Nadine Marcus

Dr Nadine Marcus, Professor, Computer Science & Engineering. Her research interests include: Educational technology, Human Computer Interaction, Adaptive E-learning, Multimedia Instructional Design, Cognitive Load Theory, Instructional Animations, Modelling of Human Cognition, Human Robot Interaction/interfaces. Broad research interests: Level 1: I develop online learning strategies to improve student learning. Level 2: I design, develop and test multimedia based strategies to support online learning. Level 3: Using Cognitive Load Theory as a theoretical based I use empirical research methods to develop strategies to facilitate online learning. Interest in engineering: Why did you get into engineering? I am interested in the design of software that people can actually use. Too much focus in Engineering is often on the functionality of systems, rather than their usability. In software design both are equally important. What are your research goals? To design online learning systems that people can use and actually learn from. What do people not understand about you do? I have a cross disciplinary background and can often contribute a unique perspective to different projects – I understand both the technology and the people. Advice for prospective Computer engineers: It is not enough to just design software with good functionality. It also needs to be enjoyable and easy to use. Lectures/Courses taught: I have been teaching Human Computer Interaction since 2001 – includes COMP3511;COMP9511;COMP4511. Students: Number graduated: 40+. Student Projects: Most projects relate to using cognitive load theory to improve online learning and/or using Smartsparrow’s Adaptive eLearning platform to facilitate student learning outcomes. Project titles: Linking computers to human minds; Using instructional animations to improve learning; Adaptive eLearning; Using gesture to improve learning; Writing versus typing and the effects on learning; Effects of seeing hands on learning human motor tasks. Looking for students for projects related to: Cognitive Load theory and its applications to adaptive learning. Current Grants: Trailblazer Defense grant (2023-2025) titled: Cognitive load guided skill-development methodology for RAS-AI HMT training. Educational technology, Human Computer Interaction, Adaptive E-learning, Multimedia Instructional Design, Cognitive Load Theory, Instructional Animations, Modelling of Human Cognition, Human Robot Interaction/interfaces