Assignment 1 - Dain Cilke

-Human Computer Interaction

Human computer interaction is the study of how humans interact with computers and how that interaction can be streamlined for a variety of users. From a computer programers standpoint, HCI is concerned with the development of #bubblec('interfaces', 'what do you mean by interfaces? The pixels on the display? The keyboard? Both? -- Try to avoid broad terms like interfaces and instead try to describe concepts with your own words.') with will govern and direct the human-machine interaction. Human computer interaction is relevant to my interests in that it combines the functional and graphical development of a system with the interaction of the user. Currently my work involves developing programs which simplifies large data sets into a manageable format. By expanding my background in this field, I can understand how to better facilitate the transfer of data to a more accessible form. Interesting site: http://hcibib.org/ (interesting because of the pure volume of data available)

-Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW)

CSCW is an umbrella term which focuses on how technology can help people work in groups. It can also be described as a synonym of groupware (email, wiki, etc.) however #bubblec('many argue', 'who? Seems like an undefined reference. When possible, try to avoid such words and instead describe as exact as possible to what or whom you are referring to') that CSCW is also concerned with the personal effects the software has on its users.

-Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL)

CSCL is the study of how collaborative learning can be facilitated and supported with computers. CSCL is similar in many ways to CSCW however it focuses on how to teach users using the CSCW methodology. Interesting site: http://ijcscl.org/

-Design of Interactive Systems

The difficulty of designing interactive systems comes from their specialized nature. Interactive systems are generally designed around one user in one situation and the difficult task becomes expanding that usage to a broader group. #bubblec('Often the usability of a system is only limited by its human operator, which is where most of the difficulty arises from.', 'do you have an example? What about, for example, check-in terminals at the airport. How is the system limited by the user?') Interesting site: http://www.interactionarchitect.com/knowledge/article19991111shd.htm

-Participatory Design

Participatory Design is a process which actively uses the end user of a product to help in the design process. By doing this the end product meets their demands and is usable on a fundamental level. Interesting site: http://cpsr.org/issues/pd/introInfo/

-User Modeling

User Modeling is the process to present information which will be most helpful to the user. Since all users are different, the difficulty becomes adapting to a user's knowledge and preferences. Interesting site: http://www.cis.udel.edu/~carberry/user_modeling.html

-Massively Multiplayer Online

A video game which can support thousands of players online at the same time. Games like World of Warcraft and Second Life which seamlessly integrate players from around the world onto a single platform. Interesting site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massively_multiplayer_online_game