CEN3722 Human Computer Interaction Learning Dr. Ron Eaglin

Objectives Describe why understanding how humans learn is in designing HCI Describe differences between how experts and novices represent knowledge Describe how learning by analogy can be used in system design Describe the stages of learning Describe and give examples of how humans have difficulty learning new concepts and procedures.

Objectives Define and provide examples of; Declarative knowledge Procedural knowledge Learning by analogy Stages of learning; cognitive, associative, autonomous

Design and Learning Design affects how users learn systems Different methods appeal to different people Some like to be told – manuals or tutors Like to jump in and learn by trial and error Like to watch the work of others

Learn through Analogy Learner invoke prior knowledge to interpret and predict behavior Provides users with a conceptual basis to formulate understanding Metaphors and conceptual models Provides old ways of doing new things.

Gaining Expertise Declarative knowledge Procedural knowledge Facts Declares “what is” Procedural knowledge “How to” knowledge Going from declarative to procedural Using information that a computer has a mouse and keyboard to knowing how to use them,

Menu selection through mouse Key Accelerators 1. Alt-E = Open Edit Menu 2. U = Undo Menu selection through mouse Selection though keyboard Shortcuts Ctrl+A = Select All 7

Learning difficulties Learners often experience frustration and blame themselves take longer than expected to learn have trouble applying what they know after training lack basic knowledge make ad-hoc interpretations (wrong analogies) Have trouble following directions don’t read or follow directions understand or follow directions correctly Don’t understand how problems are related

Learning Challenges Interface features may not be too obvious Learners may be confused by pre-requisites Learners may not understand side effects of procedures May be confused by feedback and outcome of procedures

Learning Difficulties - Help Help facilities do not always help Copy - Click on the Copy button to copy to the clipboard. Paste – Click on Paste button to paste from the clipboard. Some users do not understand basic concepts.

Stages of Learning Cognitive Associative Autonomous Involves acquiring declarative knowledge Associative Connections between various elements required for successful performance are strengthened and procedural knowledge is increased. Autonomous Skills become automated and declarative knowledge is no longer needed.

Facilitate Skills Acquisition Keep declarative knowledge small – fewer user options Menus Design interface to encourage user to acquire procedural skills Support experienced users with procedural short cuts

Summary Describe why understanding how humans learn is in designing HCI Describe differences between how experts and novices represent knowledge Describe how learning by analogy can be used in system design Describe the stages of learning Describe and give examples of how humans have difficulty learning new concepts and procedures

Summary Define and provide examples of; Declarative knowledge Procedural knowledge Learning by analogy Stages of learning; cognitive, associative, autonomous