Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE ARI2132

 
TITLE AI in Smart Environments

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 5

 
DEPARTMENT Artificial Intelligence

 
DESCRIPTION Artificial Intelligent Systems and Agents communicate with each other and with humans to exchange information. This study-unit will introduce students to the concepts of Intelligent Interfaces, combining design principles and technology advancements for effective human-computer interaction in a number of areas. The main focus will be the application of intelligent techniques that will vary over time but which will focus on User Adaptivity and User Modelling. Moreover, it will provide an introduction to the application of machine intelligence across different environments and physical / virtual spaces. This will also include reference to the design criteria and principles as well as the current state of the art in technologies for a more human-centric approach to the development of Artificial Intelligence in surrounding environments.

Study-Unit Aims:

- Expose learners to concepts and theories in the areas of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI);
- Provide a background to the construction of novel interactive systems and the evaluation and testing of such systems in use;
- Provide the foundational knowledge in robotics through theory and practical hands-on sessions;
- Critically review projects and applications related to the HCI domain;
- Support the students in the co-creation of a system that is designed to support the performance and experiences of users, enabling them carry out tasks effectively, efficiently and in an engaging way.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Describe and give examples of how intelligent agents and intelligent systems can be integrated practically in the social context;
- Use and apply theories to the practical design and development of intelligent systems and robotics;
- Analyse how the various intelligent systems can be used and replicated in daily user practices;
- Adapt existing technologies to design intelligent systems and robots;
- Critically appraise how novel intelligent systems can serve towards the improvement of the quality of life of individuals in society.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to:
- Handle information found and gathered online effectively and filter it according to its value;
- Communicate effectively in the online environment using different digital media, by following best practice guidelines and Internet ethics;
- Co-create intelligent systems in a socio-collaborative setting making use of virtual communities;
- Participate in virtual communities adapting to different roles and responsibilities for task completion;
- Strategically devise plans and methods towards solving set problems and achieving personal goals;
- Develop a project that meets the aims and objectives set for this study-unit.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

Main Texts:

- Sharp, H., Rogers, Y., & Preece, J. (2019). Interaction design: Beyond human-computer interaction. Wiley, 5th Edition.
- MacKenzie, I. S. (2013). Human-computer interaction: An empirical research perspective. Elsevier, USA.

Supplementary Readings:

- Alkhalifa, E. M. (Ed.). (2012). Cognitively Informed Intelligent Interfaces: Systems Design and Development: Systems Design and Development. Idea Group,U.S., Harrisburg, PA, USA.
- Jacko, J.A. (2012). Human Computer Interaction Handbook : Fundamentals, Evolving Technologies, and Emerging Applications, Third Edition. Taylor & Francis Inc, Bosa Roca, USA.
- MacKenzie, I. S. (2013). Human-computer interaction: An empirical research perspective. Elsevier Science and Technology, San Francisco, USA.
- Mourlas, C. (Ed.). (2008). Intelligent User Interfaces: Adaptation and Personalization Systems and Technologies. IGI Global, New York, USA.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture, Independent Study, Project and Tutorial

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Presentation (20 Minutes) No 10%
Online Moderated Discussions and Postings No 30%
Project Yes 60%

 
LECTURER/S Vanessa Camilleri (Co-ord.)
Ingrid Galea
Matthew Montebello

 

 
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The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit