Department of Psychology, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
PS50118 Interacting with technology (for learning, work and leisure) |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: ES80OR20 |
| Requisites: |
| Before taking this unit you must take PS50067 and take XX50125 |
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Aims: To equip the student with an understanding of the design and evaluation of new technologies exploring interdisciplinary approaches, particularly where psychology meets education and computer science.
To illustrate the importance of usability and consider how it can be achieved and assessed. To explore the ways in which new technologies shape and are shaped by society. To design new technologies to support learning work or leisure activities. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the module, students should be able to: * Assess and evaluate debates centred on methodologies for evaluating new technology. * Assess and evaluate current debates and their implications for the continuing development of theory and methodology. * Review the state of the art in industrial and research projects in this area. * Design new technologies for the use of new technology in either a learning, work or leisure context. Skills: Understands the scientific underpinnings of psychology as a discipline, its historical origins, development and limitations. (T/F A) Recognises the inherent variability and diversity of psychological functioning and its significance. (T/F A) Can demonstrate systematic knowledge and critical understanding of a range of influences on psychological functioning, how they are conceptualised across the core areas, and how they interrelate. The core knowledge domains within psychology include (i) research methods, (ii) biological psychology, (iii) cognitive psychology, (iv) individual differences, (v) developmental psychology and (vi) social psychology. In addition to these core areas it is expected that students will gain knowledge of conceptual and historical perspectives in psychology. (T/F A) Has detailed knowledge of several specialised areas and/or applications, some of which are at the cutting edge of research in the discipline. (T/F A) Can reason scientifically, understand the role of evidence and make critical judgements about arguments in psychology. (T/F A) Can adopt multiple perspectives and systematically analyse the relationships between them. (T/F A) Can detect meaningful patterns in behaviour and experience and evaluate their significance. (T/F A) Can communicate ideas and research findings both effectively and fluently by written, oral and visual means. (T/F A) Can solve problems by clarifying questions, considering alternative solutions and evaluating outcomes. (T/F A) Can undertake self-directed study and project management in order to meet desired objectives. (T/F A) Is able to take charge of their own learning, and can reflect and evaluate personal strengths and weaknesses for the purposes of future learning. (T/F A) Content: The design and evaluation of current and future interactive technologies, such as web, virtual reality, mobiles and wearables. Examining how interactive technology is changing the way we work, the way we play and the way we learn. Using psychological theories to understand how these technologies are changing our world and how to design new interactive technologies. |