Hello,
I am working with the Virginia Tech student chapter of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society to design and execute a hands-on demonstration that compliments Dr. Kelleher's response to the question - "Why are some computer programs so frustrating?" This is in support of Kids Tech University (http://kidstechuniversity.vbi.vt.edu/program.php), an educational initiative that exposes kids to science and technology careers. Any thoughts? I remember a couple threads around this topic; however, would like to get some insight into what works with this audience (ages 8-12). Feb. 28, 2009 "Why are some computer programs so frustrating?" Answered by Dr. Caitlin Kelleher Lecture abstract: Computers can help us solve lots of different problems, but some computer programs can be hard to use. How can we change this? This talk will highlight some ways scientific tools and methods can be used to help create computer programs that are easier and more fun to use. We will look at how these tools were involved in the design of "Storytelling Alice," a computer program that helps kids learn how to program computers while they create Pixar-style animated movies. Dr. Caitlin Kelleher is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Washington University in St. Louis. Her computer program, "Storytelling Alice," has been shown to be influential in the teaching of computer programming to young females. Much thanks, Woodrow W. Winchester, III, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Human-Computer Interaction Director, Laboratory for User-Centric Innovations in Design (LUCID) <http://filebox.vt.edu/users/wwwinche/LUCID/LUCID1.pdf> http://filebox.vt.edu/users/wwwinche/LUCID/LUCID1.pdf Program Coordinator, Virginia Tech HCI Research Experience for Undergraduates (HCI REU) http://www.reu.hci.vt.edu Grado Dept. of Industrial & Systems Engineering (0118) Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) 546 Whittemore Hall Blacksburg, VA 24061 540.231.5936 (Phone) 540.231.3322 (FAX) <mailto:[email protected]> [email protected] (E-mail) ________________________________________________________________ Welcome to the Interaction Design Association (IxDA)! To post to this list ....... [email protected] Unsubscribe ................ http://www.ixda.org/unsubscribe List Guidelines ............ http://www.ixda.org/guidelines List Help .................. http://www.ixda.org/help
