - but I still can serve Turkish tea!)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_income
For unrepentant geeks there is a crypto currency aspect to some UBI proposals. We could discuss these, though I am not a fan of what I've seen advanced yet - cf. Kate's & my talk on Bitcoin at BarnCamp 2015.
or: The War on Cash, and associated musing on the (bleak) future of Money as we know it.
see e.g. http://thelongandshort.org/society/war-on-cash (Brett Scott)
We intend to make our talk a place of conviviality and conmensality
(Turkish tea!)
cf: https://talk.devuan.org/t/software-freedom-your-way/592
Cheers for now, p+7D! (only 2 coming to Barncamp!)
- Proposed by
- Nor
- Time
- 40 mins
- Level
- Total beginner or some experience
- Resources
- Laptop
- Number
- up to 5 people
Making patterns using Inkscape cloned tiles tool. Maybe some xml editing if we are feeling frisky. Patterns in Inkscape skillshare 2017
Defence Against The Dark Arts: Information Security for the Discerning Activist
- Proposed by
- Jim
- Time
- 2 hours
- Level
- From absolute beginners to pointy headed sandal wearers
- Resources needed
- a projector
- Number
- Limited only by capacity
Stop being paranoid – take action. Explore scenarios where your security is in danger, identify what you need to protect, the threats and suitable counter-measures. The state does not have infinite resources – let’s exploit that! This workshop will be drawing on real world experience of high risk situations where compromises are inevitable and the human is always the weakest link.
Digital forensics
- Proposed by
- brent
- Time
- 1.30 to 2 hours
- Level
- Aiming to cater for ‘beginners’ and ‘intermediates’ etc.
- Resources
Participant laptops will be useful for practical activities, but you can just watch and discuss. Ps. The activities can be done safely, but, as always, please have backed up your important files just in case.
Projector could be useful if available but optional- will bring flipcharty-alternative.
- Number
- any
Topic: Digital forensics (computing/law/investigations), but this is also good for introducing/exploring more general tech know-how, and possible discussions around politics/law/ethics/etc. Plan: Brief overview/intro, optional activities/demos featuring Linux (or Mac) and command line, but including some Windows and Graphical User Interface (GUI) options, optional discussions, and a hopefully fun practical digital forensic activity.
Draft booklet at http://www.thebrentc.net/articles/digitalforensics/Digitalforensics.pdf (for reference, we won’t cover all content). Note I’m not working in this field or claiming huge expertise, so please come skillshare. If there’s specific topics people want to look at, let me know, and I can try prep for this (contacts in booklet). Comment/corrections for booklet welcome too.
Superhero survival climbing workshop
- Proposed by
- fred
- Time
- 45 mins..
- Level
- From low to high
- Resources
- provided
- Number
- 15
What you will learn: This workshop is aimed at Barncampers with an interest in learning knot making techniques for essential climbing survival around the campsite as well as those more interested in exploring superheroes gender stereotyping and subverting lego politics. A variety of materials are available for Barncampers to work with.
By the end of the workshop you will be able to:
Select and prepare superheroes, climbing, challenges and knots.
Start, shape and complete knots and structures using a range of materials and techniques.
Guide superheroes on a climbing challenge
Appreciate superhero daring dos as a subject and its potential for further exploration and study.