NDAK15012U Advanced Topics in Human-Centered Computing (ATHCC)

Volume 2019/2020
Education

MSc Programme in Computer Science

MSc Programme in Computer Science w/minor subject 

Content

The aim of the course is to introduce participants to advanced topics in human-centered computing (HCC). HCC spans computer-supported cooperative work, human-computer interaction, participatory design, software development, and advanced interaction techniques.

Participants will read current and classic papers on HCC and discuss them in-depth. In addition, they will hand in four written assignments on parts of HCC that will be used to grade the course. One of these assignments is a log of notes from reading and questions for the papers read; the others are about particular topics in HCC for which a literature survey or analysis is required. 

The topics discussed in the course are intended to inspire students to pick topics for their master theses.

 

Learning Outcome

Knowledge of

  • Human-centered computing (HCC).
  • Current research topics in HCC, including but not limited to user experience, advanced user interfaces, collaboration supported by computers, and methods for developing user interfaces. 
  • Research methods in HCC, including their relative benefits and drawbacks considering aspects of validity, reliability, generalizability, precision, and realism depending upon research questions and methods. 

 

Competences in

  • Analyzing scientific papers, including considerations on users, tasks, the context of use, and technologies.
  • Discussing scientific work in HCC, in particular the relation betweeen construction of interfaces, understanding users, and conceptually-driven work.
  • Identifying poor and good arguments in HCC.

 

Skills in

  • Identifying and analyzing scientific literature within HCC research domain
  • Synthesizing the literature within a specific area or domain of HCC, focusing on the relation to human use of technology and the major phenomena surrounding such phenomena.
  • Formulating and discussing open research questions and problems within the HCC area

Selected papers and book chapters. See Absalon when the course is set up.

 

Some introduction to parts of human-centered computing, for instance through courses on Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, User-centered Design, Computer Supported Cooperative work or the like.

Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
Classroom discussions and assignments.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • Class Instruction
  • 18
  • Practical exercises
  • 16
  • Preparation
  • 72
  • Project work
  • 100
  • Total
  • 206
Oral
Continuous feedback during the course of the semester
Credit
7,5 ECTS
Type of assessment
Continuous assessment
Students are graded on an overall assessment of the four assignments that they hand in.
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
Several internal examiners
Re-exam

Resubmission of (possibly revised) assignments.

Criteria for exam assesment

See Learning Outcome.