Working with Watson to Address Social Needs
In Fall 2014, my EECS 481 software engineering class will have the opportunity to tap into IBM's Watson technology to develop applications that address social needs. Watson is IBM's powerful artificial intelligence system that designed to process language more like a human than a machine, and to interact with people in ways that seem more natural than other systems. They are partnering with just seven leading CS institutions for this project; here are some early articles about this opportunity:
May 2014: U-M University Record: Engineering Students to use IBM's Watson Technology in Class
May 2014: NPR: IBM Partners With Universities On Watson Projects
Gaming for the Greater Good
In 2012, the College of Engineering published this Digital Multimedia Experience Gallery, which nicely illustrates my approach to project-based engineering education for the greater good.
Engineering for Grace
Beginning in Fall 2013, my EECS 481 software engineering classes has focused on developing assistive technologies for for a young woman named Grace who has cerebral palsy. The College of Engineering published these articles on our efforts in this area:
Sept 2013: Software Class Aims to Help One Teen Communicate
Dec 2013: Software Class Demos Projects to Help One Teen Communicate
May 2014: Computer Science with Soul (includes video)
The Big 10 Network visited during our December 2013 Final Projects Showcase for the class and made a long and short video, both of which aired in early 2014.
Long version – Graceful Engineering:
Short version – It's About Context:
Hacking Autism
This video is on the projects my Fall 2012 EECS481 software engineering did using Microsoft Kinect technology to develop games with therapsuetic value for children with autism.
ASK Messaging
In 2010, students in my EECS 481 class developed assistive technology projects for patients at Mott Children's Hospital. One project that came out of this class was ASK Messaging, an iPad app intended to allow people with cerebral palsy to communicate va email. The College of Engineering posted the blog post on the project:
Nov. 2010: Michigan Engineering Students Develop Mobile Communications Technology for Cerebral Palsy Patients
TEDxUofM – Untapped Resonance
This is the talk that I gave at U-M's TED event in April 2013.
Michigan Radio, U-M Public Radio
Stateside Interview, April 2013
These Aren't Your Normal Video Games: This article and audio file highlight my efforts in Gaming for the Greater Good.