Judy Wilson BSc PGCertHE

I'm currently module leader for CMT 1501 Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
All details concerning this course may be located through the OASIS site and mail concerning this module should be posted on the discusssion board provided there.This module is currently running at Hendon Campus and also in China.

I have a particular interest in Learning, Teaching and Assessment and am keen to: .

1. Share good practice

2. Learn about the student experience so please feel free to contact me::j.wilson@mdx.ac.uk

Research

I am currently enrolled for a Research Degree investigating the potential for computer artefacts to support internal human processes for developing a mental model in a navigational context. Such representations are referred to as cognitive maps and are by definition instantly applicable and useful but also incomplete and inaccurate.

Initial research is focusing on the current use of artefacts when orientating ourselves: GPS systems, atlases, public transport information etc. The idea is to help design artefacts which will support rather than reduce our cognitive mapping facility so that people have a notion of where they are rather than blindly following a route. This should in turn support at a minimum our confidence that we are in fact going to the correct destination in a sensible and effective manner and can be certain that any errors are recoverable. Further dilemmas may concern the wider outcome of using artefacts which reduce the effectiveness of our internal mapping facility. Within whatever geographical scale the greater our cognitive map of that area the more effectively we can organise our journeying, for example, just following a given route from Place one to Place two does not allow us to make a choices concerning the order of journey's, the most realistic journey in given circumstances, what else can sensibly visited en route. Obviously, we can seek out this information given time and patience but artefacts which support our own cognitive mapping facility should remove unnecessary reiteration of planning and ensure confidence in our own ability to orientate ourselves.

Current consideration involves the development of observational strategies which focus on the activity of navigation: its planning, the activity and resulting alterations in a users' mental model of the traversed wide-scale space. Further research is needed into developing strategies in the field of distributed cognition and its application for HCI techniques in evaluation and requirements analysis. It is envisaged that such an approach will allow the development of an analysis framework both to evaluate and inform design. Such research should eventually lead to tangible results which may be quantitatively tested.

Telephone 0208 411 6163

Publications

P. Curzon, Judy Wilson, Gill Whitney (2005) "Successful strategies of older people for finding information." Interacting with Computers 17(6): 660-671 (2005)

P. Curzon, S. Keith, G. Whitney and J. Wilson (2004) "Information Seeking Strategies used by older people", HCI and the older population, workshop at HCI2004, Design for Life: The 18th British HCI Group Annual conference. pdf

P. Curzon, S. Keith, G. Whitney and J. Wilson (2004) "Strategies for finding government information by older people", User-Centred Interaction Paradigms for Universal Access in the Information Society, 8th ERCIM International Workshop on User Interfaces for All, C. Stary and C. Stephanidis (eds) Lecture Notes in Computer Science 3196, 34-41 Springer. Springer online copy

Whitney G, Keith S and Wilson J(2003) "Developing independence: The Potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to Assist Elderly and Disabled People" COST 269. Helsinki, Finland www.cost269.org/conference, pp 152-155, 2004