1. Man and Machine: Introduction to Module Damian Gordon

2. Introduction Lecturer: Damian Gordon Lecturer: Damian Gordon – Office: K026A – Email: Damian.Gordon@dit.ieDamian.Gordon@dit.ie

3. Contents Module Description Module Aim Learning Outcomes Module Content Module Assessment Recommended Reading

4. Module Description (1/2) Graduates of the MSc in Assistive Technology will require skills in both dealing with technology and in dealing with people on a very personal level. As such they will be expected to develop a great deal of familiarity with a range of technologies and issues relating to the design of technology, as well as the interpersonal skills to help them interact with individuals and obtain necessary information. They also need to be able to work collaboratively and in some situations develop and execute strategies to help achieve their goals.

5. Module Description (2/2) To do this successfully the student must gain an understanding of the various dimensions of human perception and cognition, and the types of conditions that inhibit their functioning. Additionally the student must develop an awareness of the problems of stress and anxiety that can occur at the interface of man and machine.

6. Module Aim (1/2) The aim of this module is to develop the student’s ability to identify and apply appropriate approaches to the creation of technological interfaces. It also aims to develop the student’s interpersonal skills to aid in the interface requirements elicitation process.

7. Module Aim (2/2) On completion of the module the student will have gained an understanding of the elements of human perception (visual, auditory, verbal, tactile, olfactory) and human cognition, and the ways in which interfaces can be developed that minimise cognitive load and cognitive stress on the user.

8. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the basic processes of human perception 2. Identify conditions which impinge upon normal perception 3. Demonstrate key interpersonal skills to elicit interface requirements 4. Discuss the difficulties and complexities that users face engaging with technology 5. Discuss how memory and language affect Human-Computer interfacing 6. Select and employ the appropriate interface technologies 7. Implement software interfaces incorporating accessible frames 8. Demonstrate an awareness of Computer Self-Efficacy models

9. Module Content Human-Computer Interfacing – Design methodologies – Technology/computer interfaces – Groupware – New interfaces

10. Module Content Cognition – Cognitive processes Perception Attention Memory Learning – Cognitive frameworks

11. Module Content Computer Self-Efficacy – Computer Anxiety – Managing Technostress – Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

12. Module Assessment Continuous assessment will comprise 40% of the marks for this module. An end of module examination will comprise the remaining 60%.

13. Module Assessment There will be one assessment that you will be getting in week 2 that will focus on the interaction between people and technology, and each of you will be required to give a 10- minute presentation based on your findings. As you will be starting your dissertations soon, I would recommend that you use this assignment as an opportunity to get some reading and analysis done for your thesis.

14. Recommended Reading “HCI Models, Theories & Frameworks” John Carroll “Human-Computer Interaction” Dix, Finlay & Abowd