{"title":"Integrating Microcontroller-Based Projects in a Human-Computer Interaction Course","authors":"Miguel Angel Garcia-Ruiz, Pedro Cesar Santana-Mancilla, Laura Sanely Gaytan-Lugo","volume":142,"journal":"International Journal of Computer and Information Engineering","pagesStart":946,"pagesEnd":951,"ISSN":"1307-6892","URL":"https:\/\/publications.waset.org\/pdf\/10009709","abstract":"<p>This paper describes the design and application of a short in-class project conducted in Algoma University&rsquo;s Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) course taught at the Bachelor of Computer Science. The project was based on the Maker Movement (people using and reusing electronic components and everyday materials to tinker with technology and make interactive applications), where students applied low-cost and easy-to-use electronic components, the Arduino Uno microcontroller board, software tools, and everyday objects. Students collaborated in small teams by completing hands-on activities with them, making an interactive walking cane for blind people. At the end of the course, students filled out a Technology Acceptance Model version 2 (TAM2) questionnaire where they evaluated microcontroller boards&rsquo; applications in HCI classes. We also asked them about applying the Maker Movement in HCI classes. Results showed overall students&rsquo; positive opinions and response about using microcontroller boards in HCI classes. We strongly suggest that every HCI course should include practical activities related to tinkering with technology such as applying microcontroller boards, where students actively and constructively participate in teams for achieving learning objectives.<\/p>\r\n","references":"[1]\tE. R. Halverson, and K. Sheridan, \u201cThe maker movement in education\u201d, Harvard Educational Review, vol. 84, no. 4, pp. 495-504, 2014.\r\n[2]\tC. Anderson, Makers: The new industrial revolution, New York, NY: Crown, 2012.\r\n[3]\tP. Blikstein, and D. Krannich, \u201cThe makers' movement and FabLabs in education: experiences, technologies, and research\u201d, in Proc. of the 12th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children, ACM, 2013.\r\n[4]\tD. Dougherty, \u201cThe maker movement. Innovations: Technology, governance\u201d, Globalization, vol. 7, number 3, pp. 11-14, 2012.\r\n[5]\tM. A. Garcia-Ruiz, P. C. Santana-Mancilla, and L. S. Gaytan-Lugo, \u201cMeasuring technology acceptance of Makey Makey as an input device in a human-computer interaction class\u201d, in Proceedings of EdMedia 2016: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology, Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2016.\r\n[6]\tE. S. Katterfeldt, N. Dittert, and H. Schelhowe, \u201cDesigning digital fabrication learning environments for Bildung: Implications from ten years of physical computing workshops\u201d, in Proc. of International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, 5, pp. 3-10, 2015.\r\n[7]\tS. P. Overmyer, \u201cRevolutionary vs. evolutionary rapid prototyping: balancing software productivity and HCI design concerns\u201d, in Proc. of the 4th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Stuttgart, Germany, pp. 303-308, 1991.\r\n[8]\tK. Peppler, and S Bender, \"Maker movement spreads innovation one project at a time\", Phi Delta Kappan Magazine, vol. 95, no. 3, pp.22-27, 2013.\r\n[9]\tF. D. Davis, \"Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and user acceptance of information technology\", MIS Quarterly, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 319\u2013340, 1989.\r\n[10]\tV. Venkatesh, and F. D. Davis, \u201cA theoretical extension of the technology acceptance model: Four longitudinal field studies\u201d, Management Science, Catonsville, MD, USA, vol. 46, number 2, pp. 186-204, 2000.\r\n[11]\tM. A. Garcia-Ruiz, P. C. Santana-Mancilla, L. S. Gaytan-Lugo, \u201cMeasuring Technology Acceptance of Makey Makey as an Input Device in a Human-Computer Interaction Class\", in Proc. of EdMedia 2016: World Conference on Educational Media and Technology. Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2016.\r\n[12]\thttp:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Smart-Arduino-Walking-Stick-for-Visually-Impaired\/. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[13]\thttp:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Smart-Arduino-Walking-Stick-for-Visually-Impaired\/. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[14]\thttp:\/\/arduinoart.blogspot.ca\/2015\/05\/project-guide-stick-for-blind-people.html. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[15]\thttp:\/\/www.learningaboutelectronics.com\/Articles\/HC-SR04-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-circuit.php. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[16]\thttp:\/\/www.learningaboutelectronics.com\/Datasheets\/HC-SR04-ultrasonic-distance-sensor-datasheet.pdf. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[17]\thttps:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/How-to-use-a-Buzzer-Arduino-Tutorial\/. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[18]\thttps:\/\/www.arduino.cc\/en\/reference\/tone. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[19]\thttp:\/\/www.instructables.com\/id\/Smart-Arduino-Walking-Stick-for-Visually-Impaired\/ Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[20]\tJ. Nielsen, \"Usability inspection methods.\" in Proc. of Conference Companion on Human Factors in Computing Systems, ACM, 1994.\r\n[21]\thttp:\/\/fritzing.org\/home\/. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018. \r\n[22]\t (https:\/\/store.arduino.cc\/usa\/arduino-uno-rev3. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[23]\thttps:\/\/makeymakey.com\/. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.\r\n[24]\thttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=IJxlZIfyNX0. Accessed on: 25\/06\/2018.","publisher":"World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology","index":"Open Science Index 142, 2018"}