Dpipes’s Weblog

Ch 12 Discussion November 13, 2007

Can you think of a specific instance when you have become frustrated with a software user interface?

Yes. I’m currently taking class in which I have been required to create some diagrams with any particular drawing software. Because I wasn’t going to fork out the hundreds of dollars to buy a program that I may not use again, I opted to download a free one online. After the first couple of times using it, I realized that it wasn’t the most friendly of UI’s. It was definitely harder to get the desired results compared to some other brand name programs. I couldn’t even copy and paste into other programs like Word!

Is it possible to make computer software significantly easier to use?

Yes. It’s all about relativity. Typically, a program is developed from the programmers point of view and is documented and structured to his perception of what is needed and what is easy. The majority of the effort used to create the program goes toward its purpose and making it as fast and efficient as possible. This usually is not conducive to a normal computer user’s day at work or at home. The elements that the programmer eliminated for the prupose of efficiency are what the normal guy needed to understand how to perform a basic task. If there is more effort taken to realize where the target audience’s skill level is and programs are tailored to that expectation, then they can be easier to use.

Would you agree that programmers don’t understand the viewpoint of a typical computer user and consequently produce bad software?

That may have been a possible reason a time or two, I’m sure. In their defense, they are trying to accomplish a job. They are paid to make a product that does “X.” As long as they do, they have no reason to look back. If that product is supposed to be used by average Joe, then there needs to be an extension of the development team that conforms the program to a basic user.

What do you think of the “Computer User’s Bill of Rights?”

Many of the tenets I can agree with and are right on target, like number three or four. However, some I see as questionable, like number one and number ten. It’s hard for me to believe that “the user is always right.” Anyone who has worked at a customer service job will tell you that sometimes people are just plain wrong. Also, to be a “master” of anything takes time, practice, and dedication.

How would you like to see technology used in your courses?

I guess I’m content with what I do know of and not as diverse as I should be because, I can’t think of anything that isn’t being used or isn’t popular already. We have video conferencing, books online, email, chat, online tests, grades, assignments, research is a fingertip away, lecture downloads, streaming discussions, blogs, etc. Fill me in, please.

Do you think games and/or simulations or blogs or wikis could be used effectively in courses?

I’m currently using a blog in this class and it seems to be a good way of familiarizing with some elements of the course. I can agree that wikis could be helpful. They could be used as study aids between students or speicalized for a particular class. I don’t know about games. That’s only because games and school work have always been conflicting entities for me:)

Ch 11 Discussion November 7, 2007

How much information can you currently find about yourself on the Web?

Not much. I have a MySpace and a Facebook page. The only other things that come up are some road races that I did when I was in high school. They posted the results from the races online on their page.

How much privacy are you willing to release?

Just the basics - name, address, and phone are the only real important ones that I’m comfortable with. Other ones like ht, wt, gender, etc. I prefer not to just because I feel that they are not really important, so I don’t see why they should be needed. I try to divulge only that which is needed to do what I want to do.