Teaching Human Computer Interaction: First Experiences

Human-computer interaction is a very recent discipline at the Universidad de Costa Rica. In this paper we present the experiences of the first academic year the first courses about humancomputer interaction, an undergraduate course and a Masters course, were designed and taught. The HCI course introduction strategy consisted of two steps: 1) to initiate a dedicated undergraduate course during the first term, and 2) to initiate a dedicated Masters course during the second term, simultaneously taught with the undergraduate course. Both courses share the outline. However, due to differences among undergraduate and graduate students and among undergraduate and Masters courses, evaluation methodology differences were implemented, resulting in more assignments and a higher exigency level for graduate students. Work in the classroom is different for each of the courses, because graduate students can build their own knowledge based on their previous working experience and on the exchange of ideas with other students. In both undergraduate and Masters courses, emphasis is set on practice supported by theory.