Overview

At the current time (December 2024) these case studies refer to actions taken before the formation of the training user group, which is intended to formalise actions such as those listed below and allow academics to have more input into the future development.

THIS PAGE IS A WORK IN PROGRESS

1. Improved, actionable feedback

Actions we have taken to improve our feedback, outcomes and future directions

Case Study Basis - Long Term Outcomes survey (WIP)

This group aims to collect longer term feedback in order to tailor training and future directions. This section will be updated as we gather feedback and work on improving this further, adjusting our survey and seeking new ways to gather this data and ensure it is relevant and up to date.

2. Continued development of training catalogue

Issues we have identified and actions taken to address these

Case Study 1 - Sulis file IO training

Based on information from the SCRTP systems team, it became apparent around 2024 that a number of people were using extremely large numbers of small files on the Sulis High-Throughput-Computing facility. To address this SCRTP put together a specialised training course to discuss a number of options, including centralised data sets, file combination, use of temporary directories and more. We even wrote a tool to allow the use of an HDF5 data file as a filesystem, and seamlessly integrate this into existing workflows.

Case Study 2 - Introduction to Linux and Remote Access

We (CSB and HR) produced a series of pages and videos on remote access and use of Linux around 2019-20 as a response to the increase in remote working. This formed the basis of the updated SCRTP documentation, and remains available as a self-study course via Moodle (Linux Desktop Self StudyLink opens in a new window)

3. More effective delivery pathways

Options for delivery, and factors in deciding how to match content to this. For instance, hands-on for the basics, video material for advanced topics, support sessions etc

Case Study 1 - Hybrid Delivery

When the SCRTP RSE team began running training courses in 2017 it quickly because apparent that finding a time suitable for everybody was difficult, and that we could greatly enhance our utility by offering a "hybrid" delivery method, with a live-stream (via Youtube), made available as a recording (Youtube "unlisted"). This allowed participants who could not be present to take part, and attendees to review material afterwards if wished. Further, having these videos available lets us make training available 'on demand' with support via email, drop-in sessions etc. We are also able to gather view stats, helping to assess what people are interested in etc.

Case Study 2 - Live Demonstrations

For remote access, use of queuing systems etc, we have always used live demonstrations, showing the exact commands and their outcomes as we go, and we used this approach to demonstrate various points during our video lectures series. In 2024 we trialled the idea of writing a simple program live and in-person, at a pace where participants could follow along. This was quite successful for those who had some basic programming knowledge, but were looking to pick up the basics of a new language. In a half-day, with about 30 minutes of demo, one can meet all of the basic control structures and some of the key ideas. We also made sure that the exact demo code was made available (rather than the draft made beforehand). Feedback on this approach was good, and we hope to re-use this method in future.