MMIS ONLINE Nova Southeastern University Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences Course Syllabus MMIS 680 Human-Computer Interaction (3 credits) 2007 Spring Term, April 2, 2007 – June 22, 2007, Online Format Professor: Laurie P. Dringus, Ph.D., Professor Graduate School of Computer and Information Sciences Nova Southeastern University Carl DeSantis Building, 4th floor 3301 College Avenue, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314 Email: [email protected] Office location, Davie campus, room 4073 Office: (954) 262-2073, Fax (954) 262-3915 Class Location and Format: Online using WebCT tools. Please note that some files and information resources are posted on my HCI website. Course Internet address: http://scis.nova.edu/nova/hci/top.html Course Description: The dynamics of human-computer interaction (HCI) are examined with a blend of theory and practice pertaining to the study of information systems. Provides a broad and comprehensive overview and offers specific background relating to user-centered approaches in the design and evaluation of information systems applications. Areas to be addressed include the user interface and software design strategies, user experience levels, interaction styles, usability engineering, web site usability, and collaborative systems technology. Students will perform formal interface evaluations and usability tests applied to current information systems technology. Required Textbooks: 1. Preece, J., Rogers, Y., & Sharp, H. (2002). Interaction Design. Beyond Human-Computer Interaction. Somerset, NJ: John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 0-471-492787. Note to the student: A general HCI text is required. Please choose EITHER the text by Preece, et al, or B. Shneiderman and C. Plaissant’s classic text (Designing the User Interface, 4th edition). 2. Barnum, C.M. (2002). Usability testing and research. New York: Longman. ISBN: 0205315194. Note to the student: If you have difficulty getting the Barnum text, you may select any general text on usability, especially any of those indicated with a * in the bibliography section of this syllabus. (Jordan or Nielsen or Rubin, for example). There are several usability texts that will suffice for this course. 3. Selected ACM articles. See Reading Schedule in the Course Guide. ACM articles can be accessed online through the NSU Electronic Library, the ACM Digital Library Database. See the Course Schedule for specific reading assignments throughout the term. 12 Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the MMIS 680 course, the student will: 1. Gain insight into the field of human-computer interaction and its role in the study of information systems. 2. Understand how information systems design practices and methods can be integrated with human factors principles and methods now being employed. 3. Identify interfaces and components of systems. 4. Gain a conceptual foundation for the HCI design process, including design principles and goals, models of user knowledge, interaction styles, design guidelines, and assessment of user interface design. 5. Understand the difficulties and pitfalls of translating theory and principles derived from research findings, into practical advice on user interface design. 6. Apply metaphorical reasoning and conceptual models to user interface design. 7. Describe the major aspects of usability engineering. 8. Apply usability and design principles to the evaluation of current interfaces. 9. Apply suitable methods for collecting users’ requirements and analyzing users’ tasks. 10. Perform usability analyses and evaluate product design. 11. Synthesize the information systems research literature effectively. 12. Understand how computer systems can enhance collaboration in the context of work organization. 13. Assess societal impacts of information systems. Possible Course Topics (summary): Human-Computer Interaction as an emerging field Human Information Processing User experience levels Interaction design strategies Interface metaphors and conceptual models Web design Online documentation and help systems HCI, the Internet and user behavior Usability evaluation Research in HCI3 MMIS 680 HCI Course Requirements: Course Activities: Students will conduct independent research and produce scholarly projects. In addition, students will contribute to the asynchronous discussion forums in WebCT, throughout the term. Contributions will count as points toward the class participation grade. See the section on Student Forums in the addendum Course Guide for instructions/expectations on contributing to the online conference discussions. In addition to the required asynchronous discussions in WebCT, the major course requirements will consist of two assignments. Instead of the typical midterm and final examinations, two assignments or projects are required that will enable the student to synthesize the major issues and relevant research currently being examined in the field of human-computer interaction. Assignment #1: An objective and scholarly software or interface evaluation paper. Due date is: Sunday, May 6, 2007. Assignment #2: Conduct and report a usability evaluation. Due date is: Sunday, June 17, 2007. IMPORTANT: Specific instructions for completing these assignments are contained in the addendum Course Guide. Assignments must be submitted according to the due dates specified in this syllabus. Late assignments must be pre-approved by the professor and will likely result in point reduction. ALL ASSIGNMENTS REQUIRE OUTSIDE LITERATURE RESEARCH AND ACTIVITY. Assignments must be submitted online through the assignment submission link in WebCT. Do not email or fax assignments. Grading Scale and Criteria: A ........................................ 192-200 points A- ........................................ 186-191 points B+ ........................................ 180-185 points B ........................................ 174-179 points B- ........................................ 168-173 points C+ ........................................ 162-167 points C ........................................ 156-161 points F ........................................ 0-155 points Grading Criteria For the 680 course: Assignment #1 75 points Assignment #2 100 points Class Participation (Forums) 25 points ------------------- 200 points total4 School and University Policies and Procedures: Students must comply with the