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pamela fox's talks

Here are all the talks I've given over the years. You can also filter by these tags: javascript, python, mobile, ignite, google, appengine, wave, mashups, maps, spreadsheets, html5, social.

Please note that many of the talks are outdated now, since web technology moves fast.

• Frontend Architectures
  A comparison of 3 frontend architectures at Coursera- Web 1.0, JS widgets, and single page web apps.
  Given 4/23/2013 at Orbitz/Gotocon (Chicago, IL).
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• Feature Detection in the Real World
  A talk about feature detection vs. user agent sniffing, and the cases when feature detection just doesn't work and sniffing is the only way.
  Given 3/15/2013 at Google DevFest (Mountain View, CA).
• Storylines: Pamela Fox
  The story of how I grow up and got to where I am today.
  Given 2/12/2013 at Storylines (San Francisco, CA).
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• Backbone: 3 Ways
  An introduction to Backbone and a walkthrough of the 3 ways that we use it at Coursera.
  Given 2/2/2013 at HTML5tx (Austin, TX).
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• JS in the front, REST in the back
  Behind the scenes of the JS-centric, API-oriented architecture of Coursera, and why I like it.
  Given 10/27/2012 at JSeverywhere (San Jose, CA).
• When Mobile Browsers Attack!
  A tale of the bugs I discovered in mobile web browsers and the horrible hacks that I had to deploy.
  Given 10/21/2012 at Remix South (Atlanta, GA).
• Backbone: 3 Ways
  An introduction to Backbone and a walkthrough of the 3 ways that we use it at Coursera.
  Given 10/18/2012 at AtlantaJS (Atlanta, GA).
• Beyond the Job Title
  A talk for the Stanford Society of Women Engineers about my job decisions from childhood to today.
  Given 10/10/2012 at SWE (Stanford, CA).
• Django Admin: Widgets & Widgetry
  Why we used Django Admin at Coursera (at first) and the crazy widgets we had to write for it.
  Given 8/31/2012 at PyLadiesSF (Palo Alto, CA).
• PhoneGap Pain Points
  A rant about what I found hardest about working with PhoneGap and mobile web browsers generally.
  Given 7/20/2012 at PhoneGap Day (Portland, US).
• PhoneGap: Why & How
  An overview of the strategies for making mobile apps, and then a deep dive on my PhoneGap architecture and workflow. Translated into spanish (click button).
  Given 6/20/2012 at SGCE (Mexico City, MX).
• localStorage: Use It, Don't Abuse It
  An overview of the ways to use localStorage with tips on ways to use it responsibly, to not slow down or break your site.
  Given 6/15/2012 at TxJS (Austin, TX).
• A Year of Hermit Hacking
  An Ignite talk about my year of hermit hacking - what I tried and what I learnt.
  Given 6/11/2012 at FooCamp (Sebastopol, CA).
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• The Developer Experience (Summit)
  Introduces the term "developer experience", talks about why it's important, gives examples of what makes a great experience, including a few makeover stories.
  Given 6/1/2012 at Atlassian Summit 2012 (San Francisco, CA).
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• Picking a Technology Stack
  An overview of the different components that make up a web app and a mobile app and thoughts on how to pick what's in your stack.
  Given 5/21/2012 at WWC Frontend Meetup (San Francisco, CA).
• Teach the World To Code
  A talk about why we need more developers and the non-traditional ways that we are creating more developers.
  Given 4/26/2012 at Mix-It (Lyon, France).
• Why & How I Use PhoneGap
  Based on the "Mobile App Strategy" talk, it starts with an overview of the strategies for making mobile apps, and then does a deep dive on my PhoneGap architecture and workflow.
  Given 4/26/2012 at Mix-It (Lyon, France).
• Mobile App Strategy
  Starts with an overview of the strategies for making mobile apps, and then does a deep dive on my PhoneGap architecture and workflow.
  Given 2/18/2012 at ValtechAB (Stockholm, Sweden).
• Client-side Storage
  Introduces the new HTML5 client-side storage technologies and does a deep dive on localStorage, with many examples of how it can be used.
  Given 2/16/2012 at Jfokus (Stockholm, Sweden).
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• Mobile App Options
  Gives an overview of the different strategies for outputting mobile apps, from native to runtime to cross compiled to hybrid.
  Given 2/16/2012 at Jfokus (Stockholm, Sweden).
• How I became a born again vegetable-tarian
  An ignite talk about my newfound love for veggies, my favorites, and tips for accepting veggies into your life.
  Given 1/22/2012 at ORDCamp 2012.
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• Client-side APIs
  Gives a history of client-side APIs and an overview of different types of APIs with interactive examples.
  Given 9/18/2011 at CapitolJS (Washington, DC).
• The Developer Experience
  Introduces the term "developer experience", talks about why it's important, and gives examples of what makes a great experience.
  Given 7/14/2011 at WDCNZ (Wellington, NZ).
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• No, Really, I'm Shy
  Explains that I'm actually quite a shy person, and introduces my hacks to workaround that shyness.
  Given 5/10/2011 at Google I/O 2011 (San Francisco, CA).
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• Writing Apps the Google-y Way
  Covers App Engine and the datastore, with Python examples. Slides also available for Brisbane version.
  Given 12/1/2010 at YOW 2010 (Melbourne, Brisbane).
• The Wonders of the "Onesie"
  Introduces the concept of the "onesie" - the head-to-toe footed pajama - and what makes it awesome.
  Given 11/30/2010 at Ignite Melbourne.
• Wave APIs: Now & Beyond
  Discusses the current state of the Google Wave APIs, and how they could be improved in future Wave implementations.
  Given 11/11/2010 at Wave Protocol Summit (San Francisco, CA).
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• Mashups as Art
  Talks about making data mashups, covering types of data sources, tools for making the data useable, tools for visualizing data, and example mashups.
  Given 11/3/2010 at Mix and Mash Mini (Wellington, NZ).
• Google's Client-side Web APIs
  Reviews the history of client-side Web API technology, then gives an overview of Google's offerings and what can be done with them. See also this blog post.
  Given 9/28/2010 at GDD Tokyo 2010.
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• Google Data APIs & Docs List API
  Talks about the history of RSS/ATOM, gives an overview of the Google data protocol, then goes deep into the Google Docs Data API.
  Given 9/8/2010 at USYD (Sydney, AU).
• Google APIs: A-Z
  Gives an overview of the many APIs that Google offers, in terms of API types, API genres, and API monetization techniques. Slides also available for version in Melbourne, Brisbane, DC-GTUG, NCA-GTUG, and MI-GTUG.
  Given 7/8/2010 at YOW! Nights (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane), and GTUG (DC, NCA, MI).
• Wave Robots API: Behind the Scenes
  Starts with a explanation of the Wave protocol basics, reviews the history of the robots API, and explains several API design decisions.
  Given 6/29/2010 at PyCon AU (Sydney, AU).
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• Google Wave API Design Principles
  Gives suggestions for designing Wave extensions (gadgets and robots) for a better and more Wave-y user experience.
  Given 5/20/2010 at Google I/O 2010 (San Francisco, CA).
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• Google Wave Gadgets API & Examples
  Explains how the Gadgets API works and shows examples.
  Given 5/7/2010 at WebDU 2010 (Sydney, AU).
• Google Wave Robots API & Examples
  Explains how the Robots API works and shows examples.
  Given 5/7/2010 at WebDU 2010 (Sydney, AU).
• Google Wave: Product, Platform, Protocol
  Zooms through different features of Google Wave, like the real-time typing, threaded comments, extension platform, and federation.
  Given 4/22/2010 at Adelaide Tech Talk (AU).
• Google Wave: The Protocol
  Shows some of the key concepts in the Wave protocol, operational transforms and the conversation model.
  Given 4/21/2010 at Australia University Tech Talk Series 2010.
• Google Wave Robots API: Java
  Explains how the Wave Robots API works, with code snippets and examples in Java.
  Given 4/21/2010 at Enterprise Java Australia (Melbourne, AU).
• Google Wave Gadgets API & GWT
  Explains how the Gadgets API works, with code snippets and examples using the Google Web Toolkit in Java.
  Given 4/21/2010 at Enterprise Java Australia (Melbourne, AU).
• Making More than Just a Map
  Highlights what features turn simple map mashups into full web applications, like linkability, subscription, editability, import/export, and searchability.
  Given 4/20/2010 at TEDxNAB (Melbourne, AU).
• Google Wave for Students
  Presents a series of suggestions (as screenshots) for how students can use Wave for groupwork.
  Given 4/19/2010 at RMIT Tech Talk (Melbourne, AU).
• Google Wave: What's New?
  Summarizes new features added to Wave since launch, across the product, platform, and protocol, like better scaling, more APIs, and enterprise use. Concludes with a series of example uses.
  Given 4/17/2010 at DevFest Mexico.
• Lowering the Barriers to Communication
  Takes a look at the different methods of communication out there, from traditional snail mail to more modern forms, and how each of them encourages or discourages participation.
  Given 4/15/2010 at HASTAC Virtual Conference.
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• Innovation @ Google
  Gives an overview of how innovation happens at Google - from finding the ideas to making it possible for engineers to implement them.
  Given 4/13/2010 at Mexico.
• Google Wave Conversation Model
  Explains the Google Wave conversation model - waves, wavelets, and blips.
  Given 3/27/2010 at DevFest Mexico.
• Google Wave APIs
  Shows a brief overview of the various Google Wave APIs.
  Given 3/27/2010 at DevFest Mexico & WebDu (Sydney, AU).
• Google Wave Gadget APIs
  Shows a brief overview of the Google Gadgets API.
  Given 3/27/2010 at DevFest Mexico.
• Google Wave Robots API v2 & Third-party Integration
  Explains how the Robots API works inside Wave, shows the new features of the Robots API v2, and showcases some real uses of the API.
  Given 3/27/2010 at DevFest Mexico.
• Google Wave: Communication Evolved
  Shows how Wave combines features from many different communication products into one.
  Given 3/17/2010 at SF Wave Meetup & Hacks/Hackers (San Francisco, CA).
• Google Wave Robots API v2
  Explains how the Robots API works inside Wave, and shows the new features of the Robots API v2.
  Given 3/1/2010 at SF Wave Meetup (San Francisco, CA).
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• I'm a Barbie Girl in a Barbie World
  Introduces the ultra feminine Computer Engineer Barbie, and why it’s a damn good thing.
  Given 2/28/2010 at Ignite Sydney 4.
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• Get Creative with Google APIs
  Showcases creative uses of various Google APIs, like Youtube, Maps, and Social.
  Given 1/28/2010 at Singapore Creative Brief.
• Understanding & Extending Wave
  Shows the underlying XML structure of wavelets and blips, and then explains the fundamental concepts behind gadgets and robots.
  Given 1/27/2010 at GTUG Melbourne & LCA Wave Mini-Conf (Wellington, NZ).
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• Google Wave: Product, Protocol, Platform
  Zooms through the three "P"s of Google Wave.
  Given 1/27/2010 at GTUG Melbourne & Joomla Day Sydney.
• Google Wave 20/20: Product, Platfom, Protocol
  Introduces the various aspects of Google Wave.
  Given 11/30/2009 at APUGS Sydney.
• Making Wave-y Extensions
  Zooms through a series of tips on making extensions wave-y, based on the extension design principles doc, including suggestions like showing user locations in a gadget and making robots respond to natural trigger.
  Given 11/20/2009 at DevFest Mexico & LCA Wave Mini-Conf (Wellington, NZ).
• Collaborative Mapping with Google Wave
  Introduces Google Wave and then presents ideas about how it can be used with mapping and geography.
  Given 10/21/2009 at Ignite Spatial (Sydney).
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• Making Maps Mashups
  Zooms through a breakdown of the Maps API, an overview of all the Google Geo APIs, and a look at the various ways of rendering data on a map.
  Given 10/17/2009 at HCSNet Mashups (Sydney).
• Mashups & APIs
  Gives an overview of mashups, Web APIs, and highlights a few Google Web APIs.
  Given 10/14/2009 at Mashups Australia Hack Night (Sydney).
• A World of Words
  Introduces languages, etymology, and how words are intricately connected.
  Given 10/8/2009 at Ignite Sydney 3.
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• Google Products: Deep Dive on Google Maps
  Discusses how products are born at Google, and goes into a deep dive into what makes a product like Google Maps challenging.
  Given 9/15/2009 at Google Sydney.
• Web APIs & Google APIs
  Gives an overview of Web APIs generally, then Google’s offerings, then specifically Google’s offerings in Sydney.
  Given 8/30/2009 at Google Sydney (Anita Borg Retreat).
• Google Maps APIs: Overview
  Begins with a general discussion of Web APIs, goes into depth on how the Google Maps JS API works, reviews the various Google Geo APIs, and finishes with examples of different ways developers can render their data on a map.
  Given 7/28/2009 at HCSNet Mashups (Sydney).
• What You Don't Know About Geo APIs Can't Hurt You
  Reviews a grab bag of features added to the Google Geo APIs in the year before: Panoramio, Reverse Geocoding, 3d Maps, Driving Directions, and more.
  Given 5/27/2009 at Google I/O 2009 (San Francisco, CA).
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• Performance Tips for Maps API Mashups
  Provides tips on reducing latency for your maps mashup, discussing topics like marker management, clustering, custom tiles, static maps, flash maps, encoded polys, light markers, latency oriented features of the JavaScript Maps API, and more.
  Given 5/27/2009 at Google I/O 2009 (San Francisco, CA).
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• Growing up Geek: My Dad, the Computer Scientist
  Summarizes my life growing up with two geeky parents and explains how I got involved in web development and related areas.
  Given 5/18/2009 at Google I/O Ignite (San Francisco).
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• Google App Engine (Java)
  Introduces the basics of App Engine and the datastore (BigTable), and ends with a coding walkthrough of a Java App Engine App (The Best Website Ever).
  Given 5/9/2009 at JAOO Sydney & JAOO Brisbane (AU).
• Google App Engine
  Gives a basic overview of Google App Engine and its components (datastore, APIs).
  Given 4/27/2009 at Google Sydney.
• Tips for Improving Usability of Maps Mashups
  Discusses the most common usability problems in Maps mashups, and various solutions for those problems. The problems range from "too many markers" to "not enough navigation controls".
  Given 4/18/2009 at Web '09 (Auckland, NZ).
• Living in the Cloud: Hosting Data & Apps Using the Google Infrastructure
  Provides an overview of two technologies - Google App Engine and the Google Data APIs - that aim to make web development and data portability easier.
  Given 4/6/2009 at Australia University Tech Talk Series 2009.
• Google Spreadsheets APIs & Gadgets
  Introduces the Google Data APIs, Google Spreadsheets API, JSON/JSONP, and Google Spreadsheets Gadgets.
  Given 3/10/2009 at Google Sydney.
• Client Killed the Server Star
  Explains how new technology like Gears, HTML5, and Google App Engine could be used to create websites where the caching, storage, and computing is done primarily in the browser/desktop and the server is used merely as a backup store.
  Given 2/19/2009 at Webstock 2009 (Wellington, NZ).
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• Gears & Offline Apps
  Introduces the Gears APIs (local server, datastore, workers) and includes two offline demos.
  Given 2/10/2009 at Google Sydney.
• Flash, Flex, & The Maps API for Flash
  Reviews the differences between Flash and Flex, the power of AS3, and discusses the reasons that developers might choose the Flash API over the JS API. Includes several demos of the Flash API.
  Given 2/3/2009 at Google Sydney.
• Flex vs. HTML5 for RIAS
  Compares Flex versus HTML 5 in terms of features that compose a typical RIA (rich internet application).
  Given 1/21/2009 at Ignite Sydney 1.
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• OpenSocial Intro
  Introduces the OpenSocial platform and Gadget APIs.
  Given 12/13/2008 at OpenSocial Hackathon (Google Sydney).
• Open Maps (Or Close Enough?)
  Gives a look at the various open source/open data options for an open maps stack - OpenStreetMap, OpenLayers, etc - with a deeper dive on the Mapstraction library.
  Given 12/2/2008 at OSDC '08 (Sydney).
• Socializing Apps
  Discusses the different ways of adding a social layers to apps inside social networks.
  Given 12/1/2008 at ICSOC '08 (Sydney).
• Moving the Web Forward with HTML5
  Introduces new features in HTML5, like video, canvas, and new form tags.
  Given 11/9/2008 at FOSS.my 2008 (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).
• Google Maps APIs Overview
  Starts with an introduction to the Google Maps JavaScript API, then discusses several newly added features such as the AJAX Common Loader, Reverse Geocoding, ClientLocation, Flash API, Static API, and more. Ends with a description of KML and geo sitemaps. Slides also available for Beijing version.
  Given 10/17/2008 at Google DevFest Shanghai & Beijing.
• Maps API Tips & Tricks
  Suggests various ideas for more seasoned developers of the Google Maps APIs, such as using web services for more data, using spreadsheets as a database, or hosting on AppEngine.
  Given 10/11/2008 at Google Maps API Hackathon (Tokyo, Japan).
• Using Maps + AJAX APIs in AS3/Flex
  Reviews what the Maps API for Flash can do, and show how to easily integrate it with other libraries for parsing XML/GeoRSS/KML/JSON. It also shows how to use it with the non-JS version of the Google AJAX libraries. Includes an introduction to AS3, Flex development, and Flex controls.
  Given 7/22/2008 at Mountain View, CA.
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• Static + Flash Maps
  Introduces the Static Maps API and Maps API for Flash, and various reasons for using them - like using the Flash API for faster vector graphics, or using the Static Maps API for reduced latency on webpages.
  Given 6/24/2008 at Google Developer Day '08 (San Francisco).
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• From Mashups to Mapplets
  Introduces Google Mapplets in detail, explaining how they relate to the Google Gadgets API, how they work behind the scenes, and how to develop them.
  Given 6/24/2008 at Google Developer Day '08 (San Francisco).
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• Producing Custom Maps with the Google Maps API
  Discusses the different ways of overlaying custom map data on top of the Maps API mashups, covering the spectrum from the easiest technique (ground overlays) to the more difficult but sophisticated techniques (data-driven clickable custom tile layers).
  Given 6/24/2008 at Google Developer Day '08 (San Francisco).
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• Maps Mashups UI + UX
  Introduces ways to improve the usability of maps mashups, like with custom markers, indicative icons, better infowindows, and customized controls.
  Given 12/5/2007 at SV Web Builder Meetup (San Francisco, CA).
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• Open Source Maps API Library
  Gives a brief run-down of the various open source extensions available in the utility library.
  Given 5/31/2007 at Google Developer Day '07 (San Jose).
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