Overview
COMP 214 is a guided exploration of current and emerging technologies in human–computer interaction (HCI), with some historical perspective. The aim of the course is to give students a general understanding of the context and current state of interactive computer technology and allow them to explore those aspects of HCI that most interest them.
The course is organized in a non-linear fashion, with four main topics. Students may work on topics in any order and may to some extent select which, and how many, activities they complete on each topic.
Outline
COMP 214 consists of four main topics, each of which has a number of sub-topics:
Topic 1:
- The Context Of Human–Computer Interaction (HCI)
- History and Development of Computer Interfaces
- The Next Generation of Interfaces
- Ergonomics
Topic 2:
- Input and Output
- Input at the Programming Level
- Input Devices and Data Types – From Typing to Sensing
- Output – Not Just Information Anymore
Topic 3:
- Using And Evaluating Application Interfaces
- Windows and Other Desktop Interfaces
- 2D and 3D Interfaces
Topic 4:
- Creating User Interfaces
- Principles of Sound Interface Design
- Web Interfaces
- Image Maps
- Using Simple Programming Tools to Design Interactive Applications or Interfaces
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to
- Describe and discuss the history and development of computer interfaces, including next generation.
- List and discuss ergonomic issues of human-computer interaction (HCI).
- List and describe input and output technologies and the role of input at the programming level.
- Discuss the relationships of input devices and data types—from typing to sensing.
- List and discuss emerging and prospective output devices (physical output, AI, etc.)
- Use, describe and evaluate application interfaces including desktop interfaces, 3D and VR interfaces.
- Create basic user interfaces, including websites and image maps, and describe the principles of sound interface design.
- Use simple programming tools to design interactive applications or interfaces.
Evaluation
To receive credit for COMP 214, you must achieve a course composite grade of at least D (50 percent), including an average grade of 50 percent on the assignments, The weighting of the composite grade is as follows:
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 22% |
| Assignment 2 | 22% |
| Assignment 3 | 22% |
| Assignment 4 | 22% |
| Assignment 5 | 12% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
This course either does not have a course package or the textbooks are open-source material and available to students at no cost. This course has a Course Administration and Technology Fee, but students are not charged the Course Materials Fee.
The course materials for COMP 214 are all in electronic format, using current online materials.
Special Course Features
Students may use a variety of presentation formats for assignments, including illustrated articles, PowerPoint presentations, websites, or Windows MovieMaker videos. A variety of freeware and open source programs may also be used. An MS Word-compatible word processing program is required. (The use of PowerPoint is optional.)