[Sigia-l] Re: Programming IAs was: Little things an IA MUST know/do

[Tammie Hutto Egloff]

Karl Said: 

> However, I don't entirely agree with you that "HCI classes have been
> part of computer science curriculums for years."
> 
> It depends on the school.
> 
>   - In some schools, HCI is taught as early as second year once
>     students have basic skills. These schools tend to emphasize the
>     role of computing in a larger social and cultural context
> 
>   - In other schools HCI is taught only as an optional upper-year
>     course. These school tend to a more traditional view of computer
>     science: algorithms, operating systems, compilers, and so on.

There is actually a third type.  Some Comp Sci programs don't even offer an
HCI class.  I came from a CS and Math background.  My BSc did not offer any
HCI classes.  I learned about the field as an exchange student.  Upon
returning to my original university, I could not convince anyone that HCI was
an important part of the curriculum and should be offered, at least an an
option.  From the experience at university and what I've seen outside of
university, there is still a large part of technical world who views usability
work as "fluff."  My favorite description of the field to date is "lipstick on
a stick."

Tammie