Catalogue of Modules, University of Nottingham

G53CCT Collaboration and Communication Technologies
(Last Updated:08 April 2013)

Year  10/11

Total Credits: 10

Level: Level 3

Target Students:  II undergraduate students in the School of Computer Science. Also available to students from other Schools with the agreement of the module convenor.  Available to JYA/Erasmus students.

Taught Semesters:

SemesterAssessment
Autumn Assessed by end of Autumn Semester 

Prerequisites: Or equivalent knowledge of computer networks, for example G64INC (pre- or co-requisite)

Corequisites:  None.

Summary of Content:  

This module is part of the Human-Computer Interaction theme in the School of Computer Science.

This module considers the design of collaboration and communications technologies used in a variety of different contexts including workplace, domestic and leisure environments. The module considers the basic principles of such technologies, explores the technologies from a social perspective considering their impact on human behaviour and critically reflects on their design from a human-centred perspective. Specific topics include asynchronous and synchronous communication, such as computer-mediated communication (CMC) and video-mediated communication (VMC), remote presence devices, groupware systems, co-located meeting-support tools, awareness tools, social networking technologies, online communities, virtual environments and ethical issues affecting the design of collaborative technologies (such as privacy).

Module Web Links:
   
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    • Method and Frequency of Class:

    ActivityNumber Of WeeksNumber of sessionsDuration of a session
    Lecture 11 weeks2 per week1 hour

    Activities may take place every teaching week of the Semester or only in specified weeks. It is usually specified above if an activity only takes place in some weeks of a Semester

    Method of Assessment: 

    Assessment TypeWeightRequirements
    Exam 1 75 2 hr examination 
    Coursework 1 25 coursework consisting of a group based interactive prototype and demonstration 

    Convenor: 
    Professor S Benford
    Dr G Hopkins
    Professor T Rodden

    Education Aims:  This module aims to give students a thorough understanding of various forms of collaboration and communication technologies, in terms of both their design (from a human-centred perspective) and their impact on human collaborative action. The module also aims to give students practical experience of using and evaluating collaboration tools.

    Learning Outcomes:  Knowledge and Understanding Students will be able to compare the HCI issues in individual interaction with group interaction, they will be able to discuss issues of social concern raised by collaborative software, they will be able to describe the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication, they will be able to describe the similarities, differences and requirements of face-to-face and remote collaboration and associated technological tools. Intellectual Skills Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the use of collaboration and communication tools in a variety of contexts and will be able to critically reflect on the issues relevant to their design. Professional Skills Students will be able to design and evaluate collaboration and communication technologies from a human-centred perspective. Transferable Skills Students will be able to work productively as part of a team, will be able to demonstrate good written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, will be able to demonstrate critical thinking and will be able to make effective use of technology for collaborative working.

    Offering School:  Computer Science

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