In this two-day intensive hands-on workshop, participants learn to work with RDF and OWL ontology models using Protege, SWOOP, Jena, Pellet, and other key tools. Students also learn how to use different inference (i.e. logic programming), scripting and OOP techniques to successfully integrate semantic technology into their applications and SOA workflows. Theoretical grounding is provided, but the emphasis is on students gaining practical experience with manipulation of ontologies.

The class is organized as a combination of lecture and individual/group lab sessions. Each example builds on previous examples, but students start each new lab session from a "clean and correct" set of models to ensure we are all on the same page. Homework assignments review and build further on the concepts and examples from class. Students are encouraged to introduce topics from their daily work experience, and some classroom improvisation is used to build active participation.

Date	Location	Class details	Registration
May 2008	Austin	RDF, Peruser	Opens March 1
July 2008	London	RDF, Peruser	Opens April 1
August 2008	Budapest	RDF, Peruser	Opens May1
September 2008	Hong Kong	RDF, Peruser	Opens June 1
October 2008	Melbourne	RDF, Peruser	Opens July 1

• Introductory semantic web examples.
• Theoretical background and definition of terms - as brief as possible for audience. Do they know what a "set" is? We hope so!
• Overview of current semantic tools.
• Manipulation and query of basic RDF/RDFS models using SPARQL, Fresnel (optional), and Peruser (optional).
• Conceptualizing a model and verifying with sample data. This is a tutorial in domain representation, with two primary examples.
• Knowledge visualization techniques - (brief flyover).
• Using OWL to create more sophisticated knowledge models - Description Logics.
• How to work simultaneously with multiple ontology models - imports and merges.
• Using server side inference to leverage knowledge models - backward (LP) and forward (RETE) chaining of rules.
• Web service and database integration techniques.
• Using knowledge technology to improve conventional application development processes.
• Tool configuration - tips and tricks.
• Best practices for ontology development and application integration.
• Proto directions for the organization: Small high-value projects we can start working on right away.

Throughout the workshops, we build upon a small number of example scenarios chosen from domains most relevant to the audience. All models, code and other data used in the examples is available for students to use (at home or in an organization) under open source style licenses, except as noted.

This class is useful for all knowledge workers with some technical aptitude. While one section of the lesson contains details that are useful mostly to programmers, the bulk of the material is aimed at all people interested in knowledge capture, manipulation, and presentation.

Students should:

• Be comfortable absorbing a large amount of information in a short period of time.
• Be comfortable with rigorous definitions and logical deduction.
• Be comfortable with usage of web browsers, and understand the basic client/server processes involved in downloading and viewing a web page from a URL.
• Be familiar with internet and information management terms like "query", "client", "server", "IP address", "DNS", etc.
• Have some exposure to XML. In particular, familiarity with XML namespaces is helpful.
• To fully comprehend the integration techniques introduction, students will need a programming background. Other students are encouraged to continue practicing ontology manipulation during this section.

The class is held in a teaching laboratory where each student has an assigned desktop PC with high-speed internet access. All tools used in the class are already installed and configured when students arrive.

Wi-fi access is also provided for those with laptops, although we request that students avoid distractions during instruction sessions.