UI Rector, Prof. Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D inaugurated Prof. Harry Budi Santoso, M.Kom., Ph.D as Permanent Professor in the Field of Interaction Systems Science, Faculty of Computer Science (Fasilkom), Universitas Indonesia (UI), on Wednesday (20/12), at the UI Convention Hall, Depok Campus. In his inauguration speech, Prof. Harry quoted a report from the Future of Jobs Report 2023 which stated that it is estimated that by 2027, almost half or around 43% of work activities will be carried out through automation. This fact makes us aware of the importance of studying Interaction Systems to prevent gaps between application design and the perspective of application users.
The research entitled “Presenting the Human Side in Computer-Assisted Learning through Interaction Systems Research” was written by Prof. Harry, which highlighted the importance of the Interaction System in developing an application because it is closely related to the aspects of ease, effectiveness, efficiency and security of the application. According to him, Interaction Systems are closely related to Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), a multidisciplinary field that studies how humans interact with computers and technology.
In the academic sphere, the development of the Interaction System is based on the practice of the Three Principles of Higher Education. The development of the Interaction Systems course covers aspects and history of human-computer interaction, human cognition, interaction design processes, data collection and analysis methods, and prototype design evaluation. Research related to Interaction Systems focuses on efforts to increase understanding of human and technology interactions. Meanwhile, the community service program includes three categories, namely knowledge sharing sessions in application development, education and training programs, and specific application development.
In the realm of computer-based learning, further research and exploration is not only important to overcome existing obstacles, but also to improve the quality of implementation of computer-based learning. Factors such as technological advances, dynamic changes in education, and the complexity of digital learning often create gaps and problems. Therefore, it is important to identify, understand and respond to these issues to ensure that computer-based learning can continue to adapt and develop in line with efforts to meet students’ needs in an ever-changing era.
The process of using technology in the world of education needs to pay attention to several existing gaps, including application usability which is still low. Unsatisfactory learning experiences, as well as the availability of abundant data that has not been utilized optimally, are also part of the concerns. To overcome this, continuous evaluation and improvement of various applications or systems used to support computer-assisted learning is needed, so as to create a more efficient and effective learning environment.
“Increasing the presence of the human side in online learning through Interaction Systems is critical to creating engaging, effective, collaborative and personalized learning experiences. Learners sometimes feel isolated in computer-assisted learning, thus incorporating a human element can build a sense of community and support for them. When designing courses that are supported by the use of technology, user-centered design principles should be used as a reference. The perspective of the learner needs to be taken into account and the interface design needs to be interactive, intuitive and user friendly,” said Prof. Harry.
Prof. Harry’s research regarding this Interaction System is one of many studies carried out previously. Several other studies include The Effect of the Integration of Metacognitive and Motivation Scaffolding through A Pedagogical Agent on Self- and Co-Regulation Learning (2023); On the Importance of UX Quality Aspects for Different Product Categories (2023); and Learners’ Online Self-Regulated Learning Skills in Indonesia Open University: Implications for Policies and Practice (2022).
Before being inaugurated as a professor, Prof. Harry obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (2003) and a Master’s degree in Computer Science (2007) from UI; and received a Ph.D degree in the Engineering Education program (College of Engineering), Utah State University (Utah, United States) in 2013. Currently, he serves as Member of the Faculty Academic Senate, Coordinator of the Computer Science Masters and Doctoral Study Program, and Head Digital Library & Distance Learning Lab.
The inauguration procession of professor Prof. Harry was also attended by the Chair of the Lam Infokom Accreditation Council, Prof. Zainal A. Hasibuan, Ph.D; Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the IPB Postgraduate School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Agus Buono, M.Si., M.Kom.; Professor at Binus University, Prof. Dr. Sfenrianto; S.T., M.M., Ph.D; and Head of the BRIN Data and Information Science Research Center, Dr. Esa Prakasa, S.T., M.T.
