HCI in K12 Computer Science Education – Using HCI as a Topic and a Didactic Tool

Abstract

The role of human-computer interaction in school lessons is usually limited, if at all, to the usability factor of applications. In this paper, we report on a set of teaching principles and a project in which students between the ages of 15 and 18 playfully work through 3D, Virtual Reality, and usability issues without any particular prior knowledge in this field. In this work, we show that the suggested approach is founded on general didactic principles. Furthermore, by following neurodidactic findings, it is highly appealing to students, and essential computing science skills can be taught quasi incidentally. By systematically mapping our setting and decisions to teaching principles, we also show that HCI is not only one topic to be taught – it becomes a valuable didactic tool.