Human-Computer Interaction

CS 6751 Fall 1998

General course information and policies

Electronic information

The use of electronic technology in the classroom will play a critical role in this class, for two reasons. First, as with other classes, we will use electronic means to disseminate information about the class, such as homework assignments, grades, and general announcements outside of class. Second, much of the project work done in this class will be part of a larger research effort, called Classroom 2000. The information provided here concerns the former use of electronic information. We will try to make as much use as possible of electronic information exchange. The three major electronic means of exchange will be electronic mail, a class newsgroup and a class World Wide Web (WWW) home page. If you aren't already familiar with these Internet-based tools, now is the time to find out.

Electronic mail

Probably the most dependable way to contact the instructor is by e-mail. Whenever you send e-mail, please make sure you include your full name on the message, as it is sometimes difficult to decipher student mail addresses.

WWW

You are currently reading text from the class Web pages for CS 6751. There are a variety of ways to access this page using any of a number of WWW browsers (lynx, Mosaic, netscape, etc.). For example, you can traverse links directly from the College of Computing home page (look for the link to "Classes using the Web" under the category of "Education"). Or you can access this page directly by opening the URL (that's WWW-speak for location) http://www.cc.gatech.edu/classes/cs6751_98_fall/.

The class syllabus, indicating lecture topics, reading, homework and lab assignments, will be posted on the class Web page and will be continually updated throughout the quarter. You should make it a regular habit to consult the syllabus. As the class proceeds through the quarter, we will eventually allow you to store your own electronic notes on the syllabus web page.

Newsgroup

The newsgroup for this class is git.cc.class.6751. Occasionally, this newsgroup will be used by the instructor or TAs to make general announcements to the class outside of lecture time. You should make it a habit to consult the newsgroup on a regular basis. Students can post general class-related announcements to the newsgroup. The newsgroup is NOT the best way to get a message through to the instructor, so do not rely on it to get answers from the instructor on urgent matters. It should be used to facilitate discussion among the students (and perhaps the TA).

Grading

The final grades will be calculated based on the following weighting scheme. It is possible that this weighting scheme will be adjusted as the quarter progresses. Any such changes will be announced to the class. It is up to the graduating students to make themselves known to the instructor at the beginning of the course.

**Grade weighting**
Category	Non-graduating	Graduating
Individual assignments	10%	10%
Group project	50%	60%
Midterm	15%	20%
Final	15%	n/a
Class participation Peer review	10%	10%

Homework

Periodic homework assigments may be given as individual assignments. All homework must be handed in by the beginning of class on the day the assignment is due. Homework will be marked down 10% for each day it is late, with or without an excuse. The assignments will be posted on the Web syllabus.

Homework will be graded and returned within one week of receipt. Any questions about grading of homework should be directed to a TA within one week of return date.

Exams

There will be a midterm exam during the quarter and a final exam, both of which will be based on reading, lectures, homework and group project assignments. The instructor will provide a study guide for exams one week prior to the exam date. The midterm exam will be returned within one week. Questions about exam grading should be directed to the instructor within one week of the return. Adjustments in exam grades will be rare and could equally well result in a lowering or raising of the grade.

Group project

A large part of this course will consist of a project done in groups. More complete information on the project is presented elsewhere. Project groups will be 3-4 member teams. There will be three separate project milestones with a written deliverable due. There will be two opportunities for groups to present the progress on their work during the quarter and these presentations will constitute the balance of the project grade.

Class participation/Attendance

A good portion of the learning in a graduate class comes from intelligent discussion involving the instructor and the students. A significant portion of your grade will be determined by class participation. If you don't attend class, you cannot participate, and your grade will reflect that. I expect that each student will attend all lectures and contribute constructively to the discussion.

I want to know who you are, so please make an effort to speak in class and talk to me outside of class. If by the end of the quarter I don't know your name, it won't necessarily be my fault.

Class policies

Students are expected to attend all lectures on time. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. This expectation includes showing up for exams at the appointed time. Late make-up exams will not be given. Any conflicts with exam times should be brought to the instructor's attention as soon as possible and in all cases PRIOR to the examination period.

Students are expected to follow the university's codes of academic conduct. Cases of suspected academic misconduct will be immediately forwarded to the Dean of Student Affairs, and will be pursued to resolution. This is an unpleasant process for all involved, so please do not put yourself in this situation.

Above all, I would like to adhere to the reasonable person principle.

Back to CS 6751 Home Page