2004-2005 Seminar Series

Computer Science is a discipline with a core of algorithmic and design research that is surrounded by a layer of applied research that enables others to use results of this core activity to achieve their own goals. In this talk I will first present three current projects that connect computing research with people and problems in other disciplines. These partnerships have been built with the integration of computer science very early in the process: the support of middle school math teachers; psycho-social interventions for parents and children with health and behavioral problems; games for children with chronic diseases. I will then discuss an ongoing research project on usability factors for the display of large data sets on small devices to support activities, such as those in the above communities, beyond the usual contact list and calendar functions. This will be an informal and fairly general level talk, aimed at promoting discussion.

Carolyn Watters, PhD. is a Professor in the Faculty of Computer Science, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, co-director or the Web Information Filtering Lab, and director of the Interdisciplinary PhD program at Dalhousie University. She has been on the Executive Committee for E-Commerce at Dalhousie and the Director of E-Commerce programs. Her current research includes studies of usability factors for data access on small screens, genre, web based psycho-social health interventions, and games as educational media. Her research into highly interactive mathematics for children has led to the formation of a successful spin-off company and ongoing research into the potential use of games and simulations in advanced learning environments.