UWTSD Applied Computing Blog

The third-floor corridor in the School of Applied Computing was transformed into an unusual learning space this week for final-year students on the User Experience Design module.

To illustrate how to define an information architecture, Dr Nik Whitehead, Associate Professor, led the group of students in a hands-on card sorting exercise.  The aim was to consider the ways different types of user organise information, and to investigate the implications this has for website design.

The task the students were given was to structure a website in a logical order based on where user groups would expect to find the information they’re searching for.  Elements of the site were represented by colour-coded repositionable sticky notes, which were attached to the walls of the corridor.  By moving and sorting these, the students were able to optimise information-flow and user expectation in a highly visual and memorable way.

As well as discovering how to perform a card sort, this practical, collaborative – and fun – teaching technique enabled the students to learn from each other by observing and appreciating how differently each person approached the task.

The School of Applied Computing is delighted to announce the recent awarding of academic titles to two of their lecturers.

Dr Nik Whitehead has become Associate Professor, while Dr John Rees becomes Professor.

Dr Nik Whitehead, Associate Professor

Subjects taught by  Dr Whitehead, Associate Professor include Systems Analysis and Design,  Research Methods, Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence and Data Mining.

Before coming to UWTSD, she lectured in Newport and Aberdeen, and has also held the position of Head of School  for the School of IT in the Faculty of Business & Science, University of Akureyri, Iceland.

Her research interests include Data Visualisation, Usability, Human-Computer Interaction and Data Mining (astrostatistics).

Professor John Rees

Professor Rees teaches across a range of levels and disciplines in the School of Applied Computing.

He is an experienced research supervisor and examiner, and an active researcher and participant in external activities in support of businesses and the skills agenda.

Prior to coming to UWTSD in 2014, Professor Rees has held posts in the University of Glamorgan, Staffordshire University, Southampton Solent University and DSCIS.  He has previously held professorial title for ten years as Professor of Computing Enterprise at Staffordshire, and Professor of Business Technology at Solent.

The School of Applied Computing extends warm congratulations to them both.

The first in this session’s series of Research Seminars organised by the School of Applied Computing was held yesterday, when SoAC was delighted to welcome visiting speakers Dr Matthew Briggs and Mr Ashley Pullen.

Dr Briggs, Executive Research Development Officer at UWTSD, spoke on Open Access in the areas of research publications and research data significant developments.

Ashley Pullen,a PhD Research student from the School of Engineering, Manufacturing and Logistics, then delivered an insightful resume of his research into Magnetic Flux Leakage.

Further Research Seminars this session will be held at 1pm on Wednesdays 16th November, 14th December, 18th January, 15th February, 15th March, 19th April and 17th May. 

The venue is Lecture theatre MH503 in the main block, Mount Pleasant Campus.  All are welcome – and there’s a free buffet lunch and tea/coffee. 

For further details, please contact Dr Carlene Campbell.

The second Wednesday in October is annual National Bring Your Teddy Bear to Work Day.  Staff at the School of Applied Computing have really risen to the occasion this year, bringing in a delightful and quirky assortment of cuddly friends.

Pictured are a selection of bears who’ve been spotted helping out with lectures around SoAC today : James Williams with Yoda; Ada Lovelace Bear (holding her computer algorithm for calculating Bernoulli numbers); Lee Cobley’s winged dragon; Ian Wells with his teddy bear note-holder, and lastly Dr Nik Whitehead’s Zaphod Beeblebear (from The Hitch-hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy).

#BringYourTeddyBearToWorkAndSchoolDay

The start of the new academic year has seen Colin the University Cat (also known as Telford) appointed to the role of Senior Student Ambassador at the University of Wales Trinity St David’s Mount Pleasant Campus in Swansea.

The SU has awarded Colin his new job title in official recognition of the sterling service he has been performing over the years in student liaison. “He’s very affectionate, and enjoys keeping the students company in the library,” said a member of staff. “He can tell if anyone’s feeling homesick or lonely, and makes a special fuss of them. Colin’s always there for the students, and is a real asset to the life of the University.”

As well as the major contribution Colin makes to enhancing the student experience and reducing people’s stress-levels, he can be regularly spotted patrolling the campus to make sure everything’s in order. He also works tirelessly on marketing, and can be relied upon to meet and greet visitors on Open Days.

Described by a recent graduate as “the best cat in the world”, Colin – who has his own Facebook page and Twitter account – has been busy so far this term making new friends among the freshers, and is currently spearheading a campaign to recruit new members for his team of Student Ambassadors.

Pictured is Director of Operations Hywel Griffiths presenting Colin with his ambassadorial T-shirt.

Professor Ian Wells, Head of the School of Applied Computing, is pictured receiving his certificate after serving as Chair for the IET Wales South West Local Network Committee for the 2015/16 session.

The IET, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, has two main Local Networks which provide a range of general interest engineering-related events throughout the year.  Their two Young Professional Sections are tailored specifically towards students and early-career engineers, while their three existing specialist sections organise events related to Electronics, Manufacturing and Power. More recently, their new Healthcare Specialist Section has been added to this list.

Typical programmes include technical lectures, family events, social and networking opportunities, CPD sessions and of course the IET annual South Wales dinner.

Further information is available on the IET website.

Continuing SoAC’s proud tradition of marking its notable achievements and milestones with food, a Tardis cake materialised in the departmental office this morning.

This worthy inductee into the School’s Cake Hall of Fame was brought in by lecturer Tim Bashford to celebrate his recent birthday and PhD.  Congratulations, Dr Tim!