Feature: HFES Webinar

HFES Hosts First "Meet the Author" Webinar
By Anthony D. (Tony) Andre, Internal Affairs Domain Leader

     On August 17, HFES sponsored the first in a series of free Web seminars featuring the work of human factors/ergonomics professionals. "Meet the Author" Webinars are the Society's newest vehicle for highlighting important work published in HFES journals for the purposes of educating members and nonmembers alike and promoting the HF/E field.

     The work spotlighted in this first Webinar was the Human Factors article, "An Investigation of Driver Distraction Near the Tipping Point of Traffic Flow Stability" (Volume 51, Number 2, pages 261-268) by Joel Cooper (University of Utah) and colleagues. We felt this would make a compelling topic to launch the series, given the extent of news coverage on driver distraction, particularly the media reports in July that in 2003, NHTSA had suppressed data on the dangers of driving while talking on a cell phone

     Following a brief introduction, Joel presented slides and videos as he discussed his study. "Attendees" could submit questions for presentation by the moderator (me); 45 questions were submitted and answered during the 25-minute Q&A portion of the Webinar. Almost 200 people were in virtual attendance, from the United States, Canada, Israel, India, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, The Netherlands, South Korea, France, Antilles, and Norway. Of note is that 32 of the attendees were nonmembers, as the Webinar was marketed to various LinkedIn and Web groups focused on driving research, and to media members who recently wrote articles on driver distraction.

Feedback From Attendees

     Based on feedback from the attendees, I am happy to report that the Webinar was a big success. Among the comments I received are the following:

• A fantastic way to get connected to a community with shared interests. Well run and well done! I would be open to something like this at least monthly. --Mike Boyes
• Thank you for arranging Joel's clear, concise, enjoyable, interesting presentation. --Malcolm Brookes
• Excellent job. . . .We are slowly developing a virtual HFES chapter due to our small population and large geographical distribution. This is fast becoming the standard for the efficient and effective dissemination of information for everyone. --Gary M. Bakken
• Thank you very much for organizing the seminar. It was a pleasure to hear the talk and it came off very well. --David Shinar
• Thanks, and I really enjoyed Joel's talk earlier today - the sessions are a great idea. --Rochelle Evans
• I am really happy to see HFES institute this type of forum. I thought it went really smoothly, the software worked well, and I had no difficulties with the audio or control panel. --Lisa Douglas
• Just a quick note to let you know that I think the Webinar was a very good process. I encourage HFES to continue to use this venue for topics of wide interest. --James P. Foley
• I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed today's Webinar. The technology worked great for me - no delays or dropped voice. Thanks again for organizing this and I look forward to future talks! --Steve Jones
• Feedback = excellent. --Raymond Klein

Suggestions for Future Webinars

     We also received some excellent suggestions for different uses of the Webinar technology. Here are some of the ideas and feedback:

• To connect students with such mentors as professionals in industry or professors in HF/E domains outside of their specialty.
• To connect TGs with their members by presenting papers, news, or brief workshops.
• To allow HFES election candidates to present their platforms to the members and answer questions.

     I would like to thank our attendees, including those who allowed us to quote them here, and especially our presenter, Joel Cooper, for making this Webinar possible and successful. Stay tuned for news about our next HFES Webinar. If you have additional suggestions for the Society's use of Webinar/Web conferencing technology, please contact me at andre@interface-analysis.com.

Webinar screenshot

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