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Human Computer Interaction

  

 

Headed by Professor Paula Kotze

Introduction

In general our department is at the forefront of research and development of new and innovative teaching methods and support systems that will enrich our students from all over the world's learning experiences and enable them to approach their studies more effectively. At the same time we aim to provide a stimulating environment that allows for better communication and interaction with other students which may be geographically far apart. During the last three years members of the department have embarked on a major research and development project to deliver and share material between students via the Internet, and even offering courses completely via the WWW.

As far as HCI teaching is concerned, we had in the past limited our teaching of HCI topics to honours (4th year), masters by research (post 4th year), and PhD level. The main reason for this was the low number of lecturers available whom possessed the necessary expertise to handle the very large undergraduate student population (up to 3500 students per course). This is bound to change during 2000 when we will introduce two dedicated HCI courses at undergraduate level, available in all five the streams of the Information and Technology Programme in the Faculty of Science (Software Engineering, Computational Intelligence, Scientific Computing, Information Technology Management, and Computer and Communications Technology), as well as the Business Informatics Programme in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences and the Programme in Computer Generated Production (multimedia) offered in the Faculty of Arts. This presents a major shift in our focus and approach to teaching design issues for Information Systems and Software Engineering in general.

The year 2000 also markS the year in which all the universities in South Africa will start the switch over to outcomes-based education with an emphasis on an interdisciplinary approach. The HCI courses will therefore be developed and offered in conjunction with other programmes and departments within the university, most notably the Programme in Computer Generated Production (multimedia) offered in conjunction with fine arts, music, communication, and information science, and the Computational Intelligence stream offered in conjunction with the psychology and philosophy.

  • Honours Projects - Honours students are required to do an extensive practical project as part of their HCI curriculum. Since most of our students already occupy a full-time job at this stage of their studies, projects are usually based on real problems encountered in industry - this year's projects, for example come from the electronic banking industry, aviation, the SAP environment, various Microsoft products, the cellular phone industry, the life insurance industry, and a university registrar's office.

  • Masters Dissertations - Masters students are required to do an intensive literature review and apply the results obtained from their research to a related HCI real-world topic.

  • Doctoral Level and Research

Primary Focus

The following areas have been defined as the primary focus areas of this focus group

  • Requirements engineering and domain modelling of interactive systems (authoring support environments, visual programming environments, agent-oriented learning and teaching environments, cockpit designs for fighter aircraft, etc.). The central aim is to develop modelling techniques and frameworks enabling one to describe the salient features of different types of interactive systems based on a combination of domain, cognitive or mathematical models. The understanding of such domain models can be used to rapidly specify or prototype a system instance of a specific domain, and reason about the usability characteristics of such systems. In future work we will determine the applicability of the frameworks developed for interactive authoring support environments to other similar environments such as visual programming. We also plan to develop new domain models for the aviation industry and agent-oriented teaching and learning environments.
  • Formal specification of interactive systems, including automated support for interactive theorem proving assistants (in association with FACS group). Although linked to domain modelling and requirements specification, the techniques explored here are mainly mathematical in nature and linked to the work done in applied logic by the FACS group. In future work we plan to create a library of first order expressions and use these in conjunction with OTTER. A proper user interface adhering to all the good principles of HCI also need to be developed for the theorem prover..
  • Knowledge representation techniques (in association with FACS group). The main focus is currently on the use graphs and graph grammars. Various application areas exists, and one application area currently under investigation is to represent knowledge regarding the spatial configuration of chemical structures.
  • User interfaces to data intensive systems. This links research into HCI with research into information management systems, and include research into user interfaces of large databases, data warehouses, data mining tools, query interfaces, etc.
  • Hexa-C modelling of CAI and educational web pages. This involves the application of several learning theories and cognitive research models to the design and development of interactive learning environments, including web-based learning and teaching material. In future work we plan to develop a framework to use in Hexa-C model during the design and development of interactive learning and teaching systems, and to determine to applicability of the Hexa-C model to other domains.  
  • Web usability. This involves research into the design and use of highly interactive Internet-base applications and services. Current work focus the Internet-based banking and courseware delivery.
  • CSCW
  • Multimedia. In association with Departments of Fine Arts, Musicology, Communication, and Information Science.
  • Ergonomics of computer teaching labs.  Research into the requirements and design of computer teaching laboratories in order to promote effective communication and optimal learning conditions. See our activities in the Electronic Education Technologies and Strategies project.
  • Reflective research into teaching different facets of HCI.  In future work we will develop the new undergraduate HCI programmes and to adapt the postgraduate programme accordingly. See our activities in the Electronic Education Technologies and Strategies project.

Mode of Working

The work of the HCI group is not carried out in isolation. Interfaces exists with all the other main research areas: FACS, Computer Networks, Object-oriented design and distributed systems.

The work is carried out in four main ways:

  • The application of existing techniques to real-world case studies honours and masters level.
  • The exploration, development, and validation and evaluation of basic/novel concepts honours, masters, and doctoral level, as well as when new focus areas/ideas are explored.
  • Integrating and applying new approaches and techniques into the wider systems design and development life cycle.
  • The use of acquired techniques and approaches in development projects.

Presentations & Publications

  • Barrow, JE: A Writing Support Tool with Multiple Views, Computers and the Humanities.(To appear)
  • Barrow, JE: Conf. Comp. in Pers. Man., Jhb, June 1987 – Expert Systems in Human Resource Management.
  • M.R. de Villiers & P. Kotze Factors underlying the Design and Development of Interactive Computer-Based Learning and Instructional Systems. Paper at the Fourth CBE/CBT Conference and Workshop of CENSE (Centre for Software Engineering), Unisa, Pretoria, October 1996.
  • M.R. de Villiers Applying the Hexa-C Metamodel of Instructional Theory and Design Educational Web Applications. Paper at WebNet 99 Conference, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, October 1999.
  • M.R. de Villiers Evaluation of an Interactive Learning Environment using the Hexa-C Metamodel. Paper at ICCE99 (7th International Conference on Computers in Education), Chiba, Japan, November 1999.
  • M.R. de Villiers & P. Kotze Software Engineering Development Methodologies applied to Computer-Aided Instruction. Paper at SAICSIT 96 (South African Institute for Computer Scientists and Information Technologists) Annual Research and Development Symposium, Durban. September 1996.
  • M.R. de Villiers Component-Based Instructional Software. Paper at SACLA '96 (Southern African Computer Lecturers' Association) Conference, Johannesburg-Pretoria area, June 1996.
  • M.R. de Villiers Instructional Design for Computer-Assisted Instruction. Paper at the Fourth CBE/CBT Conference and Workshop of CENSE (Centre for Software Engineering), Unisa, Pretoria, October 1996.
  • M.R. de Villiers: Structured Knowledge Representation with Particular Reference to Frames. Unpublished Special Topic Report, Department of Computer Science, University of South Africa, Pretoria, 1989.
  • M.R. de Villiers: Relations: A CAI Tutorial in Theoretical Computer Science. Unpublished MEd mini-dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 1993.
  • M.R. de Villiers Integrating a Software Engineering Approach and Instructional Factors in Instructional Software Development - illustrated by a Prototype in Theoretical Computer Science. Unpublished MSc dissertation, University of South Africa, Pretoria, 1995.
  • Kotzé P; The Use of Formal Models in the Design of Interactive Authoring Support Environments; DPhil Thesis; University of York (UK); Published as Research Report YCST 97/09, Department of Computer Science, University of York (UK)
  • Kotzé P, Pistorius M C, Fallick P M & De Villiers C; 1989; Technical Report: DW4 Merge Manual (TR/89-01) Dept. of Computer Science and Information Systems, Unisa
  • Kotzé P; Research Report: User Interface Evaluation of Authoring Support Environments (YSE 1993); Department of Computer Science, University of York, UK.
  • Kotzé P; Research Report: Agents Participating in a Computer-Based Instructional Environment; 1995 ; Department of Computer Science, University of York, UK.
  • Kotzé P; Using a formal model for the evaluation of the human-computer interface properties of display-based authoring support environments. In: Artificial Intelligence in Education, 1993 - Proceedings of AI-ED 93 World Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, edited by P Brna, S, Ohlsson, H Pain. Charlottesville, VA: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE); 1993
  • Kotzé P; Towards an Option Space for Network Structures in Computer-Based Instruction. In: Industry meets Academia, Proceedings of SAICSIT 95 Research and Development Symposium, edited by A L Steenkamp; Pretoria: Unisa; 1995
  • Kotzé P & De Villiers R; Factors underlying the design and development of interactive computer-based learning and instructional systems - non-computer related issues. In: Papers delivered at the Fourth CBE/CBT Conference and Workshop - Information Technology Effective Education / Training, edited by P M Alexander; 1996; Pretoria: Unisa
  • Kotzé P & Renaud K; A comparison of transaction management schemes in multidatabases. In: Industry meets Academia, SAICSIT '96 Conference Proceedings, edited by V Ram; 1996; Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal
  • Kotzé P & De Villiers R; Software engineering development methodologies applied to computer-aided instruction. In: Industry meets Academia, SAICSIT '96 Conference Proceedings, edited by V Ram Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal; 1996
  • Kotzé P; Why the hypermedia model is inadequate for computer-based instruction. In: Changing the Delivery of Computer Scienece Education. Conference Proceedings of the 6th Annual Conference on Teaching Computing and the 3rd Annual Conference on Integrating Technology into Computer Science Education - ITiCSE '98, ACM Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland;1998
  • Kotzé P; Usability principles specific to interactive authoring support environments. In: HCI'98 Conference Companion, edited by J May, J Siddiqi & J Wilkinson, BCS. Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom; 1998
  • Kotzé P; A generic modelling framework for interactive authoring support environments. In: Proceedings of the Formal Aspects of Human Computer Interaction Workshop -FAHCI '98,  University Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom; 1998
  • Kotzé P & S Hudson; Usability assessment of end-user client systems in the banking industry. Submitted to appear in: Proceedings of Interact '99, edited by M A Sasse. IFIP Edinburg, IFIP; 1999
  •  Kotzé P; System Theory (Educational-Technology-1, Educational-Technology-2)= Educational Technology-3, Colloquium, Dept. of Computer Science, Unisa; 1988
  • Kotzé P; A formal model of authoring support environments Colloquium, Dept. of Computer Science, Unisa.; 1993
  •  Kotzé P; Authoring support environments. Seminar Series of the Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Computer Science, University of York, 9 November 1992
  • Kotzé P; Formal models in user interface evaluation. 8th National Conference for Masters and PhD Computer Science Students, University of South Africa, Pretoria, 29-30 June 1993
  • Kotzé P; Using a formal model for the evaluation of the human-computer interface properties of display-based authoring support environments. (Best paper award) AI-ED 93, World Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Education, 23-27 August 1993, Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Kotzé P; Towards an option space for network structures in computer-based instruction Industry meets Academia, SAICSIT 95 Research and Development Symposium, Unisa, 25-26 May 1995.
  • Kotzé P; Requirement specifications for authoring support environments aimed at the development of interactive computer-based tutoring systems Seminar Series of the Human-Computer Interaction Group, Department of Computer Science, University of York, UK. 20 December 1995.
  • Kotzé P & De Villiers R Factors underlying the design and development of interactive computer-based learning and instructional systems - non-computer related issues Information Technology Effective Education / Training, Fourth CBE/CBT Conference and Workshop, Unisa, 7-10 October 1996
  • Kotzé P & Renaud K A comparison of transaction management schemes in multidatabases Industry meets Academia, SAICSIT '96 Conference, University of Natal, 26 - 27 September 1996
  • Kotzé P & De Villiers R Software engineering development methodologies applied to computer-aided instruction Industry meets Academia, SAICSIT '96 Conference, University of Natal, 26 - 27 September 1996
  • Kotzé P; Engineering interactive authoring support environments Public Lecture (Thesis Talk), University of York (UK), 16 December 1996
  • Kotzé P; Why the hypermedia model is inadequate for computer-based instruction. Changing the Delivery of Computer Scienece Education. Conference Proceedings of the 6th Annual Conference on Teaching Computing and the 3rd Annual Conference on Integrating Technology into Computer Science Education - ITiCSE '98, 17 - 21 August 1998
  • Kotzé P; Usability principles specific to interactive authoring support environments. HCI '98 Conference, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 1 - 4 September 1998
  • Kotzé P; A generic modelling framework for interactive authoring support environments. Formal Aspects of Human Computer Interaction Workshop -FAHCI '98, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 5 - 6 September 1998
  • Pistorius, M C en C de Villiers: An evaluation of the authoring packages QUEST and PCD3. Technical Report, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. TR/88-06, June 1988.
  • Pistorius, M C en C de Villiers : An evaluation of the authoring packages QUEST and PCD3. Technical Report of the Dept. of Computer Science & Information Systems. TR/88/06.