Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) focuses on the theories and technologies that establish an understanding of the complexity and relationship between humans and computing systems. The course includes the human-computer interface in the design and development of technologies, using cognitive and social characteristics of people, as well limitations that affect design and implementation decision making.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Examine the social and cognitive characteristics between humans and computers. .
2. Analyze the impact of input and output devices and applications on the user experience. .
3. Evaluate the implications of virtual and augmented worlds on society.
4. Determine how interface design affects how we interact with computers in the past, present, and future.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to HCI

Week 2: Unit 2 – User Interface Design

Week 3: Unit 3 – Smart Interfaces

Week 4: Unit 4 – Virtual Worlds

Week 5: Unit 5 – Brain Interfaces

Week 6: Unit 6 – Input/Output

Week 7: Unit 7 – Digital Assistants

Week 8: Unit 8 – The Internet of Things (IoT)

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: The Internet of Things (IoT)

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: User Interface Design

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: Smart Interfaces

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 4: Virtual Worlds

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 5: Brain Interfaces

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 6: Input/Output

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 7: Digital Assistants

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 8: The Internet of Things (IoT)

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation