This course provides an advanced introduction to the design of
human-computer systems and other technological artifacts for
supporting human collaboration in learning, work, and social
contexts, and to theoretical perspectives and empirical studies
that inform such design. It is organized as a research and design
seminar that can be customized to your interests. It is
particularly designed to help students identify potential topics
for their dissertation research or ICS capstone project, or
simply to explore aspects of technology that are of great
relevance today. It can be used to prepare for both the CIS and
ICS (old system) qualifying exams in HCI. It is also useful background for students who are participating in my laboratory, or who would like to do so.
My objective is to help students become my
colleagues and experts in some aspect of technology supported
collaboration, and to produce MS theses or PhD dissertations that
the ICS and CIS programs can be proud of. Perhaps I will also
benefit personally when some of you may become productive members
of my laboratory and/or co-authors on papers.
The business of the course will be conducted online in disCourse. This web
site only provides general information about the course.
Although no specific prior knowledge is assumed, students who
have had prior exposure to the study of the relationships between
people and technology will be more successfull. The UH catalog
lists as prerequisites one of ICS 463, ICS 465, ICS 664, ICS 665,
ICS 667 or LIS 677; or consent. Consent will be given to students
who have other relevant experience such as CIS 701 or related
courses in COM or ITM, or other exposure to fields such as
human-computer interaction, communication theory, anthropological
and/or sociological of studies of technology in society, etc. If consent is needed, please contact the instructor with your experience. Because this is listed as an ICS course, students of CIS, Education, etc. should contact the instructor for major overrides.
This course is reading intensive, covers material that can be
intellectually demanding, and includes some writing as
well. Students should be willing to put effort into learning from
reading and both classroom and online discussion. The online forums will be used to continue discussions started in class, and to enable participation of those who for whatever reason are not able to participate fully in spoken English.
Meeting Time
The course is scheduled for Thursday afternoons 1:00-3:45 so that CIS students may attend CIS 720 immediately following. If there is overlap between this course and another you plan to take, please email me to discuss.