ACIT4930 Interaction Styles and Technologies for Accessibility Course description

This course covers the state of the art of in technology and research methods within human-computer interaction and available computer systems.

No formal requirements over and above the admission requirements.

A student who has completed this course should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

On successful completion of this course the student has:

• advanced knowledge of multimodal user interfaces
• advanced knowledge of input and output technologies

Skills

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• analyse problems and issues in interactions related to context, such as accessibility in public spaces, mobility problems, and the user's affective state
• use knowledge of interaction technology to address new problems in universal design of ICT
• independently use appropriate methods of user centred interaction design and evaluation; both heuristic and automatic, in an independent manner
• analyse and critically deal with the results from relevant research literature, apply these to structure and formulate scientific arguments, and assess the suitability of published results on new problems and issues
• carry out independent, limited research or development projects under supervision and in accordance with applicable ethical standards
• present scientific work orally
• debate and conduct scientific discussions

General competence

On successful completion of this course the student can:

• apply knowledge and skills in interaction technology on new problems and issues for carrying out advanced facilitation tasks and projects
• communicate scientific problems, analysis and conclusions in the field to both specialists and the general public
• contribute to original thinking and innovation processes

Gender, ethnicity, social class, age/generation, functional ability and sexual orientation form the basis for social categories that are part of the power relations and forms of dominance in society today. That also makes them important to the freedom of action of groups and individuals and the way in which they understand themselves and others. It is a challenge in empirical analyses to take into consideration that people belong to many different categories at the same time.

Intersectional approaches make it possible for analyses to identify the many-faceted interactions that can constitute social categories and that social categories can produce. This course includes theoretical perspectives and empirical research that are primarily based on affiliation to one of the relevant categories, as well as scholarly works that make dynamic relationships between category affiliations the focus of their analysis.

No prior knowledge requirements

• One written group project report (2000-3000 words) completed in group of up to 2 students related to practical implementation of HCI. This part of the examination counts 35 % of the final grade.
• One written group project report (3000-5000 words) completed in groups of up to 4 students, focused on theoretical aspects of the selected project topic. This part of the examination counts 35 % of the final grade.
• Individual oral examination (20 minutes for each candidate). The oral examination counts 30% of the final grade.

All exams must be passed in order to pass the course.

The oral examination cannot be appealed.

New/postponed exam

In case of failed exam or legal absence, the student may apply for a new or postponed exam. New or postponed exams are offered within a reasonable time span following the regular exam. The student is responsible for registering for a new/postponed exam within the time limits set by OsloMet. The Regulations for new or postponed examinations are available in Regulations relating to studies and examinations at OsloMet.

Teaching will take the form of lectures and class discussions. Candidates will be divided into groups that cooperate on presentations.

Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence (up to 20 %) may only be accepted under certain circumstances and upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.

An essay of about 10 pages must be written in connection with the course. The essay must be handed in for assessment by the teacher responsible for the course no later than two months after the last day of the course. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline.

All examination support material is allowed as long as source reference and quotation technique requirements are applied.