As the network provider for Australia’s universities and research institutions, AARNet’s aim is to support all researchers to get the most of the network and the technologies available to support their work. Training is one of the ways we do this.

Our training is focused on workshops that demonstrate how to use the services we provide and improve the sector’s understanding of the capabilities of networks and data movement. We see this as a kind of ‘infrastructure literacy’, a term that encompasses the practical knowledge needed to transfer, store and manage research data (of any size) in complex scenarios throughout the research and data lifecycle.

With a detailed understanding of the role of Australia’s national research and education network (AARNet) and how to access the data movement and collaboration services we provide, our users are empowered to harness the full potential of this purpose-built research network.

Our approach

AARNet is taking the Carpentries approach to foundational skill acquisition. Through dedicated workshops, explaining jargon and giving participants hands-on experience in a range of tools and computing experiences in a welcoming environment, AARNet’s workshops are designed with beginners in mind to break down barriers, especially for those with no formal training in computing or data handling. Our open-source lesson plans can be shared across the community, like Carpentries lessons. This approach suits the goals and aims of AARNet, university libraries and the greater research support community to increase the digital capabilities across the sector.

AARNet supports equal participation in training across all domains.

Who are the workshops for?

These workshops are targeted to research support staff in a train-the-trainer style so participants such as librarians, eResearch analysts or faculty research support staff can reuse the content to train researchers. The workshops provide participants with more confidence in giving advice to researchers about the options available to them and are tailored for those with little to no technical knowledge, including hands-on components.

Workshop topics

Network Know-how & Data Handling (3 hours comprehensive)

This workshop is a ‘train-the-trainer’ session that will cover topics such as jargon busting, network literacy and data movement solutions. You will learn about networks, integrated tools, active research data management, data movement and where all these things fit in the researcher’s toolkit.

This workshop includes using basic programming commands, but requires no previous knowledge of programming.

This workshop can be tailored to shorter sessions

Network Know-how (1 hour)

This workshop is a ‘train-the-trainer’ session that will include jargon busting and network technologies. You will learn about networks and diagnostic tools, and where all these things fit in the researcher’s toolkit.

This workshop includes using basic programming commands, but requires no previous knowledge of programming.

Data Handling (1 hour)

This workshop is a ‘train-the-trainer’ session that addresses data handling solutions in a research context. The workshop will provide a peek at some research data movement tools such as FileSender and Globus.

The details

The workshops are open and free to all AARNet member universities. They are delivered by Dr Sara King from our eResearch team online via Zoom.