Teaching HCl: A challenging intercultural, interdisciplinary, cross-field experience

Abstract

The extraordinary development of the Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) is still poorly reflected in South America, with the notable exception of Brazil. Our interest in HCI came from practice, as we have an extensive experience in software development. We are teaching HCI in a Chilean university (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso) since 2003. Teaching HCl was a highly challenging intercultural, interdisciplinary, cross-field, but very rewarding experience. It was an intercultural experience, as we were born, raised, educated, with work experience both as professionals and professors in an East-European ex-communist country (Romania), but we taught HCI in a Latin-American country (Chile). Moreover, we did it in English, for Spanish speaker students. It was an interdisciplinary experience as HCI is a highly interdisciplinary science itself. It was a cross-field experience, as it allowed us to build a bridge between theory and practice. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.