Welcome to Human-AI Interaction 2021!

Overview

In short, the goal of this course is to introduce students to ways of thinking about how Artificial Intelligence will and has impacted humans, and how we can design interactive intelligent systems that are usable and beneficial to humans, and respect human values. As students in this course, you will build a number of different interactive technologies powered by AI, gain practical experience with what impacts their usability for humans, understand the various places that humans exist in the data pipeline that drives machine learning, and learn to think both optimistically and critically of what AI systems can do and how they can and should be integrated into society.

Logistics

  • Course: 05618/05318 Human-AI Interaction, Fall 2021
  • Location: GHC 4307
  • Time: Fall 2021, 3:05-4:25pm T/Th

Instructors

Communication

  • Canvas: We will be using Canvas for all assignments and grades. Please also post all questions on Canvas as discussions instead of sending emails.

  • Email: If you email your instructors, you might want to include the substring "HAII Course" to begin a meaningful subject line and have tried to resolve the issue appropriately otherwise. For example, you should post questions about course material and homework assignments on Canvas first, and then use emails only after an appropriate amount of time has passed without a response. Please use your CMU email account.

Grading

Percentage Activity
10% Reading Reflections
10% Attendance and In-class Activity Participation
14% Quizzes (15 quizzes in all, lowest score dropped).
40% Assignment 1-4, 10% each
26% Final Project
5% Extra Bonus Assignment 5

When Work is Due

  • All quizzes happen at the beginning of class on Thursday.

  • Projects and assignments are due on Sundays at 11:59pm.

  • Reading reflections are due noon on the day we have the scheduled discussion related to the readings.

Late Assignments and Attendance Policy

Attending class in person and submitting course deliverables on time is critical. However, we realize that things happen, and that you might sometimes not be able to turn in your assignments. To accommodate this, you will each receive 5 free late days.

Beyond those days, you receive a 5% penalty for each day late. You are welcome to budget late days as you like, for instance 3 free day late for one assignment, 2 for another, or all 5 for one.

You cannot use late days for quizzes.

Please do not, under any circumstances, come to class while sick. If you are sick, please stay home and communicate with us. If you are unable to attend a given class in person, but would like to attend remotely, please email the instructors to receive the remote access to the class.

Diversity Statement

It is our goal that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives are well served by this course, that students’ learning needs be addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity that students bring to this class be viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. Dimensions of diversity include race, age, national origin, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, intellectual and physical ability, sexual orientation, faith and non-faith perspectives, socio-economic class, political ideology, education, primary language, family status, military experience, cognitive style, and communication style. We are intentional in our aim to present materials and activities that are respectful of diversity, based on these dimensions and any other visible and invisible differences not captured in this list. Indeed, in this class you will learn to approach technology design from an empathetic, human-centered perspective that directly examines and challenges bias and inequality. Your suggestions for ensuring that the class lives up to these values are encouraged and welcomed. In addition, if at any time you experience or witness anything in this class that challenges inclusion, is insensitive or othering, or reinforces biases or stereotypes, please report those experiences using this form (responses can be anonymous). If you’re uncomfortable sharing with your instructors, you may voice your concerns to the chair of the HCII Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee, Jodi Forlizzi (forlizzi@cmu.edu).

Special Accommodations

If you have a disability and have an accommodation letter from the Disability Resources office, we encourage you to discuss your accommodations and needs with us as early in the semester as possible. We will work with you to ensure that accommodations are provided as appropriate. If you suspect that you may have a disability and would benefit from accommodations but are not yet registered with the Office of Disability Resources, we encourage you to contact them at access@andrew.cmu.edu.

Health & Wellness

Take care of yourself. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle this semester by eating well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep and taking some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stress.

All of us benefit from support during times of struggle. There are many helpful resources available on campus and an important part of the college experience is learning how to ask for help. Asking for support sooner rather than later is almost always helpful.

If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CaPS) is here to help: call 412-268-2922 and visit their website at http://www.cmu.edu/counseling/. Consider reaching out to a friend, faculty or family member you trust for help getting connected to the support that can help.

If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or in danger of self-harm, call someone immediately, day or night:

CaPS: 412-268-2922

Re:solve Crisis Network: 888-796-8226