Psychology 444
Cyberpsychology: An Introduction to the Psychology of Human/Computer Interaction
Fall 2008, MWF 10:00am- 10:50am, 1129 PLS
Insturctor: Kent L Norman (klnorman@umd.edu)
Office: 3123F BPS
In this course we will explore psychological processes and issues as they are changing and emerging in the brave new world of computers and the Internet.
For years futurists have talked about the radical changes that would occur in the age of computers. They said that we would think and behave differently; our educational systems would be revolutionized; our jobs would be computerized; and our social networks and institutions would be electronic.
Indeed today we are experiencing rapid changes in technology and the retooling of schools, offices, factories, and homes to include or center around personal and not-so-personal computers. Projections in industry are that this is only the beginning.
In this class we will look at the full range of topics normally covered in an introductory course in psychology--but which need to be rewritten in the age of computers. What are the new problems in sensory and perception as they relate to computer screens and virtual environments? How have demands on human learning and memory changed and how can we use the computer to help? What is the impact of email and on-line communities on social processes? How is the human mind coping with new sources of stress in the automated environment? Is CyberTherapy possible?
The course will include lectures, class discussion, and team projects. Class sessions will be held in the Plant Sciences Teaching Theater, a state-of-the-art electronic classroom. All assignments, readings, and exams will be on the Web.
Grades will be based on a midterm (25%), a final exam (25%), individual projects, participation, and homework (25%) and a collaborative class project (25%).
Psyc 444: CyberPsychology | |||
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| Date | Topic | Readings | Assignments |
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8/29/2008
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The Teaching Theater, HyperCourseware, & Cyberpsychology
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MAN
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8/31/2008
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Introduction to CyberPsychology
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RD_01
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Proj_01: Class Roll Description
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9/3/2008
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(Labor Day -- No Class)
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9/5/2008
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Historical Perspectives in Psychology and Technology
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Proj_02: Personal Computer History
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9/7/2008
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Technological Bases for Human/Computer Interaction
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RD_02
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Discussion 1
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9/10/2008
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Biological Bases for Human/Computer Interaction
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Proj_03: CyberSurvey
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9/12/2008
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Theoretical Perspectives in Human/Computer Interaction
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RD_03
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9/14/2008
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Models and Metaphors
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9/17/2008
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Research Methods
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RD_04
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Discussion 2
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9/19/2008
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Usability Testing
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Proj_04: User Testing
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9/21/2008
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Usability Testing/Class Project
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Proj_05: Project Input
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9/24/2008
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Sensory Interfaces
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RD_05
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9/26/2008
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Motor Interfaces
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9/28/2008
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The Graphical User Interface
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RD_06
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Proj_06: Wikipedia Edit
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10/1/2008
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Learning at the Human/Computer Interface
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10/3/2008
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Memory at the Human/Computer Interface
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10/5/2008
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Problem Solving with Computers
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RD_07
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Discussion 3
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10/8/2008
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Search Strategies
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Proj_07: Strategies
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10/10/2008
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Language and Programming
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RD_08
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10/12/2008
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Class Projects
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Proj_08: HTML
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10/15/2008
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Language and Programming (continued)
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10/17/2008
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*** Midterm Exam ***
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10/19/2008
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Individual Differences and Computers
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RD_09
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Proj_09: Personality Tests
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10/22/2008
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Personality Online
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10/24/2008
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Motivation to Interact with Computers
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RD_10
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10/26/2008
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Computer Rage
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Proj_10: Computer Rage Survey
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10/29/2008
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Affect at the Human/Computer Interface
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Discussion 4
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10/31/2008
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Interpersonal Interfaces
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RD_11
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11/2/2008
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Class Projects
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11/5/2008
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Person Perception and Identity Online
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11/7/2008
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Online Communities
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Proj_11: Join an Online Community
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11/9/2008
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CyberPathologies
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RD_12
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11/12/2008
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CyberTheories Online
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11/14/2008
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Automation and Its Effects
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Proj_12: Automation
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11/16/2008
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Artificial Intelligence and Agents
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RD_13
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Discussion 5
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11/19/2008
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Assistive Technologies
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RD_14
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11/21/2008
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Class Projects
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11/23/2008
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(Thanksgiving Break -- No Class)
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11/26/2008
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Augmented Cognition
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11/28/2008
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Media and OnlineGames
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RD_15
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Discussion 6
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11/30/2008
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Virtual Education and Edutainment
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Proj_13: New Media
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12/3/2008
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The Future of Human/Computer Interaction
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RD_16
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12/5/2008
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(continued and review)
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12/7/2008
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Presentation of Class Projects (Teams 1-3)
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12/10/2008
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Presentation of Class Projects (Teams 4-6)
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12/19/2008
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*** Final Exam *** ( 8:00 - 10:00 AM )
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